If you clean your commercial office space in-house or outsource the job to a commercial cleaning company, here are four tips that will help make sure it is working for you!
1. Use a double check system to reduce mistakes
Two common mistakes include missed trash cans and debris left on the carpet. Utilize a “Double Check” system to help end these errors. When using Team Cleaning for office cleaning, the light duty specialist removes all trash from the cans and picks up debris for the vacuum specialist. The vacuum specialist will follow the light duty person by a few minutes to vacuum under and around the trash cans. If the trash is not removed from the can or the liner was not replaced, the vacuum specialist can fix it. Also, the vacuum specialist does not have to worry about picking up debris the vacuum may not pick up because the light duty person has already done it.
2. Use a HEPA filter vacuum for carpet and hard floors
Not all commercial cleaning vacuums are “created equal”. 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 having HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters to remove microscopic particles more effectively.
The HEPA filter in many backpack vacuums used for office cleaning can remove 99.9% of particles greater than one micron in size. One micron is only 1/25,000 of an inch! The human eye can see only particles greater than about fifty microns. So, the HEPA filter vacuums can remove particulates not visible to the human eye. These include dust mites, heavy industrial dust, pet dander, mold, yeast, bacteria and even tobacco smoke. All these invisible particulates are sources of “indoor air pollution” which can cause health problems for anyone working in an indoor environment. That is why using a HEPA filter vacuum is such a powerful addition to any office cleaning toolkit. It is not only what you can see but sometimes more importantly what you cannot see that determines if a building has been professionally cleaned.
Safety and Maintenance for backpack vacuums:
- Safety First! Always use the backpack vacuum safely by checking the extension cord for defects before use. To keep the cord in good condition, tuck it underneath the belt of the backpack vacuum and leave some slack in the cord. Never 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.
- Adjust harness for 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.
- Always use the proper attachment when cleaning stairs, windowsills, upholstery or hard to reach areas. Use 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. Vacuum under any movable items such as chairs or trash cans.
Always check the micro filter at the beginning and end of each use. Inspect the filter bags for any tears or rips and replace them as needed. Clean the HEPA filters regularly and replace as suggested by the manufacturer. Rinse out the exhaust filter 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. Wipe down the vacuum cord as needed and gently wrap it after each use to prevent damage.
3. Use microfiber mops and cleaning cloths
The beauty of microfiber mops and wipes in an office cleaning routine is their effectiveness to clean with minimal chemicals. Microfiber does not need to be saturated with water or cleaning solvent to be effective – simple dampness works fine for most situations. This is not just a benefit during actual cleaning. Because they require less water and chemicals than conventional mops and cloths, they help to conserve natural resources. Over time and in volume, these savings become considerable and really benefit the environment.
What is microfiber?
Microfiber cleaning cloths and mops are typically made of polyester and polyamide fibers with a diameter typically in the 3 to 5-micron size. That is 10-50 times thinner than a single human hair! This accounts for the ‘micro’ part of the name. Since their introduction as cleaning tools a couple of decades ago, they have revolutionized the cleaning industry, because they are so vastly superior to traditional cleaning cloths.
Here is a quick run-down on the advantages microfiber has over their traditional counterparts:
Microfiber cloths are exceptionally light cloths that can be used for many other tasks besides cleaning up spills and shining surfaces. You can use them for dusting, cleaning glass and mirrors, polishing bathroom surfaces and removing grime. Their versatility even goes as far as drying dishes as they come out of the dishwasher!
Advantages of using microfiber
One of the biggest advantages of using microfiber for wiping and mopping is that the tiny fibers attract and hold even the smallest particles of dirt and dander. Conventional cloths lack the microstructure and are less effective in removing the smaller dust particles from the surface. The affinity between one microfiber and one particle of dust is so effective because there are many microfibers in the construction of one cleaning towel or mop.
The result is a magnetic attraction between the microfiber cloth and dirt particles making it a super effective cleaning tool. This same construction allows microfiber cloths to get into tiny nooks and crannies that bulkier cloths simply cannot get to. This design is another reason they are the superior choice over traditional cleaning cloths and mops.
The key is to keep the towels and mops clean. A recent study of using microfiber cloths to reduce infection in hospitals found that “re-usable cloth performance improved at 75 washes, and reduced after 150 washes, although, in most instances, performance after 150 washes was better than at first wash.” The key when cleaning this material is to not use bleach or fabric softener which will damage the microfibers and reduce their effectiveness.
4. Use a color-coded system to prevent cross contamination
Selecting the right tools for each cleaning task is imperative, not only to achieve a high level of cleanliness, but also to prevent cross-contamination and to control potential infection. Consider implementing a color-coded system for office cleaning cloths, mops and cleaning chemicals that can alleviate such potential problems.
When Team Cleaning, the following colors of microfiber clothes/ mop heads should be used…
- Restrooms – Red color microfiber cloths and mop heads to be used on floors, toilets, and urinals or in other areas with gross matter. Use yellow microfiber in all other areas of the restroom including sinks, partitions, dispensers, and mirrors. Do not use microfiber cloths or mops in any other area of the facility. This will prevent the spreading of bacteria commonly found in restrooms to other parts of the facility.
- Non restroom areas – Green color microfiber and mop heads to be used everywhere else in the facility.
These include but are not limited to cleaning desks, filing cabinets, door handles, telephone receivers, light switches, and other surfaces and hard floors.
Square Feat is Here to Handle all your Janitorial Needs!
Your janitorial cleaning company should always handle any cleaning issues that you may have immediately and proficiently. If this is not the case, it might be time to look for 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 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. The Phoenix Business Journal and Arizona Business Magazine recognize 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. You can also call 480-777-0605 to schedule an appointment to survey your facility.
