Four Elements of Effective Cleaning

Four Elements of Effective Cleaning

Maintaining a clean environment is important for any business space, be it retail lots, manufacturing plants, shopping malls, educational institutions, or offices. While a quick wipe with soapy water might seem sufficient, there's science behind achieving optimal cleaning results. So, what makes a cleaning product or method truly effective?

There are actually four key elements that need to be considered in any cleaning operation, including contact time, chemical action, mechanical action, andtemperature.1,2 These elements are interdependent and influence the overall cleaning results.2 Understanding how these elements work will help you implement more effective cleaning practices in your company.

1. Contact Time


Cleaning solutions need time to dissolve or break down dirt or contaminants. This is also known as dwell time, and the amount of time will vary depending on the cleaning agent and the type of dirt or contaminant. Even the most powerful solvent requires time to work!

Whether the parts or surface are soaked or sprayed, the longer the part or surface is in contact with the cleaning solution, the more time the solution has to dissolve soils, thus, the cleaner the parts or surfaces will be. Here are ways to ensure adequate contact time:

Read the product label: Rushing the process can compromise the cleaning products’ effectiveness, and long contact times may damage delicate surfaces. Therefore, always check the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Right duration: Once applied, the cleaning solution should sit undisturbed for the recommended duration before scrubbing or rinsing.

Type of finishing: Contact time varies, ranging from minutes to 24 hours, depending on the product and surface type. Some rare condition or stains may require extended contact time of up to 48 hours to be effective.


2. Chemical Action

Cleaning isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The type of cleaning agent, whether it's a disinfectant or a detergent, breaks down dirt differently. Let’s look at the chemical properties that are often found in cleaning solutions:

Acidic solution: Products with an acidic level are effective in removing mineral build-up, rust, soap scum and other grime. They're commonly found in bathroom cleaners.

Neutral solution: These work best on light soils, as they’re easy to rinse and don't leave behind residues.

Alkaline solution: The most common types are ammonia and sodium hydroxide, which can remove grease, grime, and gunk, in a few minutes. For example, baking soda is mildly alkaline and works well to manage stains and bad odours.

Solvent/ alcohol-based solution: These dissolve materials like oils, resins, and adhesives. They’re often found in disinfectants and window cleaners, as they evaporate quickly and have germ-killing properties. As chemicals can be hazardous, it’s important to adhere to each cleaning agent’s safety instructions, and keep them in a safe, cool, and dry place.


3. Mechanical Action

This refers to the act of cleaning itself, such as wiping, scrubbing, extracting, brushing, or mopping. But these actions are just a part of it. Here are three things that you need to do to ensure that the mechanical action work effectively:

The right tool: Different surfaces require different tools. Soft cloths are often used on delicate surfaces, while rough sponges can work better on tough dirt on more hardy surfaces. For those hard-to-reach corners, brushes would come in handy.

The right pressure: Scrubbing too hard can damage or discolour surfaces, especially polished wood, delicate carpets, and painted walls. On the other hand, a light touch might be ineffective. The key is to find the right balance based on the surface material and how dirty the surface is.

The right technique: Circular motions are generally more effective than back-and-forth strokes at removing dirt. For larger areas, you can work in sections to ensure a thorough clean.


4. Temperature

Temperature will also determine the effectiveness of your cleaning products. Generally, the higher the temperature, the more effective the cleaning chemicals will be in breaking down dirt or contaminants. Here are three main temperatures to take note of:

Hot water: It increases the solubility of cleaning agents, making them work better at breaking down greasy surfaces. However, with certain materials, a solution that’s too hot could tarnish a part or surface.

Warm water: This works well for general cleaning.

Cold water: Some cleaning solutions might lose their effectiveness at high temperatures. For example, bleach can become less effective when used with hot water.


Integrating the Four Elements of Cleaning

At Maclean, we focus on making all these elements work together. For example, in our carpet extraction cleaning, we ensure that there’s sufficient contact time with cleaning solutions, and we use appropriate mechanical action to dislodge dirt and stains, and maintain optimal temperatures for effective chemical reactions.

