Category: Commercial Cleaning

16 Jun 2020
construction cleaning

4 Reasons To Hire A Post Construction Cleaning Company

construction cleaning

Post-construction cleaning is a lot different than your typical cleaning project and it requires advanced planning, proven safety practices, and proper equipment. A professional post-construction cleaning crew will meet all of these requirements and will bring experience and know-how to the job site.

Planning Ahead

A professional post-construction cleaning company knows to plan ahead. They will visit the site prior to sending a cleaning crew to familiarize themselves with the project details. They will evaluate the site for safety hazards, debris removal requirements, and overall project depth. This onsite visit will allow them to determine equipment and resource needs and to prepare a detailed plan to get the job done thoroughly and efficiently.

Safety First

Construction sites often pose safety hazards that are not typically a concern with other cleaning projects. There may be building equipment and materials still on-site, or even active construction nearby. There is often heavy debris, stray screws and nails, and other hazards that cleaning crews need to be aware of and prepared for.

Reputable commercial cleaning companies provide regular safety training for their staff. Well-managed crews are familiar with OSHA standards and are fully bonded and insured. A knowledgeable post-construction cleaning company will ensure that their cleaning crews are wearing appropriate safety gear and are familiar with how to safely manage onsite hazards.

Appropriate Supplies and Equipment

Post-construction cleaning often requires some pretty heavy-duty cleaning supplies and equipment. For instance, the standard household vacuum cleaner will struggle in a post-construction environment. Loose nails and screws, chunks of drywall and cement, and copious amounts of dust are likely to ruin a typical vacuum cleaner. A professional post-construction cleaning service will have the necessary safety gear, heavy-duty cleaning supplies, and appropriate equipment to manage the job from start to finish.

A Phased Approach

Smart post-construction cleaning companies will typically use a phased approach, starting with the interior of the premises. Rough cleaning of the interior will include the removal of large debris, dusting from top to bottom, the removal of window stickers, and overspray, followed by a thorough sweeping of the floors. The goal of rough cleaning is to eliminate as much dust and debris as possible to prepare the interior for a more thorough cleaning.

Phase two involves the detailed cleaning of the interior. This will include cleaning and disinfecting all interior surfaces including windows, cabinetry, appliances, countertops, sinks, showers, tubs, walls, and baseboards. Finally, the floors will be scrubbed and polished to make the premises move-in ready.

The third phase of the post-construction cleaning process will involve the exterior of the premises. Removal of debris, washing of exterior windows and doors, sweeping and dusting of entryways and exterior lighting, and thorough cleaning of parking lots, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces. This ensures the curb appeal that will make your property shine!

In Conclusion

Post-construction cleaning is a heavy-duty task that is better left to professionals. A reputable commercial cleaning company brings knowledge, experience, and proper supplies and equipment to the job site. Hiring a professional post-construction cleaning crew will ensure a more thorough, safe, and efficient cleaning, and they will leave your new premises ready for occupancy.

 

10 Jun 2020

How To Improve Hygiene In The Workplace

office hygiene

With Covid-19 still wreaking havoc in the world, office hygiene is more important than ever. Business owners need to protect themselves, their staff, and their customers as best they can and proper workplace hygiene is essential. Here are a few tips on how to promote better hygiene and a healthier workplace.

Educate Your Staff

It is important that everyone on your staff understand the importance of proper hygiene in the workplace. They need to be aware of the severity of the situation and they need to understand that everyone plays a role in keeping each other safe.

Practice Social Distancing

Even in the workplace social distancing rules should be adhered to. Employees should not be allowed to congregate, work stations should be separated, and sharing of resources should be discouraged. The simple act of loaning a coworker a pen could be the catalyst for an outbreak.

Make Face Masks Available

Many positive cases of Covid-19 are asymptomatic. This means that many individuals are not even aware that they are carrying (and spreading) the virus. Making single-use face masks available to your staff and clients, and encouraging their use is an excellent way to limit the spread of viral agents.

