Residential Cleaning | Complete Care Maintenance Cleaning

01 Nov 2023

Residential Cleaning mj@5150design.net 0 comment

10 Cleaning Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

Cleaning is an essential part of our daily lives. We all have our cleaning routines, but sometimes, they are based on misconceptions rather than scientific evidence. We are here to set the record straight and debunk some common cleaning myths with evidence-based explanations and solutions to help you clean more effectively and efficiently.

Myth 1: Hot Water Kills All Germs

One of the most persistent cleaning myths is that hot water alone can effectively kill germs and bacteria. While hot water can indeed help in cleaning, it’s not a guaranteed germ killer. The truth is that to eliminate most germs, you need water at a temperature much higher than your tap water can reach.

Debunked: Instead of relying solely on hot water, use disinfectants or anti-bacterial cleaners, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal germ-killing effectiveness. Moreover, proper handwashing is more effective in preventing illness transmission.

Myth 2: Vinegar Is a Universal Cleaner

Vinegar is a popular home remedy for cleaning, but some people believe it can clean anything. While vinegar is effective for certain tasks, it’s not a one-size-fits-all cleaning solution.

Debunked: Vinegar is acidic, which makes it great for dissolving mineral deposits and cutting through grease. However, it can damage some surfaces, such as natural stone countertops, due to its acidity. Always check if vinegar is safe to use on a particular surface before cleaning.

Myth 3: Paper Towels Are the Best Way to Clean Glass

Many people believe that paper towels are the ideal choice for cleaning glass surfaces, as they are thought to leave a streak-free shine. But there’s more to it.

Debunked: Microfiber cloths are the superior choice for cleaning glass. They trap particles, dirt, and oils more effectively, leaving the glass truly streak-free. Using a microfiber cloth with a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar works wonders.

Myth 4: Cleaning Products Need to Foam to Work

The foaming action of cleaning products often makes us feel like they are working effectively. Many believe that more foam means a better clean.

Debunked: Foam doesn’t equal effectiveness. In fact, excessive foam can make rinsing more challenging, leaving residues on surfaces. Effective cleaning products may not produce a lot of foam but will get the job done.

Myth 5: Bleach Is the Ultimate Disinfectant

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, but some people think it’s the only solution to keep their homes germ-free.

Debunked: While bleach is indeed an effective disinfectant, it’s not always necessary. There are other disinfectants and cleaners available that can provide a safer and more pleasant cleaning experience. Be cautious when using bleach, as it can release harmful fumes if mixed with other cleaning agents.

Myth 6: Cleaning Sponges Are Self-Cleaning

Sponges are often used to clean countertops and dishes, but they can harbor germs and bacteria.

Debunked: Sponges need cleaning too! Regularly sanitize your cleaning sponges by microwaving them for one to two minutes or running them through the dishwasher. Replacing sponges frequently is also a good practice.

Myth 7: Dusting Makes Allergies Worse

Many people shy away from dusting because they believe it stirs up allergens and makes indoor air quality worse.

Debunked: Regular dusting with a microfiber cloth or a damp cloth can help reduce allergens by capturing and removing them. Avoid feather dusters or dry cloths that can disperse allergens into the air.

Myth 8: Air Fresheners Clean the Air

Air fresheners often mask odors, leading to the misconception that they clean the air.

Debunked: Air fresheners merely mask unpleasant odors and do not clean the air. To improve indoor air quality, consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter or opening windows for ventilation.

Myth 9: You Can Never Over-Clean

Some people believe that more cleaning is always better, but over-cleaning can have negative consequences.

Debunked: Excessive cleaning with harsh chemicals can damage surfaces and reduce the effectiveness of cleaning products over time. Stick to regular cleaning routines and use cleaning agents as directed.

Myth 10: Cleaning Can Be Done Quickly and Effectively

Any professional cleaning company can tell you that rushing through cleaning tasks can lead to incomplete or ineffective cleaning.

Debunked: Effective cleaning requires time and attention to detail. Rushing can result in missed spots and unsatisfactory results. Develop a cleaning routine that allows you to thoroughly clean each area.

Conclusion

Cleaning myths persist due to misconceptions passed down through generations. By debunking these myths and adopting evidence-based cleaning practices, you can achieve a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment. Cleaning effectively requires a combination of the right products, techniques, and a little knowledge. So, say goodbye to these myths, and welcome a more efficient and successful cleaning routine.