Another example is our cleanroom dust control service. We ensure compliance with specific cleanliness standards by tailoring contact time and chemical action, using precise mechanical actions to eliminate contaminants, and controlling temperature to maintain a sterile environment.

Carrying out effective cleaning is an important step to protecting the health of your employees, visitors, and customers. A good way to do this is by following the four elements of cleaning outlined above. By ensuring that you have the right products, appropriate application methods, people, and communication in place, you can create a cleaning and disinfection process that is both successful and efficient.

References:

1. Herrera-Márquez O., Serrano-Haro M., Vicaria JoséM, Jurado Encarnació, Fraatz-Leál AR., Zhang ZJ, Fryer PJ., Avila-Sierra A. (2020, March 19). Cleaning maps: A multi length-scale strategy to approach the cleaning of complex food deposits. Journal of Cleaner Production, 261.
2. Von Rybinski, W. (2007). Physical aspects of cleaning processes. Handbook for cleaning/decontamination of surfaces, 1, 1-55.

Beyond Cost Effective Solutions

“Thank you, Maclean team, for the good support and on time completion of the cleaning activities as required at the Phase 2 cafeteria and Phase 2 new wing office floor without any delays which met client satisfaction.”

Manufacturing

“The final cleaning has come to an end today. We appreciate your team's full commitment and cooperation in ensuring the successful completion of the cleaning work at Plot H. Your site person in charge and his team has performed well throughout the cleaning period. Their prompt response and action as well as their workmanship on the end-product satisfied us.”

Construction

“I would like to take this opportunity to first, thank you for the 9 years of services to the hospital. Maclean has offered a top-level cleaning service with the magnificent team of client service right down to the cleaner.

I am particularly writing to appreciate the cleaner, namely BAL BAHADUR, M. SUMON and MASLINDAH for their professionalism and exceptional work ethic. They are punctual, dependable and presented with more than what has been asked of them.”

Hospital

“We are writing to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional work of the cleaning crew who was responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our office premises. Over the past few weeks, we have observed the excellent work that Nur Alom has been doing, and we must say that his dedication and professionalism are truly commendable.

I have personally witnessed Nur Alom going the extra miles to ensure that the office is clean and hygienic especially during these challenging times post pandemic. His commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment has been exceptional, and he has made a significant contribution to keep our workplace safe and healthy for all employees. “

Office

“We would like to express our thanks towards janitor Suriakala for excellent cleaning services rendered during Deep Cleaning activities on 14th and 28th January 2023. As well, we find her job deliverance is excellent and committed on daily routine tasks.

Hereby, we extend our thanks to Bobby, Fahmi for their prompt response of any inquiries and replacement planning during janitor's absence. We are also thankful to be supported by the Maclean team for

  • deep cleaning upholstery office chairs, sofa
  • fabric wall meeting rooms
  • fabric cubicle – employee workstation areas
  • lobby reception, breakout area, workstation area
  • floor scrubbing at carpeted area total approximately 3,617sqft
  • floor scrubbing at pantry vinyl floor area"
Office

“Excellent cleaning services. Prompt response of any inquiries and fast planning during your janitor on leave”

Hypermarket

“Excellent service during the summer break for the school opening preparations - efficient, gracious customer service, the level of detail and accountability you have demonstrated on the housekeeping service.”

Education

Our Supervisors and Crew Are Well Trained

“I received a verbal compliment from client on Crew’s performance & improvement after we had engagement meeting. Well done and keep up the good work!”

Office

“Services provided by the crew on site was good and amazing, especially the head of the crew obviously showing his excellent performance on managing his team that provided high quality cleanliness service throughout the year. They have shown a great team spirit and hope this can continue and maintained in future. I would also take this opportunity to congratulate Miss Nadia who trained such a good team and of course your good services to our company as well.”

Retail

“Thank you very much for the team you lead! Professional and high efficiency!”

