Natural Cleaners Part I

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Joe

Green cleaning is a practice that shouldn’t stop at the office, but should be done at home as well.  Certain commercial green cleaners can be expensive when purchasing for personal use.  There are many at home substitutes that you can make on your own with ingredients found at your local supermarket that have been working wonders for years!  After researching many different “concoctions,” below are the top three basic at-home ingredients for green cleaning.  Keep in mind to test all cleaners on a small area of the surface to be cleaned first to ensure there won’t be an unwanted reaction.

Vinegar:  If you are looking for an all-purpose cleaner, vinegar is the way to go.  Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to work as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.  The acidic properties of vinegar make it a perfect agent for cutting grease, mold, mildew, and certain stains.  Also working as a great solution to mop your floors, mix ¼ cup of white vinegar and 30 ounces of warm water in a spray bottle and spray on a cloth and wipe wood floors.  If the smell of vinegar bothers you (as it does most of us!) do not fret, it disappears as the solution dries!  *TIP- when carefully combined with baking soda, it makes a great foaming toilet cleanser.

Reaction

ALWAYS remember do not use acidic cleansers on tile and grout for it eats away at the grout, and it is also not recommended for use on marble surfaces.

Baking Soda: Most commonly baking soda is used to remove smelly odors but can also be used to clean, deodorize, soften water, and scour.  Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces similar to commercial nonabrasive cleaners; sprinkle on counter tops and scrub with a damp sponge.  If that isn’t quite doing it for you, knead a mixture of baking soda and water into a paste and let set on stains then scrub off. This technique also works great on stainless steel sinks!   *TIP- Is pet odor ruining your carpets?  Sprinkle baking soda over carpeting and let set for 30 minutes than vacuum- POOF, odors vanish!

This image shows a whole and a cut lemon. It i...

Lemon:  Lemons are one of the strongest food acids which are highly effective against most household bacteria, therefore making them a great green cleaner!  The acidic properties of lemons make them a natural degreaser and soap scum/hard water deposit buster!  Lemons work great as cleaners in the bathroom and kitchen.  Try cutting a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section then use that to scrub countertops or sinks.  If you’re having problems with a stinky drain or garbage disposal, try putting lemon rinds in the disposal and running it.  If it is a smelly drain, try running hot water after squeezing lemon juice down the drain.  *TIP- Try mixing ½ cup of lemon juice with 1 cup olive oil and using it as hardwood furniture polish.  The citrusy smelly of lemon reminds everyone of cleanliness!

Remember to test all cleaning solutions before using and use your own discretion.

For more cleaning tips and tricks follow Envision Commercial Cleaning on twitter @ENVISIONCLEAN or ‘like’ us on facebook at Envision Commercial Cleaning!

How to Go Green at Work

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Joe

The three R’s of going green have evolved into five: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair and Rethink.  Going green at the office is a lot easier than one might think.  Here are a few steps of action to take to help the Go Green effort!

  1. Print Smart – The average US worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copier paper a year.  To reduce that number, try and print on both sides of paper when possible and always remember to use the back side of old documents when sending faxes or printing drafts.  Recycle old toner and ink cartridges and purchase remanufactured ones.  Each remanufactured cartridge keeps 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills and conserves about half of a gallon of oil!
  2. Buy environment friendly paper – Try and purchase paper that is chlorine free and has high amounts of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials.  For those of you worried about the quality of recycled paper, it is of a lot higher quality than it used to be and if you purchase the correct kind it is even as white as normal paper!
  3. Update mailing list – To avoid unnecessary paper waste, make sure all mail sent out is being sent to correct addresses.  Keep it up-to-date both ways, and if you personally receive an unwanted catalogue make sure you call and have yourself removed from the mailing list.
  4. Go digital – Always think before you print.  Could this be read online?  Could I store this document online? Any type of employee manual can be posted online which also makes it easy to update.  Keep things as paperless as possible!
  5. Conserve energy – Turn off lights in rooms that will not be used for >15 minutes.  Artificial lighting accounts for 44% of electricity use in buildings!  UTILIZE NATURAL LIGHT as much as possible!  A little sunlight is always a good thing; everyone could use some more vitamin D.  Purchase “energy star” rated light bulbs and light fixtures.  They use two thirds less energy than traditional lighting.  Turning off your computer at the end of the work day immensely helps conserve energy!  If possible unplug the power strip too, but check with IT beforehand in case any overnight updates take place.
  6. Enhance your recycling program – Check out this blog on how to start a recycling program at the office!
  7. Create a healthy environment – Keep VOC emissions low.  This can be done easily by green cleaning.  Going green when you clean hugely boosts your company’s green credentials.

