Have you ever wondered what drives the efficiency and effectiveness of modern cleaning practices? It’s more than just elbow grease – it’s about having a structured approach that turns complex cleaning tasks into manageable steps. At Ecowize, we’ve perfected this with our “10 Steps of Cleaning,” a methodology that’s been part of our DNA since day one, 3 decades ago. These steps continue to guide our practices and set new industry standards.
The 10 Steps: A Pillar of Our Practice
You might think that cleaning is just about mopping floors and wiping surfaces, but at Ecowize, it’s much more than that. The 10 Cleaning Steps are integral to consistently delivering top-notch services. Adopting this structured approach allows you to embed best practices into your operations, ensuring high – quality results every time.
A Glimpse into the History of the 10 Steps
As a leader in the cleaning and sanitation industry, Ecowize integrates the 10 steps into our smart cleaning approach to achieve outstanding results. A prime example of this is a case study from our team at the RTE Meat Facility in Philadelphia. By refining our people-processes-technology methodology and adhering to the 10 steps, we managed to cut water usage by 36%, energy consumption by 66%, chemical use by 29%, and labour requirements by 38%.
But where did these steps come from? Thanks to Peter Maibom, the 10 Steps have been a significant innovation in the industry. In the early 1990s, while working as a branch manager for ISS, Maibom teamed up with technical manager Frands Kragh to develop a management system for ISS Food Service, aiming for ISO 9001 certification. This rigorous process led to the creation of the 10 Steps of Cleaning, which has become a benchmark in the food safety services industry.
The 10 Steps of Cleaning Explained
Each step in our cleaning process is detailed and designed to ensure thorough cleanliness and sanitation. Here’s a closer look at each step:
1. Getting Ready
Before starting, we have pre-shift meetings. We put on personal protective equipment (PPE), prepare cleaning equipment, dilute chemicals, inspect staff hygiene, communicate the workflow, and remove any customer products or packaging. This preparation ensures that everyone knows their role and that all necessary materials are ready.
2. Rough Rinse
We begin with a planned rinsing sequence to remove the bulk of debris and minimise cross-contamination. This step is critical in preventing the spread of contaminants and is done using water-efficient methods.
3. Pick-up
Next, we collect packaging materials and waste to prevent cross-contamination. Proper disposal of these items is crucial to maintaining a clean environment.
4. Foaming
In this step, we apply cleaning chemicals to both food-contact and non-food-contact surfaces to lift dirt and biofilm. The foam helps break down and loosen debris, making cleaning easier.
5. Scrubbing
Mechanical action is used to scrub surfaces, loosen tough debris or stains and break through biofilm. This ensures that even the most stubborn dirt is removed.
6. Final Rinse
We then rinse the environment from top to bottom to remove chemical and physical residues. We use a high-volume, low-pressure system to rinse away all cleaning agents and debris efficiently.
7. Ecowize Inspection
After cleaning, our hygiene operators self-inspect all equipment and surfaces. The Site Manager then performs a visual inspection to ensure all areas meet our rigorous cleaning standards. Any areas that do not meet these standards are re-cleaned.
8. Sanitation
To reduce bacterial loads, we disinfect all surfaces using approved chemicals at the correct dilution and contact time. This step is crucial for ensuring that all surfaces are safe and sanitary.
9. Handover Inspection
We perform a visual inspection with the customer to confirm the cleanliness of both food-contact and non-food-contact surfaces. This ensures that our clients are satisfied with the results.
10. Finishing
Finally, we check PPE and cleaning equipment for integrity, clean and disinfect them, and store them properly. All paperwork is completed to document the cleaning verification process, providing evidence of our high hygiene standards.
Proven Results with the 10 Steps
Implementing a structured cleaning and sanitation process like the 10 Steps has consistently delivered positive outcomes for Ecowize and our clients. These steps are integral to our commitment to service excellence and have helped us protect and enhance the brands we work with. By embedding these steps into our operational DNA, we ensure reliable and effective cleaning solutions time and again.
The 10 Steps of Cleaning have not only revolutionised our approach at Ecowize but have also set a new benchmark in the cleaning industry. They demonstrate the power of a disciplined and systematic approach to achieving superior hygiene and sanitation outcomes, significantly impacting both our clients and the industry as a whole.
Conclusion
Thanks to these 10 steps, the cleaning industry has seen remarkable transformations. From embracing eco-friendly products to adopting advanced technologies, these innovations have made cleaning more effective, efficient, and environmentally responsible. By staying informed and applying these best practices, you can help maintain a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.
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