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What is Your Flooring Doing to the Office Air Quality?

Maintaining a healthy workplace environment is crucial for the well-being of employees, and air quality is a significant part of that environment. Poor air quality in the workplace can cause a range of health problems, from headaches and fatigue to respiratory issues and allergies, not to mention decrease staff morale. Germs, bacteria, and debris in general settles on any horizontal surface, the largest of which is usually the floor. 

Flooring may not be the first area you think of when you think of maintaining office cleanliness, however germs, virus transmission, and microscopic debris are transferred all around the building all day on the shoes of everyone in the building. Let’s look at what your flooring is doing to the office air quality.

Contemporary workplace with desk and chairs
Photo credit: @heyho accessed 03/07/2023 via CC0

Flooring Materials and Air Quality

The flooring materials in an office can have a significant impact on the air quality, with some materials releasing harmful chemicals and others acting as traps for allergens and dust. Various types of flooring can absorb germs and bacteria differently, releasing those contaminants airborne as traffic circulates around the building, affecting office air quality. 

Commercial Carpeting

Carpet traps allergens and debris within the fibers and apart from an unsightly appearance, dirty carpets hold germs and bacteria that become airborne easily. Proper vacuuming and sanitation is crucial to creating and sustaining a healthy work environment. Depending on office or building use, regular cleaning is the only way to keep carpets clean. 

Read: How Dirty Floors Spread Infection

Non-Porous and Tile Flooring

Many office and professional buildings are equipped with a non-porous materials like marble, ceramic, or vinyl flooring. The cleaning regimen is not the same for all of these material types. Daily or weekly cleaning will keep floors clean, improving air quality and reducing odors from moisture and dirt. Another consideration is scheduled stripping and waxing of non-porous surfaces to remove deep stains and scuffs to the finish surface. 

Rugs

Walk-off mats by entryways and regular cleaning of surrounding surfaces is the most effective at preventing dirt from entering the building, according to the EPA. Entrance rugs should cover a recommended 2 to 5 steps into the entry or walkway to effectively trap as much dirt and debris as possible. Rugs should be kept clean, and equally important, kept dry to prevent bacterial or mildew growth and dirt accumulation, all of which adversely impact air quality. 

Read more: Stop Dirt at the Door with Entrance Mats

Regular cleaning is necessary to ensure not only the look of your professional environment, but also to maintain a clean and sanitary space. A clean workspace directly impacts air quality throughout the building. 

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Minneapolis commercial cleaning company. We provide janitor services for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, industrial buildings, and more. We also provide floor stripping and waxing, construction cleanup, and office disinfection services. ROC Commercial Cleaning is an experienced and reputable Minnesota corporate cleaning service provider – no job is too big or too small!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

How Dirty Floors Can Spread Infection

When disinfecting an office space, most people focus on high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and the like. But don’t forget about the floors! Dirty floors can be a major source of bacteria and virus transmission, causing infection to spread among staff, customers, and visitors.

This is especially true in healthcare facilities, but it is also the case in office buildings, retail stores, childcare centers, warehouses, and any other high-traffic space where different people regularly come and go. Therefore, it’s important for building owners, facility managers, and janitorial decisionmakers to recognize the importance of keeping flooring clean.

dirty floors in a clinic
photo credit: @fr3nks accessed 11/30/22 via CC0

How Dirty Floors Raise Risk of Infection

Germs spread on floors the same way they spread on any other surface: by people. When bacteria lands on flooring, it is easily picked up by the shoes of people coming in and out of that room. Then, germs are transferred to other parts of the building, and so on.

Four Tips to Minimize Infection Risk from Dirty Floors

1. Choose Nonporous Flooring

When installing new flooring in your business, choose a seamless flooring material that is sealed with an impermeable coating. Grouted flooring and unsealed concrete are porous and more difficult to clean effectively, trapping and spreading dirt and bacteria.

Read: Tips for Cleaning Tile and Stone Floors

In addition, healthcare facilities and veterinary clinics should consider installing a chemical-resistant flooring. This will help to protect floors against harsh cleaning chemicals, thereby improving their longevity.

2. Clean Up Spills ASAP

Whether you’re dealing with a biohazard or a simple coffee spill, it’s important to clean up any messes immediately. This will help to contain any infection risk while protecting the flooring from lasting damage.

Read: 5 Tips for Improving Hygiene in Office Buildings

3. Monitor Floor Conditions

Regularly check flooring for cracking, peeling, or other issues. Breaches in protective floor coating can attract bacteria and pose a safety risk.

