Orientation
Welcome
Thank you for joining The Dusting Crew.
Today’s Training
This page will guide you through today’s training, with Tina walking you through each section. Today’s focus is on our tools, equipment, and cleaning process.
Questions During Training
Tina is here to answer any questions related to cleaning. For questions about your employment, onboarding documents, or reimbursement, please check in with Bruce.
Online Training After Today
After today, you’ll continue with online training through our cleaning association. There are about 6–8 hours of content, and you can work through it at your own pace over the course of the week and from the comfort of your home.
End of Training
At the end of training, everyone will drive to our supply room in Perkasie. Tina will show you how to restock your caddy for your next day of cleaning.
Today’s Schedule
You are all scheduled for a half-day today, and we expect to wrap up by around 1:30. If anyone needs to leave earlier, we can coordinate that.
Here is the general flow for today’s orientation:
Onboarding Documents
What to Expect
Tina will distribute a sealed envelope to each of you. Inside, you will find all required onboarding documents and instructions on how to complete them.
When to Complete Them
Please do not begin filling out these documents during today’s training session.
Instead, complete and sign all documents on your own time over the course of this week.
How to Submit
Once all documents are completed:
- Place them back into the envelope
- Seal the envelope using the adhesive strip
- Leave the sealed envelope in the locked safe in the supply room
Important Notes
- Make sure all documents are fully completed and signed before submitting
- Keep your documents secure until they are returned
- If you have any questions while completing them, reach out to Bruce before submitting
Uniforms & PPE
Branded Shirts
- We provide branded shirts for you to wear while working
- Tina will show you the available sizes we have
Finding Your Size
- You can try shirts on in the powder room on the first floor
- If you’d rather not, you can take a couple sizes home to try later
Selection
- Sarah will make her selection first since she’ll be working more days each week and shirts are limited until more arrive
If Your Size Isn’t Available
- Don't worry, we’ll be placing another order soon
Pants
- Pants are sourced by the employee
- Must be black
- Recommended: scrub-style pants with pockets
Shoes
- Choose shoes that are comfortable and supportive for long periods on your feet
- You’ll be walking, bending, and moving throughout the day
Shoe Covers
- Must be worn at all times inside the client’s home
- Replace with a new pair at each house
- At the end of the day, set aside to be laundered later
Gloves
Disposable Nitrile Gloves
Required:
- Must be worn when cleaning bathrooms and kitchens
Recommended:
- Wear at all times while cleaning
Guidelines:
- Replace after each bathroom and kitchen
- To remove, grab at the cuff and pull while turning the glove inside out
- Tina will demonstrate the proper technique
Sizing:
- Available in small, medium, and large
- Try a few to find the best fit
Glove Liners (Optional)
- Help prevent blisters
- Make it easier to put gloves on and take them off
- Useful if you’ll be wearing gloves for long periods
- At the end of the day, set aside to be laundered later
Your Workday Flow
This is what a typical workday looks like, from scheduling to clocking out.
Your Schedule
- You will receive your schedule for the upcoming week by Sunday at the latest
- As our schedule becomes more consistent, we’ll work to send this out earlier and earlier each week
- Each day’s bookings will be confirmed with you the night before
- The scope of the cleaning and how to access the home will be included in the booking confirmation
Communication & Time Tracking
- All schedule confirmations are done through Slack
- You will also clock in and out each day by sending your time through Slack
- We will set up your accounts after traning is complete
Starting Your Day
-
Clock in when you arrive at your first location
- This will usually be a client’s home
- If you need to restock in the morning, clock in at the supply room instead
During the Day
- Complete your first booking
If You Have One Booking
- After finishing, return to the supply room to restock for your next day
If You Have Two Bookings or a Longer Day
- Plan to take a lunch break between bookings
- This typically applies if you expect to work 6+ hours
Ending Your Day
- At the end of your final booking, return to the supply room to restock for your next day
-
Clock out at your last location of the day
- Either the client’s home
- Or the supply room, if you restocked
Core Cleaning Supplies
Most of our cleaning is completed using a small set of core tools and supplies. Mastering these will allow you to clean efficiently and consistently across all homes.
