CMI Best Practices in Cleaning Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of burnishing a VCT (vinyl composition tile) floor after stripping and recoating?
- To remove old finish layers left behind
- To create a high-gloss wet-look shine by friction-heating the finish (Correct answer)
- To apply the final coat of floor finish evenly
- To sanitize the floor surface after chemical treatment
Correct answer: To create a high-gloss wet-look shine by friction-heating the finish
Burnishing uses high-speed friction to heat and harden the top finish coat, producing a high-gloss appearance.
Question 2: When cleaning glass windows and mirrors, streaks are most commonly caused by:
- Using too little cleaning solution
- Using a lint-free microfiber cloth
- Leaving cleaning solution residue due to insufficient wiping (Correct answer)
- Cleaning in circular motions
Correct answer: Leaving cleaning solution residue due to insufficient wiping
Streaks form when cleaning solution dries on the glass before being fully removed, leaving residue behind.
Question 3: A custodian needs to clean an elevator cab floor made of marble. Which product should be AVOIDED?
- pH-neutral stone cleaner
- Warm water with a soft mop
- Acidic tile cleaner or vinegar-based solution (Correct answer)
- Stone-safe disinfectant
Correct answer: Acidic tile cleaner or vinegar-based solution
Acids etch and permanently damage marble and other natural stone surfaces, so only pH-neutral products should be used.
Question 4: In high-traffic areas, how often should spot-mopping of spills be performed compared to scheduled cleaning?
- Only during scheduled cleaning cycles
- Once per shift regardless of spills
- Immediately as spills occur to prevent slip hazards (Correct answer)
- Only when spills are reported by building occupants
Correct answer: Immediately as spills occur to prevent slip hazards
Immediate spot-mopping of spills prevents slip-and-fall accidents and complies with safety standards for hazard abatement.
Question 5: What does MSDS/SDS stand for and why is it critical to custodial work?
- Material Safety Data Sheet; provides chemical hazard and handling information (Correct answer)
- Minimum Sanitation Daily Schedule; outlines cleaning frequency
- Master Supply Distribution System; tracks cleaning inventory
- Mold Spore Detection Survey; identifies biological hazards
Correct answer: Material Safety Data Sheet; provides chemical hazard and handling information
An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) contains essential information on chemical hazards, safe handling, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures.
Question 6: When using a two-bucket mopping system, what does each bucket contain?
- One bucket for hot water, one for cold water
- One bucket for cleaning solution, one for rinsing dirty mop heads (Correct answer)
- One bucket for disinfectant, one for floor finish
- One bucket per floor zone to prevent cross-contamination
Correct answer: One bucket for cleaning solution, one for rinsing dirty mop heads
The two-bucket system separates clean solution from dirty rinse water, preventing reapplication of soiled water to floors.
Question 7: Which technique should be used when dusting horizontal surfaces in an office to avoid scattering dust into the air?
- Use a feather duster with quick strokes
- Use a slightly dampened or treated cloth with gentle, controlled strokes (Correct answer)
- Blow compressed air across surfaces before wiping
- Dry dust with circular buffing motions
Correct answer: Use a slightly dampened or treated cloth with gentle, controlled strokes
A lightly dampened or treated cloth traps and holds dust rather than dispersing it into the air where it settles elsewhere.
CMI Best Practices in Cleaning Procedures 3
What is the primary purpose of burnishing a VCT (vinyl composition tile) floor after stripping and recoating?