A Little OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is defined as a condition that prompts excessive thoughts that often lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions.

It’s a condition considered to require consulting with a doctor for treatment, according to some medical references, if the condition is debilitating to the one who
suffers from it.

However, I’d like to go on record that a little OCD is good for you and the health of your company.

When I owned and operated my own company, I had a little OCD. I couldn’t end the day without spending some quality time with my equipment using
a spray bottle of Windex and a few paper towels. I wiped everything down, cleaned out all the filters, checked all the fluids and more. I cleaned the wand
and upholstery tools. Scrubbed them until they shined.

For me, it was a way to wrap up the day and be ready for the next morning, which started with a completely clean and maintained van, truckmount and accessories.

Yes, OCD is usually tied to washing and cleaning rituals… which is why I think a little OCD can be good for cleaning and restoration companies.

I knew of other business owners and their techs who would open the doors to their vans and stuff would fall out. Maybe an empty Coke can. Or a McDonald’s
wrapper. Or a bunch of stuff. I’ve seen it many times. I don’t think they had any OCD. Far from it.

A little OCD can help prevent what you see in the picture of the waste tank filter. Nothing kills a cleaning job faster than a truckmount starving for air.

A little OCD means you will work on that stain a little longer than your competition, and you will probably get better results.

A little OCD means you will monitor your drying results a little closer than your competition, and you will probably get the job drier — faster.

Pay attention to the details. Use a little OCD to your benefit. Your customers will really appreciate it.

Jeff Cross is the executive editor of Cleanfax and an industry trainer and consultant. He can be reached at [email protected]