Laundry and Cleaning Services Level 2

Who it is for. People who have finished Laundry and Cleaning Services (Level 1) or can show the same skills. Ghana's TVET framework describes National Proficiency II as work that is mostly routine, done under limited supervision.

Bridge from Level 1: what you already know

Level 1 did not cover: safety data sheets and choosing chemicals by type; heavily soiled and delicate laundry; rust, mildew, paint, gum and wax stains; pressing suits and pleats; descaling, mould, stone floors, windows and soft furnishings; full post-construction cleaning; a written workflow with quality checks; or permits and pricing packages. Level 2 covers all of these.

How the module works

Each unit has learning outcomes, performance criteria, the range and the evidence your assessor needs. You are judged Competent or Not Yet Competent. About 70% of the time is practical. Every unit ends with homework and a Check yourself quiz.

Competency standard

Range. At least five products used in the training centre. Evidence. SDS summary sheets; storage plan; dilution record; spill drill.

The safety data sheet (SDS)

Every cleaning product sold for work should come with a safety data sheet. A safety data sheet tells you the hazards, first aid, storage and the PPE to wear. The cleaning guidance says to use the SDS to decide the PPE for mixing products, to keep printed SDS for all products in the cleaning store, and to follow the maker's dilution. If a supplier cannot give you an SDS, ask why, and find another product if you can (the author's advice).

SDS summary card (make one for every product; the author's method):

Know your product types

Some toilet cleaners contain hydrochloric acid and some contain ammonia: read every label.

Why not acid on marble or terrazzo? Acids react with the calcium carbonate in marble, and marble surfaces are corroded by acidic liquids. The terrazzo makers' association says to use maintenance products made for terrazzo and neutral cleaners on joints.

pH in one line: pH 7 is neutral; below 7 is acid; above 7 is alkaline (the author's summary). pH strips show you what a product is.

Store and segregate

Dilute accurately

Many products give dilution as a ratio (for example 1:40) or as ml per litre. The CDC and ICAN guidance says manual mixing is more error-prone than a calibrated dispenser, and test strips can confirm chlorine strength.

Three ways to write the same thing (the author's summary):

• "1:9" means 1 part product + 9 parts water = 10 parts in all.
• "100 ml per litre" means 100 ml product made up to 1 litre.
• "1%" means 1 part in 100 parts.

Chlorine in ppm. 1% = 10,000 ppm, so 0.1% = 1,000 ppm and 0.5% = 5,000 ppm (the author's arithmetic). For blood and body-fluid spills the guidance uses 500–5,000 ppm chlorine, about a 1:100 or 1:10 dilution of 5% bleach, with about 10 minutes wet contact and a rinse; and not on urine spills.

Bleach powder. Grams per litre = (% wanted ÷ % in powder) × 1,000. For 0.5% from 35% calcium hypochlorite powder that is about 14.3 g per litre; the solution may look cloudy.

Mould on walls and ceilings

For mould on hard surfaces, US CDC advice is no more than 1 cup of household bleach in 1 gallon of water (about 240 ml in 3.8 litres), with windows and doors open, rubber gloves, boots and goggles, and never mixed with ammonia or other cleaners. Fix the leak or damp first, or it will come back (the author's advice).

Spills and splashes

Chemical spill on the floor (the author's routine, based on the SDS):

1. Keep people away; open windows.
2. Read the SDS for that product.
3. Put on PPE (gloves, goggles, apron).
4. Soak up with absorbent cloth or sand; do not spread it with water first.
5. Bag the waste, label it, and ask the supervisor how to dispose of it; do not pour strong chemicals into streams.
6. Record it in the incident book.

Splash in the eye: rinse at once with plenty of clean running water for several minutes, holding the eyelids open, and get medical help; take the product label or SDS with you (the author's advice; check the SDS first-aid section for each product).

Gas from mixing: leave at once, fresh air, tell the supervisor, get medical help for any breathing trouble (Level 1).