Reduce your environment foot print and go green today!

TIP: Envision Commercial Cleaning uses environment friendly cleaners that have low VOC content that is healthier for our employees and for yours.  We also use microfiber clothes and mops which greatly reduces waste.  If you or your company wants to take part in the Go Green effort- call Envision Commercial Cleaning for your free quote today!

Sources

  • http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/03/10_ways_to_go_g.html

Disinfectants vs. Sanitizers

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Joe

Many are familiar with the terms disinfectant, sanitizer, and sterilizer but what many are not familiar with is the factual difference between the three.  When you are cleaning it is best to know the meanings so you can pick the best agent for the job.

Sanitization is the reduction of microorganisms but not completely killing all the cells.  An example of sanitization is washing your hands with soap.  On the totem pole of cleanliness sanitizing is at the bottom, disinfection is in the middle and sterilization is at the very top because it is the complete removal of harmful agents.

Disinfection on the other hand means reducing the number of viable microorganisms present in a sample.  It is different from sanitization, though people often think they are the same.  Disinfection is the reduction of pathogenic cells from an object so that it does not infect other surfaces or materials.  Disinfectants kill microbes but do not remove 100% of all microorganisms.  It is less effective than sterilization.

Sterilization is the complete destruction or removal of all cells; destruction such as autoclaving and dry heat, and removal such as filtration.  A surface or object is either sterile or it is not; there are no gradations in sterility.  Sterilizers remove and kill all forms of microbial life including transmissible agents such as fungi, bacteria and viruses etc.

Disinfectants are usually toxic to humans or animals because the way in which they work is to destroy the cell wall of microbes or interfere with the metabolism.  For this reason the EPA states that there are technically no “green” disinfectants.  However there are some alternatives.  Vinegar is the most common mild disinfectant that is completely green, with no harmful effects to those who use it or produce it.  It contains 5% acetic acid which does have antimicrobial properties; when used as a general cleaner it is highly effective and can also kill mold.  Michael Mullen references numerous studies to indicate that a straight 5% solution of vinegar (the kind you purchase at the supermarket) kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs (viruses).  As far as food safety, although proven to kill germs, it is unknown how many germs this solution kills and how many it leaves behind.

If you are still unsure what the best action for the best job is, leave your cleaning worries to Envision Commercial Cleaning.  We are a certified green clean team that is educated in the products we use so we will be able to best determine the right choice for the job.  Call to set up your free quote today!

Sources:

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disinfectant
  2. http://www.mansfield.ohio-state.edu/~sabedon/black12.htm
  3. http://www.rodale.com/natural-disinfectant

The ‘Eww Factor’ of Public Restrooms

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Joe

A public toilet

Public restrooms are a hotbed for bacteria.  High traffic and moist environments create a breeding ground for all types of germs.  Bacteria that have been found lurking in public restrooms include the following: Rotavirus, Shigella bacteria, Norovirus, E. coli, and Salmonella which are all from the gastro tract and can cause intestinal viruses.  Hepatitis A virus and Staphylococcus (MRSA) are skin bacterium that spread through surface contact.  Also found is the common cold virus, although that can usually only cause illness if exposed in high amounts.

