Top-Down, Wet-to-Dry House Cleaning
Learn to Use Professional Techniques to Quickly Clean the Home
Apr 14, 2009
Professional cleaning services need to have a system to get the job done quickly and efficiently in order to make the best use of time. Top-down, wet-to-dry cleaning is part of that system and can be used by anyone, professional cleaner or not, to effectively save time and energy.
The Meaning of Top Down
The term top down has nothing to do with how much clothing the cleaner is wearing but moving from the top of the house, apartment, etc., down to the first floor. For professionals, this actually refers to the area of the house that includes the exit. If there is a basement to clean, then the phrase bottom up would apply. Top down is simply a general term.
Top down also refers to the concepts of dusting before vacuuming and cleaning countertops and other surfaces before mopping the floors. This assures that any dirt escaping a cleaning cloth doesn't hit an already clean floor which then has to be cleaned a second time.
Wet-to-Dry Cleaning
Wet-to-dry cleaning refers to completing all water-based tasks first including any involving liquid cleaning products. This is part of the top-down method but also has the advantage of multitasking. As the wet surfaces are drying, other work is done such as dusting and vacuuming.
This cuts down considerably on the amount of time professionals have to wait for wet floors to dry before returning things to the rooms like throw rugs and trash cans. This facilitates quickly moving on to the next job. In industry jargon, this is also called working the way out of the house.
The Best Housecleaning Routine
The best way to utilize this system is to tackle the cleaning routine in order of the steps listed below. For simplicity, this example is that of a two-level home.
- Start at the top level bathrooms including all wet-surface cleaning.
- Move out to other rooms at that level. Dust and then vacuum.
- All surfaces should be dry at this time. Replace any items that had to be removed from the bathrooms.
- Move to the lower level and repeat the process starting at the bathrooms and kitchen.
These ideas can be adapted to different home styles. If a basement needs to be cleaned and it is not the main living area, repeat the process before moving onto the main level to clean.
While some non-professionals may ponder the reasoning behind using professional cleaning techniques, others want to get housecleaning done as quickly and painlessly as possible. The top-down, wet-to-dry system is one of the most effective ways to spend less time at what most consider a chore and more time in pleasurable activities.
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