In many ways, deep cleaning is like car maintenance: if you do regular checks and some deeper cleaning tasks regularly, you can often prevent bigger issues from arising. If you have ever driven a vehicle and seen the check engine light suddenly come on, you may have wondered what was going on and how it could have been avoided. To improve health and safety in schools, deep cleaning practices are essential. With foot traffic decreasing and schools moving at a slower pace during the summer months, it’s the perfect time to deep clean areas of the building to maintain a healthier facility.

Deep Cleaning Goes Beyond Routine Cleaning and Disinfection Tasks

Using car maintenance as an analogy, routine cleaning is like a drive through car wash or an oil change. Deep cleaning is more thorough and does not need to be done as frequently, like changing a car’s transmission fluid. These types of tasks are more detailed and time-intensive, focusing on larger spaces and areas that may be difficult to access regularly. In a facility, deep cleaning enhances appearance and eliminates germs, mold, dust, and other potentially harmful matter that can accumulate over time. As an example, you may frequently take out the trash, but it’s also important to clean and disinfect the receptacles too.

K-12 Schools Need a Deep Clean 

As a place where children spend much of their time, K-12 facilities must prioritize deep cleaning for health and safety. When deep cleaning protocols aren’t in place, surfaces may be overlooked during routine cleaning. An example of this is window glass where harmful germs can survive for up to 12 weeks¹. Like germs causing illness, exposure to indoor allergens and irritants like dust, mold, and mildew can result in missed days of school each year². To ensure that schools are adequately cleaned and prepared for students, now is the time to establish deep cleaning practices if they are not already in place.

Tuning Up Your Cleaning Practices

US Janitorial will establish an effective and efficient deep cleaning program in your facility.

1. US Janitorial Conduct a facility assessment to determine areas of your facility that may be difficult to clean regularly. When was the last time your facility’s supply closet was thoroughly cleaned, for example?
2. US janitorial Develop a deep cleaning schedule: Unlike routine cleaning, deep cleaning is needed periodically (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, etc.). to determine at what frequency your facility’s deep cleaning tasks should be completed. 
3. US janitorial Establish protocols: Create or adopt standardized deep cleaning processes that provide specific guidance on how to perform tasks safely and efficiently. Staff members should be trained and able to complete tasks to the required standard.
4. US Janitorial Identify necessary tools and products, and consider what products and equipment are required for the job. For example, if we are cleaning trash receptacles, we will use a ready-to-use broad-spectrum disinfectant. Ensure all supplies are available for a successful deep cleaning and don’t forget personal protective equipment (PPE).
5. US Janitorial document the time needed for deep cleaning: documenting how long each task takes to help with planning for this work to be effective and efficient in the future. Keep in mind that certain tasks may require moving furniture or items which could require extra time.

As we enter the end of the school year, planning your deep cleaning schedule will help set you up for success as you smoothly cruise into a new school year, like a vehicle just outfitted with new tires.

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Due to an increased focus on cleaning and disinfecting, electrostatic sprayers have become a popular way to effectively disinfectant large surface areas. Traditional methods for cleaning surfaces and objects are time-consuming and often just spread dirt and germs around. Electrostatic disinfection can help manage cross-contamination better, especially in large indoor spaces such as schools, offices, businesses, etc.

How Do Electrostatic Sprayers Work?

Electrostatic disinfecting is a quick and easy way to evenly coat a surface with a disinfecting solution. Electrostatic sprayers apply a positive charge to liquid disinfectants as they pass through the applicator nozzle. The positively charged disinfectant droplets are then attracted to negatively charged surfaces, which allows for efficient and accurate coating of hard nonporous surfaces.

Germs and bacteria spread on hard to reach areas fast. Conventional spray disinfecting methods often overlook these areas and it’s virtually impossible to disinfect every inch of a room by hand. With an electrostatic sprayer, you can disinfect 10,000+ sq. feet of an area with a single solution tank. Another huge benefit is with the droplets being electrically charged, they actively seek out surfaces, allowing them to stick to and wrap around all sides of an object. This makes completely disinfecting a wheelchair in a hospital or a desk in a school a task that just takes seconds.

