Vacuuming floors is one of the most common and important cleaning tasks a janitorial crew will perform. This article will discuss why it is important to vacuum on a regular basis, proper vacuuming procedures, the benefits of a HEPA filter vacuum, and the role of the vacuum specialist in the overall Team Cleaning program.
Why Vacuum?
Vacuuming is the best way to remove dirt, dust and other foreign matter from carpet and hard floors. If floors aren’t vacuumed on a regular basis, it will start to show rather quickly. Over time, dirt and dust will become deeply ingrained in carpet and will act as “sandpaper” to damage carpet fibers with even moderate foot traffic. The carpet may not look like it needs to be vacuumed, but the unseen dirt is present below the surface. The following lists some complications that can arise with improperly maintained carpets:
1. Premature Wear and Tear on Carpet
This “sandpaper” effect will take its toll on carpet fibers if not vacuumed on a regular basis. This is especially true in high traffic areas which are more susceptible to wear and tear because of the volume of traffic. It is important to vacuum carpeted areas “wall to wall” on a weekly basis. Vacuum high traffic areas more frequently to remove soils worked into these areas. In addition to vacuuming, the use of chair mats in work areas and walk off entry mats can also be beneficial for prolonging the life of carpets.
2. Germs & Bacteria Can Hide in Carpets
Studies confirm that people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. Carpets can be deceptively unclean if not properly maintained. Any contaminants present in carpets can transfer on the soles of shoes from one area to another.
The most perilous germs, bacteria and contaminates in carpets can include:
Campylobacter: Favored by moisture, can cause diarrhea, fevers, and cramps in stomach.
Norovirus: It can cause stomach flu.
MRSA: Generally, these are found in hospitals, athletic facilities or schools. It can cause aching red bumps, rashes and fever.
Fungi and Mold: Favored by moisture like Campylobacter, they can cause allergy and in rare cases can lead to death of the affected person.
Micrococcus: It causes skin infections and meningitis. It is particularly risky for those with weak immune systems.
Enterococci: It causes severe infections such as UTI, bacteremia, diverticulitis, and meningitis.
Mycotoxins: They are produced by various kinds of molds and are a serious threat to the immune system. Thus, they can cause a myriad of health issues.
3. Dirty Carpet contributes to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
The World Health Organization (WHO) coined this term in 1980 to describe harmful elements in an indoor environment. In this condition, building occupants are susceptible to cough, chills, rashes, headache, pain in chest and muscles, fatigue, and fever. Inadequate building ventilation as well as specific biological and chemical contaminants causes SBS. The symptoms often go away if the carpets are deep cleaned (or in the worst cases removed), indoor air quality is improved, or the occupants discontinue to live or visit the facility.
4. A Source of Polluted Indoor Air
Carpets are produced of synthetic materials, i.e., nylon, acrylic, and PVC, which outgases toxic chemicals, commonly known as volatile organic compounds (VOC) into indoor air. In addition, carpeting traps chemicals such as cleaning agents, smoke, fumes, deodorizers, and other contaminates. Once these chemicals come in contact with carpet, they can linger, and are slowly released from the carpet fibers into the air for a sustained period of time. This can cause indoor air pollution and is a major contributor to SBS.
Contaminated indoor air can aggravate the symptoms for asthma and allergy sufferers and can cause sudden and severe asthmatic and allergy attacks. Generally, indoor air pollutants cause headaches, lethargy, and irritation in eyes and nose. Long-term exposure can cause respiratory and heart diseases, and in worst cases, the chemically contaminated air can lead to the onset on certain types of cancer.
5. Can Lead to Weak Immune System
Our immune system constantly protects us from harmful toxins, viruses, germs and bacteria every day to keep us in great health. However, a sustained unhygienic atmosphere can compromise our immune system and risk our health. Bottom line: staying in a facility with contaminated carpets, can compromise our immune system and make us more susceptible to illness.
6. Can Lead to Respiratory Issues
Mold mainly grows in moist carpets and can attract different sorts of bacteria and allergens. When the occupants inhale indoor air contaminated with mold, it can cause flu-like symptoms and respiratory issues. This condition is even more of an issue for asthma patients. A proper carpet cleaning is required to remove these contaminants so that occupants can continue to work without negative effect.
7. Can Lead to Skin Issues
Walking barefoot on carpets may feel nice to the feet, but it can invite serious skin issues too. When we are on carpets barefoot, the germs and bacteria can find way to penetrate our skin through cuts, wounds, and pores. They mainly cause athlete’s foot and skin asthma. For skin asthma patients, these germs and bacteria can cause skin asthma attacks.