Check yourself

1. Name four things an SDS tells you.
2. Why must you never use an acid descaler on a terrazzo floor?
3. How many ppm is a 0.5% chlorine solution?

Competency standard

Range. Delicates, whites, soiled linen, large items; one machine. Evidence. Wash records; finished items; machine log.

Delicates: wool, silk, lace, beads

1. Read the label. A hand in the tub means hand wash, not above 40 °C. A crossed tub means do not wash at home; a circle means professional care.
2. Test colour on a hidden seam (Level 1).
3. Cool water and mild detergent. Swish and squeeze; do not rub, twist or soak long (the author's practice).
4. Beaded and sequinned kaba or lace: turn inside out; hand wash only; place in a pillowcase if a machine must be used (the author's practice). Check beads are firm before you take the item; note loose ones on the receipt.
5. Rinse in the same temperature water: a sudden change can shrink wool (the author's practice).
6. Remove water by rolling in a towel; dry flat in the shade.

Restore whites and fix colour runs

• Check the triangle. Empty triangle: chlorine or oxygen bleach allowed. Two lines inside: oxygen bleach only. Crossed: no bleach.
• Chlorine bleach is best for white cotton and linen; "all-fabric" (oxygen) bleach is safer for colours and permanent press.
• Grey whites often come from washing with colours, too much soil in the water or too little detergent. Fix the cause, then soak in oxygen bleach as the packet says (the author's practice).
• Colour run (a white shirt turned pink): do not dry it. Rewash at once; for dye stains the guidance uses detergent, then a bleach that is safe for the fabric, and liquid chlorine bleach only on white or colourfast items if the stain stays. Tell the customer honestly if it does not come out.

Heavily soiled linen (vomit, blood, toilet waste)

Follow the CDC and ICAN laundry steps:

Only accept soiled linen if you are set up for it: separate basin, gloves, hot water or boiling, and a place away from food (the author's advice).

Large items: duvets, curtains, blankets

Machines: loading, care and faults

• Load by weight, not by volume. A machine's "kg" is the dry weight it is made for. Weigh a few typical items once (for example a bedsheet, a towel, a shirt) and keep a weight card by the machine (the author's method).
• Clothes need room to move; do not overload washer or dryer.
• Use the detergent made for your machine type.
• Twin-tub machines of 8–9 kg were advertised in Ghana for about GH¢2,000–2,900; larger automatic machines (12–20 kg) from about GH¢4,800 to GH¢10,000, and a used commercial washer at GH¢6,500, in October 2026.
• Follow the maker's instructions for use and maintenance.

Daily machine care (the author's checklist): clean the filter and detergent drawer; wipe the door seal; leave the door open to dry; check hoses for leaks and the plug and cable for damage; record faults in a machine log and stop using a machine that leaks water near the socket.

Check yourself

1. What water temperature and time does the guidance give for machine-washing soiled linen?
2. A blouse label shows a triangle with two lines. Which bleach may you use?
3. Why do you load a machine by weight?

Competency standard

Range. At least seven stain types; one suit, one pleated item, one kaba and slit. Evidence. Stain record; finished items; quality checklist.

Hard stains

Always: identify, test on a hidden seam, gentlest first, no heat until it is gone, never mix removers.

Solvents are used to dissolve grease; dry-cleaning agents can be used on "dry clean only" fabrics, or ask a dry cleaner. Use solvents only with good air, away from flames, and keep them locked away from children.

Professional pressing: tools

Press a suit (the author's method)

Jacket:

1. Check the label (often one or two dots). Empty pockets.
2. Lining first, lightly, on the inside.
3. Shoulders and upper sleeves over the ham or rolled towel, using steam and a press cloth; press (lift and lower), do not slide, on wool.
4. Sleeves on the sleeve board; no crease along the top of a jacket sleeve.
5. Front panels, then back, through a damp press cloth.
6. Lapels: roll them softly; do not press a hard flat edge.
7. Hang at once on a wide hanger; leave to cool before covering.

Trousers: pockets and waistband from inside; then legs with side seams together; find the old crease and follow it exactly. Two creases is the worst finish: if you see a double crease, dampen and press it out, then re-crease (the author's practice).

