Glossary
Cleaning glossary
Plain-language definitions of the cleaning terms you will run into.
- VCT (vinyl composition tile)
- A durable commercial floor tile that is stripped, waxed, and buffed on a maintenance schedule to protect the surface and hold its shine.
- Strip and wax
- Removing the old floor finish down to the tile and applying new protective wax coats, typically once or twice a year for commercial VCT floors.
- Janitorial services
- Recurring maintenance cleaning on a fixed schedule (nightly or daily trash, restrooms, floors, and common areas), distinct from periodic deep or project cleaning.
- Post-construction cleaning
- The detailed clean that removes fine dust, debris, and residue after a build or renovation, preparing a space for its final walkthrough or move-in.
- Day porter
- A cleaner who works on-site during business hours to keep high-traffic areas, restrooms, and common spaces presentable throughout the day.
- Turnover clean
- A reset between guests in a short-term rental that returns the property to a consistent, guest-ready standard on a tight schedule.