Author: mj@5150design.net

28 Feb 2023
property management

5 REASONS PROPERTY MANAGERS SHOULD HIRE COMMERCIAL CLEANERS

property management

As a property manager, you are responsible for ensuring that the buildings under your management are safe, well-maintained, and presentable. This includes everything from routine maintenance to cleaning, which can be a time-consuming and challenging task. That’s where commercial cleaners come in. Here are some reasons why property managers should hire commercial cleaners.

Improved Cleanliness

Commercial cleaners are professionals with the expertise and equipment necessary to clean your property thoroughly. They are trained to use the right cleaning products and techniques for each surface and area, ensuring that everything is spotless and hygienic. With commercial cleaners, you can be sure that your property is clean and fresh-smelling, which can improve the overall atmosphere and make it more appealing to tenants and visitors.

Increased Productivity

As a property manager, you have many responsibilities to juggle, and cleaning is just one of them. By hiring commercial cleaners, you can free up your time and focus on other important tasks. This can increase your productivity and help you get more done in less time. Additionally, commercial cleaners can work around your schedule, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting your tenants’ daily routine.

Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring commercial cleaners may seem like an additional expense, but it can actually save you money in the long run. Professional cleaners can help you maintain your property’s value by keeping it in top condition. They can identify potential issues early on, such as mold or water damage, which can be costly to repair if left unchecked. Moreover, commercial cleaners can help you avoid fines or penalties for not complying with health and safety regulations. By investing in commercial cleaning services, you can protect your property and avoid unexpected expenses.

Better Health and Safety

A clean property is not only more visually appealing but also safer and healthier for tenants and visitors. Commercial cleaners can help reduce the risk of accidents by keeping floors and surfaces free of debris and spills. They can also prevent the spread of germs and bacteria by disinfecting frequently touched areas, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. With regular cleaning, you can create a healthier and safer environment for everyone in the building.

Higher Tenant Satisfaction

Tenants expect a clean and well-maintained building, and hiring commercial cleaners can help you meet that expectation. A clean property can improve tenant satisfaction and retention rates, as it shows that you care about their well-being and comfort. Moreover, a clean and presentable building can attract new tenants, which can increase your occupancy rate and revenue. By investing in commercial cleaning services, you can enhance the tenant experience and build a positive reputation in the market.

In conclusion

Hiring commercial cleaners can bring many benefits to property managers. It can improve cleanliness, increase productivity, be cost-effective, promote better health and safety, and enhance tenant satisfaction. If you’re looking to outsource your cleaning tasks, make sure to hire a reputable and experienced commercial cleaning company that can meet your specific needs and requirements. With the right cleaning partner, you can keep your property in top condition and achieve your business goals.

Need a Commercial Cleaner For Your Managed Properties?

Complete Care Maintenance has been providing property management cleaning services for more than two decades. We have the training and experience to clean and maintain managed properties of all shapes and sizes. Call or contact us today to get you free evaluation.

20 Feb 2023
warehouse dust

DUST CONTROL IN WAREHOUSES AND DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

warehouse dust

Warehouses are busy environments where goods are stored and distributed on a daily basis. With constant movement of goods and people, dust is a common occurrence in warehouse environments. Although it may seem harmless, dust can cause health problems for employees and damage to inventory. It is essential to implement dust control measures to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

The Problem With Warehouse and Distribution Center Dust

Dust is comprised of tiny particles that can be inhaled by warehouse employees, leading to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer. Additionally, when dust settles on inventory, it can damage products and reduce their value. Furthermore, dust buildup can create a hazardous environment by increasing the risk of fires or explosions. Implementing dust control measures is crucial for protecting employees’ health and inventory and reducing the risk of accidents.

How To Mitigate Warehouse and Distribution Center Dust

Use The Right Equipment

The first step is to regularly clean floors, walls, and surfaces with specialized cleaning equipment designed to pick up dust particles. This can be done using vacuums, sweepers, or even high-pressure air. Implementing a regular cleaning schedule will ensure that dust does not accumulate and create health hazards and damage inventory.

