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!1. Being a Good HousekeeperA high quality housekeeper is efficient and thorough. They know what needs to be done, can make decisions on the go and are able to adapt to weekly routine changes. We expect our housekeepers to provide high quality services, which means you must be familiar with all aspects of the role; cleaning, tidying and laundry.Housekeeping Role – Core Aspects Remember that our clients employ us to take care of three key things:
• Cleaning- Which involved sanitising and deordorising surfaces. • Tidying - Which means putting items back in the location that they belong. • Laundry - Gathering, sorting, washing, drying and ironing of general household
laundry. !Housekeeping Role – Introduction Being a high quality housekeeper means that you need to plan your sessions in advance, not simply meander through each room. You need to structure your session around several important factors: !
• Daily tasks - everyday cleaning, tidying and laundry that must be done each time you attend the home
• A Detail task - one job which is not done every time you work (cleaning the fridge, cleaning the over, sorting wardrobes)
• Writing a note to the client & exit on time !When you first arrive in the home you should plan your session out by undertaking an initial scope of the home. This means that you should walk through each room of the home to ensure that you understand how much cleaning, tidying and sorting will be required for that session. !Your Session Scope should include picking up dirty laundry, stripping of the bed to be changed and gathering any dirty kitchenware. By the end of the scope you should be ready to put a load into the dishwasher, the washing machine and then to get started with the required cleaning. !!!!
Room By Room ChecklistDuring your session you should always focus on one room at a time. Constantly leaving rooms to put items away is distracting to your work and an inefficient way of working. Here are the steps that you should follow:
• Assemble the cleaning kit (detailed below) • Declutter the room and empty the bin into your bin bag • Dust ceilings and light fittings • Dust walls and all horizontal surfaces. • LIFT UP items and DUST UNDER them. This is something clients expect and
comment on • Clean light fixtures, window sills, handles & light switches • Clean furniture • Vacuum or mop the floor in the room • Refill flowers, spray a room freshener and similar • Close the door behind you
Cleaning Kit: !
• Several clean cloths for different surfaces
• Papertowel or a disposable cloth for dirty surfaces
• A general purpose surface disinfectant (vinegar and water) • A high shine window cleaner (diluted methylated spirits is the best) • A clean, dry and easy to use mop
• A “grabbit” duster • A grout brush or toothbrush
• A Chux magic marker pad for use on walls, powerpoints and showers
• A vacuum cleaner • Bin liners
• The best practice is to carry a little product toolbox with you. This is to be assembled each time you begin a clean and unpacked at the conclusion of the session. !!
Once you start in a room you should not move into another area until you have finished all of the tasks required in that room. Items which need to be tidied or put into another room should be left by the door. Always remember to check washing loads between rooms. !!!!!A Good Session Plan !
This is a good outline of an efficient housekeeping session. Please note that this checklist expects that you should have already completed a Session Scope. !! ! !
!!!!
NO. ROOM CHORE
1 Kitchen Stack dishwasher & turn on
2 Laundry Sort washing into pi les & put on a load
Living Rooms
Gather al l out of place i tems ready for t idying
Straighten couch cushions & throws
Wipe down any dirty surfaces
Remove rubbish
Neatly straighten any remotes, electronics/ DVDS
4 Dining Rooms
Gather al l out of place i tems ready for t idying
Wipe down any dirty surfaces
Remove rubbish
5 Laundry Check Washing & take act ion on drying
6 Bathroom Remove any rubbish
Wipe down sink, mirror & toi let
Check toi let paper is avai lable
7 Bedrooms
Make the bed
Remove any rubbish
Gather any out of place i tems ready for removal or t idying
Dust & wipe down bedroom furniture surfaces
8 Laundry Check Washing & take act ion on drying
9 Kitchen Empty dishwasher
Re-stack with any i tems removed from bedrooms/l iving areas
Wipe down sinks/surfaces
Wipe over ki tchen appl iances
10 Home Put away any i tems that you gathered.
11 Laundry Gather dry laundry & fold
12 Home Put away laundry into appropriate places
13 Home Vacuum or sweep kitchen, l iv ing, hal lways
14 Kitchen Mop Kitchen and attached areas
15 Home Take out rubbish
!!!!!!!!!