4. Clean Floors Frequently

Regular floor cleaning is essential to maintaining a healthy, safe work environment, no matter the nature of your business. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning for a free estimate on any business janitorial needs!

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Minneapolis commercial cleaning company. We provide janitor services for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, industrial buildings, and more. We also provide floor stripping and waxing, construction cleanup, and office disinfection services. ROC Commercial Cleaning is an experienced and reputable Minnesota corporate cleaning service provider – no job is too big or too small!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

Source: Cleaning & Maintenance Management, “5 Steps for Boosting Infection Control Through Floor Maintenance”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Commercial Cleaning Practices

The pandemic made us all more aware of sanitation and raised our expectations of cleanliness in public settings. So, as more workers return to offices and workplaces, it’s important for building owners and managers to prioritize hygiene, for the health and satisfaction of employees. This is just one way that COVID-19 impacted commercial cleaning practices. Here, we’ll discuss a few others.

How COVID-19 Changed Commercial Cleaning Practices

COVID-19 impact on commercial cleaning practices
photo credit: @matilda-wormwood accessed 9/13/22 via CC0

The Link Between Cleanliness, Health and Safety

People no longer view an unclean space as just an oversight or omission. Now, when visitors, customers or even employees encounter a dirty space, their view of the business changes, and they’re less likely to return. With these higher stakes, it’s a good idea to hire a skilled and reliable commercial cleaning company to keep your business clean and sanitary.

Read: How to Maintain a Clean Restroom

Protocols, Equipment and Signage

Employees now expect visual indications of cleanliness. This includes signage that details cleaning processes, express communication about protocols and requirements, and more advanced cleaning technology. For example, in a recent survey, more than half of respondents stated that they preferred touchless paper towel dispensers.

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Greater Focus on Sanitation

In the same survey, 56 percent of respondents said they clean and sanitize their workspaces more frequently than they did before the pandemic. Employees don’t just want a clean workplace: they want it to be regularly sanitized and disinfected.

Read: What Do Employees Want? A Clean Work Environment.

How has the pandemic changed your company’s commercial cleaning practices and needs? If you need help keeping up with new and additional demands, contact ROC Commercial Cleaning today. We’re here to help!

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Minneapolis commercial cleaning company. We provide janitorial commercial cleaning for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, car dealerships, salons, retail stores, industrial buildings, office disinfection services, onetime services, and more. We also provide construction cleanup during and after construction projects of all sizes. No office cleaning job is too big or too small!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-249-7576 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

Source: CleanLink, “Targeting Hygiene in Cleaning Practices”

Tips for Cleaning Tile and Stone Floors

The best way to extend the life of flooring is to care for it properly. This applies whether your office or business flooring is carpet, wood, linoleum, vinyl, tile, stone, or a different material.  It’s important to use the right cleaners, tools, and techniques for each type of flooring. Today, we’re sharing tips on cleaning and caring for tile and stone floors.

Avoid These Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes

How to Clean Tile and Stone Floors

Ceramic tile is a manufactured flooring product made from natural materials. Stone is, of course, also a natural material. Because they are similar products, they have similar cleaning needs and techniques.

tile and stone floors
photo credit: @jipy32 accessed 8/10/22 via CC0

Grout Cleaning Tips

Keeping grout clean is the biggest challenge with tile and stone floors. Sweep the group before applying any water or liquid cleaner to a stone or tile floor. If you don’t, dirt that has been wiped into the grout will turn into mud, and will be more difficult to remove.

There are three types of grout: cement-based, furan resin, and epoxy. Cement-based grout is the most commonly used type, and is found in a variety of commercial buildings. Cement is porous, which means that stains can more easily penetrate the surface and cause staining. So when dirt turns into mud and penetrates into grout, it may permanently alter the color.

What Kind of Floor Cleaner to Use for Tile and Stone Floors

You can use a standard floor cleaner for stone and tile. However, because household cleaners don’t have a neutral pH, they need to be rinsed off. If not rinsed, a residue can build up, further staining grout and shortening the life of the flooring.

The Most Important Floor Cleaning Tip

Here’s the most important tile and stone cleaning tip: don’t go too long between cleanings. If dirt and grime don’t have a chance to build up and set in, it’ll be easier to prevent staining and lasting damage. If you don’t have the time or resources to clean your floors regularly, give ROC a call! We can clean daily, weekly, or on whatever schedule works best for you.