Air Filtration

Another effective way to control dust is by installing air filtration systems that remove dust particles from the air. These systems work by circulating air through filters that trap dust particles, preventing them from being released back into the environment. Air filtration systems are particularly useful in warehouses that deal with fine dust particles, such as those produced by wood or metalworking processes.

Ventilation

Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the warehouse is well ventilated. Proper ventilation allows for air to circulate and helps prevent the buildup of dust and other harmful particles. When designing a new warehouse or renovating an existing one, it is important to consider ventilation requirements and incorporate features such as windows, fans, and ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow.

Proper Material Storage

One often overlooked aspect of dust control is the importance of properly storing materials. If materials are not stored correctly, they can become a source of dust in the warehouse. It is essential to store materials in sealed containers or on pallets that are covered with plastic sheets. This will prevent dust particles from escaping into the warehouse environment and reduce the need for frequent cleaning.

Employee Education

In addition to the methods mentioned above, it is also important to educate employees on the importance of dust control and provide training on safe handling practices. By training employees on proper handling and storage techniques, you can reduce the amount of dust generated in the warehouse and minimize the risk of accidents.

Need Help Controlling Dust In Your Warehouse or Distribution Center?

Dust control is an essential part of maintaining a safe and efficient warehouse environment. Dust can pose serious health risks to employees and damage inventory, leading to financial losses. Complete Care Maintenance has been providing warehouse and distribution center cleaning services since 2001. We have the knowledge, equipment, and experience to help you reduce the amount of dust in your warehouse. Call or contact us today to learn more.

10 Feb 2023
items to disinfect

10 COMMON ITEMS YOU SHOULD BE DISINFECTING BUT AREN’T

items to disinfect

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the importance of disinfecting surfaces to prevent the spread of germs. While we all know to disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and countertops, there are other items that we may not think to disinfect but should. In this post, we’ll discuss 10 common items you should be disinfecting but may be overlooking.

Cell Phones

Your cell phone is one of the most high-touch surfaces you come in contact with on a daily basis. In fact, studies have shown that cell phones can harbor more bacteria than a public toilet seat. To disinfect your phone, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and gently wipe down the surface.

Keys

Your keys are another high-touch surface that may not come to mind when thinking about disinfecting. However, your keys can pick up germs from all the places you take them. To disinfect your keys, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are another item that you handle frequently and may not think to disinfect. To disinfect your credit cards, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Remote Controls

Remote controls are a high-touch surface that can harbor germs from everyone who handles them. To disinfect your remote control, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Light Switches

Light switches are another high-touch surface that may be overlooked when it comes to disinfecting. To disinfect your light switches, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Drawer Handles

Drawer handles are another item that may be frequently touched but not disinfected. To disinfect your drawer handles, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Handbags and Purses

Handbags and purses are items that we carry with us everywhere, which means they can pick up germs from all the surfaces they come into contact with. To disinfect your handbag or purse, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Pet Collars and Leashes

If you have pets, their collars and leashes are items that you handle frequently but may not think to disinfect. To disinfect your pet’s collar and leash, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are another item that we handle frequently but may not think to disinfect. To disinfect your sunglasses, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Gym Equipment

If you use gym equipment at a gym or fitness center, it’s important to disinfect the equipment before and after use. However, if you have gym equipment at home, you may not think to disinfect it. To disinfect your gym equipment, use a disinfectant wipe or spray and wipe down the surface.

Conclusions

Disinfecting high-touch surfaces is an important part of preventing the spread of germs. While we all know to disinfect items like doorknobs and countertops, there are other items that we may overlook but should be disinfecting. By disinfecting these 10 items, you can help protect yourself and others from germs and reduce the spread of illness.

