The Technological Evolution of Cleaning

Cleaning is in every way associated with maintaining health. Its importance was revealed from the moment it was necessary, in reducing infection rate and mortality. Disinfection procedures were inserted in hospitals and operating rooms and, from then on, the understanding that the cleaning process contributes to human well-being and health has become extremely important and recognized. Desinfection began to be practiced in all environments based on this recognition.

Modern society is characterized by the coexistence of large numbers of people in concentrated spaces, such as those of cities, and is made possible by hygiene and health, provided by the quality of cleanliness. Problems related to this issue arise and, consequently, there is a need for initiatives to create and innovate and, along with the advent of knowledge about hygiene practices, new technologies in cleaning products and equipment are developed day after day.

The technology applied to professional cleaning is not just about automating machines and vacuum cleaners that perform the tasks themselves, or cutting-edge equipment and products. But also to all those factors that can contribute to the development and evolution of this sector. For example, we can mention the application and improvement of communication through our smartphones, systems that help to manage employees and perform inventory control.

These tools that are now in the palm of our hands provide us with many advantages, such as having access to cleaning product datasheets, machine usage videos, researching different equipment to improve cleaning techniques. It also optimizes the work environment by making service schedules available to all employees, easy-to-complete checklists and standard operating procedures that link theory to work practice.

It should be noted that the use of technology in the cleaning sector, comes together with greater training of professionals, because, despite the fact that automation also intends to reduce the workforce, it will require skilled employees to operate this equipment.

In this way, regarding the use of a machine, the necessary skills include not only its operational use, but also its concepts, its adjustments and regulations, the recognition of malfunctions, the use of proper cleaning and/or disinfection techniques, aiming not only to improve the cost-efficiency-benefit ratio of the work performed, but, above all, to be concerned with the development, participation and perception of the team when performing this work, with the necessary ease and interactivity, a humanized assistance with resolution and quality.

The pressures for new performances on the one hand threaten stability and the knowledge gained on the other have been the great opportunity for change, with modernization, performance evolution, critical maturity, the creation of new paradigms, the values of preservation, quality of commitment and professional autonomy. Constant worker training and development are important to keep them constantly improving and satisfied with the development of their duties.

Training was once considered simply a way to fit a person to their position. Today it has become a way to improve their performance. It is currently considered a means of developing skills in workers to become more productive, creative and innovative in order to contribute to the fulfillment and achievement of organizational goals.

And technology is increasingly bringing quality and efficiency to the practice of this sector. The list of benefits from automation is extensive, such as saving water and chemicals; the correct use of chemicals for a given area; the optimization of time; worker health and safety; ergonomics, and especially, increases the quality and efficiency of tasks.

Today, organizations are seen as having a technical dimension (equipment and processes) and a social dimension (individuals), where technology can be seen as one of the essential resources for a successful business operation. These aspects, although of greater management complexity, also bring a great opportunity: to emphasize the importance and scope of our sector, especially for the promotion of public health.