The Hot Zones for Bacteria

  • The Sink:  One of the largest reservoirs for bacteria, the sink contains the highest level of germ colonies.  The moist atmosphere allows germs to survive for long periods of time.  One of 10 sinks harbors salmonella and fecal bacteria!
  • Refillable Soap Dispensers:  In a recent study, 23 to 25% of samples taken from refillable soap dispensers in public restrooms were contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria.  Sixteen to 22 percent of the samples contained Coliforms, which is illness causing fecal based organisms.  As many as 1 out of every 4 soap dispensers is contaminated with bacteria.
  • Toilet Handle: Since you flush before you wash your hands, germs are unambiguously present on the toilet handle.  People who try to avoid these germs by flushing with their foot are transferring germs from their shoes onto the handle.
  • Toilet Seat:  Generally found to be one of the ‘cleanest’ surfaces in a restroom, the toilet seat surface is usually too dry for bacteria to thrive.  However water dislodged from flushing can cause fecal bacteria settle on the seat and last up to 17 days.
  • The Air: A single toilet flush can emit bacteria into the air where it can remain for up to 12 minutes.
  • Hot-Air Hand Dryers:  When in use, these eco-friendly devices blow germ filled air directly onto your hands.  A study at University of Westminster found that bacteria increased by 194% on finger tips and by 254% on palms after using a hot-air hand dryer.  On the contrary, paper towels actually reduce the amount of bacteria found on your hands by roughly 75%.

It may seem like a scary world out there for not just germaphobes but for all of those who have ever used a public restroom.  If you are wary about the bacteria situation in your workplace restroom, call Envision Commercial Cleaning to schedule your free quote today.  Envision specializes in restroom odor control as well as proper disinfecting techniques to avoid cross contamination.

The Dangers of Mixing Cleaning Chemicals

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Joe
Bleach Bottle Image

Bleach Bottle Image (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is no surprise that mixing cleaning chemicals can be a deadly business.  But why exactly is it so dangerous, and what specifically should not be mixed?  The main cleaner that can NOT be mixed with other cleaning agents is chlorine bleach.  The active ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which can be corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes and can even cause severe injury to the eyes.  Chlorine bleach is basically chlorine gas in water.  When it is mixed with other chemicals, deadly gases can be produced. These gases will not be contained to the room where the chemicals were mixed but will occasionally find their way into the heating and cooling systems, increasing the risk for others.  What exactly cannot be mixed with chlorine bleach?

Ammonia

Ammonia is a chemical which is found in most glass cleaners and can also be found in certain exterior and interior house paints.  When mixed with bleach, toxic gases called chloramines are produced and can cause coughing, nausea, wheezing, pneumonia and fluid in the lungs.

Acids

Acids are more common in household cleaners than ammonia.  Acids are present in vinegar, glass and window cleaner, automatic dishwasher detergents and rinses, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, lime, calcium and rust removers, and brick and concrete cleaners.  When a product containing acid is mixed with chlorine bleach a chlorine gas is produced.  If water is present, then hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids are produced.  Chlorine gas exposure, even at low levels, almost always irritates the mucous membranes and causes coughing and breathing problems.  Higher levels of exposure can cause chest pain, vomiting, pneumonia and fluid in the lungs.  Very high levels of exposure can cause death.

It’s not just ammonia and acids mixed with bleach that can be harmful.  Products that have a high alkalinity mixed with highly acidic products are very caustic and can react violently, causing chemical burns.  Mixing different brands of the same product will cause them to be less effective.  Also certain disinfectants with “quaternary ammonia” as an ingredient mixed with a detergent will cause the disinfectant to neutralize, making it ineffective.

Always remember to READ THE LABEL before using.  At Envision Commercial Cleaning, we use green label products that do not contain chlorine bleach and we always use safety first.  Call for your free quote today!