31 Jan 2023
distribution center cleaning

KEY BENEFITS OF DISTRIBUTION CENTER CLEANING SERVICES

distribution center cleaning

There are many benefits to hiring professional distribution center cleaning services. If you manage a distribution center, warehouse, or logistics operation you may already be taking advantage of these services. If you are not, you should be.

A clean warehouse or distribution center not only makes for a more pleasant work environment but also provides a safer workplace, reduces maintenance costs, and promotes more accurate inventory tracking. All of these benefits directly impact your bottom line.

SAFETY FIRST

Distribution centers and warehouses can be dangerous places. In the span of just two years (2015-2017) warehouse fatalities jumped from 11 to 22 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It is estimated that five percent of all warehouse workers will experience a workplace injury in any given year. While 5 percent may not seem like much, serious, non-fatal injuries cost the transportation and warehousing industry an estimated $84 million per week.

Logistics and distribution centers are required to comply with OSHA regulations within their warehouse space. This includes keeping your warehouse clean, organized, and free of clutter. Studies have shown that clean, well-organized warehouses experience fewer workplace injuries and achieve higher safety ratings. This means fewer sick days, fewer workman compensation claims, and a more productive workforce.

REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS

A lot of machinery is required to keep a warehouse or distribution center humming along; conveyors, stretch wrapping machines, and lifting equipment are some of the most common.  These machines require constant maintenance to ensure trouble-free operation.

Dust, dirt, and grime are enemies of your warehouse machinery, building up between moving parts and causing machinery to operate at higher temperatures. Over time this build-up can cause mechanical failures that can seriously impact your productivity and sharply increase your maintenance costs.

Having your distribution center professionally cleaned on a regular basis reduces the amount of dust and debris throughout your facility and keeps your machinery running smoothly.

MORE EFFICIENT INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Let’s face it, one of the primary goals of a distribution center is efficient and accurate inventory management, and a dirty and disorganized facility can lead to costly mistakes and inefficiencies.

Aside from the safety hazards presented by a poorly maintained distribution center, dusty inventory and aisles filled with debris can impede employee efficiency. When it comes to storing, accessing, and tracking inventory every second wasted navigating debris or dusting off an RFID tag adds up to decreased efficiency.

Maintaining a clean and organized distribution center allows your staff to work unimpeded and reduces picking, stocking, and tracking times. This equates to more efficient inventory management and reduced costs.

IMPROVES COMPANY IMAGE

In a world of internet commerce distribution centers, warehouses, and logistics operations have become the backbone of economies across the globe. Gone are the days of dark, dank, spaces filled with dusty boxes.

Today’s distribution centers are often the center of business operations with hundreds or thousands of employees, customers, and stakeholders interacting within their walls. This means that the cleanliness of your facility directly impacts your company image.

Employee morale, customer perceptions, and stakeholder confidence are all impacted by how well your warehouse or distribution center presents itself and cleanliness is the key to good impressions.

HOW DO YOU REALIZE THESE BENEFITS?

Distribution center cleaning and maintenance is no easy task. It is best to leave these tasks to professionals that have experience with distribution center cleaning. When it comes to hiring a professional distribution center cleaning company you will find there are many services available, the trick is hiring the right one.

When selecting a distribution center cleaning service, it is important that you vet your options; the cheapest option is often not the best option. You are far better off getting it done right than getting it done twice. A qualified distribution center cleaning service will provide all the aforementioned benefits and more.

 

 

 

20 Jan 2023
medical facility cleaning

WHY HIRE MEDICAL FACILITY CLEANING SPECIALISTS?

medical facility cleaning

Hiring medical facility cleaning specialists to manage the cleaning and disinfecting of your facility has many benefits. Medical facility cleaning companies understand the strict cleaning and disinfecting requirements of the medical profession. They will ensure that your facility is cleaned to the standards expected by patients, staff, and regulating agencies.

INFECTION CONTROL

One of the greatest concerns for a medical facility is the spread of germs. In fact, patients, staff, and regulating bodies like CMS and HHS have high expectations when it comes to infection control. A professional cleaning crew that specializes in medical facility cleaning understands the importance of infection control. Additionally, their cleaning and disinfecting procedures play a pivotal role.

