Category: Commercial Cleaning

11 May 2021
office cleaning

5 Common Office Cleaning Mistakes

office cleaning

As Americans slowly begin returning to the office, office cleaning protocols are at the top of everyone’s mind. Building superintendents, office managers, and workers are understandably concerned about cleanliness and safety in the workplace. While many office building managers are utilizing professional office cleaning services, others are relying on in-house staff to manage office cleaning responsibilities, and while your staff may have good intentions when it comes to cleaning, they often lack the knowledge and expertise that comes with professional cleaning services.

Here are five common mistakes that untrained cleaners make when performing office cleaning duties:

Spot Cleaning

One of the most common office cleaning mistakes, spot cleaning refers to the cleaning of only visible surfaces. Spot cleaners rarely move things in order to clean an entire surface. At first glance, your office may look clean, but deep down there are germs and bacteria lurking in hidden corners and unseen spaces.

Overlooking High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces such as door handles, keyboards, computer mice, shared office machines, elevator buttons, and light switches are areas that professional office cleaners pay particular attention to. These surfaces are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria and they should be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly and often.

Failing To Disinfect

Cleaning is only the first step in the disinfecting process and it is often the only step an untrained office cleaner will take. In reality, surfaces should first be cleaned and then disinfected with an EPA-approved disinfectant. In addition, office cleaning staff must understand that different disinfectants require different dwell times to be effective. Failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations is a failure to disinfect.

Avoiding Common Areas

Common areas such as breakrooms, restrooms, and kitchens are some of the dirtiest areas in your office building and without dedicated office cleaning staff, these areas are often avoided. While everyone wants a clean restroom, no one wants to clean it. Avoiding these areas is a huge mistake as they often harbor germs and bacteria that can spread viruses and disease.

Cross Contamination

Untrained office cleaning staff may not know the intricacies of avoiding cross-contamination. Mistakes like using the same cleaning cloth throughout the entire building or failing to change the mop head after cleaning the restroom. A professional office cleaning staff will understand how to avoid cross-contamination and will follow prescribed protocols to ensure that they are not moving germs and bacteria from one area to the next.

How To Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes

The easiest way to avoid common office cleaning mistakes is to hire a quality office cleaning company. Professional cleaning crews are trained in office cleaning and disinfecting protocols and they are well aware of how to avoid common cleaning mistakes. Complete Care Maintenance can help with all of your professional office cleaning needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.

 

30 Apr 2021
cleaning and disinfecting

Cleaning And Disinfecting: The New Normal

cleaning and disinfecting

There is no denying it. The new normal demands that everyone steps up their cleaning and disinfecting protocols and procedures.

Let’s put all of our cards on the table and stop him-hawing around. There is no denying that the Covid-19 pandemic has ushered in a new normal for all of us and change is in the air. There is no longer time for a wait-and-see mentality. We have waited. We have seen. The elephant in the room can no longer be ignored.

We can not walk into a grocery store without noticing how Covid-19 has changed the world in which we live. Every interaction we have, every building we enter, every time we venture out in public, it is another environment we have been exposed to, another risk we have taken.  We have risked not just our own safety, but the safety of our family, friends, and neighbors. Everywhere we go, we are wary of the unseen danger.

People need to feel safe in these unprecedented times and as facility managers and business owners, we play a key role in adjusting to the new normal. We must help people to feel safe. It is both social responsibility and business imperative.

Cleaning And Disinfecting Makes People Feel Safe

The first step in making people feel safe in your facility is to create and implement a cleaning and disinfecting program that addresses peoples’ concerns. Your program should the latest safety, infection control, and cleaning protocols recommended in official guidance from the CDC, WHO, and OSHA. Your program should utilize EPA-recommended cleaning agents and disinfectants that are designated for use against Covid-19. You should also provide clear policies and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting your facility and include training for all employees on the proper handling, dwell times, and use of all cleaning chemicals and disinfectants.

That is a lot of work and it will take time and money to implement properly. There is the cost of chemicals and cleaning equipment, time spent researching and training staff on proper use, and safety protocols. And, of course, the time your staff will spend doing the actual cleaning and disinfecting – time they will not be spending doing the work you pay them to do.