 

http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/dangeousmix.htm

http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/cehsweb/bleach_fs.pdf

Clutter & Stress

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Joe

It may be no surprise to most people, but clutter at the office leads to decreased productivity and can even cause stress.  Clutter is anything that can cause an exasperating distraction that makes it difficult to relax or focus.  As our physical environments become more and more cluttered, our thoughts and ideas become scattered and disorganized.

Clutter and Stress are Directly Related!

The sight of a mess immediately drains you of a positive mood and can trigger subtle yet constant stress.  The average worker that has a messy desk spends about 1.5 hours per day looking for something or being distracted.  That adds up to 7.5 hours per week!  In the event that someone cannot find exactly what they are looking for, stress levels are heightened.  In 2009 Office Depot conducted a study that found the following:

  • 30% of respondents admitted to losing a file or important document due to a messy desk
  • 47% found that they had lost time due to disorganization
  • 16% had been late to a meeting because of not being organized

When someone has a clean and organized desk not only do they not lose time looking for things, they project a positive and together image to other coworkers.  Sixty percent of respondents in the Office Depot Study agreed that a clean, organized desk means the person is on top of things and working hard.

If you need help projecting your positive work image and cutting stress the most important thing to remember is to make time not only to establish an organized system at work but to maintain that system.  Many people struggle keeping things organized and clutter-free because they simply do not take the time to maintain their organizational system.

Also keep in mind that a clutter-free office does not mean germ-free!  It does make it easier for professionals to come in and give your office a thorough clean.  Call Envision Commercial Cleaning for your free quote today!

Sources:

http://www.careerwomaninc.com/blog/?p=468

Click to access nb_milestone_0809.pdf

Healthcare Office Cleanliness: What is Your Diagnosis?

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Joe

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 1.7 million infections occur every year in hospitals.¹ This statistic stresses the importance of medical office cleaning.  There is a priority for them to be as germ free as possible, keeping in mind such issues as cross contamination, room functionality, and office type.  As a medical care office one of the most important areas to keep clean is the lobby and reception area.  When patients walk into your office the lobby provides them with a first impression as does the reception area, so maintaining cleanliness here is of upmost importance.  It is unlikely that a patient would feel comfortable receiving healthcare in a facility that was less than clean, with dust bunnies lurking in the corner and a musty smell filling the waiting room.

Different medical offices require different cleaning needs.  For example, a pediatric office would require specific and detailed floor care because children play on the floors throughout the office, whether it be in the play area or exam room.  Kids run around all day long, and the amount of bacteria they carry on the bottom of their shoes is a frightening thought.  Thorough sanitizing needs to be done on office floors where this could be an issue because of cross contamination.

Cross contamination is the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object or place to another.  There are four common sources: food, people, equipment and work surfaces.  Bacteria can live and thrive in any crack or crevice on any surface or equipment, so proper cleaning practices must be followed.²   A study of 200 patient and healthcare workers cell phones showed that 39.6% of patient and 20.6% of healthcare workers tested positive for pathogens and that 7 patient phones tested positive for multidrug resistant pathogens such as MRSA.³  MRSA can survive for up to 8 weeks on a mop head, and up to 9 weeks on a cotton towel.⁵  These facts prove the crucial need to disinfect and clean using techniques that won’t cross contaminate.  When cleaning a medical office it is extremely important to use different cleaning cloths for different surfaces and to disinfect using proper methods.

Keeping in mind the importance of disinfecting surfaces in the medical office, it is also important to keep in mind that the chemicals that are used should be safe and non toxic so as not to harm patients or affect them in a negative way.  Envision Commercial Cleaning uses green clean methods and no harmful conventional cleaners.  The green clean team uses color coded microfiber cloths in order to not cross contaminate between surfaces.  We stress the importance of a clean office for a successful business and offer odor control techniques that can make any area smell fresh and clean!  Call Envision Commercial Cleaning for your free quote today!