31 Jan 2023

Floor Cleaning, New, Post-construction Cleaning, Property Management Cleaning, Residential Cleaning Mr Choco 0 comment

5 Tips to Make Your Rental Property More Appealing

Owning an investment property can be a lucrative business. But to make the most of your rental property, it’s important to make sure that your rental appears inviting and attractive to potential renters. Here are five tips from Complete Care Maintenance for making your rental more appealing so you can attract the best possible tenants, along with some next steps to help you pursue your real estate dreams.

1. Add Popular Amenities

Adding popular amenities such as in-unit washers/dryers, modern appliances, and hardwood floors will help make a rental more attractive. Installing these features can also increase the value of the property significantly.

2. Update Outdated Fixtures

Updating outdated fixtures and finishes is a great way to add value to an investment property while also increasing its appeal. This may include replacing old carpets with modern hardwood flooring or updating kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops. Westpark Loans explains that by making their rental more modern, landlords can attract better tenants and increase their returns on investment.

3. Deep Clean The Property

It’s important for landlords to deep clean their rentals before showing them off to potential tenants. Deep cleaning involves going beyond regular cleaning tasks such as vacuuming and dusting by sanitizing surfaces, steam cleaning carpets, and scrubbing tile grout in bathrooms and kitchens. Doing this will ensure that the rental looks spotless before prospective renters view it. Complete Care Maintenance can manage the deep cleaning of your flooring and grout so it will shine for your new tenants.

4. Install Home Security System

Installing home security systems like motion sensors, video cameras, alarm systems, window locks, etc., is a great way to both protect your investment property from break-ins and make it more appealing to potential tenants. Renters want peace of mind knowing that their home is safe from intruders or burglars; having a security system installed at the rental will give them that peace of mind they desire.

5. Upgrade your Home with Curb Appeal

Making sure that the outside of your investment property looks attractive is essential when trying to attract quality tenants. Investing in landscaping services or adding outdoor lighting can instantly make a rental look more appealing from the outside while also increasing its value significantly over time.

Secure Your Investment With An LLC Designation

At this point, you have put a lot of work into your property, which means it’s time to make an important decision: will you continue on your path to rent out the home or consider it a house flip that you will sell for a profit? Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages. Selling puts money into your pocket more immediately and, depending on the market and the cost of your upgrades, can yield a tidy profit. But renting the property will give you a steady stream of income for a longer period of time. Both are good options, so you should weigh them carefully before you proceed.

Regardless of which option you choose, you should protect your investment by choosing an LLC (Limited Liability Company ) designation for your business. This type of business entity protects personal assets from being used in case there are any legal disputes involving their investments. This type of protection shields investors from any financial losses due to lawsuits or other claims made against them.

Choose If You Want To Hire A Property Manager

If you’ve decided to continue on your rental property path, hiring a property manager may be beneficial, especially if you have – or plan to have – multiple properties. A property manager will handle all tenant inquiries, maintenance issues, rent collection, etc. for you, but for a fee. Property managers are knowledgeable about all aspects of running a successful rental business, so having one on board could help take some stress off of landlords.

Advertise Your Rental

According to Avail, advertising your rental online through sites like Zillow is one of the best ways to get qualified prospects into your unit quickly. Social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc . are also great places to advertise rentals since they have large user bases which allow landlords access to wide ranges of audiences.

In addition, print advertising via newspapers or magazines might also be useful depending on where you live. An infographic is a great way to advertise in both print and digital media. Plus, you can use free templates to design an attractive and informative visual aid to show potential tenants the upgrades you’ve made and the positives you want to highlight about the property. Just decide on your content, choose a template, make your changes, and it’s ready to share!

Prioritize Your Property’s Appeal

Making sure that your investment property looks appealing should be one of your top priorities as a landlord if you want quality tenants who pay their rent on time every month without any problems arising during the tenancy period. Make some strategic improvements and hire Complete Care Maintenance to detail your restrooms, kitchen and floors before taking pictures and showing the property. In no time, you’ll have great tenants knocking on your door to rent.