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Twin Cities janitorial service. We provide contract cleaning for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, auto dealerships, salons, retail stores, industrial buildings, office disinfection services, and more. We also provide construction cleanup during and after construction projects of all sizes. No cleaning job is too big or too small for our experienced cleaning teams!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-249-7576 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

Source: CMM Online, “Q&A: Tile and Stone Floor Maintenance”

8 Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to workplace carpeting, spills and stains are a pain. However, there are ways to help you prevent and treat these mishaps at the source. Avoiding these common carpet cleaning mistakes will save you time and money, and extend the life of your carpeting.

8 Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common cleaning mistakes when cleaning your carpeting:

cleaning mistakes
photo credit: @rajivkumarprajapati123-5176209 accessed 6/3/22 via CC0

1. Vigorously Rubbing a Spill

It’s never a good idea to try to rub or scrub a spill. Vigorously rubbing a spill into the carpet can damage the fibers, and often results in the stain getting pushed deeper into the base of the carpet. Scrubbing also causes unnecessary twisting and fraying of the carpet fibers, leaving long-term damage. Whenever possible, always use the blotting method to safely pull the stain out of the surface.

2. Not Acting Fast Enough

When a spill happens, take action as soon as possible. Waiting too long to clean up a spill may result in the liquid soaking into carpet fibers and absorbing into the padding. Cleaning spills quickly can also prevent further damage like unwanted odors or mold growth.

3. Using the Wrong Product

Use the right solution to use for certain spills to prevent damage to your carpet down the line. If you use the wrong solution, it can cause unnecessary damage and discoloration. Read labels and follow manufacturer guidelines on all cleaning products.

4. Not Testing New Solutions

Test products on a small patch of carpet before using them widely. This will avoid widespread damage, and help you understand how to use the product correctly.

5. Using a Deodorizing Powder

Deodorizing powders can be tricky to use since they are often harmful to carpet. A common misconception is that these powders can be used to clean carpets, but they can’t. If you do decide to use a deodorizing powder, look for a product that isn’t as harsh on carpet fibers.

Read More: Do Carpet Deodorizers Help or Hurt?

6. Using Too Many Chemicals

When it comes to chemicals for carpet cleaning, more does not mean better. Oversaturating carpet with different chemicals can cause unwanted residue to build up in the base, and overall damage to carpet fibers.

7. Never Using a Professional Cleaner

Using a professional carpet cleaner can save both time and money in the long run – not to mention the overall health and longevity of your carpet. Regular visits from professional carpet cleaners are like taking care of your teeth at the dentist. It’ll prevent long-term buildup of dirt and grime within the fibers of your carpet.

Read More: Professional Carpet Cleaners vs DIY Carpet Cleaning

8. Renting Faulty Cleaning Equipment

Renting DIY carpet cleaners can sometimes do more harm than good. Rental machines are known to cause unnecessary damage to your carpets and can often leave behind excess cleaning solutions, which may cause mold.

Making sure you take all the necessary precautions when dealing with little or big spills will keep your carpet cleaner and healthier in the long run. After all, a healthy carpet creates a positive and clean environment that is beneficial to all.

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Twin Cities janitorial service. We provide contract cleaning for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, auto dealerships, salons, retail stores, industrial buildings, office disinfection services, and more. We also provide construction cleanup during and after construction projects of all sizes. No cleaning job is too big or too small for our experienced cleaning teams!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-249-7576 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

5 Tips for Improving Hygiene and Reducing Operating Costs

Improving office cleanliness is always good practice. Even if your office is professionally cleaned on a regular basis, keeping up with good hygiene practices between those cleaning is a must. Not only does it boost morale and productivity, but it can also reduce operating costs. 

5 Tips for Improving Hygiene and Reducing Operating Costs

Here are 5 tips for improving hygiene within your office or facility. (Courtesy of CMM)

Hygiene

1. Change consumables

Soap dispensers come in a couple of different forms. The best option in terms of hygiene is a “closed” soap dispenser. This type of dispenser includes a hygienically sealed nozzle and reservoir.

Using a closed system can reduce the number of bacteria that contaminate the soap. It may also help to use foam dispensers as well, as these cause less of a mess.

Paper towels are also another relatively low-cost option to reduce the number of bacteria after handwashing. Either white or brown paper towels are recommended.

2. Install automated, touchless dispensers and fixtures

Manually operated paper towels, soap, and water fixtures can be troublesome when trying to practice good hygiene. Users may wash their hands and touch the faucet after with wet hands, causing unwanted bacteria to grow and spread.

Automated, touchless dispensers can be applied to water faucets, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, and even flush valves. Implementing these not only saves you from unnecessary bacteria, but may also decrease operating costs. This is because these devices only produce enough to get the job done, reducing usage and waste.

