Understanding Cleaning Terminologies in Canberra (Australia)
If you’re a local business or organisation, you probably have regular dealings with a commercial cleaning provider in Canberra. In these dealings, you're likely to encounter industry jargon that’s confusing. On this page, we explain some of the cleaning terminologies used by cleaners in Canberra.
Asbestos Awareness Training
Asbestos Awareness training equips a cleaner (or anyone) to identify a range of asbestos products and materials. The official course name is “11084NAT - Course in Asbestos Awareness.”
Bacteria
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can cause disease in humans. Not all bacteria are harmful. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for bacterial infections. Learn More
Bleach
Bleach is a mixture comprised mainly of sodium hypochlorite and water. Bleach is used to whiten fabrics, kill germs, and remove stains – making it very useful for cleaning applications.
Colour-Coded Cleaning
Colour-coded cleaning is about using dedicated cleaning equipment for specific areas in the workplace. For example, the toilets and kitchen would have separate cleaning equipment (distinguished by a unique colour). Learn More
Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning refers to the cleaning of a commercial or business premises. Commercial cleaning is conducted regularly to ensure a business maintains presentation standards and meets its work health and safety (WHS) commitments. Learn More
Damp Mopping
Damp mopping involves using a damp mop (one that's been wrung out and isn't soaking wet) to clean minor floor stains and hardwood floors that don’t handle excessive water.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is another name for in-depth or detailed cleaning. Deep cleaning targets the areas excluded in routine cleaning, such as the windows, blinds, ceilings, kitchen appliances, cupboards, vents, bins, and furniture. A deep clean may also involve carpet steam cleaning.
Disinfectant
A disinfectant is a chemical used on a non-living surface or object to kill germs. Bleach is an example of a common disinfectant. Disinfectants vary in strength and have numerous applications.
Dwell Time
Dwell time is the length of time a disinfectant should be left on a surface (before wiping) to maximise its effectiveness. Dwell times vary according to the cleaning application and the disinfectant involved.
Electrostatic Sprayer
An electrostatic sprayer is a device that electrostatically charges a disinfectant spray, enabling it to stick better to a surface. Electrostatic sprayers were often used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Floor Polisher
At its most basic level, a floor polisher is a machine that polishes or buffs a recently cleaned floor. However, many commercial floor polishers combine cleaning (scrubbing) and polishing.
Floor Scrubber
A floor scrubber is a machine that cleans and dries a floor simultaneously. Floor scrubbers require power, water, and a neutral cleaning solution. Floor scrubbers can be push-along or ride-on.
Floor Sweeper
A floor sweeper is a machine (push-along or ride-on) that sweeps and vacuums simultaneously. Floor sweepers are frequently used in large indoor settings, such as supermarkets, warehouses, underground carparks, and shopping malls.
HEPA Filter
A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is a feature of some vacuum cleaners. A HEPA filter is capable of trapping tiny particles such as pollen, fine dust, and pet dander.
Microfibre Cloth
A microfibre cloth is made from ultra-fine synthetic fibres (usually nylon and polyester). It is very good at picking up dirt and dust, as well as absorbing water. Microfibre cloths are washable and hence reusable.
Mould
Mould is a type of fungus that grows on plant and animal matter. It reproduces via spores. Moulds thrive in damp and poorly ventilated areas. Learn More
Neutral Cleaner
A neutral cleaner has a pH of between 7 and 9 on the pH scale of 0 to 14 (0 being highly acidic and 14 being highly alkaline). In other words, a neutral cleaner is neither acidic nor alkaline, making it safer for use on many treated floors. For the record, pH is an acronym for Potential of Hydrogen.
Pressure Cleaner
A pressure cleaner is a piece of equipment (sometimes a large machine on wheels in industrial settings) that cleans hard surfaces by spraying water at high pressure.
Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability insurance protects a policyholder against third-party claims of property damage and personal injury. Most reputable businesses interacting with the public have this form of insurance.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A safety data sheet (SDS) is a document that describes a hazardous chemical in detail and provides first-aid instructions. Safety data sheets are mandatory and are typically stored alongside hazardous chemicals.
Service Level Agreement (SLA)
A service level agreement (SLA) is a contract between a client and a service provider that specifies the scope, standards, and performance metrics of a commercial service, such as cleaning.
Silica Awareness Training
Silica Awareness training equips a cleaner (or anyone) to identify and protect themselves from crystalline silica dust. The official course name is “10830NAT – Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention.”
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning involves using steam to penetrate the pores and fibres of a surface (typically carpet) to remove ingrained dirt and grime, as well as kill germs. Carpet steam cleaning is performed frequently in domestic and commercial cleaning.
ULPA Filter
A ULPA (ultra-low particulate air) filter is a feature of some specialised vacuum cleaners. It's theoretically capable of trapping particles as small as 0.12 microns – making it ideal for research laboratories, electronic manufacturing facilities, and hospital operating theatres. ULPA filters take filtration a step further than HEPA filters but are more expensive and have a slightly shorter lifespan.
Virus
A virus is a microscopic, infectious agent that replicates itself in the cells of a host organism. Viruses are easily spread through direct and indirect contact. Learn More
White Card
A white card is also known as a General Construction Induction Card. It’s compulsory to have a white card when working on a construction site in Australia.
Work Health and Safety (WHS)
Work health and safety (WHS) is a regulatory framework that covers the health and safety of all Australians in the workplace, including staff, customers, visitors, and suppliers. Learn More
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
By law, businesses and organisations must have workers’ compensation insurance if they employ staff. This insurance protects staff against injury and illness sustained in the workplace.
Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP)
In the ACT, workers with access to vulnerable people, such as children and disabled adults, require a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) clearance. In other parts of Australia, the clearance is known as a Working with Children Check (WWCC).