If you do not have robust cleaning and disinfecting protocols already in place, starting from scratch may not be a viable option. You may find it more efficient and less costly to hire a reputable commercial cleaning company that has the equipment and know-how to hit the ground running.

Qualified commercial cleaning companies already have the trained staff, the proper procedures and protocols, the right tools and chemicals, and the knowledge and experience to clean and disinfect your facility effectively. All this adds up to reduced costs for you, faster time to implementation, improved employee productivity, and favorable public perception for your business.

The new normal demands that business owners and facility managers make cleaning and disinfecting an integral part of the customer service offerings. Customers, business partners, and staff now consider health and safety a top priority and it is your job to make them feel safe. This shift in public perception is not likely to go away anytime soon and the sooner you put a rigorous cleaning and disinfecting program in place, the better.

20 Apr 2021
janitorial services

Getting The Most Out Of Your Janitorial Services Company

janitorial cleaning

Hiring a janitorial services company can be a huge boon for your business, especially in the midst of the current pandemic. But we should not forget that janitorial services also come with a price tag and it is vital that you understand how to get the most out of your janitorial service provider to ensure the greatest return on your investment. Here are a few tips that will help you and your provider deliver the most bang for your buck:

Get An Accurate Janitorial Services Estimate

Often times when hiring a janitorial service for your place of business, cost becomes a primary factor in determining which provider you choose. It is important to keep in mind that low pricing is not really what ensures a healthy ROI. When vetting commercial cleaning companies you will likely receive a variety of quotes from different providers, and business owners often assume that all the quotes they receive reflect the same level of service.

The reality is if you do not take the time to clearly define your organizational needs you are leaving it up to the service provider to determine the level of service they will provide. Having a clear understanding of what you expect from your janitorial services company and ensuring that they understand your needs and expectations will go a long way toward getting more accurate quotes.

You should know how much space will need to be serviced, how much traffic that space receives, what services you require to maintain the space, and how often it will need to be cleaned. This information is important to your janitorial services provider because different facilities require different cleaning programs, different equipment, larger crews, and potentially more specialized cleaning and/or security protocols. All of these things are taken into consideration when providing an estimated cost for services.

How You Can Reduce Janitorial Services Costs

Consider Your Space

If we consider janitorial services costs on a cost per square foot basis we can find ways to reduce the cost overall. Obviously, the fewer square feet that need to be cleaned the lower the total cost. Of course, you do not want your janitorial services provider to only clean half of your office, but you may find that some areas of your facility require less frequent cleaning. Perhaps your 10,000 sq/ft facility houses 5,000 sq/ft of storage space, 2,500 sq/ft, of office space, and 2,500 sq/ft of common area. Your storage area likely does not need daily cleaning and if it does, it may be a task that can be managed by in-house staff, the same may be true for private office space. On the other hand, common areas and public-facing spaces do require more frequent and thorough cleaning.

Offer Employees A Work-From-Home Incentive

Believe it or not, the amount of traffic in your facility can impact the cost of cleaning. A break room that services 15 employees is much easier to clean than one that services 50 employees. Allowing employees to work from home when possible reduces the amount of daily traffic in your facility and the amount of time required to clean it. For instance, if your office building houses 35 private offices, that takes a relatively large cleaning crew several hours to properly clean. If half of your office staff works from home, you have effectively cut your cleaning requirements in half.

Consider The Frequency Of Cleaning

As was stated earlier, some areas in your facility require daily cleaning and disinfecting. Lobbies, entryways, breakrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and shared office spaces, just to name a few. These are the areas that you want your janitorial services provider to focus on. Other areas such as storage areas, stockrooms, and private offices may only need to be professionally cleaned once a week, or every other week.

Getting What You Paid For

Just as providing an accurate quote requires you to clearly communicate your needs and expectations, meeting your needs over time requires that you communicate effectively with your janitorial services provider. Organizational needs change over time and if you do not communicate these changes effectively, your service provider will have no incentive or reason to change the services they are providing.

Any reputable janitorial services company wants to retain your business. It is far less expensive for them to maintain an existing client account than to acquire a new one. They want to meet and exceed your expectations. That is why when needs or expectations change you should communicate those changes clearly to your provider.