Read: Tips for Safe Disinfectant Use Between Cleanings

3. Implement smart restroom technology

Smart restroom technologies are no longer systems of the future. They’re becoming the standard for modern restroom maintenance. Smart restroom technology prompts office cleaners to regularly sanitize touch points throughout, such as doorknobs, stalls, and toilet paper dispensers.

Product waste is also reduced with the use of these systems. They regulate the amount that is flushed and let cleaners know when they’re empty so there is no overfilling.

4. Provide proper training

Having updated fixtures and technologies is important, but it doesn’t mean much if proper techniques and practices aren’t being followed. Teaching employees about safe hygiene practices within the office or facility will drastically reduce the misuse of cleaning technology.

Either onboarding training, self-learning videos, or putting small instructional signs around may be good options to help increase the knowledge of safe hygiene practices.

5. Find the right partners

Look for a product distributor that tailors its goods toward your company’s needs. Providing the necessary information to effectively use cleaning systems and technologies is essential. In addition, look for a reliable commercial cleaner who will help you maintain a clean work environment.

Having good hygiene within your office or facility is important. Automated fixtures and technologies can improve hygiene, health, productivity and employee satisfaction.

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Twin Cities janitorial service. We provide contract cleaning for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, auto dealerships, salons, retail stores, industrial buildings, office disinfection services, and more. We also provide construction cleanup during and after construction projects of all sizes. No cleaning job is too big or too small for our experienced cleaning teams!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

Do Carpet Deodorizers Help or Hurt?

Powdered carpet deodorizers offer many different scents that can brighten a room during the carpet cleaning process. Whether it’s pumpkin spice, fresh cotton, ocean breeze, or any other scents, adding them to your carpet seems harmless. But is it?

Read More: The Benefits of Steam Carpet Cleaning For Workplaces

Do Carpet Deodorizers Help or Hurt?

Carpet deodorizers may smell good, but they contain some harmful substances. These include abrasive chemicals that can be detrimental to the health of your carpet.

Baking soda, a common household item, is among the substances used in carpet deodorizers. Other abrasive substances include calcium carbonate, sodium silicate, and hydrated silica. These substances have been known to cause carpet deterioration and delamination. So, when you use powdered deodorizers regularly, you’ll find that it causes your carpet to soil faster than normal.

carpet deodorizers
photo credit: @scottwebb accessed 3/6/22 via CC0

When you use powdered carpet deodorizers, you’re basically spreading abrasive soils that are hard to remove. Even after vacuuming, only 65% of the overall soils get removed. This leaves 35% sitting on your carpet’s surface and roots.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a water-soluble substance that’s one of the main ingredients in carpet deodorizers. It sticks to the carpet fibers and causes scratches every time they’re walked on. Over time, this substance sifts into the backing of the carpet, causing the carpet to lose its durability and stability. This not only damages the carpet, but the vacuum you use as well.

Should I Use Carpet Deodorizers?

Of course, it’s up to you, but the use of these products will cause your carpet to deteriorate at a more rapid pace. There are deodorizers that don’t contain these harsh chemicals, so look for one of those safer alternatives.

Do you want to learn more about carpet cleaning? ROC Commercial Cleaning offers carpet cleaning services that will get your carpet looking and smelling fresh – safely.

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Twin Cities janitorial service. We provide contract cleaning for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, auto dealerships, salons, and retail stores, industrial buildings, office disinfection services, and more. We also provide construction cleanup during and after construction projects of all sizes. No cleaning job is too big or too small for our experienced cleaning teams!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

The Benefits of Steam Carpet Cleaning for Workplaces

A clean workplace can have a positive effect on your company’s overall productivity. Steam carpet cleaning is just one of the ways you can ensure that your employees remain healthy and satisfied with the environment that they work in.

Steam carpet cleaning is a natural, eco-friendly way of getting dirt and grime out of carpet fabrics. It kills grease and mold, while sanitizing and disinfecting the fabrics well beyond industry standards.

steam carpet cleaning
photo credit: @kate_sade accessed 1/9/22 via CC0

How Can Your Workplace Benefit from Steam Carpet Cleaning?

The smart vacuum guide gave some insight into how your office, clinic, store or workplace can benefit from steam carpet cleaning:

Eco-Friendly Alternative

Many cleaning options use harsh chemicals that are harmful both to your employees and the environment. Steam cleaning eliminates the use of these chemicals to ensure that your workplace is cleaned sufficiently, without any harmful effects on health or safety.

Low-Cost Cleaning Solution

Compared to other cleaning options, steam cleaners are a relatively low-cost choice with a big impact. Steam carpet cleaning uses only electricity and water straight from the tap – no odor eliminating materials or additional solutions that complicate the cleaning process.

