Insurance coverage is one of the most overlooked items in one’s business. The policy is to cover instances that may occur in the future, such as lost items, negligence in the use of chemicals, theft, damage to equipment and the like. The right coverage would be able to keep one’s risk and thus one’s premiums to a manageable level.

The basic coverage for a business includes general liability insurance, auto insurance if the business has vehicles, worker’s compensatory insurance and breakdown insurance. These coverages are most often bundled into one policy but one needs to verify with one’s agent as to the actual coverages. But the industry where one has chosen to be part of has specific risks which may not fall under the basic policy package. So in order for one to be able to perform the job engaged for, one needs to cover the following risks inherent in the cleaner business.

1) For keys. Keys are important in the business as most of the activity is done after work hours. If one the employees loses one or any of the keys provided the business, one would need to pay for the actual key, lock adjustment or even replacement of these locks. By having insurance for this, one need not worry about this.

2) For property left in one’s care and supervision. This type of insurance covers property given to the cleaner for use or left in their care and supervision. This includes rented or leased property or equipment like vacuum cleaners or industrial grade floor machines.

3) Thievery. This coverage is not the same as the insurance against the cleaner’s own employee’s theft, but if the cleaner’s employee’s negligence allows the occasion that the criminal act of theft be realized. An example would be leaving the back door unlocked and thus allowing thieves to gain unlawful entry.

4) Against pollution. As a cleaning company, one works with an array of chemicals used to clean the work site. Pollution may occur when there is accidental spillage or mishandling of these volatile chemicals.

5) Business losses. The risk insured against in this type of coverage is sudden business loss or downturns that were unforeseen. A prime example is the sudden closure of business or bankruptcy of the cleaner’s biggest client making the bottom line go to the red. Having this insurance allows one to be financially supported until the business income returns to normal.

6) Non-cleaning materials. This coverage is for the office equipment of the cleaners. This may just be a rider if one works out of one’s home.

So there are some risks associated with the cleaning business which is not included in a typical business insurance policy coverage. The risks may be a lot more since one performs a highly specialized service, one small act may ruin a small business such as this one financially. It would be best to discuss these risks with an insurance expert or specialist so one may be able to adequately prepare for them.

See: How to start a cleaning service

After all the media coverage on the damage human activities have brought upon our home planet, more and more people are acutely aware of the fact that changes have to be made now. People are encouraged to look for ways to save Mother Earth starting in their own households. As a cleaning service business owner, it is also in your hands to make sure that you give your clients the option to use “green” products in their homes.

First and foremost, an action that does not involve any cleaning agents but is an inevitable part of your cleaning business is trash segregation. You should educate yourself and your cleaning staff about the segregation program designed by environmentalists and endorsed by the government. You can also unobtrusively create awareness in your clients by bringing in the specified plastic containers for trash segregation whenever you come in for a cleaning appointment.

To create an aromatic environment in the home you are cleaning, you can choose to use flowers as air fresheners instead of using synthetic ones. These products contain a lot of toxic chemicals that not only harm the environment but can also harm people, adults and children alike. Researches show that the pollutants inside the house can come from cleaning products that release scents full of VOCs or volatile organic compounds. This can cause allergies or irritations in the skin, the eyes, and adverse respiratory reactions.

As a responsible cleaning service provider, you should also take it upon yourself to learn about the different products out in the market that claim to be “all-natural.” There are many materials that can be called natural as they are made of natural products but have to be combines with other chemicals that can cause them to be harmful. For example, plastic comes from petroleum which is naturally found in the planet. When buying cleaning products, check and read the labels instead of just looking at the front with its “eco-friendly” tagline. If you are already learned in the basics of “green” cleaning, you can choose to make your own cleaning products using ingredients such as coconut oil, eucalyptus, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. There are different websites that can help you in making your own, environment-friendly cleaning solutions.

If you really need to use strong chemicals to disinfect a house you are cleaning then be sure to just use the proper amount. Additionally, protect yourself from inhaling or getting these chemicals on your skin and hands by using protective gears such as goggles, gloves, and a mask. Cleaning products that you may need to use, especially if you are cleaning a house that has been left unoccupied for too long or housed a diseased person include very hazardous products such as corrosive drain cleaners, acidic toilet bowl cleaners, and any agent that contains ammonia or chlorine. Always let the fumes evaporate completely before letting your clients use any of the household areas you have cleaned using products such as the ones mentioned.

See: Start A Cleaning Service