Sources:

  1. http://www.docfroc.com/news/article.asp?articlesource=257&p=534&s=533&s2=534&t=Mary-Vargas:-Dress-for-success,-not-for-disease
  2.  http://www.ccc.govt.nz/business/healthsafety/crosscontamination.aspx
  3.  http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553%2811%2900044-7/abstract  *Mehmet Sait Tekerekoglu et al., “Do Mobile Phones of Patients, Companions and Visitors Carry Multidrug-Resistant Hospital Pathogens?”
  4. http://blog.coverall.com/hospital-study-cell-phones-carry-dangerous-bacteria/
  5.  http://www.hibiclens.com/mrsa_information.html#mrsalifespan

Tips for Cleaning the Not-So-Fresh Office Refrigerator

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Joe

Photo of a typical refrigerator with its door ...

Cleaning of the office refrigerator is a dreaded task and is often ignored.  It is very important for the health of office employees to have a clean fridge.  If the overall temperature is less than 40°F, the environment inside the fridge becomes a thriving ground of bacteria that can be very harmful to health and can cause food poisoning.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 of 6 Americans get food poisoning annually.  Potent smells from rotten food can also make employees sick, as well as release mold and mildew spores into the air.  If you make cleaning the office refrigerator a shared responsibility it should not be as daunting as facing it alone.  Here are some tips to maintaining a clean fridge in the workplace:

  1. Make a schedule to throw away leftovers.  Most offices pick a day and anything left on that day will be pitched.  Friday is a good choice so food won’t be left over the weekend.
  2. Clean up spills immediately!  Wipe down with a rag and warm soapy water.  Add a little vinegar to zap grease.  (Toothpaste works great for sticky food that has already hardened!)
  3. Avoid using harsh chemicals; you don’t want anything contaminating your food.  Instead try placing an opened box of baking soda on a shelf. This will keep things fresh and prevent new odors from occurring.  If odors have already reached a pretty grody level, try placing a plate of charcoal (used for grilling) in the refrigerator. This will absorb odors that are already a problem.  Just make sure you place the plate on a shelf away from food; it will only need to be placed there for a few days.
  4. Line the bottom of drawers with paper towels.  This will make clean up a lot easier.
  5. ALWAYS check expiration dates- anything that is expired needs to be pitched immediately.  Here is a list of storage times for various types of food provided by foodsafety.gov
  6. MOST IMPORTANTLY- buy a thermometer and place in the middle of the front shelf to make sure that the temperature is always below 40°F.

Share this blog with your coworkers in hopes that the importance of having a clean refrigerator at work will become more common knowledge.  Making this a group task, as opposed to a single person handling it, will make the maintenance of a clean fridge a lot easier and foodborne illnesses will be prevented.

Is a dirty refrigerator just the beginning of your to-do list for spring cleaning at the workplace?  Call Envision Commercial Cleaning today to schedule a free quote for complete office cleaning!  Envision Commercial Cleaning specializes in odor control and can zap and stench coming from a repugnant break room!

Sources:

foodsafety.gov “Spring Cleaning the Office Refrigerator”

Boston.com “What’s Growing in your Office Refrigerator”

The 3 D’s of Spring Cleaning

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Joe

It’s about that time of year again, when everyone partakes in the annual deep cleaning of their homes.  What most people do not think about is that it is equally important to have a clean workplace as it is to have a clean home.  Hiring professional cleaners can greatly improve the cleanliness of the workplace without the added stress of doing it alone.  Regularly scheduled office cleans are important in the upkeep of your business, but a good spring clean is essential to reach the spots where seasonal dirt can collect.  While certain tasks are better left to the professionals, there are three tips to keep in mind when doing spring cleaning on your own.

The 3 D’s of spring cleaning:

1) Disinfect- While disinfecting common areas is important to do on a regular basis, it is important not to forget those extra hard to reach places that gather dirt throughout the winter season.  Make a list of areas that need to be cleaned and let your janitorial company know when they come in for the next scheduled clean.  Disinfecting surfaces is important to fight germs and bacteria.