Education

“Convey our outmost appreciations for the excellent service provided to our team in Bayan Lepas. Your team, which is Samy and his supportive team, have been doing great jobs & supported us. Samy has been committed to all the tasks given with fast response from him & the teams.”

Manufacturing

“Formally and sincerely express our gratitude for the amazing honesty your team shown during recently lost and found case. Nurhayati Binti Abdullah had shown exceptional discipline and dedication to her daily work. Her actions directly impacted our image and Maclean directly benefited the team and company on a greater level. Once again, thank you for the leadership shown by Maclean’s management team – Kak Mis on the diligence and integrity adopted for all the team on the site.”

Office

“Layanan yang sangat baik, berdisiplin, komited, sabar, berbudi bahasa dan sentiasa positif.”

3S Centre

“Thank You for the Good Service. I would like to express my deep appreciation for the women who are doing the cleaning at our premise. I am very satisfied with their work! I would like to thank Diana (supervisor) and Sajib who always monitor and ensure someone to cover when the cleaners go on leave. Good teamwork and dependable.”

Education

We Are Well Versed with Various Industry Compliancy Requirements

“Congratulations “Maclean Team” as all cleaners have successfully passed the EHS training that was conducted on site.

We are satisfied with their service”

Manufacturing

“Thanks for your team’s kind support to maintain the cleanliness of our LMM plant during our two important events:

(1) EHS Corporate Audit

(2) EHS Plan Forum Recognition”

Manufacturing

“Thank you very much for giving 100% support and for ensuring we followed and maintained proper social distancing amid the events.”

Manufacturing

“Gratitude for Maclean’s performance and support during our compliance audit held last October. Maclean’s team has made so much effort in order to keep our business running with full compliance. It's a good image that we comply to every legal requirement that was relevant with Maclean’s help. Maimunah has been key player into this Audit weeks.”

Office

“Many thanks to Zura for the last compliance audit which covered compliance in pharmaceuticals.”

Office

“Our management would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank you for the excellent service provided to our facility especially for the fresh goods department, for maintaining cleanliness as per our standard.”

Hypermarket

“Able to answer questions from Auditor during ISO Audit.”

Office

Understanding Urgency and Providing Personalised Attention

“We would like to extend our greatest appreciation to you and your team for all the hard work going the extra mile ensuring everything is ready for the event. We know there were a quite a bit of last-minute requests, but you guys managed to extend your excellent service and that made a difference definitely. We appreciate your contribution and management also relay their appreciation and gratitude to all the Janitor team. Thank you so much for being good support for this event and hope this good performance can be maintained.”

Manufacturing

“Hope you are doing great. For the past few months Samy Rau has been supervising our Penang location. We are very grateful that he has been showing his interest and helping me to solve a lot of problems. His presence here during the site visit has made us able to voice up regarding most issues directly. Most pending issues have been resolved. We hope that we will make a better team in future.”

Manufacturing

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Samy and the team, especially Ali Raihan, Sajib Sikdar and all Maclean team members for helping our team on the water leaking issue that happened. Their fast respond to our call during midnight and coming to help us to handle the situation. Keep it up and continue to work together and support our Facilities team.”

Manufacturing

“They are remarkable with their attitudes. The way they go above and beyond to ensure that all our events are presented well, their sense of collaboration and attention to detail is greatly valued.”

Education

“I would like to extend our appreciation for the amazing work done by your team on site especially team leader, Maimunah in supporting several occasions of main event. They have been supportive in terms of logistic, pre-event preparation and on top of that making the event running smoothly.

Please pass my appreciation to Maimunah, Sulaiman, Susilawati and Haipah for their support.”

Office

In addition to the above, we are proud and grateful to receive 2 awards from CBRE:

  • Exceptional Service Award 2022 
  • Best Safety and Covid Response Award 2022

So, try us out and experience the Maclean service first-hand. 

To find out more on how we give you the best value for your budget without compromising your health or safety, please connect with us at 03-7773 0300 or enquire@maclean.com.my.

July 2024
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