01 Dec 2021

Commercial Cleaning, Floor Cleaning, Office Cleaning, Residential Cleaning mj@5150design.net 0 comment

Carpet Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid

The carpet in your home, office or workplace represents a significant investment, and failure to properly care for your carpet can lead to reduced lifespan and costly replacement. On the other hand, if you take good care of your carpet it can last for years. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when it comes to carpet cleaning and maintenance.

Dirty carpets are not only unsightly, but they harbor a lot of dirt, dust, and pollutants which can break down carpet fibers. A recent study by Dr. Philip Tierno of NYU Langone Medical Center found that a single square inch of carpet can contain as many as 200,000 bacteria. The pollutants and bacteria in your carpets can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers and those with respiratory illnesses.

Obviously, it is important to clean and maintain your carpets both at home and in the workplace. The key is to do it properly and avoid these common carpet cleaning mistakes:

FIVE COMMON CARPET CLEANING MISTAKES

Neglecting Regular Vacuuming

Aside from periodic professional cleanings, the best way to maintain your carpets is with regular vacuuming. A high-quality vacuum can remove more than 80% of dry soil and pollutants from your carpet. Vacuuming should be done at least twice a week and more often in high-traffic areas. Vacuuming lifts out dirt and dust that breaks down carpet fibers and also lifts the carpet fibers to provide a much fuller look and feel.

Many people fail to vacuum regularly or vacuum their carpets too quickly. Vacuuming should be done slowly with a smooth back and forth motion to allow for deeper, fuller cleaning.

Using Rented Carpet Cleaning Machines

While it may seem like a cost-effective option when your carpets are due for a deep cleaning, rental carpet cleaning machines are nowhere near as effective as the high-pressure cleaning provided by professional carpet cleaners.

In some cases, a rented carpet cleaning machine will actually do more harm than good. These machines are often ineffective at extracting the water and shampoo used to clean your carpets. This leaves the carpet wet for an extended period of time which can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

Using The Wrong Stain Removal Product

Carpet fibers are made from a variety of different materials and stain removers will react differently to different carpets. Just read the label on any carpet stain removal product. You are bound to see a disclaimer instructing you to test the product on a small inconspicuous area before using it.

It is important that you follow this recommendation as some chemicals will react poorly with some carpets and can lighten or darken your carpet. It may even cause the stain to bleed making it even more unsightly.

Using Cheap Carpet Deodorizers

Powder carpet deodorizers can result in the buildup of gunk in your carpets. These powders are difficult to remove even with a quality vacuum and can even make a mess of your vacuum. Over time the leftover powder gets ground into your Capet fiber and causes the fibers to break down.

We should note that powder deodorizers do not remove odors from your carpets, they simply mask them. This can lead to a false sense of cleanliness that may delay a needed professional cleaning.

Not Using A Professional Carpet Cleaning Service

The best way to maintain your carpets and extend their useful life is by having them regularly cleaned by a professional. Most carpet manufacturers recommend regular steam cleaning and some carpet warranties are contingent upon regular professional cleanings.

At Complete Care Maintenance, we utilize a high PSI steam injection process that deep cleans your carpets. This is followed up with a high PSI extraction that removes almost every ounce of dirt, grime, bacteria, and moisture leaving your carpets looking and feeling like new.

20 Aug 2021

Commercial Cleaning, Residential Cleaning mj@5150design.net 0 comment

Indoor Air Quality – A Guide Toward Improving

Indoor air quality plays a vital role in our health and quality of life. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend on average 90% of their lives indoors where concentrations of some pollutants are 2-5 times higher than they in the great outdoors. People who are most susceptible to the adverse effects of poor air quality (the elderly, the very young, and those with respiratory disease) tend to spend more time indoors than others. With these facts in mind, it is easy to see why indoor air quality matters.

Impacts of Poor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality is the source of many health problems, from irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It is known to cause asthma attacks (especially in children) and is associated with adult-onset asthma, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

In workplaces and schools, these impacts often result in poor concentration, reduced productivity, increases in absenteeism, and added healthcare costs.

Improving Indoor Air Quality With Proper Cleaning

There are many pollutants that cause foul air in indoor environments from dust and pet dander to insecticides, paints, and even cleaning supplies. Many of the pollutants found indoors originate outside and are inadvertently brought into a building on the shoes and clothing of occupants. One of the most important steps you can take to improve indoor air quality is to use proper cleaning techniques.