Pleated skirt: pin or clip the pleats in place at the hem, press through a press cloth from the waist down, cool before moving.

Tie: low heat, press cloth, steam held above; do not press the edges flat.

Kaba and slit, smocks and embroidery

• Press wax-print cotton on the back at a hot setting to keep colour bright; press lace and embroidery face down on a towel so the pattern stands up (the author's practice).
• Never iron over beads, sequins, plastic prints or glue; work around them with the point of the iron.
• Smocks (fugu) and heavy woven cloth: press with steam and a damp cloth; allow to dry flat before folding.
• Ask the customer how they like it: some want a soft finish, others crisp with starch.

Finish standard (quality check before packing)

Check yourself

1. Why must water-based paint be treated while still wet?
2. What is the worst fault on pressed trousers, and how do you fix it?
3. Why press wax print on the back?

Competency standard

Range. One kitchen, one bathroom, three floor types, windows, one sofa or carpet. Evidence. Job sheets; before-and-after photos; observation.

Deep clean a kitchen (step by step)

1. Agree the job with the customer; switch off and unplug appliances.
2. Clear surfaces; move small appliances.
3. High first: extractor hood, tops of cupboards, walls near the stove.
4. Spray or wipe alkaline degreaser at the label dilution; give it time to work; scrub; rinse with clean water.
5. Inside cupboards and the fridge (empty, switched off): neutral detergent, then rinse and dry.
6. Stove and oven (cold): degreaser, scrub, rinse.
7. Sink and taps: neutral detergent; descale taps only if needed, and only with no bleach in the job.
8. Floor last: sweep, degrease if greasy, mop with two buckets, sign.
9. Return items; record products used.

Use green cloths only in food areas (the author's colour code from Level 1).

Deep clean a bathroom (step by step)

Plan the chemicals first. If you use an acid descaler, do not use bleach in the same job; if you must use both, finish and rinse the acid fully with plenty of water, air the room, and do the bleach step later (the author's rule, based on the gas risk in Unit 1).

1. Gloves, goggles, red cloths; open windows.
2. Remove mats, bins, toiletries.
3. Descale taps, shower heads and tiles with an acid descaler where scale is heavy; do not let it touch marble or terrazzo; rinse well.
4. Mould on grout or ceilings: bleach solution as in Unit 1, only after all acid is rinsed away and the room is aired.
5. Clean mirror, sink, bath or shower, then toilet last (Level 1 steps).
6. Disinfect high-touch surfaces after cleaning.
7. Mop the floor towards the door; leave it dry.

Floors by type

Spills on terrazzo should be cleaned as quickly as possible to prevent stains. On every floor: sign it, keep a dry path, and remove the sign when dry. Terrazzo floor cleaning and polishing are services advertised in Ghana.

Windows and high areas

Glass method (the author's practice): dust the frame; wet the glass with a little detergent in water using a sponge or applicator; squeegee from top to bottom (or in an "S" pattern), wiping the blade after each stroke; dry the edges with a lint-free cloth.

Work from the ground first with an extension pole. Use a ladder only when you must:

Never clean the outside of upper-floor windows by leaning out or standing on a sill. That is work at height that needs proper equipment and training; refuse it (the author's rule).

Soft furnishings: sofas, mattresses, carpets

1. Vacuum thoroughly first, including seams. Wet-and-dry vacuum cleaners of about 1,200–1,500 W were advertised in Ghana for about GH¢1,100–2,900 in October 2026.
2. Check the fabric (many sofas have a code tag) and test any product on a hidden area.
3. Spot-clean with the stain-type methods from Level 1 and Unit 3: blot, do not rub.
4. Use as little water as possible. If you use a spray-extractor, do not soak the padding.
5. Dry fast: open windows, use fans, keep people off. After flooding, the CDC advises drying a home fully within 24–48 hours and removing soaked carpets and upholstery that cannot be dried quickly.
6. Sofa cleaning is a service advertised in Ghana.