This is true even when your needs have not changed, but your expectations are not being met. You should always reach out to your point of contact with the janitorial services company with any and all concerns. If you hired a reputable provider, they will bend over backward to ensure your expectations are met.

10 Apr 2021
spring cleaning

Spring Cleaning Tips For A Safer Workplace

spring cleaning

Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. It is also the time of year that many of us begin our Spring cleaning regimen. While Spring cleaning is most often associated with residential spaces, we can institute this practice at work to help ensure a cleaner and safer workplace.

Safety hazards can be found in virtually any workplace, be it a retail store, office building, manufacturing plant, or warehouse. As the owner or manager of such a facility, mitigating these safety hazards is a high priority. After all, the costs associated with workplace injuries are substantial.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers pay an estimated $1 billion per week for direct worker’s compensation costs alone. Those direct costs include workers’ compensation payments, medical expenses, and costs for legal services. Then there are the indirect costs which include training new staff, accident investigation, implementing corrective measures, loss of productivity, repairs, lower employee morale, and absenteeism.

So, How Do You Mitigate Workplace Hazards?

As the owner or manager of a facility or workplace, there are several things that you can do to mitigate workplace hazards and thereby reduce the risk of workplace injuries. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Remove Clutter

A disorganized workplace is an unsafe workplace. If your workplace is littered with boxes, bags, paper, or unused equipment, you are setting yourself up for failure. Removing litter and debris is a no-brainer when it comes to workplace safety as these items can cause slip-and-fall accidents that are easily avoided. Removing and storing unused equipment, returned goods, and other unnecessary obstacles makes for a safer workplace as well.

Mitigate Fire Hazards

Clutter and debris are not only a major cause of slip and fall injuries, they are also potential fire hazards. Make sure that these items are cleared from your workplace and properly stored. Make fire exits easily accessible and ensure that fire systems are in good working order. A clutter-free workplace is much easier to evacuate in the event of a fire.

Store Things Properly

Proper storage of cleaning and other chemicals is imperative to the health and safety of your employees as is the proper storage of equipment and tools within your facility. Even boxes stored within your facility should be properly placed. Keep heavy items near waist level to avoid the need for bending or stooping. Where boxes are stacked, be sure that they are secured to prevent them from falling on someone.

Consider Hiring A Commercial Cleaning Company

Even if you only use them every Spring, a professional cleaning company can get your facility in tip-top shape quickly and efficiently. They can provide you with a yearly deep cleaning that helps reduce hazards throughout your facility and makes for a much healthier workplace. Quality commercial cleaning companies have the equipment and know-how to manage cleaning tasks that may be beyond your scope. For instance, they can more easily address high-ceiling spaces like warehouses and manufacturing plants. They can deep clean your carpets and floors to reduce slip and fall hazards and protect your floors.

Create A Cleaning Schedule

If you are not going to use a commercial cleaning company on a regular basis, you should consider creating a cleaning schedule. This way all the time and money that you invest in a Spring deep clean will not go to waste. Scheduling daily and weekly cleaning tasks will help to keep your workplace organized and clutter-free. This makes for a healthier and safer environment for you and your staff.

Spring is a great time to get your facility organized and safe. It is also a good time to set a precedent for cleanliness for the rest of the year. If you do not have the time or resources to get your facility in shape this Spring, or you just do not know where to start, contacting a reputable commercial cleaning company should be your first step.

 

 

 

 

31 Mar 2021
floor cleaning

Floor Care – Protecting Your Largest Asset

floor cleaning
caution for wet floor

Easily one of your facility’s largest (and most expensive) assets, your floors need to be properly maintained to ensure that they will last as long as possible. Proper floor care is essential for maintaining both the appearance and durability of your commercial floors. It is not enough to simply sweep and mop your floors every day. You should put in place a comprehensive floor care program to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

One of the best ways to implement a long-term floor care program is to hire a professional floor care company that understands how to properly maintain a variety of floor types. A qualified floor care professional will have the proper equipment, chemicals, knowledge, and experience to help you put together and implement a comprehensive floor care program.