2) Deodorize- In the cold weather months the office can become somewhat stuffy, causing a stale smell when spring time comes.  Proper carpet cleaning can prevent musty smells and freshen your office atmosphere while improving the indoor air quality which is imperative with allergy season on its way.

3) Declutter- Decluttering floors and countertops can go a long way when it comes to spring cleaning an office.  If the clutter is taken care of, then the cleaning crew can properly clean floors and surface areas ensuring a deep clean is achieved.  Clutter also negatively affects work productivity, so cutting the extra paperwork and muddle is important for high employee morale.

Many of the tasks that you do at home for spring cleaning should also be addressed at the office.  Windows, flooring, doors, framework, walls, window treatments and floor coverings all benefit from an intense cleaning.  Keeping in mind the three D’s of spring cleaning, the most important tip for accomplishing a successful spring cleaning is to hire the professionals to come in and thoroughly deep clean all these hard to reach and hard to clean areas.  Envision Commercial Cleaning offers free quotes for your commercial cleaning needs.  It is 100% free so why not call our offices and set up your free quote today?

The Importance of Having Clean Carpet

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Joe

Having carpets in the home and in the office can greatly benefit the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).  New research shows that if carpets are properly maintained and cleaned on a regular schedule, they can actually improve the IAQ of a building.  The individual carpet fibers act as a trap for airborne particles like dirt, dust, allergens, skin cells, bacteria, mites etc. instead of floating around the air.  Once these particles are trapped in the carpet they are no longer able to be inhaled by those occupying the building so the carpet itself acts as an air filter.

In order for this theory to work, the carpets need to be properly maintained.  Regular vacuuming is one of the most important things to remember when it comes to your carpets.  When done on a regular basis, vacuuming removes dirt and allergy particles preventing allergy attacks.  90-95% of dry soil can be removed from vacuuming alone!  Removing the dry soil keeps your carpets intact longer by removing the large particles that can tear the carpet fibers.  People shed 50 million skin cells a day, dust mites live off of eating these dead cells, so a clean carpet means no dust mites.  If there is no food supply for them, dust mites will not live in your home or office!

Along with regularly vacuuming, carpets should be deep cleaned on a regular basis as well (just less frequently.)  Deep cleaning can kill bacteria and other germs that cause in-office sickness.  If the carpets are clean they can trap more airborne particles, removing them from the “breathing zone”.  This is similar to changing a furnace filter.  A clean carpet also means fewer asthma attacks and allergy symptoms.  Studies show that carpeted bedrooms are associated with fewer missed school days, so what is true for kids’ bedrooms should be true for schools and offices as well.  Carpeting also has the lowest emission of VOCs (volatile organic compound) when it comes to flooring choices.  That is important to keep in mind when remodeling or building new facilities.

The bottom line is that if you properly maintain your carpets, the overall IAQ of the building will be improved.  The health of your employees is higher with a cleaner office and carpets, and sick days will be less frequent.   Investing in a quality vacuum will get you through in between deep cleans, and hiring a professional cleaning crew like Envision Commercial Cleaning will take care of your shampooing and extraction.  Envision specializes in deep cleaning tactics that will take care of any carpet funk in high traffic areas, or spot clean lower traffic areas.  Envision Commercial Cleaning Team can tackle any carpet mess you might have!

Sources:

CRI- carpet-rug.org

Manufacturing Technologies is an Automotive Manufacturing Plant, and we have been in business for over 35 years. We have been through many cleaning companies, and I believe the best decision we have made is to put our cleaning needs in the hands of Envision Commercial Cleaning. We rarely get a complaint about the services we are receiving, unlike before we hired them when it was a weekly problem from our office personnel. I would highly recommend Envision for all your cleaning service needs.

- Cindy Messer , ADDITION MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES