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Helping a world-class facility services company raise cleaning efficiency by 25%

  Vileda  ·  3 minute read

Why efficiency matters in facility services

In today’s highly competitive facility services industry, companies are under pressure to deliver greater value at lower cost while meeting increasingly strict standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainability. Efficiency has become the cornerstone of success.

For many organizations, the question is no longer just “How do we keep spaces clean?” but rather “How do we clean smarter, faster, and in a more sustainable way?”

This is where Vileda Professional, a world leader in cleaning solutions, stepped in with a mission: to help one of the largest facility service providers increase its cleaning efficiency by 25%. The result was not only a measurable operational improvement but also a redefinition of what “professional cleaning” can mean in the 21st century.

The challenge: balancing cost, quality, and consistency

Facility management companies face a unique set of challenges:

  • Rising operational costs: Labor remains the single largest expense, representing up to 85% of cleaning budgets. Reducing time spent on tasks without sacrificing quality is critical.

  • Stricter hygiene protocols: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, expectations for sanitation and disinfection have dramatically increased. Clients demand transparency and proven results.

  • Consistency across locations: Global companies operate in different buildings, regions, and industries, each with its own requirements. Delivering the same level of service everywhere requires standardization and scalability.

  • Employee wellbeing: Cleaning staff often face physically demanding work. Tools and processes that minimize strain directly improve retention and morale.

The facility services company in question asked:

Can we achieve higher efficiency, reduce time spent per task, and maintain consistent quality across all locations?

The Vileda Professional approach

Vileda Professional partnered with the company to address this challenge head-on. The strategy was based on three fundamental pillars:

1. Advanced tools and cleaning systems

Efficiency starts with the right equipment. Vileda Professional introduced ergonomically designed tools, such as lightweight mops, pre-prepared cleaning systems, and microfiber technology that reduces water and chemical usage.

  • Microfiber innovation: By trapping more dirt and bacteria with fewer passes, microfiber mops reduced the number of strokes required, saving both time and effort.

  • Pre-prepared cleaning systems: Staff could prepare mop heads in advance with the exact amount of detergent needed, eliminating downtime and waste.

  • Ergonomic designs: Lightweight, easy-to-handle tools reduced fatigue, allowing workers to maintain speed and precision throughout their shifts.

2. Standardized processes and training

The company implemented a comprehensive training program to ensure that every employee—whether in Europe, Asia, or the Americas—used the same cleaning methodology.

  • Step-by-step protocols defined how each task should be performed.

  • Hands-on workshops trained staff in the correct use of equipment.

  • Digital guides and videos provided ongoing support and reference material.

The result was not only improved speed but also greater consistency across all sites. Clients could now be confident that every location met the same high standards.

3. Measurement and continuous improvement

Vileda Professional worked closely with facility managers to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and a monitoring system.

  • Time and motion studies measured the exact impact of new tools and processes.

  • Supervisors tracked productivity in real time.

  • Feedback loops enabled rapid adjustments when inefficiencies were spotted.

This commitment to data-driven improvement meant that gains in efficiency were not one-off but part of an ongoing cycle of optimization.

 

The results: 25% increase in efficiency

The outcome was clear, measurable, and impactful:

  • 25% increase in cleaning efficiency across the company’s operations.

  • Reduced cleaning times, enabling staff to cover more ground in less time.

  • Improved employee wellbeing, as ergonomic tools minimized strain and fatigue.

  • Greater client satisfaction, thanks to consistent, high-quality results.

  • Sustainability benefits, as optimized processes reduced water and chemical consumption.

For a facility services company managing thousands of employees and millions of square meters worldwide, even a single-digit efficiency gain would have been significant. A 25% improvement represented a transformational shift.

 

Why this matters for the industry

This case study highlights several broader lessons for the facility services industry:

  1. Innovation is not optional
    In a sector sometimes perceived as “traditional,” adopting advanced tools and technologies is the fastest route to measurable impact.

  2. Training is as important as tools
    Even the most innovative system delivers little value if employees are not trained and motivated to use it correctly.

  3. Data builds trust
    Facility managers and clients alike demand proof. Measurable KPIs provide transparency and accountability.

  4. Efficiency drives sustainability
    By reducing water, energy, and chemical usage, efficient cleaning is also more environmentally responsible—an increasingly important factor for clients.

 

Voices from the field

Facility managers who participated in the initiative shared notable feedback:

  • “The new systems allowed us to clean faster without compromising hygiene standards. Staff felt less tired at the end of their shifts.”

  • “Consistency across sites has been one of the biggest wins. Our clients now know exactly what to expect, no matter the location.”

  • “The sustainability aspect has been a strong differentiator when communicating our value to clients.”

 

Efficiency as a competitive advantage

The collaboration between Vileda Professional and this global facility services company shows what can be achieved when innovation, training, and measurement come together.

A 25% increase in efficiency is not just a number—it represents:

  • Cost savings for the company.

  • Higher job satisfaction for employees.

  • Greater confidence for clients.

  • Reduced environmental impact.

In an industry where every minute counts, Vileda Professional has set a new benchmark for what is possible. The message is clear: efficiency is not just about working harder, but about working smarter—with the right partners, tools, and mindset.