Commercial floors come in a huge variety of materials and understanding how to care for your type of floor is extremely important. Professional floor care contractors will know not only how to determine what type of material your floor is made of but how to properly care for it as well.

VCT Tile Floor Maintenance

This resilient tile flooring is very durable and with proper care and maintenance will retain its appearance for years to come. Daily sweeping and dust mopping is essential to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris which can damage the tile’s finish. A damp mop or scrubber should then be used with a low-impact cleaner to remove any remaining particulate. VTC tile flooring should be regularly scrubbed with a scrubbing machine using a properly diluted cleaning solution and then rinsed with clean water. Once dry, these floors can be spray buffed or burnished to a high-gloss finish.

Ceramic Tile Floor Care

Ceramic tile flooring is relatively easy to maintain and with proper maintenance will deliver years of service. Like VCT tile, ceramic tile needs regular sweeping and mopping to remove dust and dirt which can dull and scratch the finish. The real trick with ceramic tiles is not the tile itself, but the grout lines between tiles. Over time, grout will inevitably become dirty and discolored.

How often your grout will need to be cleaned depends on the amount of foot traffic your floors receive. Your floor maintenance contractor will be able to help you determine a proper cleaning interval and will have the tools and experience to clean your grout lines quickly and efficiently.

Concrete Floor Maintenance

Again, daily sweeping and mopping are important to keep your concrete flooring in good shape. This is particularly true of polished concrete floors. In addition, concrete floors require regularly scheduled deep cleanings which typically involve machine scrubbers and professional application of cleaning agents. Like VCT tile, concrete floors can be sealed and burnished to provide higher shine and longer life.

Stone Floor Care

Stone floors come in a variety of materials each with its own unique maintenance requirements. Marble, slate, travertine, and granite are all popular choices for stone flooring and each has unique physical properties that require specialized maintenance programs. In addition, stone floors can be susceptible to chemical damage, so hiring a professional is always a wise choice. Floorcare professionals will know which chemicals are safe for your particular type of stone and will ensure that your floors receive the care that they need.

Wood Floor Care

Wood floors are both beautiful and expensive, they are also very susceptible to damage. Regular sweeping is recommended and cleaning with appropriate wood floor cleaning agents will help to protect your wood floors. But in the long run, you will want to work with your floor care specialist to have your wood floors properly cleaned and polished. Regular cleaning and polishing will not only keep your wood floors looking great, but it will also make them last for many years to come.

20 Mar 2021
commercial cleaning

Add Commercial Cleaning To Your Marketing Plan

commercial cleaning

There is no doubt that the past year has changed the way that many businesses do business, and it has changed the way many business owners market their business. In a world still gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more businesses are recognizing that commercial cleaning should be a part of their marketing plan.

It is no longer enough to allow in-house staff to manage your business’ cleaning regimen. Cleaning has become so intricately entwined with the safety and value of a business that many business owners are turning to commercial cleaning companies to meet the demands and alleviate the concerns of a post-pandemic public.

What Consumers Want

In a recent study commissioned by Vital Vio 76% of respondents said they’re going to hold businesses accountable for how they clean their spaces and 51% won’t patronize establishments that aren’t transparent about their cleaning practices. StudyFinds reported a whopping 82% of Americans “said they are now more aware of, and concerned about, cleaning protocols in public areas,”.

For businesses looking to bring back customers, these statistics should be seen as an important marketing opportunity. Regardless of what business niche you operate in, the most important aspect of any business is meeting customer needs and expectations. As these statistics show, customer needs and expectations have shifted in the post-pandemic world and there is much more emphasis being placed on cleanliness. In the customer’s eyes, businesses are responsible for protecting the health of their patrons, and the majority of customers want visible indications that a business is making every effort to meet this responsibility.

Why Commercial Cleaning Makes Sense

Experienced commercial cleaning companies have always been well-versed in proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Many commercial cleaning contractors even provide services to hospitals and medical facilities. The point is that these companies understand how to properly clean and disinfect. In a post-pandemic world, this level of expertise means a lot to consumers still concerned about safety in public spaces. Commercial cleaning companies are trusted by consumers to clean and disinfect things the right way. Businesses that openly advertise their utilization of commercial cleaning services benefit from this consumer trust.