Cleaning specialists are well-versed in infection control protocols and procedures, understand the dangers of cross-contamination, and have policies and procedures in place to mitigate the spread of germs. It follows that they know how to clean, disinfect, sanitize, and even terminally clean any space in your facility.

HAZARD AWARENESS

Medical facilities are ripe with hazards not found in most other environments. Biological waste, hazardous materials, sharps, etc. are all hazards with which specialized medical facility cleaning crews are familiar. They understand and follow the procedures and protocols prescribed for the handling of these items.

In addition to the hazards specific to the medical profession, trained medical facility cleaning crews are also taught to mitigate hazards caused by the work they do. They also follow OSHA safety guidelines, know how to handle cleaning chemicals and solutions safely, and are hyperaware of any safety hazards that their work may inadvertently cause.

PATIENT PRIVACY AND DIGNITY

The privacy and dignity of patients in your medical facility is a major concern and cleaning contractors that specialize in medical facility cleaning train their staff in this important area. They understand patient dignity and privacy concerns and are discreet, respectful, compassionate, and professional when working with patient populations.

While not medical professionals, medical facility cleaning crews should be familiar with HIPPA and FERPA regulations and how they relate to the privacy and dignity of patient populations.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS

Medical facility cleaning providers must be able to work well in an environment made up of patients, visitors, and providers and must act with respect and professionalism toward all. Well-trained healthcare cleaning staff know how to do their work quickly, safely, and respectfully with minimal disruption to those around them. 

Not everyone is cut out for these types of interactions and responsible healthcare cleaning services proactively train their staff to hone excellent interpersonal communication skills. A well-trained cleaning crew will have positive impacts on patients, visitors, and staff both through their cleaning expertise and their daily interactions.

CONSISTENT AND RIGOROUS CLEANING PROTOCOLS

Qualified medical facility cleaning providers have consistent and rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols that are specific to medical facilities. Plus, they provide regular training and education to medical facility cleaning staff and regularly evaluate their performance.

This ensures that your facility is cleaned to the highest standards each and every time.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR MEDICAL FACILITY CLEANING?

Complete Care Maintenance has cleaning crews specifically trained to work within medical facilities. Call or contact us today to learn how we can help.

10 Jan 2023
green cleaning

HOW TRADITIONAL CLEANING PRACTICES HARM THE ENVIRONMENT

traditional cleaning and the environment

Traditional cleaning products and practices cause harm to the environment in many ways. It is one of the reasons why businesses and individuals are looking for more sustainable cleaning solutions. As a result, green cleaning solutions are growing in popularity and those who adopt green cleaning practices are reaping the benefits. If you are on the fence with regard to green cleaning, knowing how traditional cleaning solutions impact the environment may help you to make a more informed decision.

Here are just a few of the negative impacts of traditional cleaning practices:

AIR QUALITY

Many traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compound are released into the air and can cause respiratory distress for many individuals, particularly those with an existing respiratory disease like asthma.

Even individuals without preexisting conditions may experience eye, nose, or throat irritation and in some cases VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

WATER POLLUTION

Toxic chemicals contained in many traditional cleaning products eventually make their way into the bodies of water that we humans rely on. Ammonia, Ammonium compounds, Chlorine, Sodium Hydroxide, and Butoxyethanol are just a few of the toxic chemical food in common cleaning products.

Many of the chemicals found in traditional cleaning products biodegrade slowly or biodegrade into more toxic and persistent chemicals. Once they enter the fresh water system these chemicals eventually enter the food chain, impacting marine life and those that consume marine life.

SOLID WASTE

Many traditional cleaning products are made from, or contained in, non-recyclable materials that typically end up in a landfill. Many landfills are poorly managed and many solid wastes take decades to decompose. This can result in increased air pollution and water and soil contamination.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL CLEANING?