Microfiber Towels
Use On: All surfaces
Color Coding
- Red – Bathrooms
- Blue – Kitchens
- Green – Living areas and general spaces
Guidelines
- Fold the towel twice to create multiple clean sides
- When one side becomes too dirty, switch to a clean side
- Can be used for both dry dusting and wet wiping
- Always follow the color coding to prevent cross-contamination
Green Sprayer (Primary Cleaning Solution)
Use On: All surfaces that can safely get wet
Description
- Clear, transparent liquid
- This is our primary cleaning solution and will be used most of the time
Guidelines
- Safe for nearly all surfaces throughout the home
- Use this first before switching to stronger solutions
- Spray bottle should always be set to the mist setting
Blue Sprayer (Heavy-Duty Cleaning Solution)
Use On
- Shower walls and floors
- Toilet bowls
- Oven stovetops
- Greasy or sticky cabinets
Do Not Use On
- Living areas
- Wood surfaces
- Floors
Description
- Blue-colored liquid
- Designed for extra cleaning power when the Green Sprayer is not effective
Guidelines
- Use only when necessary
- Primarily for bathrooms and occasional kitchen use
- Avoid overuse on delicate surfaces
- Spray bottle should always be set to the mist setting
Glass Cleaning Cloth
Use On
- Mirrors
- Glass surfaces
- Chrome fixtures
- Stainless steel
Purpose
- Provides a streak-free finish
Guidelines
- Typically used after applying the Green Sprayer
- Most commonly used to dry bathroom mirrors
- Use a dry cloth for best results
Additional Tools, Supplies, & Equipment
These tools support our core cleaning system. Some are used every day, while others are used only when the task calls for them.
Trash Handling
Black Trash Bags
Use:
- Collect trash during cleaning
- Reline medium-sized trash bins
Clear Trash Bags
Use:
- Reline small trash bins
Linen & Used Material Handling
Laundry Bag
Use:
- Store used and dirty towels, cloths, dusters, and mop pads
Guidelines:
- Place used items in the bag as you clean
- Never mix clean and dirty materials
- Helps prevent cross-contamination
Dusting Tools
Blue Duster
Use On:
- Ceiling edges
- Ceiling fan blades
- Light fixtures
- Blinds
- Vents
- Baseboards
Guidelines:
- Bend to fit the surface being cleaned
- Attach to the extending pole for high dusting
- Replace when too dusty to be effective
Grey Duster
Use On:
- Household objects
- Shelves
- Lampshades
- Uneven or textured surfaces
Guidelines:
- Use where microfiber towels are less effective
- Replace at the end of each day
Scrubbing & Detail Cleaning Tools
Scrubber Towels
Use On:
- Shower walls and floors
- Countertops
- Kitchen sinks
Do Not Use On:
- Chrome
- Stainless steel
- Wood surfaces
- Living areas
Color Coding:
- Red – Bathrooms
- Blue – Kitchens
Guidelines:
- Use when more abrasive cleaning is needed
- Commonly used on showers and countertops
Bar Keepers Friend
Use On:
- Shower walls and floors
- Toilet bowls
- Kitchen sinks
- Stovetops
Do Not Use On:
- Countertops
- Living areas
- Floors
- Wood surfaces
Guidelines:
- Removes stains and built-up residue
- Most commonly used in showers
- Rinse with water or wipe with Green Cleaning Solution after use
Dry-Wall Screen
Use On: Toilet bowls only
Guidelines:
- Use only when the Blue Sprayer and toilet brush are not effective
- Similar to a pumice stone, but less abrasive
- Never use on any other surface
Magic Erasers (Melamine Foam)
Use On:
- Showers
- Glass
- Chrome fixtures
- Kitchen sinks
- Stovetops
Do Not Use On:
- Countertops
- Wood surfaces
- Floors
Guidelines:
- Removes marks and stubborn buildup
- Use gently to avoid surface damage
Vacuuming Equipment
Upright Vacuum
Use On:
- Hard surface floors
- Carpeting
Guidelines:
- Switch to the correct mode based on floor type
- Empty the canister regularly
- Keep the brush roll clear of hair and debris
Training Note:
- Tina will demonstrate how to operate the vacuum
- How to switch floor modes
- How to detach the handheld and wand components
- Where the filters are located
Vacuum Attachment
Use On:
- Upholstery, especially pet hair
- Carpeted stairs
Guidelines:
- Keep felt strip clean for best performance
Small Scissors
Use:
- Remove hair and debris from the vacuum brush roll
Guidelines:
- Keep dry at all times
- Store with plastic cover on
