We used to get comment that made us blink twice:
“Your cleaner is not professional.”
Oof. Harsh.
But instead of clapping back, let’s unpack that. nicely.
Because really — what does “professional” even mean in cleaning? In Malaysia cleanign service industry, every single company advertise themself as professional cleaners, to a point that this word loses its meaning already.
“Not Professional”? Let’s Check the List 🧾✔️
- Wears Uniform?
✅ Check.
Matching colors — you’ll know they’re from Kilat before they even ring the bell. - Shows Up on Time?
✅ Check.
We don’t believe in “Malaysia timing. If we say 10am, we mean 10am. Sometimes 9:50am. - Brings Proper Tools?
✅ Check.
Some client bite on us that we used a “normal mop “to do post renovation cleaning and that is not within their expectation, some of the tools although rudimentary but still essential in cleaning. Are we supposed to open up a golden wiping pad from a iron man box to convince you we are cleaning the floor in a BETTER way ? - Does the Work, Thoroughly?
✅ Check.
Corners, railings, behind the fridge. We even clean things you forgot you owned. - Speaks Politely?
✅ Check.
Not all of them are the best communicator, but they greet you with a smile, asks permission before doing anything major, and says “maaf” if they sneeze too loud. Can your boss say the same?
“But They Look Too Young!” 👶
Sometimes our team members look young. We get it. A baby face doesn’t scream “I’ve cleaned 1,000 toilets” — but they might have done 10,000!
👉 Professionalism isn’t about looking the part — it’s about doing the part.
Many of our staff have been in this line for years. They’ve mastered every stain type known to man. They just happen to moisturise their face daily.
“They are Cleaning the wrong way!” 🧠
Here’s what usually happens:
We walk in, greet you, take a look around, and start cleaning using our SOP — based on thousands of jobs. You saw one of them wearing a pants with the wording “i love surfing beach Penang” and you cant get over it and it made you cringe.
Five minutes in, says:
“Wait, why are you starting from the windows? You should do the floor first!”
Hey, we love your input. But just like you wouldn’t tell your doctor how to hold a scalpel, or your mechanic how to tune your engine — maybe trust us with your mop? Isn’t it why you hired us in the first place?
We clean professionally. Every. Single. Day.
Your house is special to you, but cleaning any type of house isn’t new to us. We have done wooden warung and sky scrapers. If someone that clean daily as their career and work, for year and year on , Can they take the professional title ?
Redefining “Professional” — What It Really Means 🧼
People often think:
“Professional” = Older.
“Professional” = Speaks fancy.
“Professional” = Does things in a specific way.
But real talk?
👉 Professional = Consistent, Reliable, and Respectful.
Our cleaners do the same work every day — with pride, with patience, and with skill.
Some have been in this field for years. This isn’t a part-time job. This is their career. They’re good at it. They know what works. Trust the process.
Yes, They’re Human Too .
They may look young.
They might be nervous around new clients and not the best communicator.
They might not use your exact method.
But they show up.
They listen.
They clean like their next meal depends on it — because sometimes, it actually does.
So maybe — just maybe — it’s time we change how we define “professional”.
TL;DR: Don’t Judge a Cleaner by Their Slippers 👣
Before calling someone “not professional,” ask:
Did they show up on time?
Did they wear uniform?
Did they do the job properly at the end ?
Were they respectful?
If that’s a yes across the board — then congratulations. You just met a professional.
Client Expectation VS Real Professional Cleaner
VS