8. Appearances Matter – Maintaining a Clean Environment
A clean office space can be quite appealing and welcoming to your business prospects. The moment they enter your clean and tidy office, it sends a positive signal by showing them a level of efficiency and attention to detail of whom they may be doing business with.
Conversely, an unkept office space with dirty or unvacuumed floors can potentially have the opposite effect on your prospects. If your office space fails to make a positive first impression, it could ultimately jeopardize an important business opportunity. Consider vacuuming your office space on a regular basis or budget for a professional office cleaning service to help provide the cleaning for a good first impression for potential clients. If prospects or customers regularly visit your offices, a clean and vacuumed office can be an effective marketing tool that makes that positive statement about your business.
Vacuuming 101
Not all commercial cleaning vacuums are “created equally”. Some are more efficient than others. Backpack vacuums are replacing upright vacuums for several reasons: 1) Low profile carpeting in commercial buildings is more commonly used and reduces the need for a “beater bar” 2) backpacks are physically easier to operate than upright vacuums 3) backpacks can save time. It is important to use a vacuum containing HEPA filters to more effectively remove microscopic particles.
Here a few tips for using backpack vacuums:
1. Safety First! Always use safety practices with the back pack vacuum by always checking your extension cord for defects before using it. Some tips on maintain the vacuum electrical cords is in order. Make sure that the cord is tucked underneath the belt of the back pack vacuum and make sure there is slack in the cord. And please do not yank the plug out of wall or wrap the cord around your arm after use. It is best to wrap the cord loosely but neatly.
2. Make sure that you find the proper fit! Check and make sure that the belt is resting on the hips (not the back) and has a snug fit. Place the cord under the vest and vacuum standing straight and not hunched over.
3. Make overlapping passes with the wand to ensure a thorough clean when vacuuming in open areas. Vacuum around desks, workstations and other obstacles in more congested areas. Move chairs or trash cans that can be moved and vacuum under these moveable items. Use the proper attachment or dusting tool when cleaning stairs, windowsills and upholstery to reach these hard to clean areas.
4. Clean-Up Procedure and Preventative Maintenance: Check the micro filter at the beginning and end of each use. Inspect the bags for any tears or rips and replaced as needed. Clean the HEPA filters should periodically and replace as suggested by the manufacturer. Rinse out the exhaust filter on a regular basis or at least once a week. The dirtier the environment, the more frequently all filters will need to be cleaned or replaced. Proper filter maintenance will help to maximize the life of the vacuum motor. Make sure to wipe down the inside and outside of the machine periodically. Store the unit on a backpack station if available. Wipe down the vacuum cord as needed and gently wrap it after each use to prevent damage.
Vacuum the Hard Floors Please
With the use of the correct attachment tool, backpack vacuums clean all types of hard floors considerably faster than a dust mop. This is especially true in crowded classrooms or congested areas. Vacuuming is generally a faster, healthier and more efficient way to clean hard floors compared to traditional dust mopping methods. With a HEPA filter vacuum, dust and dirt are immediately contained within the vacuum filtration system. Dust mopping on the other hand continually redistributes dirt and fine particulates on and into the floor, potentially leaving scratches and dulling a high gloss finish. Also, dust bunnies reappear more quickly when a floor has been dust mopped as compared to cleaning with a backpack vacuum.
Team Cleaning utilizes an approach consisting of a team of professionals that systematically work together through each area of a facility at the same time. Each professional is trained and assigned to one function as a “specialist”, and the team moves together throughout the building to complete the cleaning routine. A typical team includes the following specialist:
1. Light Duty Specialist
2. Vacuum Specialist
3. Restroom Specialist
4. Utility Specialist
The Vacuum Specialist is responsible for doublechecking the trash cans are emptied in each office when vacuuming under them, vacuuming all traffic areas, spot vacuuming all other areas including crumbs and dry spills on furniture, repositioning all furniture correctly, turning out lights upon competition of a room and securing all interior areas as required.
It is important that the Vacuum Specialist be properly trained to perform all tasks and provided with the proper tools to perform these duties.
Your janitorial cleaning company should always handle any cleaning issues immediately and proficiently. If this is not the case, it might be time to consider the services of another janitorial service. Does your cleaning service get back to you in a timely fashion if not the same day? They should be.
Square Feat is Here to Handle all your Janitorial Needs!
Square Feat has been serving commercial clients in the Phoenix metropolitan area for more than two decades with basic janitorial services, carpet cleaning, floor refinishing and other specialized services. Phoenix Business Journal and Arizona Business Magazine recognizes Square Feat as a top full-service janitorial provider.
Please, visit this page to learn more about the cleaning services they provide or to obtain a free no obligation quote for your facility. Square Feat can also be reached at 480-777-0605 to schedule an appointment to survey your facility.
