"Let me guess, you still think you have plenty of time and choices?
Hate to break it to you but you are already too late"
"Oyasumi Punpun" by Inio Asano
In the cleaning industry, there's an ongoing struggle between the ideals of perfectionism and efficiency. As a cleaning company, we want everything to be flawless. After all, achieving a pristine home or office is our daily goal. However, the reality is that perfectionism can occasionally hinder productivity. In cleaning, completion is more valuable than perfection, and simplicity is the secret to success, especially when you are on the clock!
The Trap of Endless Perfectionism
Perfectionism is alluring. It whispers in your ear, “If it’s not flawless, it’s not worth doing.” The biggest issue with trying to be perfect is the fact that not everything is in our control. And in case of professional cleaning - time definitely is not.
We do not control all the variables of the system. The house or the office we are cleaning is not ours. We are not there every minute of everyday. We do not take care of the mess as it appears and we are not the sole person occupying the space. And where people are - chaos can follow. Therefore, being dependent on time and having no control over certain parts of the system we are working in, chasing perfection can lead to wasted time, missed deadlines, and unnecessary stress. Imagine spending 30 minutes scrubbing a single tile while the rest of the bathroom remains untouched. Sure, that tile might shine bright like a diamond, but at what cost?
For cleaning professionals, time is a precious resource. We have schedules to keep, clients to satisfy, and a reputation for reliability to maintain. If we let perfectionism take the wheel, we risk falling behind, disappointing clients, and burning out. That’s why we embrace the 1960's KISS principle: Keep It Simple, Silly.
KISS was a rule created in the 1960s and attributed to American military aircraft engineer Kelly Johnsons. The essence of the message was to create designed aircraft in such a simple way that any averagely skilled mechanic could repair them in the field and while using simple tools. This rule has been transferred and adapted to many other fields including professional cleaning. It’s about focusing on what truly matters and avoiding overcomplication.
Apply KISS to your routine
Prioritize Tasks: Not every surface needs a deep clean every time. Focus on high-traffic areas and visible spots first. A quick wipe-down of a countertop might be all it needs to look great.
Use the Right Tools For the Job: Efficiency comes from using tools that get the job done quickly and effectively. For that to happen you need to learn what solutions actualy work best for the surfaces you are working with. Using them incorectly will only slow you down and cause further issues later on.
Set Time Limits: The amount of time you have for a certain property is usually imposed on you and while sometimes you have the option to extend your time, you can only fall behind so many times and not disappoint your clients. With that being said, when you are already on the job allocate a specific amount of time to each task. This prevents over-cleaning and ensures you stay on track.
This way you can deliver consistent, high-quality results without getting bogged down in the details. And we all know we can spend half a day doing that. We are in this field BECAUSE of our attention to detail.
Done Is Better Than Perfect
"When are things perfect? Basically never
But tables can turn when our mates come together
So get up and let′s celebrate simple pleasures
Treasure the payment of our labour and endeavours"
"Just Another Day" by Dan Bull
Here’s the hard truth: perfection is subjective. What looks perfect to one person might seem overdone to another. Instead of aiming for an unattainable standard, focus on getting the job done well and on time. Why? Because done is better than perfect.
Client Satisfaction: Most clients care more about having a clean, functional space than whether every nook and cranny has been inspected under a microscope. They want reliability and consistency, not perfection.
Time Management: Sticking to a schedule builds trust. If we promise to clean your office by 8 PM, we will deliver - even if it means leaving one or two minor details for the next visit.
Sustainability: Over-cleaning can waste resources like water, energy, and cleaning products. By focusing on what’s necessary, we’re not just saving time - we are being responsible for the environment.
Striking the "Perfect" Balance
The title for this paragraph is equally ironic as it is on the nose, for sure. But the truth is - there is a sweet spot between perfectionism and efficiency, and that is where we aim to operate. Obviously quality matters, even in these tight time constraints, so we need to hit the nail on the head. And we need to hit it once or lose credibility as a company:
Set Clear Expectations: Communicate with clients to understand their priorities. Do they want a quick refresh or a deep clean? Knowing this helps allocate our time effectively.
Focus on Results, Not Perfection: If the aim is for a clean, tidy, and hygienic space, we do go overboard and do not make it a showroom that’s never been touched.
Continuous Improvement: Instead of obsessing over perfection in one cleaning session, we focus on getting better over time. Each visit builds on the last, ensuring long-term satisfaction.
At the End of the Day
Cleaning is about creating a space that feels good to live or work in. It’s not about achieving the impossible standard of perfection. By embracing the KISS principle and remembering that done is better than perfect, we can deliver exceptional service while staying on time and on budget.
So, the next time you are tempted to go over every little detail, take a step back. Ask yourself: Is this worth the extra time and effort? Chances are, the answer is no. Keep it simple, get it done, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a clean, functional space.
Instead of repeating the same mantra again to finish this article, we will leave you with a message. Remember, if you endlessly obsess on how you can make something a tiny smidge better than it already is, just to improve it on an infinitesimally small level - you will never grow.
Uu, ominous.
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