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PDIR: I is for Interim (Cleaning)

Republished with permission from Windsor's Cleaning Tip of the Month eNewletter August 2013

Interim cleaning is often the most overlooked step in the PDIR cleaning process. As a reminder, PDIR stands for Preventative, Daily, Interim, and Restorative cleaning processes. These cleaning processes form a cost-saving cleaning system for any facility.

Topics: carpet, flooring, machines & equipment, cleaning tips

Cleaning Frequencies: Who Cleans This and How Often?

By: J. Darrel Hicks, BA, REH, CHESP  |  July 25, 2013

Originally published & reprinted with permission in Housekeeping Solutions on Clean Link Online

The cleaning (removing soil) and disinfection (killing bacteria and viruses) of furniture, floors and touch points is vitally important in any facility. Germs live in a moist, warm environment and making sure all surfaces are cleaned properly and frequently will minimize their spread and improve health.

In some facilities, there is confusion over who cleans what and how often. For instance, too often in hospitals, housekeeping thinks the nurses clean a surface, and nurses think those surfaces are cleaned by housekeeping. In reality, it doesn't get done. The question we need to answer is, "Who cleans this and how often is it cleaned?"

Topics: disinfecting, healthcare, Hospitality, cleaning tips

The 10 Commandments of Carpet Care During Winter Months

By: WAXIE Editorial Staff  |  February 28, 2013

Having a maintenance program in place for taking care of your carpets is important in all weather conditions, not just winter, but some seasons need more attention than others. During the winter months we see a lot more rain, snow, dirt and debris entering our buildings and carpets can take a beating. Having an effective plan for daily/interim/deep cleaning is half the battle, but proper staff training is just as important for keeping your carpets in good shape.

Topics: carpet, floor matting, machines & equipment, cleaning tips

Computer Cleaning - Hotspots for Germs in the Office

Topics: workplace wellness, Health, cleaning tips

Microfiber Technology and It's Return On Investment

By: BJ Mandelstam  |  January 31, 2013

Twenty years after microfiber's debut and success throughout Europe, the United States is still slowly embracing microfiber technology. Often, it's a product that is misunderstood, underutilized and considered too expensive. Despite these perceptions, studies show that microfiber technology makes for a cost-effective cleaning tool that can reduce labor hours and dollars from the bottom line.

Topics: Productivity, Water Conservation, microfiber, Sustainability, cleaning tips

Practicing Home Chemical/Hazardous Materials Safety

By: WAXIE Editorial Staff  |  September 20, 2012

“Practicing home hazardous materials safety is important in preventing home fires. Many people use chemicals in their homes safely every day, but as the number of chemical products increases, the risk for improper use and injury also increases.”
–Source: US Fire Administration¹

There are many things that are important in keeping yourself and your family safe, the proper use and storage of everyday household cleaning chemicals is one of them. The Mesa Fire & Medical Department in Arizona has produced numerous videos on Fire Prevention in their wonderful What’s on Fire series, which everyone should see. WAXIE has been featured in their September episode #3 on proper chemical usage and storage procedures.

Topics: Safety, Education, cleaning tips

Ask Sadie: Treating Carpet Stains Tips & Techniques

Ask Sadie: A Cleaning Q&A Column  |  September 13, 2012

Q: I have coffee stains on my lobby carpet. Do you have any tips or techniques for getting rid of it? I don’t want to have to replace our carpet. 

A: Treating spills on carpets can be a tricky business, especially without knowing what type of carpet you have, as certain carpet types/coloring can react to carpet spotters. Always remember to check for colorfastness before using any carpet spotter. I am going to answer as if it’s a general spot or spill on a fairly easy to clean carpet.

Topics: carpet, Ask Sadie, cleaning tips

FAQs About the Differences Between Disinfecting & Sanitizing

Republished from cleaninginstitute.org  |  August 30, 2012

Q: What is the difference between a disinfectant, an antimicrobial, and a sanitizing product?

A: Disinfectants and antimicrobials destroy pathogenic microorganisms. These two terms are used interchangeably. Sanitizers reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level by killing them; typically, sanitizers kill 99.9% of these germs.

Any product that claims to kill bacteria or viruses must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, so look for products that have an EPA registration number on the product label. For Canadian products, look for the Drug Identification Number (DIN) or the Health Canada registration number.

Topics: workplace wellness, disinfecting, cleaning tips

Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality

February 21, 2012 

Minimize Chemical Pollutants

• Avoid smoking indoors. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of indoor pollutants at high concentrations.
• Choose low-emitting products that have been third-party certified and labeled by reputable organizations such as GREEENGUARD, ECOLOGO, Green Seal and the South Coast Air Quality Management District Clean Air Choices – Cleaner Certification. Be wary of manufacturer claims of “no VOC,” “natural” or “alternative.”
• Minimize the use of harsh cleaners, solvent-based cleaners or cleaners with strong fragrances.
• Certain activities, such as paint stripping, hobby soldering or gluing, painting, sanding and rock polishing, may create high levels of pollution and should be performed outside.
• Control car and appliance exhaust. Do not idle cars, lawnmowers or other engines in the garage, especially those that are attached to the house.

Topics: Indoor Air Quality, workplace wellness, cleaning tips