Category: Warehouse Cleaning

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.

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.

 

 

 

10 Sep 2022
warehouse cleaning

WAREHOUSE CLEANING IS DIFFERENT – HERE’S WHY

warehouse cleaning

Warehouse cleaning is different. Keeping an office or retail establishment clean is a challenging task. Keeping a distribution center or warehouse clean takes the challenge to a whole different level. 

Because these spaces are extremely large and typically have high ceilings, they have a tendency to collect a lot of dust and much of it builds up on high surfaces. High-surface dust eventually gets redistributed throughout the facility by fans, movement of goods, and HVAC systems.

Large expanses of hard flooring found in these workplaces require regular upkeep and specialized equipment. In addition, warehouses and distribution centers often include machinery and heavy equipment that constantly redistribute dust and debris.

On top of these complications are the typical cleaning challenges associated with office spaces, break rooms, restrooms, and other common areas throughout the facility.

WHY WAREHOUSE CLEANING MATTERS

As is true of any workplace and clean and sanitary environment promotes worker health and productivity. In a warehouse or distribution center cleanliness also reduces workplace accidents and injuries.

In addition, regular cleaning can reduce the amount of dust accumulation in the facility which can extend the useful life of machinery and heavy equipment, not to mention protect the products being processed.

Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can help mitigate dust and debris, improve worker productivity, and allow machinery and equipment to operate more efficiently.

AREAS TO ADDRESS DURING WAREHOUSE CLEANING

High Surfaces

High surfaces are common in a warehouse environment and can be extremely challenging to clean. The dust has a tendency to accumulate in these areas and is constantly being filtered down onto lower surfaces. 

Cleaning these areas typically requires the use of lifts or ladders and high-filtration vacuums and other specialized cleaning equipment. Because cleaning personnel must work at extreme heights, high-surface cleaning can be dangerous. It is always best to rely on professionals for this type of cleaning.

Warehouse Floors

Warehouse and distribution centers typically have large expanses of hard-surface flooring. Large floors like this can not be cleaned efficiently with a mop and broom. 

Maintaining floors of this size requires specialized equipment like mechanical scrubbers and sweeper machines. These machines should only be operated by trained individuals. 

In addition, different types of flooring require different types of maintenance. It is always best to consult a professional when deciding what types of cleaning solutions and equipment to use as well as the frequency of cleaning.

Waste Management

Distribution centers and warehouses produce can a lot of waste. They also need to manage a huge amount of recyclable materials. Packing materials, cardboard, paper, and plastic all need to be sorted and placed in the appropriate bins.

Many of these facilities operate for extended hours which not only increases the amount of waste and recyclable materials but also makes it more difficult to manage. This makes waste removal and the processing of recyclable materials an ongoing task.

General Cleaning

In addition to all of these specialized cleaning requirements, warehouse facility managers still have to deal with the general cleaning associated with any business operation. There are restrooms, break rooms, and office spaces that need to be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis.

These areas need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly during working hours to ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF WAREHOUSE CLEANING?

If you would like to learn more about the challenges of warehouse and distribution center cleaning take a look at this article. Or contact Complete Care Maintenance for a free on-site consultation.

10 Jun 2022
warehouse cleaning

MANAGING THE CHALLENGES OF WAREHOUSE CLEANING

warehouse cleaning

 

Any business that utilizes a warehouse or distribution center to store goods or equipment will require regular warehouse cleaning. Whether you decide to manage the cleaning in-house or hire a professional warehouse cleaning service is entirely up to you. When making this decision it is important to understand how to approach the task at hand and the costs associated with each option.

MAKE A PLAN

Warehouses present unique cleaning challenges and going in without a plan is just not an option. Proper warehouse cleaning requires a well-thought-out plan to ensure a thorough and complete cleaning. This is particularly true for large warehouses that may require special equipment and several hours of cleaning.

To construct your plan you will need to develop efficient cleaning processes and take into consideration the prep work required for each step. You will need to accurately estimate the time required to complete each step and the total time required to finish the job.

It is also important to consider what cleaning chemicals, equipment, and supplies you will need. For instance, if you have a large warehouse with high ceilings and massive floor space, you will require lifts and floor cleaning machines to manage the cleaning task.

MAKE THE TIME

Obviously, you can not efficiently clean an entire warehouse during business hours. Not only will this result in inefficient cleaning, it will also interfere with regular business operations.

Ideally, warehouse cleaning should be done after regular business hours or on weekends. This means if you choose to perform the cleaning in-house, you will need to schedule extra staff to get the cleaning done.

If you have done your due diligence in step one and made a good plan, you should have a fair idea of the amount of time and manpower required to complete the warehouse cleaning. 

Speaking of step one; do not forget the time required to make a proper plan.

SCHEDULE REGULAR CLEANINGS

It is important to understand that warehouse cleaning is not a one-and-done deal. As a rule of thumb, warehouse cleaning should be done at least once a month to ensure your warehouse stays clean. If your warehouse receives a lot of foot traffic, utilizes heavy equipment, or creates a lot of dust, you will likely require more frequent cleaning.