How To Add Commercial Cleaning To Your Marketing Plan

If you are like most businesses you are already meeting customer demands by enforcing mask mandates, employee temperature checks, and the provision of hand sanitizers. These are all visible cues to consumers that you take their health and well-being seriously. The reality is that you have already added health and safety measures to your marketing program. Adding commercial cleaning is a logical next step that can set your business apart from the competition.

Hire a Qualified Contractor

The first step to adding commercial cleaning to your marketing plan is to hire a qualified commercial cleaning contractor. You should seek out commercial cleaning companies that have extensive experience, that have set cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and that have experience cleaning in hospital-grade environments. These are the companies that understand cleaning and disinfecting, cross-contamination, and what chemicals and procedures to use while cleaning.

Set A Cleaning Schedule

Step two is to decide whether you want your commercial cleaning crew to work during or after business hours. Having uniformed commercial cleaning crews or day porters work during business hours is a clear sign to customers that you are making every effort to ensure a safe environment. And in reality,  on-site cleaning personnel do promote a cleaner workplace. They will continually clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces throughout the day, ensure that bathrooms and entryways are clean and sanitary, and be there to address unplanned spills or weather-related messes.

Of course, for many businesses having a cleaning crew or day porter present during business hours is just not practical. For these businesses having your establishment deep cleaned after hours is a more logical choice. This ensures that your place of business is always clean and sanitary at the start of each day. These businesses can promote the fact that their establishments are professionally cleaned and disinfected through the use of prominent signage, websites, television, and other paid advertising platforms.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that consumers want to know what you are doing to protect their health and well-being when they are patronizing your business. And while masks and hand sanitizers can go a long way toward bolstering consumer confidence, customers want to know that the environment is clean and sanitary. Nothing can satisfy this desire more than the transparent use of a qualified commercial cleaning service.

 

 

10 Mar 2021
post-construction cleaning

Why Hire A Post-Construction Cleaning Contractor

post-construction cleaning

Construction sites are messy and they are fraught with the potential for injury. Hiring a professional post-construction cleaning contractor is the key to keeping your build site clean and organized. They have the tools, knowledge, and experience to manage the interval cleaning services required for construction projects that are winding down.

Construction cleaning is a massive, staged job that requires well-thought-out procedures, professional cleaners,  and appropriate equipment. When all the heavy construction is done a post-construction cleaning company can prepare your new building for the finishing touches by ensuring that debris is cleared, dust is removed and the building interior and exterior has been rough-cleaned.

They Understand The Process

Just as construction projects unfold in stages, so does construction cleaning; it is not a one-shot deal. A professional post-construction cleaning contractor understands that their cleaning will need to be phased to meet the needs of each stage of the construction project. At the very least, there will be three distinct phases of cleaning.

  • The rough cleaning phase prepares the building for finishing. This first phase is typically initiated after the framing, plumbing, and electrical have been completed and involves the removal of debris, dust, and trash as well as the removal of adhesives and masking materials. Cleaning crews will clean floors, baseboards, window sills, and dust high ceilings and hard-to-reach areas. This phase ensures that the building is clean before appliances, carpets, and furniture are installed.
  • The finishing phase involves a much more thorough and detailed cleaning in which floors are stripped and polished, carpets are vacuumed, restrooms and kitchens are thoroughly cleaned, and windows, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and other fixtures are cleaned and disinfected. The finishing phase ensures that the new building is ready for occupancy.
  • The final phase involves the thorough cleaning of the exterior and grounds. This phase of the post-construction cleaning process typically involves the removal of construction materials and debris from the construction site, and power-washing exterior walls, walkways, and windows.

They Understand Construction Site Safety

Construction sites can be dangerous and when cleaning crews are required to work during the post-construction stage they must adhere to strict safety protocols. A quality post-construction cleaning company understands construction safety and is aware of the hazards associated with construction sites.

Post-construction cleaning crews are equipped with personal protective equipment like dust masks, gloves, safety glasses, and even hard hats when necessary. More importantly, they are educated on the hazards commonly found in construction settings. Loose nails and screws, glass shards, trip hazards, silica dust, and chemical solvents are just a few hazards associated with post-construction cleaning.