Cleaning Guide

Using entryway mats

Using entryway mats (both indoors and out) to help trap dirt, dust, and other pollutants that are hitching a ride on peoples’ shoes is a great start. Of course, in order for the mats to remain effective, they need to be cleaned regularly.

Use cleaning chemicals properly

Many cleaning chemicals contain pollutants (including volatile organic compounds) which are released into the air when sprayed. You can reduce the impact these chemicals have on indoor air quality by adjusting spray bottles to stream rather than mist and by spraying on a cleaning cloth rather than directly on the surface to be cleaned.

Keep restrooms, kitchens, and breakrooms clean

These areas are often home to food particles, spills, organic pollutants, and standing water, all of which can produce molds and mildew that adversely affect indoor air quality. Food particles and spills when left unattended can introduce pests to your indoor environment which can lead to increased use of pesticides.

Use microfiber cloths and mops

Using microfiber cloths and mops can also help to improve indoor air quality. Traditional mops and cleaning cloths have a tendency to spread dirt around, leaving it to become airborne once it dries. Microfiber traps the dirt and removes it. Be sure that your cleaning equipment is properly cleaned after each use.

HEPA filters

Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum. Textiles like carpets and upholstery trap dirt, dust, and bacteria. In fact, your carpet can hold up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch! Frequent vacuuming of rugs, carpets, and upholstery removes much of this debris and HEPA filtering ensures that it is not re-released into the air.

Green cleaning

Use ‘green’ cleaning products and techniques. Green cleaning products are less toxic than traditional cleaning chemicals and most are free of volatile chemical compounds. Switching to green cleaning chemicals and green cleaning procedures can have a profound impact on indoor air quality. In a study performed by the EPA at a Washington DC elementary school switching to green cleaning chemicals and procedures, reduced airborne dust inside the building by 52%, volatile organic chemical (VOC) concentrations decreased by 49%, bacteria decreased by 40%, and fungi colony-forming units decreased by 61%.

Need Help With Your Indoor Air Quality?

Need help developing a cleaning program to improve indoor air quality in your home or workplace? Complete Care Maintenance can help you to develop an effective policy for controlling indoor air pollution, which can help improve the overall health of employees and family members, improve productivity, and reduce healthcare costs.

10 Aug 2021

Commercial Cleaning, Corporate Cleaning, New, Residential Cleaning mj@5150design.net 0 comment

Common Cleaning Products You Should Never Mix

Let’s start with a simple rule of thumb: Never mix cleaning products!

Whether you are cleaning in a commercial environment or tidying up around the house, cleaning thoroughly typically involves a variety of cleaning products. No one cleaning product works well for every surface and the typical cleaning product inventory contains enough chemicals to make your head spin – literally.

Even seemingly similar products designed for the same purpose often utilize different chemicals to achieve their objectives. These chemicals when mixed with other chemicals can cause some pretty serious chemical reactions. In most cases, these chemical reactions result in the formation of gases, many of which are detrimental to your health. In other cases, these chemical reactions can result in small explosions, which again, are not good for anybody.

Bleach is a cleaning product found in virtually every household and it is far and away one of the most dangerous products in common use today. If you are considering mixing bleach with anything other than water, think again. Bleach is especially toxic and it makes our list several times when combined with other cleaning products.

Still, bleach is not the only culprit. There are many combinations of cleaning products that can cause you great bodily harm. Read on to learn more.

Common Cleaning Products That Don’t Mix

Bleach and Ammonia – You may have heard about this nasty combination. A mixture of bleach and ammonia creates a chemical reaction that results in the formation of chloramine gas which generates acid in the lungs and can be deadly. Even moderate exposure to chloramine gas can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, we encourage you to seek medical attention immediately.

It is important to note that many cleaning products contain bleach and many other cleaning products contain ammonia. This is why we began this article with the ‘Never mix cleaning products!’ rule of thumb. Glass cleaners, oven cleaners, and even ordinary dish liquids may contain ammonia or other chemicals that react badly with bleach.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar – This one may surprise you. After all, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar both seem pretty harmless. Right? When used by themselves these two common cleaning products are relatively harmless. However, when the two are mixed, they form peracetic acid. Peracetic acid is corrosive and while it may not kill you, it may damage the surfaces you are applying it to.