Consider Daily Temperature Checks

Investing in a contactless, infrared thermometer and requiring staff to undergo a quick check for fever prior to beginning their workday can help ensure that no one enters the workplace when sick.

Make Hand Sanitizer And Sanitizing Wipes Available

There should be hand sanitizer at every workstation and employees should be encouraged to use it. In addition, you should make sanitizing wipes available to your staff and encourage them to wipe down desks, counters, door handles, etc. after every use. This is especially true for shared resources like printers, telephones, copy machines, and the like.

Schedule Daily Cleanings

Whether you prefer to set aside time at the beginning of the workday or the end, scheduling time for daily cleaning is an important step in preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses. Cleaning should include all workspaces, electronics (keyboards, mice, monitors), restrooms, breakrooms, door handles, vending machines, and other high-touch items.

Ensure That Soap Dispensers Are Restocked Daily

One of the most effective ways to stop the spread of viruses is simply washing your hands. Soap dispensers in restrooms, breakrooms, and kitchen areas should be restocked daily to ensure that your employees and customers have access to soap for handwashing.

Leave Interior Doors Open

Door handles are one of the most touched items in the workplace. You can help limit the number of times that these items are touched by simply leaving interior doors open. If possible, consider leaving the exterior entrance and exit doors open as well.

Encourage Those Who Feel Ill To Stay at Home

If a staff member feels ill they need to stay home. You should have policies in place that encourage employees to take a sick day if they are not feeling well. A single worker can quickly infect an entire team if they choose to come to work when ill. Make sure that your staff understands that they are responsible for protecting the health of others.

Consider Hiring A Commercial Cleaning Company

Hiring a commercial cleaning company is a great way to ensure that your workplace is properly cleaned and sanitized. These are professionals who understand how to thoroughly clean and sanitize commercial spaces. In addition, many commercial cleaning companies will restock hygiene products like soap, sanitizers, toilet paper, and paper towels.

 

04 Jun 2020
green cleaning

Going green and clean: Top eco-friendly commercial kitchen and office cleaning tips

green cleaning

Office and Commercial kitchen and cafeteria cleaning don’t need to be back-breaking, noxious-smelling activities to be feared. In this article, we’ll give you some advice on office cleaners, and commercial green cleaning products, and go through some ways to save the environment at work.

 

We’ll look at:

  • Traditional office and kitchen cleaning supplies
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products
  • The power of steam cleaning
  • The pros and cons of the DIY eco-cleaner
  • Deep kitchen cleaning checklist
  • Office cleaning tips
  • Other ways to go eco-friendly in the office

Read on to discover how to go green and join other eco-friendly businesses that are helping save the environment.

Keeping your kitchen and office clean and tidy is a basic business health and safety requirement. It’s necessary to help keep your employees and customers happy and healthy. There are expert teams out there who specialize in professional kitchen cleaning and office cleaning so you can be confident you’re meeting all the guidelines. But if you’re looking for ways to be green about your cleaning, it may be a good idea to talk to them about the chemicals and equipment they’re using in your workplace.

Traditional office and kitchen cleaning supplies

While effective and excellent at killing germs and viruses, a lot of the harsh chemicals used to clean professional workspaces are bad for the environment. Some even contain phosphates, which can be harmful to aquatic life. Others use hydrocarbons and compressed gas, which is terrible for air pollution and global warming. And that’s not even taking into account the single-use plastic and packaging that a lot of these come in.

Having a conversation with your kitchen and office cleaners about sourcing more environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and methods is a simple way you can go green and clean.

Eco-friendly cleaning products

People can be skeptical about sanitizing offices and cleaning kitchens with green products, but they’re just as effective at removing dirt, grime, and bacteria. Swapping to eco cleaners is the first (and easiest) step you can take in your ‘how to be greener’ journey. And what’s great is that there are loads of products out there that fit the bill, such as degreasers, surface cleansers, and even washroom supplies.

