Authors: David Kiser, Bruce Vance, Tom Stewart, Janice Stewart, Derek Christian, Sarah Vance
One of the hardest things to know and learn is what you don't know that you really need to know. Well, this is the book that will tell you what four home cleaning tycoons have learned they didn't know in the 40+ years they've reigned supreme in their respective markets.
The Professional House Cleaning Technician’s Manual is designed as a workbook and a reference tool to prepare candidates to take the HCT certification class and pass the IICRC examination.
Beyond cleaning, though, the manual is an outstanding tool for those back at the office who manage sales or troubleshooting over the telephone!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Role of a Certified House Cleaning Technician (HCT)
- Cleaning Technicians are Health Professionals
- Life Lessons of Cleaning
- Understanding How Insurers Handle Risk
- Legal Definitions of "Care, Custody and Control"
- Other Risk Considerations
- An Introduction to Soil
- Constantly on the Move
- Extremely Harmful Contaminants
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Scope of Work
Chapter 2: The Science of Cleaning
- Since the Beginning of Time
- The Chemistry of Cleaning
- The Importance of pH
- Soaps
- Synthetic Detergents
- Acid-based Cleaners
- Bleaches
- Solvents
- Disinfectants and Sanitizers
- Terminology
- The Principles of Cleaning
- The Future of Cleaning
Chapter 3: Materials and Surfaces in the Home
- Introduction
- Natural Stone
- General Stone Care
- Summary for Stone Care
- Wood Flooring
- Cleaning Hardwoods
- Summary of Care for Plyurethane Wood Floors
- Other Flooring
- Summary of Care for Laminate Floors
- Clay Tile: Ceramic, Porcelain, Quarry, Saltillo, and Terra Cotta
- Cleaning Grout
- Summary for Cleaning Tile and Grout
- Concrete
- Summary of Maintenance for Concrete
- Resilient Flooring
- Carpet
- Counter Tops
- Cabinets
- Glass Surfaces
- Fixtures
- Metals
- Stainless Steel
- Paint
- Wallpaper
Chapter 4: Contents and Furnishings
- Introduction
- Soft Goods
- Couches and Chairs
- Bedding and Pillows
- Lampshades
- Window Treatments
- Rugs
- Case Goods
- Other Furniture Materials and Finishes
- Appliances
- Cooktops
- Ovens
- Trash Compactors
- Ventilation Hoods
- Microwave Ovens
- Dishwashers
- Sinks and Faucets
- Refrigerators and Freezers
- Electronics
- Extra Care Electronics
- Paper Goods
- High Value Items
Chapter 5: Methods and Productivity
- Time is MOney
- A Very Short History of Cleaning
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
- Cleaning Fundamentals
- Cleaning Method Basics
- Wet and Dry Work
- Dry Work
- Wet Work
- The Cleaning Cycle
- Ergonomics
- Equipment
- Trash Cans
- Mopping
- Scrubbing
- Making Beds
- High Dusting
- Wiping and Dusting
- A Final Word about Methods
Chapter 6: Tools and Equipment
- Introduction
- Vacuum Style
- Bag, Bagless and other Forms of Filtration
- Suction Design Systems
- Third Party Vacuum Ratings
- Steam and Dry Steam Vapor Equipment
- Miscellaneous Equipment and Tools
Chapter 7: Safety
- Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
- First-Aid Kits and Fire Extinguishers
- OSHA
- Safety Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safe Use of Chemicals
- General Chemical Safety
- Labels, Warnings and Training
- Storage and Transportation of Chemicals
- Working Safely
- Handling Trash
- Preventing Trip Hazards
- Use of Ladders and Stepstools
- Unsafe Moves
- Electrical Safety
- Personal Safety
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Conclusion
Chapter 8: Health
- Introduction
- Infection and Disease
- Hygienic Cleaning
- The Chain of Infection
- Breaking the Chain of Infection
- Targeted Hygiene
- Reducing Health Risks
- Hand Hygiene
- Equipment Hygiene
- High Touch Areas
- Dust
- Food Hygiene
- Personal Hygiene
- Perfumes and Cologne
- Summary
Chapter 9: Appearance
- Who Are You?
- Your Grooming and Personal Appearance
- A Clean, Organized Vehicle
- Caring for Tools and Supplies
- The Quality of Your Work
- The Power of a Positive Attitude
- How Appearance Creates and Promotes a Brand
Chapter 10: Environment
- Introduction
- The Indoor Environment
- Who Regulates the Environment?
- The Role of Natural Products
- Ensuring Environmental Safety
Appendix 1: Common Bacteria
Appendix 2: Common Viruses
Appendix 3: Common Fungi