As the environmental impacts of traditional cleaning solutions are better understood, many are opting for green cleaning solutions. This demand for green cleaning solutions has created an entire industry dedicated to providing more sustainable cleaning products.

There are many options now available for both individuals and organizations and for many the only thing standing in the way of more sustainable cleaning practices is making the decision to switch.

Today, most reputable commercial cleaning service providers offer green cleaning solutions and for organizations looking to reduce their environmental footprint, professional cleaning can be a very good option.

For those who choose to manage their own green cleaning program the best place to start is with the chemicals you use to clean. Simply switching to non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Just be sure that you are choosing products that are genuinely green.

CHOOSING GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS

Despite the increased popularity of green cleaning products, they can be difficult to identify. Many cleaning product manufacturers use labels that imply environmentally conscious ingredients, but may still contain harmful chemicals. To ensure that you are buying green cleaning products you should look for the seal of approval from one of the following third-party certification authorities.

Green Seal –  Green Seal is a non-profit, green cleaning certification authority that has been around since 1989. They evaluate the entire life-cycle of cleaning products to ensure that they meet both independent and international standards.

Safer Choice – Safer Choice is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (E.P.A.) certification program for green products and is designed to help individuals and businesses find products that are safer for human health and the environment.

ECOLOGO – ECOLOGO certifications are provided by Underwriters Laboratories, a company that has been developing safety standards for more than a century. ECOLOGO certifies products, services, and packaging for reduced environmental impact.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GREEN CLEANING INITIATIVES?

Complete Care Maintenance has years of experience developing and utilizing green cleaning programs for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Call or contact us today to learn how we can help you go green!

01 Jan 2023
2023

A YEAR IN REVIEW: OUR MOST POPULAR POSTS FROM 2022

2023

2022 was a better year than 2021. At least we were relatively free of lockdowns and although Covid is still with us, it seems to have faded into the background for most.  Still, we’re ready to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 but before we do, we thought we would bring back some of our most-read posts from last year. Read through them one last time and then set your sights on the new year!

doctor's officeTHE DIRTIEST THING IN YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE ISN’T WHAT YOU THINK

Trips to the doctor’s office are a part of life and generally, they are intended to keep us well and in good health. But is your doctor’s office really clean? Aside from all of the coughing and sneezing that goes on in the typical waiting room, there are germs lurking in places you might not have considered.

Keep Reading

don't get burned by commercial cleaning scamsCOMMERCIAL CLEANING – HOW TO AVOID FLY-BY-NIGHT COMPANIES

While most commercial cleaning companies are well-established and professional, the recent boom in the industry has seen an influx of new companies. Many of these newcomers are not fully qualified or experienced to do the job properly and some are outright scams. 

Keep Reading

multi-tenant office cleaningMANAGING MULTI-TENANT OFFICE BUILDING CLEANING

One key to tenant satisfaction is a clean and inviting property and satisfied tenants are less likely to move on to another facility. There are many approaches to multi-tenant office building cleaning. Some property management firms choose to leave the responsibility for the cleaning of individual office spaces to the tenants themselves, while others offer professional cleaning services that include individual offices. Regardless of your approach, having a plan for managing the cleaning of your facility is key to your success.

Keep Reading

fall cleaningKEEPING STAFF AND CUSTOMERS SAFE THIS FALL

Public places such as retail establishments, movie theatres, government offices, and office buildings should be gearing up for increased foot traffic and larger concentrations of people as the weather cools. Toward that end, it is important for facility managers to begin thinking about how they will keep their staff and visitors safe from potential health risks.

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Office germsHOW FAST DO OFFICE GERMS SPREAD? YOU’D BE SURPRISED

All it takes is one employee to show up to work sick and by lunchtime more than half of all commonly touched surfaces in your office will be infected. What is more alarming is that those office germs are then transferred to other staff and customers who can carry them to the restaurant, convenience store, bank, or any other establishment they visit.

