Interview With Nigel – 30 Years in the Cleaning Industry

Interview With Nigel – 30 Years in the Cleaning Industry

I had a meeting with the boss today, and one of his stories made me go back and ask a few more questions. This man has seen it all. Nigel has over 30 years of experience in the cleaning industry — he’s the one we all go to for the best tips.

Worst Cleaning Experience?

Nigel:
“We were contracted to prepare an SFA (a military quarter) for move-in. It had been sitting empty for a long time. When we arrived, the house had clearly been abandoned and just left to rot and decay.

The smell when we opened the door was something else. Pigeons and other vermin had entered the building, food had been left in the cooker, and everything was filthy.

We were a team of four and it took two full days to remove all the rubbish and dirt and scrub every surface. Unfortunately, the carpets couldn’t be saved and were being ripped out as we were leaving.

It was definitely the extreme end of the cleaning spectrum. But once we finished, it looked great. The oven alone took eight hours — I basically took it apart, cleaned every piece, and rebuilt it.”

What’s the Most Commonly Missed Area When Cleaning?

Nigel:
“Oh, anything up high! That’s why when we train new staff, I make them look up and run their fingers across high areas — bathroom stalls, fans, ledges. Otherwise employees are just breathing in old dust.

It’s so important to look high and low when cleaning.

And keyboards and printers! They’re touched all day, every day, and they’re germ hubs. Our staff always make sure they’re sanitised in clients’ offices.”

Your Favourite Product?

Nigel:
“Oh I love 2scan Champion Degreaser. You can use it on pretty much any surface and it removes grease and grime quickly and effectively.”

Favourite Part of Cleaning?

Nigel:
“Large area floor scrubbing. Even now, if I can escape the office when you let me — ha! — it’s extremely satisfying seeing a dull floor come up shiny and new.”

Worst Job?

Nigel:
“Ovens! Worst job ever. Annoyingly, I’m very good at them. But they require serious chemicals where PPE is essential. I use a catering-grade acid and I’m trained to use it safely.

Always be careful when cleaning ovens. I know not everyone can afford a professional, but I’m always happy to talk customers through the safer methods.”

Last One, Dad — What Do You Think Must Be Cleaned Every Day?

(Yes — he’s my dad and my boss!)

Nigel:
“Anywhere with water or food prep. Sinks, kitchen surfaces, toilets, taps… all of these should be sanitised daily, especially in busy workplaces where there’s a lot of traffic.”