2. Products of a High Quality Housekeeper Every client has differing expectations regarding what products to use in their home. But as a standard you should be using the following products. You are required to become familiar with these products and their notes. !
• Name – The name of the product • Use – How we recommend that the product is used • Preparation Required for Use – How to prepare the bulk product to be used • Surface Notes – What surfaces it can be used on • Damage Rating – The damage you can do if you use the product incorrectly • Safety Notes – Any protective or safety measures you need to take when
using this product !!Type 1: Cleaning/Disinfecting Agents !
!
Use A large bottle of plain white vinegar. Vinegar reduces microbial contamination (bacteria and germs) when used as a surface disinfectant.
Preparation
Required for use
As a disinfecting agent on most surfaces. Cannot be used on marble – ever. You can put vinegar (1/3) and water (2/3) into an empty spray bottle and use that as a surface spray.
Surface Notes
Use on glass, glossy surfaces, wood, Perspex and metal.
Damage Rating
Low – But cannot be used on marble surfaces as it will bleach the surface.
Safety Notes
Do not drink solution and always wear gloves when handling it.
!White
Vinegar !
! !!
!
!
Use Only sparingly in restricted environments. Can only be used directly into toilet bowls or to clean very stained bathroom surfaces.
Preparation
Required for use
Should be diluted into water in a large bucket/bowl prior to use. Should not be used unless diluted.
Surface Notes Do not use on any surface that is not
Damage Rating
Low – But cannot be used on marble surfaces as it will bleach the surface.
Safety Notes
Do not drink solution and always wear gloves when handling it.
!!Use
Diluted into a toilet or in the kitchen as a disinfecting agent. Pine O Clean works to reduce the bacteria present on a surface.
Preparation
Required for use
Use diluted in a mixture of water as per bottle instructions. Do not use without diluting.
Surface Notes
Use on most surfaces but as it is a disinfecting agent it will leave a sheen mark. Do not use as a polishing agent.
Damage Rating
Low – Will not damage surfaces but undiluted it can stain carpet. Never open the bottle or use in carpeted/rug areas.
Safety Notes Do not drink solution and always wear gloves when
handling it. Avoid inhaling the fumes from the bottle.
!Liquid Bleach !
! !!!
Pine O Clean or
Antibacterial
Disinfecting Agent !
! !
!
!
Use Removing soap scum from showers, cleaning marks from white walls and surfaces.
Preparation
Required for use
Remove from package, soak in water and wring out till damp.
Surface Notes
Do not use on coloured surfaces outside of shower, should not be used on glass. When using in a shower, rinse residue.
Damage Rating Low
Safety Notes Do not eat.
!!Use
To lubricate surfaces, reduce the visibility of dust and to protect the wood surfaces from damage !Apply with a clean and dry microfiber cloth
Preparation
Required for use
Apply a fifty cent size portion of oil microfiber cloth, re-cap bottle.
Surface Notes
Only to be used on wood. !Please note – you should not use wood polish more often than fortnightly as it can build up on surfaces and reduce its effectiveness.
Damage Rating
High on fabrics and carpets. Should not be used on floors, slip hazard.
Safety Notes
Do not drink, aerosol versions should be treated with caution.
!Chux Magic
Eraser !!!!
!
!Wood Polish !
! !
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!
Use
Damprid – A product which absorbs dampness and helps to reduce mould. !Use – in small spaces which attract a lot of excess dampness. If you are noticing mould growing on clothes or shoes in a wardrobe you should use this in that space. !Please note – the product does need to be replaced as per the instructions on the packet.
Preparation
Required for use
Remove interior lid, replace exterior lid. Prepare secure location in interior space where it will remain undisturbed.
Surface Notes
None, product should in container at all times. Will damage surfaces if spilled, care must be taken when placing the item.
Damage Rating Low
Safety Notes Do not eat, do not use where children can access.
!DampRid !
! !!
!
!!