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Dust MitesARE THERE DUST MITES IN YOUR OFFICE?

You can not see dust mites. They are microscopic, insect-like pests that are responsible for some of the most common indoor allergens. Dust mites are not parasites; they do not sting, bite, or feed on our bodies. Instead, dust mites lurk unnoticed in bedding, upholstery, carpets, and ductwork silently triggering allergic reactions and reducing the quality of the air we breathe.

Keep Reading

20 Dec 2022
cleanliness

MAKE CLEANLINESS A PRIORITY IN 2023

cleanliness

Is Cleanliness On Your List Of Priorities? 

As a business owner, you know that you need to prioritize in order to succeed. In particular, you need to prioritize your limited resources to generate maximum profits. For most businesses, money is the most limited resource and it must be spent in ways that maximize income.

Generally speaking, most companies prioritize their expenditures based on a perceived return on investment. Things like marketing, productivity enhancing tools and technology, recruitment, training, and retention of employees, and customer service initiatives are often where the bulk of the money is spent.

While these are all tried and true methods for generating business income, there is another list item that many companies overlook – and it is costing them in more ways than they realize. Interestingly, the missing item invariably contributes to the return on investment realized from nearly every other priority on the list.

What Is Missing From Your List Of Business Priorities?

In a word – cleanliness. 

Good old-fashioned cleanliness is the one item that most businesses do not place on their list of priorities and it is the one item that directly impacts nearly every other item on their list of priorities. Let’s take a look at how cleanliness impacts the other priorities on your list:

How Cleanliness Impacts Marketing

Even before the pandemic of recent years came into play, studies showed that cleanliness was an important consideration for consumers. A new awareness and higher standards of cleanliness emerged from the pandemic and businesses that failed to make cleanliness a priority began losing customers.

By making cleanliness a priority businesses can add another arrow to their marketing quiver. Smart businesses are using upgraded cleaning protocols to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Employing on-site day porters or asking employees to clean high-touch surfaces throughout the business day allows customers to see your business’s commitment to providing a clean and safe environment.

How Cleanliness Impacts Recruitment And Retention Of Staff

Like the customers that your business serves, the staff that your business employs are hyper-aware of cleanliness. They want to work in a safe and clean environment. In fact, studies show that 72% of employees are reluctant to recommend a business with poor office hygiene to job seekers and 70% of employees feel that poor office hygiene genuinely affects their overall job satisfaction. As many as 71% of employees expect their employer to provide extra cleaning to ensure hygiene.

How Cleanliness Enhances Productivity

Businesses spend a lot of money on tools and technology in an effort to enhance productivity. In general, this is money well spent as these tools and technologies often make employees more efficient. Research shows that adding cleanliness to this equation promotes even greater productivity.

In a clean and organized work environment employees are healthier, less stressed, and better able to focus on their work. According to data collected by the International Data Corporation, untidy workplaces lose an estimated $2.5 million dollars per year due to lost productivity.

It should also be noted that unclean conditions promote the spread of harmful bacteria, resulting in increased sick days for employees. One study found that employees missing work due to illness or injury cost employers $225 billion annually. 

Cleaning Is Customer Service

Believe it or not, customers equate cleanliness with your level of customer service. Providing a visibly clean and safe environment for your customers is a service that you must provide if you are serious about customer service. 99% of U.S. customers recently surveyed said they would not return to a business if it had poor hygiene and levels of cleanliness. Ninety-nine percent!

Providing a clean and safe environment with visible cleaning and sanitizing protocols shows customers that you take their heath and safety seriously. It shows that you are conscientious of your employees health and safety as well and ensures a good first impression for your business.

Make Cleaning A Priority In 2023

It is rather amazing how a simple thing like cleanliness can impact almost every aspect of your business. When you are making a list of priorities for the new year, or setting your annual budget, be sure to add cleaning and sanitation to the top of your list. Consider hiring a commercial cleaning company to take your cleaning to the next level. After all, it will impact every other line item on the list.