Expected Cleanliness of a Facility’s Cleaning Results vs. Reality

How do we know if we are satisfied with the cleaning? To achieve this, we need feedback and a unified understanding of what constitutes cleanliness and what dirt must be removed to deem the work well done. Often, only negative feedback circulates within the cleaning sector – if something is not as it should be, information spreads, and the issue is addressed. If everything is satisfactory, it is often considered normal, and there is no need to discuss it. For motivated work, individuals certainly require positive feedback, including in cleaning.

We analyzed the results of cleaning quality assessments conducted by Puhastusekspert in the first half of 2023 across various institutions and facilities serviced by different cleaning companies. We are pleased to note that 85% of the quality assessments performed indicated that the condition of the premises met the agreed-upon cleanliness level.

Achieving a consistent understanding of cleanliness is always a challenge without a reliable framework. Puhastusekspert utilizes the EVS914:2020 Standard for Agreement and Assessment of Cleaning Quality (INSTA800) for evaluating cleaning work quality, a standard that has been employed in Nordic countries for over 20 years. A key strength of this standard is its system, which provides an objective overview and assessment of an entire facility while only evaluating a small portion of its rooms. Extensive experience has demonstrated that cleaning quality management based on this standard is fully justified, as it provides an overview of various factors influencing cleaning levels and management:

• the use of the standard determines the required level of cleanliness at the facility;
• as the cleanliness level is defined, the necessity for cleaning is established – cleaning is performed only when required, and it also helps to methodologically define cleaning activities;
• the implementation of the standard supports auditing the facility regarding the quantity of necessary cleaning supplies and detergents;
• the cleaning service provider gains the opportunity and understanding of which areas at the facility require more working time and which less, thereby increasing the value of the work performed.

From 2019 to 2022, Puhastusekspert led an international Erasmus+ project that brought together specialists from 7 countries utilizing the standard. The shared experiences and newly created values have been significant for all of us.

The project results can be viewed HERE.