The TACT Principle in Cleaning and Why It Matters

TACT principle and cleaning

Although cleaning is a chore, it should still involve a systematic approach to ensure that it produces effective and positive results. This goes for any space: be it an office setting, a public establishment, or even a home. 

Since cleaning involves the use of chemicals and other cleaning products, learning how each item works and reacts together determines the efficiency of the cleaning process. Something as simple as the use of disposable gloves can have a relevant impact on the cleaning situation. 

The chemistry of each item is crucial. It may even make or break the whole cleaning process. This is where TACT comes in.

The TACT Principle

You may be asking,  “What is TACT?”. TACT simply stands for temperature, agitation, concentration, and time. These variables affect what would create a successful cleaning situation. Here is a quick picture of how the TACT principle works. 

In a given situation, all the variables of TACT would start off in equal proportions. However, if one variable has been increased, there would be a need for the other variables to be decreased. 

To better understand the principle, here is a quick breakdown of each variable. 

Temperature

Heat is known to play a huge role in the cleaning and disinfection process. High temperatures are implemented to ensure powerful sanitation and cleaning. Essentially, the higher the temperature, the more effective the clean is. 

The temperature must be properly optimized in every step of the cleaning process so that the dirt, gunk, and residue are easily removed. Doing so also ensures that no other cleaning issues may arise. 

Of course, the temperature must be set and adjusted according to the components and materials of the surface that you are addressing. Such high temperatures may be a cause of breakage and other damages, and so, there should be updated and proper knowledge of the optimal heat and temperature each item is limited to. 

Agitation

Agitation, or “action” as referred to by other articles, refers to the process of breaking down the particles of a matter that has been cemented into a surface. The matter could be in the form of residue or stubborn dirt. 

In the agitation variable, this refers to the equipment and other materials that will be used to carry on the cleaning process. This would also include the type of scrubbing pad, the kind of disposable gloves to be used, and the weight of the equipment or machine that will be used to perform the task. See to it that the machine or tool is able to carry on the cleaning task, as not using the proper machine or tool may hinder a cleaning operation from being successful.

Concentration

Concentration refers to the strength of the chemical or the cleaning solvent that will be used in addressing a particular area or surface. This variable determines the effect of the chemical on any given surface. In retrospect, simply applying a significant amount of the chemical onto a surface does not necessarily mean that it will yield better cleaning results. In fact, this could create an unfavorable effect. If the chemical is too strong, this could result in chemical residue that may easily re-soil the surface or even damage it. 

Each product label will indicate heavy-duty use as well as higher concentration use. Because only a select few chemicals are able to disinfect instantly upon impact, dwell time, another variable, plays a huge role in the effectiveness of this variable. 

Cleaning and dwell time

Time

Time is a variable that is a crucial component in the cleaning process. Without this variable, the concentration variable may be ineffective which could lead to an inefficient cleaning process. Note that if the residue or dirt has not been given enough exposure to the cleaning product, the cleaning and sanitation may fail, and the whole thing may be a waste of time. 

However, in considering the dwell time variable, the temperature variable must also be at the optimum requirement. Maintaining the proper temperature is relative to the effectiveness of the dwell time. If there is no way to sustain the required temperature, increasing the length of the dwell time is not necessarily a good idea as with the longer time, the temperature loses its optimum efficiency. 

It is also important to note that once all variables are considered, you need to know what kind of cleaning approach you should go for. Usually, the choice is team vs zone cleaning

Team cleaning refers to how each staff member has a specific task to perform for any given space. This would mean one person is assigned to do the light duties, another for vacuuming, and so on. Zone cleaning, on the other hand, is when a single staff member is delegated to perform all of the tasks in a particular section or part of the office or building. Zone cleaning is the complete opposite of team cleaning. 

Depending on the availability of equipment as well as the training of the cleaning personnel, both team and zone cleaning may have their own core strengths and advantages as a choice. 

Why the TACT Principle Matters

The application of the TACT principle in the cleaning process ensures that the procedure is a success. Proper knowledge about how the TACT principle works, and the understanding of how each variable works with each other creates a powerful solution to address every space’s cleaning concerns. The TACT principle is particularly important in the concept of deep cleaning.

Without TACT, it will be difficult to formulate a successful recommendation for your cleaning plan, and every effort will be for naught. Professional cleaning companies know this. This is also why proper training and knowledge are important in this industry. Cleaning is not just a chore, it’s a science. 

If you’re thinking of having a deep cleaning service before summer in your office space, building, or public establishment in Middlesex County, Connecticut, always make sure you’re getting the services of a company that properly incorporates the TACT principle in their cleaning approach and practices.