They Are Efficient And Thorough

Smart construction project managers understand the value of specialization. They do not assign electrical work to the masonry crew or HVAC work to the framing crew. They understand that thorough and efficient cleaning should be assigned to a professional cleaning crew.

Professional post-construction cleaning crews are thoroughly trained in the ins and outs of construction cleaning. They have the equipment, training, and experience to not only do a thorough job but to do it more efficiently. This high-efficiency work saves you time and money and helps ensure that you can meet or beat project deadlines.

They Are Independent Contractors

There are advantages to working with independent contractors. They carry their own insurance, manage their own staff, and pay their own employees. In addition, they bring their own equipment and supplies, train their staff, and stand behind their work. This alleviates much of the headaches involved with using in-house staff to manage your post-construction cleaning and protects you from liabilities associated with work performed on your project.

Complete Care Post-Construction Cleaning

Complete Care Maintenance offers high-quality post-construction cleaning services throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your next construction project.

 

 

 

28 Feb 2021
disinfecting retail space

Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Retail Space

disinfecting retail space

With the Covid-19 pandemic still gripping the nation, operating a retail store can be quite challenging. It is difficult enough with occupancy restrictions and many people avoiding public spaces altogether. One thing is certain, providing a clean and safe environment for both staff and customers is of paramount importance. Here are some tips for cleaning and disinfecting your retail space:

Train Your Staff

Cleaning and disinfecting are two steps in a process that is designed to help reduce or eliminate germs and viruses on surfaces in your retail space. Your staff needs to be trained in how to properly clean and disinfect surfaces. It is no longer enough to just send them out with a rag and a bottle of Windex.

Staff members should know how to don appropriate PPE and should be required to wear gloves and masks when cleaning. In addition, they should understand that surfaces must be cleaned before they can be disinfected. They should be well-versed in the chemicals being used and know their efficacy and dwell time. They should be conscious of high-touch surfaces that require more frequent cleaning. Furthermore, they should understand what cross-contamination is and how to avoid it through proper cleaning protocols.

In the midst of a pandemic, the spread of germs and viruses is of great concern. A well-trained cleaning crew can be the difference between a germ-free retail space and a dangerous one. Conversely, a poorly trained cleaning crew can actually do more harm than good. Using dirty cleaning cloths and mops in multiple rooms and on multiple surfaces can literally spread germs throughout your retail space. This puts you, your staff, and your customers at risk.

Clean Continually

Retail spaces (especially those with a lot of foot traffic) require constant cleaning. High-touch surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized continually throughout the day.  Door handles, cash registers, credit card machines, shopping carts, and checkout counters are just some of the surfaces that are constantly in contact with people.  Consequently, these are the surfaces most likely to harbor germs and viruses.

For high-traffic retail spaces, there should be dedicated cleaners that work diligently to ensure cleanliness throughout your store. While this will require additional staff and payroll, it is the best way to ensure that your store is safe. In the long run, you may find that hiring a day porter or commercial cleaning company is a less expensive and more efficient solution. This ensures effective cleaning and disinfecting and instills trust from a customer’s perspective. Your patrons will appreciate the fact that you take their health and safety seriously and are actively promoting a safer shopping environment.

Encourage Good Hygiene

Not only should your staff be required to follow good hygiene practices like wearing face masks and regular hand washing. You should also encourage customers to do the same. Providing fresh face masks for those who do not have one and placing hand sanitizers throughout your store promotes good hygiene amongst your patrons. With the current health threat on everyone’s mind, most patrons will appreciate the fact that you are providing the resources that they need to stay safe.

Perform Daily Deep Cleanings

This is where a commercial cleaning company can really help to keep your retail environment safe. Daily, after-hours deep cleanings should be a part of any effective cleaning and disinfecting program. A qualified commercial cleaning company will have the tools and know-how to thoroughly clean and disinfect your retail space. You can begin each workday knowing that your environment is clean and germ-free.

Demanding times such as these require that we go above and beyond our normal routine and while it adds an additional burden for the retailer, in the long run, it builds customer confidence and can be the difference between a busy retail store and an empty one.