Bear in mind, that regular cleaning can reduce the amount of time required to get the job done and each scheduled cleaning may address different tasks. For instance, you may not need to dust high shelves every month, but should do so every other month. Likewise, your warehouse floors may not need polishing every time you clean but you will want to have them polished on a regular basis.

ADOPT A DAILY CLEANING CHECKLIST

Whether you do your warehouse cleaning in-house or hire professionals, adopting a daily cleaning checklist will make your monthly cleanings easier and more efficient. The daily dumping of trash bins, sweeping of floors, and removal of packaging materials will help keep your warehouse organized and free of clutter.

Some companies adopt a clean-as-you-go policy that helps ensure daily and monthly cleaning tasks are not overly burdensome. If dock workers are required to break down boxes after every shipment, it requires less time and effort at the end of the day.

FACILITATE CLEANING WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE

In order to manage your warehouse cleaning in-house it is imperative that you always have the requisite cleaning supplies on hand, that your trash dumpsters and recycle bins are emptied regularly, and that cleaning equipment if properly maintained.

This helps facilitate in-house cleaning by removing potential obstacles for your staff. Don’t give dock workers an excuse to let boxes pile up by neglecting to empty the recycle bin.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to warehouse cleaning. Many businesses consider professional warehouse cleaning services to reduce costs and save time.

A professional warehouse cleaning provider will already have efficient processes and protocols. They will already have the proper equipment and supplies. And they are specifically trained to thoroughly clean your warehouse. 

In addition, most qualified warehouse cleaning companies understand OSHA requirements and will customize a cleaning plan to meet your facility’s unique cleaning requirements. 

10 Mar 2022
warehouse cleaning

4 MUST-HAVES FOR WAREHOUSE CLEANING SERVICES

 

warehouse cleaning

Finding the right warehouse cleaning service can be challenging. Every facility has unique needs specific to its particular business. Choosing a cleaning service that can meet the needs of your facility requires an extensive vetting process. To ensure that your facility gets the services it needs at a price you can afford, there are several key considerations. Here are four of the most important things to consider when choosing a warehouse cleaning service:

1) Experienced Cleaning Personnel

Obviously, one of the most important things to consider when hiring a cleaning service for your warehouse or distribution center is the level of experience they have with facilities like yours. You should ask prospective providers for examples of other facilities that they have worked with and for references.

The more experience they have with facilities like yours the better. A provider that has experience with similar facilities will already have efficient and effective cleaning crews and protocols in place. They will be able to hit the ground running which saves you time and money.

2) Appropriate Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

Just as every warehouse is unique, so are the tools, equipment, and cleaning solutions required to effectively clean the facility. For instance, the equipment and cleaning protocols required for an industrial warehouse that deals with textiles are entirely different than those required for a cold storage facility.

Does your facility require equipment for high dusting? What types of floors are in your facility? What type of machinery? These are all important considerations when choosing a warehouse or distribution center cleaning service. You need to be sure they have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right.

3) Well Rounded Cleaning Expertise

Consider what other cleaning services you may need. If you have office space within your facility that requires regular cleaning, you’ll want to hire a contractor that can manage that as well. Floor stripping and waxing, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and restroom cleaning are all things that you may need your contractor to manage. You will want to ensure that they have experience in these areas as well.

Finding a contractor that can manage all of your cleaning needs is far more cost-effective and you may even find that some contractors offer discounts for bundled service packages.

4) Contract Options

Be sure that you understand the terms of the cleaning contract. Some providers require a set term of service while others may simply require a prior notice of cancellation. You want to ensure that you are not locked into a contract that may cost you more in the long term.

Most cleaning contractors are willing to negotiate the terms of the contract as they understand that your cleaning needs are unique to your facility. Ask about bundled services, discounts for term commitments, and be sure that the contract includes all of the services you require.

Choosing the right warehouse cleaning contractor does not have to be overly complex. The most important things to consider are the level of experience they have with similar facilities, whether they have the proper tools and equipment to meet your unique cleaning needs, are they able to manage all of your cleaning needs, and are the terms of the cleaning contract favorable.

Are You Looking For Warehouse Cleaning Services?

Complete Care Maintenance can help. We have decades of experience working with warehouses and distribution centers in a variety of industries and we have the tools, equipment, and personnel to get the job done right. Call or contact us today to learn more about our warehouse cleaning services. 

01 Oct 2021
warehouse dust

Distribution Center Cleaning For A Safer Workplace

A distribution center can be a dangerous place to work. A dirty and disorganized distribution center can be a deadly place to work. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average of 16 fatalities every year in the U.S. warehousing and storage sector and a reported injury and illness rate of 5 out of every 100 warehouse and storage workers. One of the easiest ways to improve worker safety in your distribution center is through professional distribution center cleaning.

How Commercial Distribution Center Cleaning Improves Worker Safety

A Clean Distribution Center Helps Reduce Slips and Falls

Professional distribution center cleaning removes clutter and obstacles that can result in tripping and falling accidents. Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common distribution center accidents. In fact, the HSE reported that in 2018/19, slips, trips, or falls accounted for the greatest amount of non-fatal injuries.