!!Use
Gumption – Useful for some hard to remove stains on hardy surfaces. !Use – Apply with a damp cloth on a small surface area of a hardy surface. You can use this product on granite or stone or metal. You cannot use gumption on wood or glass. !Please note – Gumption is a targeted surface area product to be used on small stains or marks.
Preparation
Required for use
None.
Surface Notes
Must be tested on small area first. Do not use on marble, high gloss surfaces, or stainless steel.
Damage Rating High if improperly used. Extreme caution needed.
Safety Notes Follow directions on package, avoid contact with skin.
!Gumption !
! !
!
!
Use
Sugar Soap – A very high strength cleaning agent which can be used on very dirty or grimy areas. !Use – Follow the instructions on the bottle to dilute into a bucket of water. It should only be used in diluted format and carefully. Do not use on a surface that cannot be cleaned with an abrasive. !Please note – Sugar soap is not to be used with an intense scrubbing motion or very abrasive product.
Preparation
Required for use
Follow the instructions on the bottle to dilute into a bucket of water. It should only be used in diluted format and carefully.
Surface Notes
Should only be used on white painted surfaces, do not use on wood, granite, glass, marble, or fabrics.
Damage Rating High
Safety Notes Wear gloves, do not expose to skin.
!Sugar Soap !!!!
!
!
!!
!!Use
Cream cleanser to clean stainless surfaces, use in sinks. Primarily used to remove brown residue in sink basin and around sink holes. !Apply small amount to damp micro fiber cloth and spread over whole surface. Allow to dry, then scrub in circular motions to remove dried product and stains. !
Preparation
Required for use
Use directly from bottle.
Surface Notes
Only to be used in stainless steel kitchen and laundry sinks. !Not to be used in bathroom, on other stainless surfaces, or on stove tops.
Damage Rating Very high. Only use as directed.
Safety Notes
Beware of fumes, only use in well ventilated space. Must wear gloves.
!Jif !
!
!
!!!!!
Use To remove dust from surfaces.
Preparation
Required for use
Ensure dusting head is clean, if it is not, replace with refill. Shake duster to extend dusting fibers.
Surface Notes Use on all surfaces which require dusting.
Damage Rating Low
Safety Notes None
!!Use
!On highly glossy surfaces, glass, or mirrors to remove marks and dust. !Apply directly to surface and wipe with a clean and dry microfiber cloth
Preparation
Required for use
None
Surface Notes
Do not use on wood, painted surfaces, granite, or stainless steel. !
Damage Rating High on wooden surfaces.
Safety Notes
Do not drink, do not inhale fumes, use in well-ventilated area, follow package instructions.
!Pledge Duster !!
!
!Methylated
Spirits !
! !
Type 2: Surface Cleaning Equipment !
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!
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Mirofiber cloth– specialized cleaning cloths. !Use – Primary surface wiping agent. To be used with individual products. !Please Note – Do not cross contaminate cloths with products. Use one product per cloth.
!
Paper towel – cheaper is better as it will not disintegrate or drop fluff. !Use – On very germy or dirty surfaces where a microfiber cloth would not be suitable. For example they should be used on toilets. !Please Note – You should throw away soiled paper towel and not flush it into the toilet.
!
A mop with lots of weight and ‘fronds’.
!
! Mops with very light and short ‘fronds’ do not pick up dirt very well. Do not use them.
! Sponge mops harbor bacteria and are not good at getting into corners. Do not use them.
A grout brush – a stiff grout brush or (if they do not have one) a toothbrush is acceptable in its stead. !Use – You should use around the sink hole, edge of faucets and in grout (the bit in between tiles) !Please note – You need to be very careful not to damage metal faucets with a grout brush. Always clean gently around higly reflective metal surfaces.
!
!!Type 3: Protection or Safety Equipment !
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disposable Gloves – Used daily as you clean to reduce cross contamination between surfaces/cleaning jobs !Use - Change between surface types and cloth use. !Please note –Gloves are to be used not only to protect cross contamination but also to protect your skin from damage and bacteria.
!
3. Equipment Uses – Guide !
!!
Surface Type Glass, Perspex, Mirrors or High Gloss Surface
Products Required
Motion Required Circular Motions to clean and polish with long strokes in the direction of the surface.