- Use carefully to avoid damaging the brush roll
Mopping System
Microfiber Mop Pads
Color Coding:
- Red – Bathrooms
- Blue – Kitchens
- Green – Living areas
Extending Mop Pole
Use:
- Mopping floors
- High and low dusting
Guidelines:
- Mop frame attaches to the pole
- Blue duster can also be attached
Flat Mop System
Setup:
- Attach flat mop frame to the extending pole
Process:
- Vacuum hard floors first
- Spray a section with Green Cleaning Solution
- Mop that section using the flat mop
- Work in sections until complete
Cleaning Checklists
For training, we’ll focus on our two core services: Maintenance Cleaning and Deep Cleaning.
Service Overview
When a new client books with us, they choose between Deep Cleaning and Essential Cleaning. After that, most clients transition into a Maintenance Cleaning plan, which includes everything in Essential Cleaning, just performed on a recurring basis.
Take a few minutes to review our cleaning checklists and how Deep Cleaning differs from Maintenance Cleaning.
These checklists serve two purposes:
- They clearly define what we do for clients
- They help keep the scope of work consistent and under control
How the Checklist is Organized
Scroll sideways on each checklist to see the Deep Cleaning column
The checklist is broken into three sections:
- All Rooms – Covers all lived-in spaces, including bedrooms, living rooms, offices, hallways, and similar areas
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
All Rooms
Covers every lived-in space: bedrooms, living rooms, offices, hallways, and more.
| Area | Essential / Maintenance | Deep Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Floors | ✓ Vacuumed & mopped | ✓ Vacuumed & mopped |
| Shelves & surfaces | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Baseboards & trim | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Window sills | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Furniture | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Light fixtures | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Blinds & shutters | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Decor & personal items | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Dusted |
| Beds | ✓ Made & straightened | ✓ Made & straightened |
| Trash bins | ✓ Emptied & relined | ✓ Emptied & relined |
| Switch plates & door knobs | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Ceiling edges, fans, & vents | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Dusted |
| Upholstery | ✓ Vacuumed | ✓ Vacuumed |
Bathrooms
| Area | Essential / Maintenance | Deep Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Showers & bathtubs | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Sinks | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Toilets | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Mirrors | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Vanity tops & backsplashes | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Fixtures | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Cabinet exteriors | ✓ Spot-cleaned | ✓ Hand-wiped |
Kitchens
| Area | Essential / Maintenance | Deep Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Oven exteriors & stovetops | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Microwave interiors & exteriors | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Sinks | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Refrigerator exteriors | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Countertops & backsplashes | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Dishwasher exteriors | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Scrubbed |
| Small appliances | ✓ Hand-wiped | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Chairs & barstools | ✓ Dusted | ✓ Hand-wiped |
| Cabinet exteriors | ✓ Spot-cleaned | ✓ Hand-wiped |
Understanding Cleaning Intensity
We clean the same general areas in both Maintenance Cleaning and Deep Cleaning. The difference is how thoroughly each surface is cleaned.
You’ll see a few key terms repeated throughout the checklist:
Spot-Cleaned
Surfaces are checked for spots, stains, and fingerprints, then cleaned only where needed.
Dusted
Usually a dry dusting using a duster or microfiber towel.
