Punxsutawney Phil, that famous ground hog we rely on to tell us spring is on its way, didn’t see his shadow. Spring is around the corner! When the snow is gone and the cold weather gets warmer, it often brings in dust, pollen and other debris into facilities. The winter weather also leaves behind leftover ice remover, such as rock salt, and general dirt and debris. It requires special attention during cleaning in early spring to keep the indoor environment clean.
Pollen causes what is often referred to as “spring allergies” or “hay fever”. This includes symptoms similar to a cold or flu, such as a runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing. Not everyone has allergies, but it does affect over 58 million people in the U.S. each spring, which is about 20% of the U.S. population. The reason some people have allergies is because their body’s immune system treats pollen like bacteria or a virus – this causes the body to release antibodies to fight the potential illness. Although allergies can be annoying, they’re generally mild allowing people to go about their normal daily activities. Some people suffer from much more severe condition, such as asthma, which can be caused by allergies from pollen. Continue reading
Because dirt and dust often goes unnoticed on windows, mirrors and other types of glass surfaces, they become very dirty and dusty overtime. Although many assume areas don’t hold dirt if their not touched or used, things like heating and air conditioning, static and other environmental factors can affect glass surfaces. Cleaning staff or contractors generally only cleans smudges and fingerprints during their cleaning schedule. When it’s time to clean the windows, mirrors and glass surfaces thoroughly, it requires a little extra work to get the job done properly with ease. If the facility has many glass surfaces, windows and mirrors, attempt to spread the work out overtime. 
Whether you use a cleaning service to clean for you or have your own cleaning staff, many areas often go neglected, especially in facilities that aren’t required to adhere to strict agency guidelines. Not only does it make your environment safer against potential germs and viruses, it keeps your facility more presentable. Many of the cleaning tasks are quick and easy. You can even get employees involved to accomplish some of these simple tasks during down time.
Many business and homes have a basement. Whether it’s finished or unfinished, it also requires cleaning on a routine basis to ensure it’s sanitary and germ-free for items stored in it and those who have to go into it. Even if your basement isn’t used, it should be cleaned on a routine basis. While the attic tends to get hot during summer months and cold during winter months, the basement is always damp for numerous reasons, no matter what season it is. A variety of cleaning products and equipment can be used to make the basement a healthy environment for individuals and items stored in the basement.
Although there are many resources available to assist in understanding what the best practices are for cleaning childcare facilities, there are no official government standards. Whether you have a cleaning service clean a childcare facility or internal staff take on the responsibility, it has to be a team effort to ensure the facility is not only clean, but sanitized and disinfected routinely. All employees and cleaning staff should be trained regarding the basics of how the childcare facility should be cleaned. 
Chemical Proportioning Systems allow many business that prepare chemicals to be diluted properly to use for a variety of cleaning tasks. Not only does it assist in the dilution process, they also make it safer and less time consuming for employees to do the dilutions. Over-diluting won’t get the job done properly – especially in facilities that have strict requirements about the amount of chemicals used. Under-diluting can waste chemicals, making you purchase more chemical products overtime and spend more money.
Proper disinfection of laundry can assist in avoiding illness, germs and other diseases that cause potential harm to you, your family or customers in your business. For many years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Agriculture have studied how naturally-occurring compounds and man-made disinfectants can help disinfect laundry to keep homes and facilities clean, germ-free and healthy. Generally a combination of water temperature, specific disinfectant products and following manufacturer instructions can assist in keeping your laundry clean and healthy. 
Insects and other pests can become a nuisance in almost any area. Not only on farms that raise animals and grow a variety of plants, but any facility that isn’t sealed tight at all times that attract visitors, also invites pests. Some pests are hard to get rid of, others can be dangerous to children and adults. To ensure the health of you, your visitors, animals, crops and lawn, consider a pest control products that meet the needs of your home or business. Please note: Because these products are designed to kill pests, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required while handling the products. Read the product instructions carefully before using. 
When your business wins a contract for a new cleaning client, it’s critical to prepare for the tasks ahead. If they hire you, it’s generally because the previous cleaning contractor didn’t do the job correctly. Being well prepared and taking the time to tackle potentially tough cleaning jobs will assist in getting ahead of the game, saving you time and money.
