25.04.25

In conversation with Dominic Grüniger – cleaning specialist at Kärcher

The cleaning industry is facing numerous challenges, particularly with regard to labour requirements and cost management. Kärcher is meeting these challenges in Switzerland with its own consulting services. Dominic Grüniger, an expert in cleaning consulting at Kärcher, explains the core principles and philosophy behind this service from Kärcher in an interview with Martin Egli. It becomes clear that Kärcher not only sells products, but also offers comprehensive solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of smaller retirement and care homes as well as communities and hotels. Sustainability, efficiency and the human aspect take centre stage.

Dominic Grüniger

Dominic Grüniger, 35, lives in St. Gallen, is married and the father of two children aged 14 and 10, who occupy a large part of his free time. Since completing his apprenticeship in 2010, he has worked for various building service providers and suppliers of cleaning products. His motto is: “Dirt is matter in the wrong place.”

Dominic works at Kärcher as a Cleaning Consultant and Building Care Specialist. He advises customers, creates cleaning concepts and provides expert tips. He also supports the sales team with projects and problems on site. He also organises training courses for customers and supports apprentices on training days.

Dominic, what is your job at Kärcher?

I work at Kärcher as a Cleaning Consultant and Specialist Building Care. My main task is to advise our customers. This means that I create cleaning concepts and give expert tips. As a Building Care Specialist, I also support our sales team. If they have a problem or project, they come to me, we look at the situation together on site and find the best solution. I also give training courses for customers, for example at BFF.

We also welcome Vebego and the apprentices to our training day once a month, where I support the technical advisors in selecting materials and answering other questions.

Kärcher Cleaning Consulting

What is Kärcher Cleaning Consulting and who is this service aimed at?

Cleaning Consulting by Kärcher is essentially similar to what our competitors offer. Kärcher works differently globally, and in Switzerland we have our own approach. Here, we focus on calculating labour requirements and the associated costs – such as materials, wages and consumption. We also create cleaning schedules according to room groups. Our service is primarily aimed at smaller retirement and care homes that do not have the budget for expensive CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) systems. In addition, there are smaller municipalities and hotels that face similar challenges and where large systems are often not worthwhile.

Why does Kärcher offer consultancy services as a manufacturer?

Why not? We don’t just want to sell products, we want to offer our customers solutions. If someone has a cleaning problem, they either go to us or to a competitor. Our aim is to provide manufacturer-independent advice. If we do not have a suitable solution in our range, we also recommend products from other manufacturers. Many customers come to us with basic problems, such as staff shortages, and we want to help them solve them.

Are there principles or a philosophy behind your cleaning concepts?

Yes, absolutely. In view of the shortage of skilled labour, especially in building cleaning, we want to make the work as ergonomic and efficient as possible – with minimal use of resources. For example, if a customer still uses old methods such as the double bucket, we suggest modern systems. We also pay attention to the human aspect: in retirement homes, for example, we allow enough time for cleaning staff to speak briefly with the residents. This makes the work more meaningful and increases satisfaction.

You also emphasise sustainable solutions. How is sustainability reflected in your approach?

For us, sustainability means using resources sparingly. We promote methods such as pre-moistened systems that only require a small amount of water and cleaning agents. This not only saves water, but also costs for chemicals – because every litre of cleaning solution poured away costs money.

What about ecological cleaning agents?

We have an eco-certified line, the CA line. In some countries we offer products with special eco-labels such as the Nordic Swan, in Switzerland it is the CA line with the EU Ecolabel. Some of our cleaning cloths also carry eco-labels. We also work with partners such as TTS, which uses recycled plastic and runs its factories on solar energy.

Who can benefit from your services and how do I know whether a consultation is worthwhile for me?

Industries such as housekeeping, small building cleaning companies and municipal property management companies benefit in particular. If your cleaning concept is more than 8-10 years old, it is worth revising it – labour, energy and material costs have changed significantly in recent years. We can also help small cleaning companies to remain competitive by providing tips on equipment and efficiency. Many cleaning concepts are 10 to 20 years old and have never been adapted. There is definitely room for manoeuvre. In the past, dosing was often wasteful, without measuring cups or aids. A lot can be saved through more efficient dosing, shorter walking distances and better area planning. As labour costs account for around 80-90% of cleaning costs, even a small improvement in working hours can have a big impact.

Du hast gesagt, Personalkosten sind der grösste Faktor. Wo siehst du das grösste Sparpotenzial? 

In the more efficient use of labour. With autonomous cleaning robots, we can relieve employees of routine tasks. This allows them to concentrate on special or periodic tasks, which makes better use of their working time and reduces costs.

So is the focus also on autonomous cleaning devices?

Yes, definitely. The entire industry is relying on it, because cleaners are too valuable to only use them on manual machines.

How do you support the implementation of a cleaning concept?

Ideally, we equip the cleaning rooms, supply the materials and train the staff on site – customised to the needs of the property. We show them how to work ergonomically and apply the cleaning techniques. We then offer support such as monitoring or further training if necessary.

How can I contact you?

The best way is via the responsible Kärcher sales consultant. He will put me in touch. Alternatively, you can call the hotline or the service centre – then I’ll be contacted.

Thank you very much for the interesting conversation.