Using more products like these is responsible, effective, and good for the environment.

The power of steam cleaning

When it comes to kitchen cleaning and sanitizing, there are so many extra spaces you have to consider. Ceilings can become caked in grease, kitchen ducting can harbor dust, and grates, drains, and sinks can start to smell so much sooner thanks to the fat and food waste siphoned away.

There’s a lot of potential for bacteria in a kitchen, so regular deep cleans are necessary to help avoid customer illness and keep your business compliant with all regulations. But these deep cleans don’t need to be full of harsh chemicals and commercial green cleaning products – Steam cleaning is one of the best ways to be green and clean.

Steam Cleaners can reach temperatures between 66-149° C, so they’re certainly hot enough to kill germs, melt grease and remove a multitude of stains with zero scrubbing. And there’s not a chemical or cleaning agent in sight. You can steam clean your floors, surfaces, and appliances. They’re ideal for those out-of-reach places too. Just be careful not to use them on anything porous or prone to heat damage.

The pros and cons of the DIY eco-cleaner

In your eco-friendly cleaner research, you’re sure to come across some do-it-yourself cleaning solution recipes. Vinegar sprays, lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda solutions – they’re all well-known for their home-cleaning prowess, but are they suitable for use in commercial kitchens and offices?

They’re certainly effective, but having overwhelming vinegar and lemony smells in a kitchen could be confusing for cooks. You need to take into account the time some of these take to work. Some bicarbonate of soda oven-cleaning hacks need overnight soaking to break down stains.

Using pantry staples may seem like a low-cost, eco-friendly option for cleaning your kitchen and office, but you’ve got to consider the time spent, any leftover scents, and overall effectiveness. Professionally produced cleaning products are thoroughly checked for their efficiency – can you say the same for your homemade vinegar/bicarb solution?

Deep kitchen cleaning checklist

To help you stay on top of it and to keep those germs at bay – here’s a kitchen cleaning to-do list of things to consider and areas you shouldn’t forget:

  • Think about introducing rubber mats to trap dirt and runaway food – Brush and clean these daily
  • Sweep and mop the floors with eco cleaners, degreasers and disinfectants
  • Clean high-traffic touchpoints like door handles, switches, etc. daily
  • Don’t forget hard-to-reach and inaccessible areas such as ceilings, lighting, shelving, etc.
  • Keeping all your appliances clean will improve efficiency – don’t forget to scrub those seals and shelves
  • Clean the kitchen vents and kitchen ducting regularly.
  • Give the rubbish and recycling bins a clean to reduce smells

Office cleaning tips

Offices aren’t as high-maintenance as a commercial kitchen, but there are areas that need special attention as well:

  • Introducing rubber kitchen mats or rugs will trap dirt and spills – you can buy machine-washable ones for ease of use
  • Clean high-traffic touchpoints like door handles, switches, and desks daily
  • Vacuum regularly and thoroughly clean carpets at least once per year – consider a steam carpet cleaner as a green alternative
  • Keep the fridge and other communal appliances clean to improve efficiency and longevity
  • Clean the inside and outside of the bins to reduce unwelcome smells
  • Encourage staff to keep workspaces clean. This includes keyboards, monitors, and other equipment.

Other ways to go eco-friendly in the office

As well as making your cleaning greener, there are other ways to help the environment at work. For example, adding some plants and greenery to office spaces – they’re great for increasing oxygen levels and they create a welcoming atmosphere. To reduce the use of energy and encourage natural light, keep your windows clean both inside and out. And you could get some recycling bins and only choose reusable cups and plates.

Banishing paper towels is another great option – microfibre towels are super absorbent and you can get loads of different kinds of low-energy hand dryers these days. You should also consider smarter dispensers and sensor taps – they’re much more hygienic and reduce water consumption too.

There are so many different ways you can help the environment and keep your commercial kitchens and offices clean, all you need to do is take that first step.