Body-fluid spills: the two-step method

Spills of blood or body fluids must be cleaned and disinfected at once, with a two-step method, not a combined product:

1. PPE: apron, rubber gloves, face mask with goggles or face shield.
2. Confine and wipe up with absorbent paper or cloth; dispose of it safely.
3. Clean with neutral detergent and warm water.
4. Disinfect: chlorine at 500–5,000 ppm depending on spill size (not on urine), wet for about 10 minutes, then rinse.
5. Send cloths and mop for reprocessing; wash hands.

Check yourself

1. You must descale and also treat mould in one bathroom. How do you plan the chemicals?
2. What angle should a leaning ladder be at?
3. Why use as little water as possible on a sofa?

Competency standard

Range. One room or small building after building or renovation work (or a mock site). Evidence. Site survey sheet; job sheet; before-and-after photos; client sign-off.

Hazards on a post-construction site

• Dust: construction dust is a real risk to the lungs; breathing it regularly can lead to lung cancer, asthma, COPD and silicosis.
• Sharp waste: nails, broken tiles, glass, metal offcuts. Heavy gloves and closed boots.
• Electricity: sockets and switches may still be open or newly connected; check before wet cleaning.
• Work at height: high windows and fittings; ladder rules.
• Chemicals: cement removers are often acids; paint thinners are flammable. No bleach in a job that uses acid.
• Slips: wet floors and dust on smooth tiles.

Survey and plan

The three stages

Post-construction cleaning is often done in three stages:

Step by step (the author's method, using the stages)

Stage 1: Rough clean

1. PPE: dust mask, gloves, closed boots, goggles for scraping overhead.
2. Collect sharp waste first into strong sacks or boxes; label "sharp".
3. Remove packaging, offcuts and large rubbish to the agreed place.
4. Remove protective films and stickers that come off easily.
5. Remove heavy dust: vacuum with a wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner; where you must sweep, dampen the dust first. Do not dry-sweep clouds of dust into the air.
6. Open windows for air.

Stage 2: Detail clean

1. Top to bottom: ceilings and cornices (dust), light fittings (power off), walls, window frames, doors, sockets (dry cloth only), skirting.
2. Cement splashes: soften with water and scrape gently with a plastic scraper; on glazed tiles, a cement remover made for tiles may be used as the label says; never on marble or terrazzo; rinse well.
3. Paint drips: water-based paint comes off while wet; once dry, scrape carefully with a sharp scraper held flat on glass only; on other surfaces use the method the paint maker gives.
4. Glue and sticker residue: test a small area; a little detergent and warm water first, then a suitable solvent with good air.
5. Kitchens and bathrooms: inside cupboards and drawers, sinks, taps, toilets, tiles (grout haze), mirrors.
6. Floors: vacuum, then the right wet method for the floor type (Unit 4).

Stage 3: Final clean

1. Light dusting of all flat surfaces (dust settles again).
2. Glass and mirrors polished.
3. Final vacuum and mop.
4. Wipe switches, handles and taps.
5. Walk through with the client; list any "snags" (missed spots, damage) and fix them.
6. Client signs the job sheet; take after photos.

Quoting a post-construction job

Count rooms, floor area, windows and how dirty it is. "After construction cleaning" is advertised in Ghana with prices on request. Work out labour hours from your own timed jobs, add materials, transport and profit.

Check yourself

1. Name the three stages of post-construction cleaning.
2. Why should you not dry-sweep heavy construction dust?
3. Why must you not use a cement remover on terrazzo?

Competency standard

Range. A day's laundry orders and two cleaning jobs. Evidence. Order board; checklists; complaint book entries.

The laundry workflow

Receive → sort and treat → wash → dry → finish (iron, fold) → inspect → pack → store → hand back (the author's workflow).

Plan the day

1. Each morning, read the order board: what is due today and tomorrow?
2. Start washing early so items dry in the day's sun.
3. Iron in blocks (one heat setting at a time) to save power and time.
4. Express orders are scheduled first; charge for them (Unit 7).
5. At the end of the day, check: all due orders packed? any problem to call a customer about?