What Chemicals Are Used With an Electrostatic Sprayer?

BruTab 6S disinfectant sanitizer tablets are easy to use and more conducive for widespread applications with shorter dwell time. EvaClean PurTabs are another tablet-based solution option. Depending on the size of the tablet you use, the mixture ration and dwell times will be different.

For a concentrated disinfectant option, we recommend Pioneer Eclipse Nova disinfectant. It can be diluted out but requires 10 minutes of dwell time to be effective against viruses similar to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

When using any product, always follow the directions and safety information on the labels. Also, follow the directions and safety information that accompanies the electrostatic sprayer for proper solution use.

Is an Electrostatic Spraying System Right for You?

Electrostatic spray disinfection could be the right solution for you if you have rooms and surfaces that need to be completely disinfected, hard to reach cleaning areas or facilities that are sensitive to germs and bacteria. It’s the best method to eliminate germs and viruses that can easily spread.

The main benefits are:

• Reduces the time it takes to disinfect all surfaces by at least 50%

• Prevents cross-contamination and helps to control the spread of viruses such as influenza, MSRA, COVID-19, and others

• Prevents overuse of disinfectants by applying solutions more efficiently and evenly

Types of facilities that can benefit from electrostatic disinfection:

• Commercial buildings

• Residential homes and apartments

• Casinos, theaters, and event centers

• Offices

• Retail stores and malls

• Restaurants and bars

• Hospitals, assisted living facilities, and clinics

• Schools and daycares

• Hotels

• Buses, trains, and transit systems

If you’re interested in learning more about electrostatic equipment technology, contact our cleaning specialists for more information. You can also browse the selection of electrostatic disinfecting sprayers we carry.

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Things have changed at the office. We are all a little more careful, a bit more cautious, and definitely more aware of surfaces that we never were before.

It used to be that most of us considered a clean desk to be one without food crumbs or coffee splashes.  Now, it’s what you can’t see that you are worrying about.

This article will discuss the 10 most common spots you need to know your cleaner has disinfected, and how to assure yourself it’s being done.

1. Door Handles

We all know that it’s the first thing you touch most morning. All professional cleaners will wipe door handles as a matter of course.

You should notice that chrome surfaces are shiny, and less shiny surfaces have no marks or scuffs on them.

2. Door jams

Think about it, while you’re opening the door, what are you doing with your other hand? Not everyone touches the frame around a door, but enough people do that it’s worth checking now and then that your cleaners have a disinfectant spray that gets used there.

3. Telephones

This is probably the most touched surface in any office. Cleaners very rarely miss this one, but if you notice there are still crumbs between the number keys, or the display is hazy, leave a note for next time.

4. Keyboards/Mouse

office

Generally speaking, you might be the only person touching these items. Yet, a weekly wiping will keep you from re-infecting yourself during cold\flu season, and you will definitely notice if it’s not done weekly – sticky keys are a dead giveaway.

5. Chair armrests

Most modern offices have ergonomic chairs with armrests. They are touched by every single person who sits down.

You should see the surface looking new and unmarked if it has been properly cleaned.

6. Coffee Pot Handles

If anything is touched by everyone in the office, this is it. Hopefully your office has a dishwasher which will disinfect, and hopefully this is done frequently.

7. Copier and Fax Control Panels

Again, most offices have communal machines, and most office cleaners cover this in a thorough clean. However, it is easy enough to check as a damp cloth will almost certainly leave marks on display screens.

Maybe it’s not beautiful, but it is reassurance this HTP has been covered!

8. Desk Edges

Imagine the scenario: you sit down at your desk, the chair begins to roll backward, where do you grab on? Reception areas and desks where clients sit definitely need a good disinfecting daily, and it’s easy enough to spot if you clean it yourself just once.

9. Interac/Point of Sale machines

No explanation needed, but this is one of those items that you may want to clean several times throughout the day.

10. Anything with a volume knob or dial

Radios, speakers, and other audio items might be used throughout the week, and should be disinfected often. Check with your cleaner about their schedule of cleaning these items if you can’t tell when it was done last.

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CLEANING

Removes dirt, grease, debris and many germs by scrubbing with soap (detergent) and water.