28 May 2020
cleaning and disinfecting

Disinfecting Surfaces The Right Way

disinfecting

With many businesses set to reopen in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners are working hard to ensure safe and clean work environments. For many business owners, this means hiring a commercial cleaning company. For others, it involves setting strict standards for in-house cleaning crews. Either way, it is vital that whoever is responsible for cleaning and disinfecting your workplace knows how to do so properly.

Clean First

Too often people rely on disinfectants alone to sanitize hard surfaces in the home and workplace. The fact of the matter is that you need to clean and disinfect and while most of us focus on the disinfecting part of the equation, cleaning is even more important.

Dirty surfaces are covered in clusters of germs called biofilm that is resistant to disinfecting chemicals. These germs need to be removed before a disinfectant can effectively kill lingering viruses and bacteria. To do this you should clean all surfaces with a soap and water solution which helps break up the biofilm and will remove most of the germs and bacteria on the surface.

Always use separate cleaning cloths for each surface. Using the same cleaning cloth on multiple surfaces only spreads the germs around the entire workplace, a phenomenon known as cross-contamination. Disposable cloths are best as you will need at least two cloths to clean and disinfect each surface.

Then Disinfect

Only once you have cleaned with soap and water is a disinfecting chemical able to sanitize the surface, but you can’t just spray and wipe. All disinfectants have what is called a ‘dwell time’ which is the minimum amount of time the disinfectant needs to stay on the surface before it will kill any remaining germs.

Most disinfectants will list their dwell time on the back of the bottle and they can range from thirty seconds to several minutes. Be sure you know what the dwell time is for your particular disinfectant and leave it on the surface long enough to do its job. Again, use a separate cloth to wipe the disinfectant off of the surface and then toss it in the trash.

Dispose of All Cleaning Cloths

It is important to note that the novel coronavirus has been known to survive on paper and tissue for three hours or more and on cloth for two days. Properly disposing of the cloths used to clean and disinfect your workplace helps to ensure that the virus is not lingering in your trash receptacles.

Need Help Disinfecting Your Workplace

If you are looking fora commercial cleaning company to help with the cleaning and disinfecting of your workplace, Complete Care Maintenance can help. Call or contact us today to learn how we can help keep your New Jersey business clean and safe for both staff and customers.

08 May 2020
restroom cleaning

Your Public Restroom and Your Reputation

restroom cleaning

Your business’ reputation is one of your most important assets, and as a business owner, you likely invest a great deal of time and effort into nurturing it. Reputation is not something that you can buy, it is a reflection of other people’s opinions and impressions of your business, its employees, and its services. Making a good first impression is the first step toward building a positive reputation.

While most business owners recognize that cleanliness is important to making a good first impression, many do not extend that philosophy beyond the lobby and reception area. Despite the common sense appearance of this thought process, you might be surprised to learn that customers are likely more concerned with the cleanliness of your restrooms.

According to a survey conducted by Bradley Corporation, the cleanliness of your restrooms is a major deciding factor with regard to customer perceptions of your overall business. According to the survey results:

  • 69% of customers believe an unclean restroom indicates insufficient management
  • 67% of customers experience a lowered opinion of the company when restrooms are dirty
  • 63% of customers equate an unkempt restroom with a low degree of care for visitors’ comfort by the company

Each statistic makes it painfully obvious that the cleanliness of your public restroom has a direct impact on your customers’ satisfaction levels.

What Can You Do?

While everyone appreciates a clean restroom, no one wants to clean them. For most businesses maintaining a clean and sanitary restroom can be challenging and many use a commercial cleaning company to do the job for them. The key here is hiring the right company.

When considering commercial cleaning companies to manage your restroom cleaning needs there are several important things to consider. Obviously you want a company that is experienced, but you also want a company that can manage all of your restroom needs.