Drain Cleaners and Other Drain Cleaners – Mixing two different drain cleaners is an easy mistake to make. First drain cleaner doesn’t clear the drain, go to the store and buy a stronger one. Right? Wrong! Different drain cleaners often use different chemical combinations to achieve their goal of clearing the hairball from your drain. These different chemical combinations can result in the formation of toxic gases and in some cases may cause an explosion. So, if your hairball needs an extra dose, be sure to buy the exact same cleaner you used for the first attack.

Bleach and Drain Cleaners – If you are still struggling with that hairball after two doses of drain cleaner, do not reach for a jug of bleach for your third attack. A mixture of bleach and drain cleaner can produce chlorine gas which can have long-lasting effects and may require medical attention. It might be time to call a plumber instead.

Bleach and Vinegar – Bleach and vinegar is another chemical combination that produces chlorine gas. Symptoms you might experience from inhaling this toxin are burning eyes, a burning sensation in your throat, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Rubbing Alcohol and Bleach – As you can see, bleach is a partner in many bad chemical reactions when mixing cleaning products. When mixed with rubbing alcohol it produces chloroform and chloroacetone, both of which are toxic. According to chemist Alexander Lu of Dong Research Group, “Chloroform can be used to knock people unconscious, and it is suspected to cause cancer. Chloroacetone is no better, having been used as tear gas in World War I.”

Need Help With Your Residential or Commercial Cleaning?

Complete Care Maintenance offers a variety of commercial and residential cleaning services. Our professional cleaning crews are well versed in the chemicals used in commercial cleaning products and we always follow strict safety protocols. Give us a call to learn how we can help!

30 Jul 2021

2021, Office Cleaning, Residential Cleaning mj@5150design.net 0 comment

Carpet Cleaning – 5 Gross Reasons to Hire a Professional

Even if you vacuum your carpets on a regular basis there are still some pretty nasty things hiding in those carpet fibers. According to microbiologist Dr. Philip Tierno of NYU Langone Medical Center, carpet can contain a shocking 200,000 bacteria per square inch. That’s more than your toilet seat! While regular vacuuming can help, nothing works as well as professional carpet cleaning.

So, What’s Hiding In Your Carpets?

GERMS AND BACTERIA

As was noted above, your carpets can contain more bacteria than the average toilet seat. Most of these bacteria arrive via the footwear that you wear every day. The University of Arizona conducted a study that investigated germs collected on footwear. Participants of the study averaged a staggering 421,000 units of bacteria on the outside of the shoe, and 2,887 on the inside. While most of this bacteria stays on your footwear, a great deal of it ends up in your carpet.

Most of these bacteria are harmless but the study found some pretty nasty stuff in this bacterial soup. E. coli, known to cause intestinal and urinary tract infections, meningitis, and diarrhea; Serratia ficari, which can cause infections in both the respiratory tract and wounds; and Klebsiella pneumonia, known to cause wound and bloodstream infections as well as pneumonia – just to name a few.

DEAD SKIN CELLS

The average human sheds 1.5 million skin cells each day. Multiply that by the number of people in your home or office and you can quickly see how it piles up. While the thought of dead skin cells piling up on your carpet is creepy enough, the real problem is the dust mites that feed on them. Dust mite waste is a leading cause of indoor allergies, a major problem for allergy sufferers, and a prime suspect in the onset of childhood asthma.

ANIMAL FECES

That’s right. We said animal feces. In the study conducted at the University of Arizona, 96% of participants were found to have fecal bacteria on their shoes. It turns out that even if we are careful to avoid stepping in poop, somehow we still do. What is worse is that the transfer rate of bacteria from shoes to your carpets is a staggering ninety to ninety-nine percent.

BUGS (LOTS OF THEM)

A study published in the journal PeerJ found that a large number of tiny animals — arthropods — are taking up residence in modern human dwellings. In 50 houses in and around Raleigh, N. C., the research team found about a hundred different species of arthropods in each home. Carpeted dwellings were found to harbor more bugs than non-carpeted buildings and in addition to the live critters, there were hundreds of dead ones as well.