Quality checklists

Laundry (before packing): the finish standard from Unit 3.

Cleaning job sheet (the author's template):

A supervisor or the client signs the "checked" column. Do a white-cloth test on high surfaces and handles.

Cleaning schedules in health settings use set frequencies for each area, such as shared toilets at least twice a day. For offices, agree a written frequency with the client (daily, weekly, monthly tasks).

Problems: write your policy down

(The author's suggested policy; adjust and display it.)

Customer care at Level 2

• Explain the policy and prices before taking clothes.
• Confirm by WhatsApp or SMS when the order is ready.
• Remember regular customers' preferences (starch level, folding or hanging).
• For cleaning clients: arrive on time, in uniform, with ID; respect privacy and property; do not use the client's phone, food or toilet without permission; leave a short note of what was done.
• Lock up and return keys as agreed; keep a key register.

Check yourself

1. Why must dirty and clean laundry be kept apart?
2. What goes on an order board?
3. What should you do on the same day an item is reported lost?

Competency standard

Range. The trainee's own planned business. Evidence. Location comparison; price list; package and contract price; permit checklist; marketing plan.

Location settings that give good returns

Business ideas at Level 2

Pricing: items, packages and contracts

• Price list per item, with express (same or next day) at a higher price.
• Packages: a fixed monthly price for a set number of items or baskets, paid in advance. Good for cash flow.
• Contracts: office or guest-house work at a fixed monthly price, in writing.

Permits and papers

Market yourself

• WhatsApp Business catalogue with your price list and packages.
• Google Business Profile with photos, hours and reviews.
• Before-and-after photos of deep cleans and post-construction jobs (with permission).
• Visit hostels, estates, builders, hotels and offices with a price list and a short letter.
• Uniforms, ID cards and a clean vehicle or tricycle with your name.
• Public hospitals now need 24-hour cleaning, by the Health Minister's January 2026 directive: find out how the hospitals near you buy cleaning services.

Accessibility

Ghana's Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) requires accessible public places and bans job discrimination. The Assemblies' disability fund (5% share from 2026) supports skills training, assistive devices and start-up capital. Workable roles: ironing and pressing from a seated board; folding, packing and tagging; the order board and receipts; stain treatment; quality inspection; supervising a cleaning team; office dusting and wiping. Adjustments (the author's suggestions): seated work surfaces at about 71–86 cm with knee space; wheeled trolleys and baskets so nobody carries wet loads; pre-measured chemical dispensers and tactile labels; picture-based job sheets; vibrating or light timers; and a partner for ladders and post-construction sites.

Check yourself

1. Why is a prepaid monthly package good for a small laundry?
2. When does a cleaning or laundry business need FDA registration?
3. Name two adjustments that help a wheelchair user work in a laundry.

1. Name four things on a safety data sheet.
2. What happens if bleach meets an acid descaler?
3. Why are acids not used on marble or terrazzo?
4. How do you make 10 litres of a 1:40 dilution (roughly)?
5. What does the guidance say about washing heavily soiled linen in a machine?
6. A label shows a triangle with two lines. Which bleach is allowed?
7. How do you remove dry water-based paint from a shirt?
8. What is the worst pressing fault on trousers?
9. Name the three stages of post-construction cleaning.
10. What angle should a leaning ladder be at, and which rungs must you not stand on?
11. Name the four parts of the two-step spill method after PPE.
12. Name three papers or permits a laundry business in Takoradi should check.

Best next reads: the CDC and ICAN environmental cleaning guide (appendices D and E on laundry and chlorine); HSE pages on ladders, slips and construction dust; the hub's Soap Making, Workplace Safety and Money Skills Level 2 manuals.

What this module does not cover: dry cleaning with solvents, work at height beyond a stepladder or leaning ladder, industrial laundry lines, hospital-grade terminal cleaning, business registration, staff payroll and full accounts (see Level 3).

Every source used in this manual is listed, with links, in the Teacher Copy.