Your commercial cleaning company should:

  • Clean and disinfect all areas of the restroom with particular emphasis on high-touch areas like door handles, stall doors, faucets, hand dryers, and dispensers.
  • Clean and disinfect toilets and urinals, including hard to reach areas behind toilets and urinals
  • Clean and sanitize floors, walls, and countertops
  • Clean and sanitize sinks
  • Empty trash
  • Restock soaps, toilet paper, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, urinal cakes, and other restroom supplies.

Having a commercial cleaning company manage your restroom cleaning needs ensures that your restrooms are an asset to your company and that they reflect a positive image for your business. Your customers will appreciate it, your staff will appreciate it, and you will be assured that your clients and customers are not forming poor opinions of your business due to poor restroom maintenance.

 

 

27 Apr 2020
polished concrete

Top Tips For Maintaining Polished Concrete Floors

polished concrete

The good news is that while polished concrete floors are not maintenance-free, they generally are easier to maintain than other types of decorative concrete floors since they require no waxing or sealers. Still, without proper maintenance, your beautiful concrete floors will eventually lose their luster. This is especially true of floors in high-traffic environments like retail stores and commercial facilities.

Here are a few pro tips for maintaining your polished concrete floors:

1) Frequent Dust Mopping

Dust and dirt particles are abrasive and can scratch and mar the surface of your polished concrete, dulling the shine. Frequent dust mopping helps reduce the amount of dirt and abrasives present on your floors and will promote a longer-lasting luster.

2) Wet Mopping

Even with frequent dust mopping, more stubborn dirt particles will persist and you will need to use a wet mop to remove these particles. Always use clean water, a clean mop, and a pH neutral cleaning agent formulated to suspend dirt particles. While a mop and bucket are likely sufficient for smaller areas, an automatic scrubber with non-abrasive pads makes larger areas much more manageable.

3) Clean Spills Immediately

Spills and stains are the nemeses of polished concrete and should be addressed immediately so they are not absorbed into the concrete.  Use clean water and a pH-neutral cleaning agent to address stubborn spills and allow the cleaner enough time to break up any grease or grime before mopping. Do not allow the cleaner to dry on the surface as this too can damage the floor.

4) Use Floor Mats

In entryways and other high-traffic areas, consider using floor mats to protect your floors and to provide a means for people to wipe their feet upon entering your facility. Be sure to regularly vacuum your floor mats and remove them during wet and dry mopping. Just because they are there does not mean the floor underneath is maintenance-free.

5) Burnish Your Floors

Even with proper maintenance concrete floors may eventually lose their luster. If your polished concrete loses its shine you should have your floors burnished. This will bring back the original luster and leave your floors shining like new again.

Need help maintaining your polished concrete floors? Complete Care Maintenance can help! Call us at 1 (609) 275 8227  for a free no-obligation quote.

 

18 Apr 2020
office cleaning

Spring Cleaning Your Office

office cleaning

Spring cleaning is something that many of us do at home when the weather begins to warm up, but it is also a great time to get your office spruced up. The long cold winter month can take a toll on office floors and windows and every office can use a good thorough cleaning at least once a year. If you’re ready to give your office a much-needed refresh, here are a few tips to help make your spring cleaning efforts pay off.

Plan and Stay Ahead

Believe it or not, many businesses get the spring cleaning bug and professional office cleaning companies are often quite busy this time of year. You will want to plan ahead and set a specific date and time to have your office professionally cleaned. Take the time to fully evaluate your office cleaning needs and find a provider that can manage it all. A good office cleaning company will be happy to schedule in advance and most will provide after-hours services to avoid business interruption.

Floors Require Special Attention

The winter months are particularly hard on your office floors. Whether your floors are hardwood, tile, polished cement, or carpet they need to be professionally cleaned. You will want to ensure that the cleaners you hire have experience with a variety of floor types and that they have the knowledge and equipment to do the job right. Nothing will brighten your offices like freshly polished floors and deep-cleaned carpets.

Don’t Forget Windows And Doors

Entry doors and windows are also hard hit during the winter months and they are high-touch surfaces that require disinfection. Not to mention, they are often the first thing that clients and customers see when they visit your office. Ensuring that these areas are squeaky clean will promote a good first impression. A quality commercial cleaning company will pay particular attention to these areas.

