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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 Most Common Germ Hotspots in Office Buildings

As cold and flu season begins, facility managers should be aware of the most common germ hotspots in their buildings. Ensure those touchpoints are properly and regularly cleaned to avoid employee illnesses and absences.

Here are a few of the germiest places in a typical office, according to WebMD.

office germ hotspots
photo credit: @@cottonbro accessed 10/21/22 via CC0

Common Germ Hotspots in Workplaces and Office Buildings

Elevator Buttons

In busy condo and apartment buildings and high-rise office buildings, elevator buttons are touched frequently. Keep hand sanitizer close by to minimize germs.

Door Handles

Like elevator buttons, door handles are touched frequently. They have a larger surface area, however, and are touched for a longer period. In addition to encouraging hand hygiene, make sure door handles are wiped down and sanitized frequently.

How to Use Disinfectants Safely
woman cleaning office sink

Coffee Maker and Coffee Pot

Bacteria thrives inside the dark, damp interior of a coffee maker, especially when it isn’t cleaned regularly (which is the case in many offices). Further, the handle of the coffee pot is touched by many different employees, but often overlooked during cleaning.

Break Room Sink

Office sinks are a hotspot for bacteria and germs – especially the handle. Ensure both are cleaned and disinfected regularly.

Desktops

Ready for an uncomfortable fact? Desktops have about 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. This is because toilet seats are cleaned regularly – but when was the last time you deep cleaned your desktop? Keyboards and telephones are also common germ hotspots. Ensure that employees have the knowledge and supplies they need to clean their workspaces regularly.

5 Tips for Improving Hygiene in Office Spaces

ROC Cleaning can help you avoid the flu! We provide daily cleaning services for office buildings, retail stores, fitness centers, places of worship, and apartment buildings. Don’t wait until your employees or customers get sick – contact us today!

ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Minneapolis commercial cleaning company. We provide janitorial 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 a trusted 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.

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”

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.

Professional Carpet Cleaners vs. Do it Yourself Carpet Cleaning

Office buildings, apartment complexes, and commercial buildings, all of them have carpet somewhere. For business owners, carpet cleaning is something that makes you wonder if you could just do it yourself, or is it better to just hire a professional?

We’ll go over some pros and cons of using a professional carpet cleaner, so you can decide what’s best for you and your business.

Professional Carpet Cleaners vs DIY Carpet Cleaning

The Professionals Have Better Equipment

In many industries, the professionals always tend to have better, more powerful equipment. Professional carpet cleaners use high-end steam and deep cleaners that get deep down into the pores of the carpet, cleaning the carpet at the core.

You can purchase a smaller, less effective vacuum steam cleaner, but you’ll notice that it doesn’t always do the best job. Renting equipment can also get expensive depending on the amount of carpet space that needs to be cleaned.

professional carpet cleaning vs. diy
photo credit: @pixabay accessed 5/10/22 via CC0

Higher Chance of Damaging Your Carpet When Doing It Yourself

If you choose to clean yourself you might be renting a carpet cleaner, in this case, you may be opening your carpet up to possible damages. The rental machines are harsh on your carpet and can lead to faster wear and tear on the fibers.

For some, DIY carpet cleaning includes using carpet deodorizers to make it smell better and get “a deeper clean”. The abrasive chemicals may help it smell a little bit better, but, it is damaging your carpet even further.

Related: Do Carpet Deodorizers Help or Hurt?

Faster Dry Time When Working with a Professional

Many professional carpet cleaners use the “steam cleaning” method. During this method, hot water is sprayed onto the carpet, then it gets sucked back up into the machine. This effectively gets rid of any dirt or grime that may be embedded within the carpet fibers and backings.

The method does require your carpet to get wet, but with the knowledge and equipment of a professional, it will most certainly dry faster than doing it yourself. The sheer power of the higher-end machines leaves your carpet with slight dampness that dries quickly.

Related: The Benefits of Steam Carpet Cleaning

Doing it Yourself with Lower-Grade Cleaning Machines

Self-cleaning carpet machines have lower water pressure and weak vacuums. This means that you won’t be able to rinse the carpet fibers thoroughly. The weaker vacuums also don’t have enough power to get as much water vacuumed as much as doing the process professionally.

Professional Carpet Cleaners Have More Experience

You can’t beat the knowledge and time that professional carpet cleaners have in the industry. They have to ability to get the job done and get it done fast. Doing a quick google search for carpet cleaners in the area or reaching out to ROC Commercial Cleaning is your best bet.

While cleaning carpets isn’t enjoyable for most, it’s still important to make sure they are being taken care of. A properly cleaned carpet will last longer, look better, and keep your space refreshed. So, whether you choose to clean yourself or to use a professional, ensure it is done properly to yield the best results in the long run.

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.

Why Should My Office Hire Professional Cleaners?

Maintaining a clean office isn’t just about health. It’s about safety, productivity, customer impact and employee satisfaction, among other things. If you’re struggling to keep your office clean, professional cleaners could make all the difference for your company and staff.

Here are a few common reasons to hire professional cleaners. If you’re ready to take the leap toward a cleaner, safer and healthier office, give ROC Commercial Cleaning a call today.

4 Reasons to Hire Professional Cleaners for Your Office

  1. Professional cleanersExpertise: Professional office cleaners are highly trained and experienced. They understand what and how to clean most effectively, and can personalize the cleaning service for your facility’s unique needs. In addition, professional cleaners have the products and equipment to clean well and efficiently.
  2. Reliability: At ROC Commercial Cleaning, our unique account manager program ensures that cleaning teams will show up, be on time, and complete the work as contracted.
  3. Value: Your employees were not hired to clean your office bathrooms. By outsourcing janitorial services, you’re allowing your employees to do the jobs they were hired and trained for.
  4. Morale: A clean office space provides employees with a calm, clean and healthy environment in which to work. This will not only make them more satisfied and ultimately happier to be at work, but it can significantly boost creativity and productivity. In addition, when customers come into your office, their first impression will be of a clean and inviting space.

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.