SANITIZING

Reduces the number of disease causing germs to a “safe level” (99.9% killed).

DISINFECTING

Kills disease causing germs on surfaces. This process is accomplished with germicides or physical agents such as high heat. We have Green solutions and state of the art Machines to disinfect your Business.

Most surfaces need to be cleaned, while high touch points need to be sanitized and disinfected.

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When you hire a commercial cleaning company, you aren’t doing so that you don’t have to clean the office space. Hiring a professional cleaning company is an investment in your business and its future. If you’re looking for an office cleaning service, there are certain things you can look for to find the most trustworthy company. Keep reading to learn more.

The Office Cleaning Service is Well-Known and Well-Reviewed 

If you google “ Janitorial services near you,” you’re bound to have dozens of potential options in your area. Unfortunately, it can seem overwhelming when you’re trying to choose the right company for for your janitorial needs.

Fortunately, there are some tips for choosing the right Janitorial service. For starters, when you browse websites, take a look at how long the companies have been in business. While a new business won’t necessarily be bad, you’ll be able to learn more about a more established company. Once you’ve narrowed down some options, start looking at reviews. Whether you check out Google reviews or look to social media, personal testimonies can tell you a lot about a company. Once you think you have an idea of the company you want to hire, give them a call and work out schedules, services, pricing, etc.

The Company’s Employees are Professional

The best Janitorial services train their employees to follow proper cleaning procedures and be professional. This means that the cleaners will know about safe chemical usage and storage and be polite and courteous when in your space.

Members of the cleaning team should wear uniforms and carry ID cards. If they do, you’ll know the company is serious and wants to ensure they put their best image out there for customers. In addition, ID cards will help you identify staff members, and you will be able to identify them to managers in the event of a question or feedback. If you have an issue with a cleaning team member, it’s important to let the supervisor know. The sooner the issue is resolved, you will be able to get back to focusing on work.

The Cleaning Staff Do Not Rush

Depending on whether you have cleaning staff present during work hours or after the business day is over can make a difference in how they do their jobs; however, it shouldn’t affect the quality of the work.

You should try to schedule professional cleanings around times best suited for your team, but that might not always be possible. Even if they have to come in the middle of your workday, cleaning staff should still take their time to clean efficiently. If you notice they seem to be speeding through areas, you could notice signs later that they didn’t provide certain spots with the attention they needed. While you don’t necessarily need to worry if the cleaning company you hire is speedy, make note of any inefficiencies.

The Cleaning Company Uses Safe and Effecting Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning commercial offices where people regularly work can be challenging, especially with how toxic cleaning agents can be. You want to ensure your cleaning service uses safe but effective cleaning supplies. Take the time to as what types of cleaning supplies they use to clean different types of surfaces. Depending on the respiratory health of your employees, you want to ensure no one is put in any danger.

You may also want to ask if the company has environmentally-friendly products. Depending on the products and services, green products can be more expensive, but using them often has more advantages than disadvantages. The state of the closet or area where your cleaning supplies are kept can also give you an idea of how clean your office is getting. If the space is disorderly or dirty, you may want to consider saying something to management.

The Cleaning Services Stay Consistent

A good Janitorial company will ensure they follow the schedule you establish. They will be prompt and develop a consistent plan in terms of actually cleaning. As time passes, you should be able to expect when the cleaners will be there and for how long.

You may also want to consider making a note of the cleaning company workers you see. If you notice employees are constantly changing, it could lead you to question the reliability of the business. Some of the larger companies that provide office building cleaning services may have a big team, but you should see familiar faces. If the company seems to retain quality employees, they will be able to continue to provide reliable services.

There are certain common areas that you can evaluate to ensure cleanliness, including the front door, reception desk and furniture, breakroom area, workstations, and small trash cans. Look for dust, stains, or smears. If you see any, you’ll know your cleaning team could be doing a better job.

Learn More About Quality Janitotial Services 

If you’re ready to hire an office cleaning service for your business, US Janitorial Inc.is ready to help. We service commercial spaces in various industries, including medical, dental, law offices, and other professional workplaces.

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