MOLD

Mold requires four things in order to thrive: moisture, oxygen, a food source, and a surface to grow on. The carpeting in homes and offices can provide a suitable environment for mold to thrive if conditions are right. Basement carpets, carpets in areas of high humidity, and carpets that have been wet are at especially high risk for mold growth.

Mold produces allergens as well as irritants and potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and asthma attacks in those with asthma.

How Professional Carpet Cleaning Can Help

Routine deep cleanings of your carpets can go a long way toward reducing the number of nasties that thrive in your carpets. Professional carpet cleaning utilizes high-pressure injection and extraction equipment that removes most foreign material from your carpets. If you would like to learn more about how professional carpet cleaning services can refresh your home or office, call the pros at Complete Care Maintenance.

20 Jun 2021

Commercial Cleaning, Residential Cleaning mj@5150design.net 0 comment

Green Cleaning: Why It Matters

With concerns about the state of our natural environment, individuals are intent on making smarter, more environmentally sound decisions. From eating veggie burgers and recycling plastics to driving electric vehicles and reducing waste – going green is the in thing! People realize that their actions can negatively impact the environment and many are making lifestyle changes as a solution. One such lifestyle change is switching to green cleaning products.

What Is Wrong With Traditional Cleaning Products?

Let’s face it, we all want clean and healthy homes and workplaces. Traditional cleaning products have been helping us to achieve this goal for a very long time. In fact, they are so ingrained in our culture that many of us still use the same cleaning products that our parents and grandparents used. If it was good enough for grandma, it should be good enough for us, right?

What grandma did not know is that many of the chemicals in traditional cleaning products are both detrimental to our health and the environment. Many of the chemicals used in traditional cleaning products are caustic and can cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation. Many have been linked to early-onset asthma in children.

In fact, According to the Environmental Protection Agency, of the more than 2.1 million janitorial workers in the U.S., 6% suffered workplace injuries due to chemical exposure. Long-term studies have shown that some chemicals contained in commercial cleaning products can be linked to cancer, depressed nervous systems, and birth defects.

Common Chemical Culprits

The health risks associated with traditional cleaning products are low. In fact, in many cases the risks are outweighed by the benefits they provide. The impact on the environment can be much more severe. Several common chemicals used in traditional cleaning products have been identified as having negative environmental impacts.

Ammonia

Ammonia is an air pollutant and a major source of nitrogen oxide which is toxic for plants and the animals that eat them.

Triclosan

Triclosan is an anti-microbial commonly found in household detergents, anti-bacterial soaps, and other disinfectants. Of the household products that contain Triclosan, 96% of the chemical volume gets washed down the drain. Of course, this means it ends up in rivers, lakes, and streams. Some by-products of Triclosan (Dioxins) have been proven to cause cancer as well as immense developmental issues in almost every vertebrate species. Triclosan has been found in 57.6% of all rivers and streams tested in the U.S.

Bleach

Sodium hydroxide (Household Bleach) is commonly used for washing clothes, cleaning toilets, and unclogging drains. As such, it is typically poured directly into wastewater and can not be filtered out. Bleach forms chlorinated organic compounds, including known carcinogens that are absorbed by organisms and enter the food chain.

Phosphates

Phosphates are commonly used in household detergents and are known to cause eutrophication which spurs excessive algae growth. Eutrophication is the prime suspect for large algae blooms that cause red tide. Large algae blooms absorb huge amounts of oxygen from the water and can kill off entire marine ecosystems.

How Green Cleaning Products Help the Environment

Green cleaning products are biodegradable, meaning that they do not persist in the environment. The longer any foreign compound or chemical persists in the environment. Consequently, the more likely it is to have negative effects.
Green products have low toxicity. Less toxic chemicals are much safer for plants and animals and because they are biodegradable. Therefore, they are far less likely to enter or persist in the food chain.
Green cleaning products have low VOC content. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. Some VOCs are dangerous to human health or cause harm to the environment. Most VOCs are not acutely toxic but may have long-term chronic health effects.
Most green cleaning products are shipped with minimal or sustainable packaging. It follows that their production is less impactful on the environment.

