CMM spoke with William Griffin, president of Cleaning Consultant Services Inc., about floor care procedures and equipment for various types of flooring.
How long have you worked in environmental services?
William Griffin: I have more than 40 years of experience in the cleaning industry as a cleaner, consultant, and trainer. I am certified as a Registered Executive Housekeeper by the Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA). I am currently self-employed as the president of a cleaning consultant service.
What types of flooring do you care for in the facilities you service?
Griffin: I care for all types, including stone, wood, luxury vinyl tile, vinyl composition tile, vinyl asbestos tile, concrete, rubber, epoxy, and carpet.
What are your main floor-care challenges?
Griffin: Areas and surfaces can be different in each building, and their care needs change based on use, age, and previous maintenance provided. Determining what is best for each floor; finding, retaining, and training workers; and keeping up with technology, equipment, and increasing costs are primary challenges.
Describe your carpet-cleaning methods and preferred equipment.
Griffin: For vacuuming, I use backpack models, uprights, and robotic vacuums, depending on the area. For cleaning, I use a blend of methods, primarily wet extraction and encapsulation. We do most of our carpet cleaning in-house, but occasionally we hire contractors for special projects.
Describe your hard-floor care routine.
Griffin: I clean floors daily in most areas, depending on the foot-traffic level and the level of cleanliness and sanitation needed. For equipment, I use rotary floor machines, autoscrubbers, or robotic scrubbers. I provide full-service floor care, including mopping (wet and dry), scrubbing, stripping, and burnishing.
What is your advice for keeping up with floor care?
Griffin: Hire the best workers, then supervise and manage them well. Provide ongoing training and upward mobility to your staff. Document everything, then create a “this is a great place to work” culture by recognizing and rewarding those who go the extra mile.
Work every day to improve yourself and your staff. Learn and share something new with others every day. Get involved in your industry, locally and nationally.
Take as much training and certification as you can find and afford. Modernize your entire operation, using robotics and artificial intelligence.