Never Ignore Conference And Break Rooms

Conference and break rooms are often forgotten when people think of places in the office that may need some attention. These are areas where employees gather, prepare food, eat, drink, and kick back.  These areas in your office can harbor all manner of germs and bacteria and they deserve a thorough cleaning and regular maintenance.

Desks, Electronics, And Office Equipment

Believe it or not, the average office desk harbors more germs and bacteria per square inch than the typical toilet seat. Yikes! The same is true of electronics and office equipment. Just consider how many germs might be present on the office phone or copy machine. These are high-touch items that need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

Restrooms

One thing is true about restrooms: everybody wants a clean restroom, but nobody wants to clean the restroom. Still, if you are like most businesses, you likely clean your restrooms on a daily basis. The question is, just how clean are they? While you are having professionals clean the other areas of your office, it makes sense to let them put their expertise to work in your restrooms.

Get Started Today

Complete Care Maintenance understands that every office is as unique as the people who run them. This is why our services are based on the needs and requirements of your office or office building. We will work with you to put together a custom spring cleaning plan for your office and get your spring cleaning done right! Do not settle for anything less than high-quality office cleaning services. Contact the experts of Complete Care Maintenance at 1 (609) 275 8227  and let us help get your office building ready for spring!

 

08 Apr 2020
business cleaning

A Clean Lobby Makes a Great First Impression

business cleaning

First impressions are everything and for many of your customers, your office lobby is their first opportunity to take stock of your company. While it is important to maintain cleanliness in all areas of your organization, the lobby should be a priority. Below are just a few tips that will get you on your way to making a great first impression with your office building’s reception area.

Pay Attention To Your Entryway

Let’s face it, your main entryway is easily one of the most trafficked areas in your building. It is where nearly everyone enters and exits the building. Because there is so much foot traffic in your entryway the floors accumulate more dirt and grime and doors and windows tend to get smudged.

It is important to ensure that carpets and floors are properly maintained in this ever-so-visible space. Daily vacuuming and/or dust mopping should be a priority as should attention to any spills or stains.

Do not forget the doors, windows, and outside entryway as well. Debris outside your lobby smudges on the glass doors, and noticeably dirty door handles are not going to give your clients a positive impression of your business.

Desks And Reception Area

A clean and tidy reception desk helps make for a good first impression. Like your entryway, the reception desk gets a lot of traffic. Be sure that carpets and floors receive the attention that they should and always maintain a clean desk.

Do not forget the chairs in waiting areas, these too are well-used and should be cleaned on a regular basis. Nobody wants to sit in a chair with noticeable stains or accumulated dust.

Shed Some Light On Your Windows

Natural sunlight is a great way to brighten the office and give it a more airy feel however that sunlight often reveals dust, smudges, and other noticeable dirt not always visible under artificial light. Be sure that your windows are cleaned both inside and out on a regular basis, so you and your clients can enjoy the natural light without the unsightly smudges.

Do not forget the window sills as they are natural dust collectors. Be sure to wipe them down when cleaning the glass.

Bad Smells Leave Bad Impressions

Sometimes when we spend too much time in a building we become immune to the odors that persist there. A dirty ventilation system can be a source of unpleasant odors and clients will certainly notice if your lobby smells bad. Dust, dander and other contaminants that accumulate on a daily basis can build up in the ventilation system and leave your lobby smelling stale.

Regular dusting of surfaces (including high-surface areas) and daily cleaning can help mitigate this problem. If the smell persists, it may be time to call a professional to clean out your ducts.

A Good First Impression Is Easier Than You Think

Establishing a great first impression with your office lobby is easier than you think. Take the first step and establish a cleaning regimen with your trusted commercial cleaning service company. Your clients or customers will notice a clean and professional ambiance to your workplace.  Start making those first impressions count and contact us today.