How To Find Green Cleaning Products

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

Green Seal – Green Seal is a non-profit, green cleaning certification authority that has been around since 1989. They evaluate the entire life-cycle of cleaning products to ensure that they meet both independent and international standards.
Safer Choice – Safer Choice is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (E.P.A.) certification program for green products and is designed to help individuals and businesses find products that are safer for human health and the environment.
ECOLOGO – ECOLOGO certifications are provided by Underwriters Laboratories, a company that has been developing safety standards for more than a century. ECOLOGO certifies products, services, and packaging for reduced environmental impact.

Need Help With Your Green Cleaning Initiatives?

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

01 Jun 2021

2021, Business Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Corporate Cleaning, Healthcare Cleaning, Office Cleaning, Residential Cleaning mj@5150design.net 0 comment

Avoid Cross-Contamination When Cleaning

Oftentimes the spread of germs is facilitated by cross-contamination. Cross-contamination is defined as the transfer of bacteria or other microorganisms from one substance to another. Surprisingly, cross-contamination often occurs as a result of cleaning. While this may sound counter-intuitive, poor cleaning practices are a major source of cross-contamination. Professional cleaning companies recognize this fact and put in place procedures and protocols that are designed to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination.

How To Avoid Cross-Contamination When Cleaning

Use Smart Cleaning Processes

Putting cleaning processes in place helps ensure that cleaning duties are performed in a consistent manner. Smart cleaning processes take into consideration the risk of cross-contamination and focus on taking steps to prevent it.

Always start with a clean pair of gloves and fresh cleaning equipment.
Clean one area at a time.
Always clean from top to bottom, wiping down surfaces with an effective cleaning solution.
Spray disinfectant on all high-touch surfaces like desks, phones, doorknobs and push plates, elevator buttons, counters, railings, and all bathroom surfaces, following manufacturer recommendations for saturation and dwell time.
Finally, clean the floor starting from an inside corner and working your way toward the exit.
Place cleaning cloths, mop heads, and other used cleaning tools in a plastic bag and dispose of your gloves when you finish.
Repeat this process for every area that you clean, never using the same cleaning cloths, mop heads, etc.

Color Code Your Cleaning Supplies

Color-coding cleaning supplies is an excellent way to reduce cross-contamination. For instance, always having ample supplies of cleaning cloths in pre-defined colors can help cleaning crews avoid using the same cloth in two distinctly different areas. A simple color-coding system might look like this:

Red – Red clothes and equipment marked in red are designated for high-risk areas like toilets and urinals.
Yellow – Yellow cloths and equipment are designated for medium-risk surfaces like restroom sinks and countertops.
Green – Green is designated for lower-risk areas such as office areas and non-prep food surfaces.
Blue – Blue cleaning supplies are reserved for low-risk surfaces like glass and mirrors.

With a color-coded system like this, you can avoid can mitigate cross-contamination and more easily monitor workers to ensure they are following protocols.

Choose The Right Tools

Choosing microfiber over traditional cloths and mop heads is a big step forward in reducing cost-contamination. Traditional cleaning cloths and mop heads are made from absorbent cotton fiber. One study conducted by the University of California Davis Medical Center in collaboration with the EPA that traditional wet loop mops reduced bacteria by 30%, while microfiber mop heads showed a 99% reduction in bacteria.

Microfiber traps bacteria in the fibers of the mop while wet loop mops capture bacteria in the water molecules. Every time a wet loop mop gets dunked in a body of water the bacteria are released, only to be redistributed on the surface being cleaned. Microfiber employs positively charged particles to trap dust particles which is where the bacteria hide. It is a much more effective method for removing bacteria from surfaces.

Like microfiber Hepa filters do a better job of trapping dust particles that harbor germs and bacteria. Traditional vacuums typically employ a cotton or polyester fiber filter that fails to hold the dust as well as the fiberglass and charcoal found in a Hepa filter. Selecting a Hepa filter vacuum will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Segregate Cleaning Staff

Assigning designated staff members to areas throughout your facility is a great way to mitigate cross-contamination. Allowing the same individual to clean the restroom and the kitchen can easily create cross-contamination concerns.

People, whether they realize it or not can collect and carry germs and bacteria on their clothing, shoes, hands, and hair. Limiting cleaning crew staff to designated areas helps to reduce the risk of transmission.

Employ A Commercial Cleaning Company

A well-organized and well-managed commercial cleaning company will already have these protocols and procedures in place. They will be fully versed in the use of proper chemicals and equipment, and they understand how to clean and disinfect virtually any surface.

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