Step 1: Spray diluted methylated spirits lightly onto the surface Step 2: Quickly apply a dry microfiber cloth in a circular motion across the surface. Use the cloth to wipe the surface clean. Step 3: Refold the cloth as it becomes too damp/dirty and continue to polish in a circular motion until the surface becomes clean. Step 4: Refold the cloth to a dry side and apply the dry/clean surface to polish the surface. You need to polish in the direction of the grain of the surface. Step 5: Check your work from a distance of no less than 1 meter.
Common Mistakes or Problems
Not wiping with the grain of the surface or applying a clean cloth will result in marks or streaks remaining on the surface. This is not acceptable. To fix repeat the task in order again.
!
Steps Required
!
!
Microfiber Cloths
Use Microfiber clothes should be used in the same way to maximize their effectiveness at removing dirt/bacteria and also to decrease cleaning time
!
Wadding up or bunching up the microfiber in your hand. Using the same cloth for different surfaces. Using the same cloth for different products.
Surface Type Glass, Perspex, Mirrors or High Gloss Surface
Products Required
Motion Required
Circular Motions to clean and polish with long strokes in the direction of the surface.
Step 1: Spray diluted methylated spirits lightly onto the surface Step 2: Quickly apply a dry microfiber cloth in a circular motion across the surface. Use the cloth to wipe the surface clean. Step 3: Refold the cloth as it becomes too damp/dirty and continue to polish in a circular motion until the surface becomes clean. Step 4: Refold the cloth to a dry side and apply the dry/clean surface to polish the surface. You need to polish in the direction of the grain of the surface. Step 5: Check your work from a distance of no less than 1 meter.
!
Microfiber cloths should be folded in half and then in half again to create 8 sides to clean with. See diagram below.
!
Common Mistakes or Problems
!
!
Steps Required
!
Steps Required
!
! !!!!
Common Mistakes or Problems
Not wiping with the grain of the surface or applying a clean cloth will result in marks or streaks remaining on the surface. This is not acceptable. To fix repeat the task in order again.
!
!!!!!!!
Surface Type
Wood Surfaces
Products Required
Motion Required
Circular motions followed by polishing in the direction of the grain of the wood.
Step 1: Dust the surface before proceeding with a clean, lightly damp microfiber cloth. Step 2: Apply a wood polish lightly using a spray directly onto the wood. Step 3: Spread the polish evenly across the surface with a dry, clean cloth using circular motions. Step 4: Decrease the circles and spray more polish if required. Step 5: Polish with long, straight strokes along the grain of the wood until all marks and moisture is removed. Step 6: Check from a distance of 60 cm that the polish is not visible on the surface and is dry to touch.
Common Mistakes or Problems
Not removing all dust prior to applying the polish will simply move long chunks of dust along the wood. Not polishing the wood or applying too much polish will leave an oily surface. This is not acceptable and means you need to continue polishing.
!
Steps Required
!
!
!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Surface Type Marble
Products Required
Motion Required
Circular motions followed by polishing in the direction of the grain of the marble.
Step 1: Use warm water and a damp cloth with a surface spray of your choice (not vinegar). Step 2: Wipe in circular motions, refolding the cloth as it gathers dirt. Step 3: Wring out and dry the cloth until there is no moisture on the surface remaining. Step 4: Polish until there are no streaks remaining on the surface.
Common Mistakes or Problems
Do not use vinegar as it will bleach the surface and cost thousands to repair.
!
Steps Required
!
!
!!
Surface Type Shower Scum or Sink Stains
Products Required
Motion Required Circular motions followed by polishing.
Step 1: Lightly rinse the surface using the shower head to remove hair/grime
Step 2: Begin scrubbing the surface with a Chux magic pad to remove the soap scum Step 3: Continue to rinse the pad as required Step 4: Continue until all soap scum has been removed. This will be evident when the pad stops being caught on the shower surface and no residue remains. Step 5: Rinse the shower and polish it dry with a microfiber cloth.
Common Mistakes or Problems
Not taking enough time to get off all the scum, it may take a bit of scrubbing to remove everything.
!
Steps Required !!