Hand-Wiped
Surfaces are directly cleaned by hand using a microfiber towel, often damp with cleaning solution.
Scrubbed
Used for deeper cleaning. Surfaces are cleaned with more effort and sometimes abrasive tools to remove buildup and moderate staining.
Key Areas to Pay Attention To
Most items on the checklist are straightforward, but a few require extra judgment.
Window Sills
This refers to the trim and molding around windows, not the glass itself.
- Typically just needs to be dusted
- We do not clean window glass unless specifically requested
Blinds & Shutters
Maintenance Cleaning:
- Run a blue or grey duster across the blinds
Deep Cleaning:
- Hand-wipe using a microfiber towel
- Use a damp towel if needed
Note:
- We do not clean mini blinds, which are the thin, flimsy plastic kind
Decor & Personal Items
This requires judgment.
- A few items, about 3–5 per surface, can usually be dusted safely
- If there is heavy clutter, you may need to draw a line
Focus on what can be cleaned safely and efficiently without significantly increasing time.
Beds
- Always straighten and make beds
- Replace linens if clean ones are left out or if the client requests it
Trash Bins
- Always empty and reline small and medium bins
- Some clients may request kitchen trash to be emptied as well
Important:
- If our bags don’t fit, use the client’s bags
- Dispose of trash in the client’s containers or leave it on their porch
- Do not take trash with you
Upholstery
- Not always required
- Typically done if there are pets or if requested
Use the vacuum attachment to remove pet hair.
Cabinet Exteriors
Maintenance Cleaning:
- Check for spots, fingerprints, or buildup
- Clean only as needed
Deep Cleaning:
- Fully hand-wipe all cabinet exteriors with a damp microfiber towel
Cleaning Process
Overall Flow
- Start on the highest level of the home, usually the second floor
- Work your way downstairs, finishing near the front door
- Move room by room as you go
This helps avoid re-cleaning areas and keeps your movement efficient.
How to Work Within a Room
- Work in one consistent direction around the room
- Clean from top to bottom
This ensures:
- You don’t miss areas
- Dust and debris fall downward and are cleaned up later
Cleaning in Phases
Instead of fully completing one room at a time, it’s often more efficient to clean in phases across an entire floor.
This means grouping similar tasks together and moving through all rooms on that floor before moving on.
1. High & Low Dusting (Entire Floor)
Start by dusting all areas where dust naturally settles or falls from:
- Ceiling edges, fans, and vents
- Light fixtures
- Baseboards and lower trim
By doing this first, any dust that falls will be cleaned up in later steps.
2. Surface Cleaning (Room by Room)
Next, go room by room and clean all mid-level surfaces:
- Furniture
- Counters
- Fixtures
- Shelves and accessible surfaces
This is where most of your detailed cleaning happens.
3. Floors (Entire Floor)
Finish with all floors:
- Vacuum first, including carpet and hard surfaces
- Then mop hard floors
This ensures anything that fell during cleaning is fully removed.
Cleaning Demonstration
Tina will demonstrate our cleaning process in the training house. Watch closely and ask questions as she works.
Practice Areas
If time allows, Tina will demonstrate some of our cleaning methods in the following areas, in this order:
- Master Bathroom (first floor, through master bedroom)
- Floors (in the living room area)
- Kitchen
- Living Room
- Staircase (Meg's cats have really damanged her carpeted steps, so it may not be possible to vacuum)
Restocking for the Next Day
At the end of training, you’ll head to our supply room to learn how to restock your caddy for your next day of cleaning.
Getting There
Drive to and meet Tina at our supply room:
615 Redwing RoadPerkasie, PA 18944
Please drive carefully on the property:
- Slow down as you approach the house and on all turns
- Do not speed on the driveway
- There is a dog and cat on the property that may be loose
- Deer are also common in the area
What to Expect
Tina will:
- Show you around the supply room
- Walk you through the restocking process
- Demonstrate how she restocks her own caddy
Before You Leave
If time allows, please check in with Bruce before clocking out for the day.