Mom used to always say, “you only have one chance to make a good first impression.” She, and my dad, business partners and motel operators knew this statement to be is true for their business as well as personal life. From the moment patrons set foot in the high-gloss lobby, floors play an essential role in shaping that first impression.
But, there is a particular challenge in optimal floor care for hospitality venues such as hotels because they are open daily, around the clock. Due to constant foot traffic and various weather conditions, dirt and debris will be tracked into the premises. Sub-standard floor care can lead to expensive maintenance and instigate dangerous conditions for users.
Lobbies may create the best first impression but other areas in the establishment such as guest rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, gaming areas and so on, should present with gleaming floor surfaces. It takes perseverance and a lot of rigorous work to ensure floors look like new. Professional cleaning staff should be proud of their exceptional performance, skill level and knowledge of correct floor maintenance, as the results of their work makes an impression on all people who enter the building.
When floors are scrupulously clean with a brilliant shine, everyone coming in the building will get a positive first impression. Scratches or scrapes, dust bunnies underneath furniture or yellow stains on hard floors, indicate sloppy maintenance. Patrons look at floors to measure a facility’s overall standards of cleanliness.
Similar to the health care industry, hospitality sectors focus on preventative maintenance. There are basic techniques that prevent floors from getting grubby. While even the simplest of these are often disregarded, they affect how often professional cleaning staff are required and expenditure for their service.
Put rigorous attention on a radius of: 20 feet, exterior and 30 feet, interior, at every entrance. Either wash down or sweep the exterior area daily to eliminate dirt that could be tracked inside. Next, be extra vigilant about vacuuming or sweeping high traffic areas.
Cleaning staff should be provided with sufficient cleaning and personal protective equipment and supplies. Set up policies and procedures for individual floor care duties. Provide cleaning staff with ongoing education. Make them aware of the Certified Floor Care Technician (FCT) course, which is obtainable through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
Encourage guest participation in a clean environment by placing trash containers in restrooms and near entrances and elevators.
Preventative maintenance and deep cleaning extends the life of flooring, protects the owner’s investment and portrays a stellar first impression to patrons.