!
!
!
!! !!!!!!!
Surface Type Stained Grout or Mouldy Grout
Products Required Bi Carb Soda
Motion Required Up and down motion on the grout.
1. Remember to wear gloves and a mask during this process
2. Sprinkle Bicarbonate Soda across the surface
3. Wet a grout brush and begin scrubbing the grout in a straightforward motion. 4. Wipe away stained bicarbonate soda and apply more if required
5. Spray or pour vinegar onto the surface and scrub during the “fizzing” 6. Use a bucket and wet cloth to remove most of the bicarbonate soda
7. Mop the floor to finish
Common Mistakes or Problems
Not using enough baking soda.
!
Steps Required !!
!
!
! !!!!!!!
Surface Type Stainless Steel Surfaces (cook tops, range hoods or fridges)
Products Required Olive Oil
Motion Required Circular motions followed by polishing.
1. Wipe the surface with a wet or damp cloth to remove food or dust. There is no need to use chemicals on stainless. 2. Wipe dry with a dry cloth 3. Apply a small amount of polishing liquid – cooking oil or olive oil is fine. 4. Use clean papertowel in a circular motion to lightly rub the oil into the surface 5. When the stainless is fully covered by a light sheen of oil (it should not be visible as a liquid) you are done. 6. There should be no marks or residue on the surface. The surface should be a uniform reflection.
Common Mistakes or Problems
Using too much oil, not wiping enough oil off.
!
Steps Required !
!
!
! !!
Surface Type Metal Sinks
Products Required
Motion Required Circular motions.
1. Wipe the surface with a wet or damp cloth to remove food or dust. 2. Apply a thin layer of a liquid bleach such as Jiff to the interior surface. 3. Pay close attention to the sink hole and any plugs. 4. When it is dry you can wash it down with water and polish with a cloth OR steelo 5. Scrub the marks and stains off the sides of the sinks with the cloth 6. Continue to rinse the white Jiff off the sink and polish clean and dry with multiple cloths. 7. There should be no stains remaining on the sink and it should be dry. 8. Don't forget to polish the faucet to a high sheen.
Common Mistakes or Problems
Failing to rinse the Jiff off well enough, it will dry in a white film. Rinse well.
!
Steps Required !
!
!
4. Cleaning Floors !Vacuuming Floors !
1. Always tidy up the floor area before vacuuming to reduce snares. You should also (where possible) upturn dining chairs onto the tables to give you easy access to under the table
2. Plug in the vacuum and check that the bag is not full. If you are operating a Dyson you should empty the bag entirely before use
3. Begin vacuuming at one end of the house and walk backwards as you vacuum. You should not walk over areas that you have vacuumed to reduce debris and marks (on carpet)
4. You should vacuum in 1m long sweeps which slightly cross one another. This should create a pattern on carpet which is pleasant to look at.
5. Make sure that you vacuum under couches, lounges, chairs and tables. You will need to pick up chairs or light items to vacuum under them. ALWAYS vacuum behind bedside tables and similar dust-havens.
6. You should always be dusting surfaces like skirting boards or exhaust fans as you go. Use the brush attachment to do it. These must be maintained by you.
7. Empty the vacuum bag when you are finished and put it away neatly. !
!!
! !
Mopping Floors !
1. Always vacuum or sweep before mopping
2. Prepare a bucket of HOT water – if the water is HOT it will evaporate quickly which means you will not be left with streaky floors
3. Pour about half a cup of vinegar into your mop bucket. Do not use “floor cleaner” as they will a) leave streaks and b) actually coat the floor in a dulling layer.
4. Rinse your mop head in a sink before mopping to ensure it is clean of debris
5. Begin mopping in wide sweeping motions remembering to collect debris as you go and to walk backwards so you are not walking on wet floors
6. Inspect your floor after an initial mop and re-mop as required. If water remains you must dry it with a rag towel or similar. Water marks on the floor are not acceptable.
7. Rinse out your mop bucket 8. Dry and hang your mop (preferably in the sun). If you leave your mop wet it will become
smelly and will be full of bacteria
!!!
! !!!!!!!!!!!!
