Team Cleaning - Take The Challenge
by Jim Harris, Sr.
Some people feel that “Team Cleaning®” is simply group cleaning or gang cleaning or a phrase
describing teamwork. Not so.
In Team Cleaning, there are four concepts we focus on for efficiency and effectiveness; work
simplification, work redistribution, workflow and worker self-direction. This all culminates into
a viable system for training, performance expectancy, accountability and continuous
improvement.
The component parts of Team Cleaning:
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Specialists
Quadrant scheduling
Backpack vacuuming technology
Specialists (Four Types):
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Starter (usually referred to as Light Duty Specialist – General Cleaning)
Closer (usually referred to as Vacuum Specialist)
Rest Room Specialist
Utility Specialist
Starter / Light Duty Specialist (General Cleaning)
Duties:
 Surface dust removal
 Empty trash
 Spot clean
This position starts the general cleaning process and continues in a complete loop through the
entire shift without ever returning to the supply station. The extent of the cleaning duties is
dependent upon the tools transported by this specialist. With the closer following over the same
route but about 15 – 20 minutes behind, the starter has ways to communicate necessary changes
(e.g., closing doors in spaces not needing vacuuming).
Closer / Vacuum Specialist (In General Cleaning Route)
Duties:
 Vacuum
 Check for obvious cleaning deficiencies
This position follows the starter and closes down the cleaning operation.
Basically that concludes the general cleaning process, which would relate to 60 to 90% of a
facility depending on type and usage.
Team Cleaning—Take the Challenge
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Restroom Specialist
Duties:
 Clean and sanitize restrooms
This specialist is assigned restrooms primarily.
Utility Specialist
Duties:
 Collect trash and remove from facility
 Lobby assignments
 Various floor care responsibilities
 Other tasks
This position is highly diversified based upon the scope of work. There are different skill levels
i.e., deep mopping/scrubbing, hazardous waste management, cleanroom cleaning, etc. This
specialist can be assigned some supervisory responsibilities. There is a wide range of duties
assigned this position depending upon the facility and cleaning scope.
Quadrant Scheduling
The space assigned the starter and closer is divided into quadrants (4). Routine, detail and project
type frequency processes are then assigned. Utilizing this concept the system will produce
10,000 – 12,000sf per hour for each specialist performing general cleaning. This results in a team
average of 5,000 – 6,000sf per hour.
Routine cleaning is performed daily, detail cleaning is performed weekly and project cleaning is
performed monthly. No two specialists work together except for teams performing set ups, floor
maintenance, etc.
It is critical here to establish a strict adherence to scheduled work. Routine/Detail tasks are
performed on a rotational basis Monday – Thursday with Projects rotated over four (4) Fridays.
Each day one of the quads is designated a detail cleaning with the (3) others designated routine.
Care must be exercised in determining the Quadrant layout, this is modified until the flow is
balanced. For example, it would not be efficient if the Vac Specialist has to wait for the Starter to
move out of an area. A specialist’s shift may start or end a few minutes earlier or later than
another’s.
By simplifying the tasks and disciplining the specialists to stay on the system we can maximize
the productivity and improve quality.
Take the Challenge
Every industry in our country, in fact in the world, has benefited from improved processes, out of
the box thinking, searching for best practices and employee involvement. Doesn’t it seem
reasonable that we can move beyond zone or area assigned cleaning? Readers should
investigate, evaluate and--with an open mind--test. What if Team Cleaning is what it claims to be
and someone else can out perform you?
Team Cleaning—Take the Challenge
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Jim Harris, Sr., principal of Concepts IV, an international consulting group specializing in Team Cleaning and
management consultancy. He provides education, training, consultation and system implementation to industries
nationwide, including education, health care, corporate and building service contractors. © 2004 ProTeam
Team Cleaning—Take the Challenge
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