Slips, trips, and falls can often occur in a warehouse or distribution center environment because of the fast-moving nature of this type of work. Hazards such as discarded boxes, box ties, cables, or spilled substances can all cause injury. Failure to remove, identify or make safe a hazard is not only dangerous but also breaches health and safety protocols.

Distribution Center Cleaning Improves Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality can be two to five times worse than outdoor air quality and can pose a serious health threat to exposed workers, especially those suffering from asthma and other respiratory illness. Even for workers not affected by respiratory illness, poor indoor air quality can still result in health problems. Poor indoor air quality has been associated with headaches, fatigue, reduced concentration, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Regular professional cleaning can help reduce the amount of dust and allergens within your distribution center, providing cleaner, safer air for workers. This, in turn, can reduce absenteeism and workplace injuries due to a lack of focus. This results in greater worker satisfaction and increased productivity.

A Clean and Sanitary Distribution Center Reduces the Spread Of Illness

Even in a world free of a lingering pandemic, regular distribution center cleaning and sanitizing have proven to be the key to reducing the spread of germs. Professional distribution center cleaning crews understand the importance of cleaning and sanitizing your workplace. They are well versed in cleaning and sanitation protocols, how to mitigate cross-contamination, and the importance of disinfecting high-touch surfaces.

Professional cleaning and sanitation of your distribution center can help to mitigate the spread of disease in your facility. This helps reduce absenteeism and promotes a much healthier work environment for your staff.

Need Help Maintaining A Clean And Safe Distribution Center?

Complete Care Maintenance’s distribution center cleaning services are the perfect fit for distribution centers, manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, and large retail operations. Our warehouse cleaning teams use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques designed for cleaning large spaces. We work within all OSHA guidelines and always provide highly qualified and supervised crews. Call or contact us today for a free onsite evaluation and no-obligation quote.

 

 

 

 

10 Sep 2021
commercial warehouse cleaning

Commercial Warehouse Cleaning Equals Increased Productivity

The cleanliness of your warehouse plays a vital role in how in the productivity of your warehouse. A dirty warehouse can cause operational downtime, create hazards for workers and visitors, and negatively impact employee morale. Hiring a commercial warehouse cleaning company can eliminate these problems and help you and your staff achieve greater productivity. Let’s look at five ways that commercial warehouse cleaning can improve productivity.

A CLEAN WAREHOUSE PREVENTS ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

If there is one thing that can seriously impact productivity in your warehouse, it is an accident or injury. Not only do these types of events result in injury to staff, they typically lead to operational downtime, higher insurance premiums, and lower employee morale. Cluttered and messy warehouses can lead to slipping on wet floors, tripping over objects in walkways, injuries from objects falling from above, and more. According to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents causing 25% of reported claims each year. A commercial warehouse cleaning service helps ensure that your floors are uncluttered and free from obstructions. This improves ergonomics and visibility mitigating the risks of workplace injuries.

COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE CLEANING REDUCES MAINTENANCE COSTS

In order for warehouses and distribution centers to run efficiently, companies rely on a variety of equipment and machinery. Forklifts, pallet lifts, scissor lifts, and conveyors are just some types of machinery commonly found in warehouse environments. Keeping these tools operating efficiently and maintaining them to avoid costly repairs is a smart business practice. One of the main contributors to lost efficiency and increased repairs is dust. Dust and dirt can build can wreak havoc on moving parts causing premature wear and overheating. Commercial warehouse cleaning services can significantly reduce the amount of dust in your facility and promote greater efficiency and longevity of your machinery.

CLEAN WAREHOUSES PROMOTE BETTER INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

A clean and organized warehouse leads to more efficient inventory management. Having an organized warehouse enables a company to have better control of its warehouses processes, such as checking the shelf-life of products, managing stocks for write-off, and monitoring inventory levels to prevent overstocking or stock-outs. Organization helps improve the efficiency of picking and monitoring inventory levels, reducing staffing requirements, or allowing for reallocation of staff to other duties.

COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE CLEANING IMPROVES EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY

When management dedicates time and resources to maintaining a clean and safe warehouse, employees take notice. Studies show that employees are more likely to help maintain a facility’s cleanliness when management makes safety and cleanliness a priority. A clean workplace instills a sense of pride and ownership. Cleanliness and organization allow staff to do their jobs more efficiently. Things are easier to find, easier to get to, and equipment is less prone to failure.

A CLEAN AND ORGANIZED WAREHOUSE SHOWS PROFESSIONALISM

Modern warehouses have evolved to include more direct interaction with clients and stakeholders. Presenting your organization in a professional manner is essential to earning trust and respect from these individuals. A cluttered and disorganized warehouse gives the impression that the company does not care about the safety of its employees or products. Warehouse cleanliness is a reflection of your company and its values.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE CLEANING?

Complete Care Maintenance offers superior commercial warehouse cleaning services throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Call on us today to learn how we can help make your warehouse or distribution center cleaner and more productive.

 

10 Apr 2021
spring cleaning

Spring Cleaning Tips For A Safer Workplace

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. Afterall, the costs associated with workplace injuries are substaintial.

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 item 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.