Biodegradable Trash Bags – Is That An Oxymoron?
Are biodegradable trash bags really better? The thinking behind this product is that because they are made with a renewable resource (typically corn or some other plant-based product) they are better for the environment than traditional trash liners made from plastic. Okay so if you’re burying trash in your backyard and keeping it wet and […]
Proper Protocol when Cleaning and Disinfecting
Clostridium difficile (C. diff), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are just some of the latest infections bugging custodial departments in healthcare facilities and wiping surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants is not always sufficient to prevent their spread. As viruses like these become more resistant, the right hand tools and proper cleaning procedures are […]
Safer Disinfectants
Industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by building service contractors. Why are disinfectants classified as pesticides by the EPA? Why does this prevent them from being certified as green? The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) law, called FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) gives EPA the authority to regulate products that kill other things. […]
Disinfecting in Commercial Offices
Industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by building service contractors. In commercial office spaces, how often should building service contractors disinfect high-touch surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, computer keyboards, etc.? The frequency of cleaning these areas all depends on the applier. It is recommended disinfecting high-touch surfaces at least once daily, but even more […]
Disinfecting During Cold and Flu Season
Industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by building service contractors. Should building service contractors be disinfecting during cold and flu season more often? Yes, you should disinfect more often in the cold and flu season as people’s cold, flu, pneumonia and strep-throat symptoms cause them to release more infectious mucus into the indoor environment […]
Survey Looks at Indoor Air Quality and Carpeting
A survey of carpet cleaning technicians, cleaning professionals and facility managers looking at indoor air quality and carpeting finds that the majority (43 percent) believe carpeting improves or can help protect indoor air quality. Just under 30 percent disagreed, while the remainder was unsure. The survey, conducted for U.S. Products, found that more than half […]
Reducing Energy Consumption
Building owners and facility managers are increasingly interested in reducing energy consumption to reduce costs and improve their environmental footprint. One of their highest priorities is the reduction of energy. Residential and commercial buildings in the United States consume 39 percent of total U.S. energy usage and 68 percent of total U.S. electricity. The reason […]
Reducing Vacuuming Ruins Carpets
For some time, building service contractors have been sounding the alarm about their mounting concerns related to reducing cleaning frequencies, sometimes known as skip cleaning, which includes reducing vacuuming. During the recession many companies and schools, in an effort to cut costs, skimped on cleaning, especially vacuuming. As the economy shows signs of rebounding, now […]
Selecting Proper Entryway Matting
Entryway matting selection and placement are far more important than many cleaning professionals realize. Installing the right mat in the right place can help keep a building cleaner and healthier and reduce the overall cleaning and maintenance needs of an entire facility. According to JoAnne Boston, Business Development Manager for Crown Mats and Matting, one […]
Prioritizing Floor Safety and Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls
Approximately 20 percent of all workplace injuries are related to floor safety and are caused by slips, trips and falls. For employers, this often results in workers missing about 11 days of work, costing on average of $40,000 per incident. In some facilities, such as restaurants, these numbers can be even higher. This is because […]