Versatility of Steam Cleaning

There are a number of surfaces that can benefit from steam cleaning. If your workplace has couches, chairs, or any other furniture with fabric, consider steam cleaning. Cleaning both carpets and upholstery in the same way will save you time, money and resources, so you can worry about the more important things.

Mold-Free Cleaning

One of the most common misconceptions about steam carpet cleaning is that it will cause mold. But steam cleaners actually leave surfaces with little dampness.

The combination of heat and low water usage ensure that there is no molding, leaving carpets and furniture with a clean, dry finish.

Steam carpet cleaning is one of the best options available for cleaning the carpets in any workplace. Call ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 to schedule your next steam cleaning service!

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Twin Cities janitorial service. We provide contract cleaning for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, auto dealerships, salons and retail stores, industrial buildings, office disinfection services and more. We also provide construction cleanup during and after construction projects of all sizes. No cleaning job is too big or too small for our experienced cleaning teams!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

How to Improve Office Air Quality

It’s winter in Minnesota, which means we’ll be spending the next few months indoors. As employees come back to the office, it’s important to monitor indoor air quality. Not only will this protect the overall health of workers, but it also makes a workplace more comfortable. Good air quality can also improve productivity and creativity.

Indoor air often feels clean, but there are hidden pollutants that can make it unsafe. These include dust, mold, mildew, chemicals from furniture and paint, cigarette smoke that lingers on clothing and skin, and more. However, there are a few easy ways to improve the air quality of your office or workplace, as discussed by Corporate Wellness Magazine.

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

air quality

Keep a Clean Workplace

When your workplace is regularly cleaned, there are fewer dirt, dust and allergen particles on surfaces and in the air. Consider daily or weekly commercial cleaning services to keep your office clean, healthy and safe.

Use Commercial Air Cleaning Devices

Install air purifiers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and other air cleaning devices as needed. These will maintain air quality with little work on your part.

Change HVAC Filters Often

Regularly clean HVAC systems and replace filters. This will prevent pollutants from recirculating.

Test Air Regularly

Set a schedule for regular indoor air quality testing. These tests include: humidity, air flow, mold growth, ventilation, odors, water damage, and more.

Ventilate!

Keep air vents unblocked. If possible, open windows on a regular basis to allow outdoor air to circulate into the building. Consider adding indoor plants for natural air purification (among other positive benefits).

Do you need help keeping your workplace clean and healthy? Call Pete at 612-581-2776 for a free, no obligation quote on Minneapolis commercial cleaning services.

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Twin Cities janitorial service. We provide contract cleaning for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, auto dealerships, salons and retail stores, industrial buildings, office disinfection services and more. We also provide construction cleanup during and after construction projects of all sizes. No cleaning job is too big or too small for our experienced cleaning teams!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.

Tips for Safe Disinfectant Use Between Cleanings

No matter how frequently your office is professionally cleaned, there will come times when your staff has to do some cleaning. Whether there’s an accident, a spill, or things just get too dirty, it’s a good idea to have disinfectant products on hand. And it’s also important that you and your team know how to safely use those disinfectants.

We’re sharing a few tips from the EPA on how to use disinfectants safely and effectively. Do you need professional janitorial services to keep your office clean? Give ROC Cleaning a call!

How to Use Disinfectant Products Safely and Effectively

disinfectant
photo credit: @towfiqu999999 accessed 12/16/21 via CC0
  1. Make Sure the Product is EPA-Approved: The EPA’s List N includes all disinfectants that are approved to kill viruses, including COVID-19.
  2. Read All Directions: Check the product’s use sites and surface types to see where it can safely be used.
  3. Pre-Clean: If the surface is visibly dirty, wash it with soap and water before using the disinfectant product.
  4. Follow Contact Time Instructions: Disinfectants must usually be left on a surface for a set period of time in order to be fully effective. Make sure to read and follow time instructions accurately.
  5. Wear Gloves: Always protect your hands when using disinfectant products.
  6. Wash Your Hands: Even though you wore gloves, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.
  7. Keep Products Locked Up: Make sure all disinfectant products are stored safely and securely, especially if children or vulnerable adults frequent the building.

Ready for a cleaner and more sanitary office? Call Pete at 651-581-2776 to get started.

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Twin Cities janitorial service. We provide contract cleaning for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, auto dealerships, salons and retail stores, industrial buildings and more. We also provide construction cleanup during and after construction projects of all sizes. No cleaning job is too big or too small for our experienced cleaning teams!

Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.