Cleaning healthcare facilities properly is of utmost importance because of a number of critical reasons. Optimally it is vital to maintain a clean environment in healthcare facilities to help control and prevent the spread of infections. It is no secret that hospitals and medical centers are major breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, which pose significant health risks to patients, staff, and visitors. With regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, equipment, and patient areas, the spread of infections will be minimal, thus reducing the likelihood of infections which can lead to severe complications or even fatalities. This is especially problematic among vulnerable populations.

When cleaning is undertaken in the right way it promotes patient safety and well-being. Patients in hospitals and other medical facilities are often already in a compromised state of health, and that makes them more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Dirty environments can intensify patient conditions and/or lead to new health complications, which renders ineffective treatments received and may even prolong the recovery time. Once a high standard of cleanliness is maintained, healthcare providers can create a safer and healthier environment for healing and recovery, which ultimately improves patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Finally, effective cleaning and sanitation in healthcare facilities help to prevent infections, reduces the level of bacteria and viruses found in a facility and helps to promote a healthy and safe environment for all persons at the medical facility.  When the spread of infection is minimized, it also lessens the time off staff need to recover from illnesses and helps the facility to be properly staffed to handle day-to-day proceedings. In summary proper cleaning practices not only benefit the health and safety of individuals but also ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare systems. To help you find certified companies who can properly and efficiently undertake this type of cleaning see https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices  this will make the process a lot smoother and less of a hassle.

Maintaining a clean environment to health care facilities is very important to reduce the risk and exposure to germs, viruses, infections and diseases to everyone exposed such as visitors, patients and staff. OSHA has guidelines that all surfaces must be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant determined by EPA to reduce Health Care Associated Infections. The most common infection associated with hospitals are urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea. 

Janitors/Cleaning staff are knowledgeable and trained on what cleaning detergent and disinfectant that is effective against both bacteria and viruses. You can find a listing on highly trained cleaning companies that specialize in health care cleaning at Janitorial Service Directory

Janitors are responsible for cleaning all zone areas such as restrooms, countertops, floors, equipment, high touch areas  and surfaces,and properly disposing trash and potentially hazardous waste and materials. 

There are so many harmful effects of using everyday cleaning chemicals in comparison to more natural green products.  Everyday cleaning chemicals not only have a negative effect on the environment due to the single-use plastic packaging and toxins emitted during the manufacturing process, but also on human and wildlife health from toxic fumes being inhaled or chemicals flushed down a drain.

As per the article included in IJCSA's Green Cleaning Certification, toxic cleaning chemicals include many solvents and petroleum-based chemicals that can cause health effects like reduced concentration, coordination, memory, and sleep disturbances. These are just a few of the issues that everyday cleaning chemicals can cause to a person's health.  Another health hazard to keep in mind involves children and pets. Small children and pets are at risk for accidentally ingesting cleaning chemicals if they're spilled or found in a person's cleaning cabinet. The result of something like this happening is dire, immediate medical attention is required and can still be fatal even if urgent medical care was obtained. Using things like lemon juice (citric acid), or vinegar, or baking soda is so much safer, because even if they're accidentally ingested in some way, you should still seek medical attention but it's likely going to cause an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. I'd take that over the alternative.

The effects that some of these everyday cleaning chemicals have on the environment may not be as well-known as the hazards to health are, but the impact is just as great.  Laundry soaps, just for one example, contain surfactants like LAS, that do slowly biodegrade, but while being manufactured, release carcinogens and reproductive toxins like benzene into the environment. Everyday cleaning chemicals like window cleaners that contain ammonia, release nitrogen into the environment, and in areas that cannot handle the excess ammonia, can disrupt the ecosystem and cause toxic effects to fish, plants, and animals. This information was found in the article provided as study material for IJSCA's Green Cleaning Certification.

IJSCA Green Cleaning Certified Members know that using single-use plastic used for packaging everyday cleaning chemicals adds to the amount of waste in landfills that may take hundreds of years to biodegrade, and release toxins as they degrade as well. To combat that, we use things like glass bottles to contain our more natural and ecofriendly cleaners, and use microfiber cloths instead of disposable paper towels.

 I've read an astounding number of comments on cleaning videos and posts on various social media platforms about using more natural cleaners that are safer for human health and the environment that say things like "it isn't clean unless it's been cleaned with bleach".  This is a wild concept to me, because people are essentially condoning the use of a cleaning chemical whose fumes are known to cause eye and throat irritation as well as respiratory damage to the people that use them. Additionally, in an article written by Environmental Impacts of Bleach and Greener Alternatives - Action for Renewables, it states that in dumping/washing bleach down a drain, the chlorine and other toxic ingredients included in it can contaminate nearby water bodies that make them unsafe to drink from or bathe in, and increase the acidity of these water bodies, which can destroy habitats and ecosystems. 

Entrusting your home or facility members and the protection of our environment to the Green Cleaning Certified Members of IJSCA is a great eco-friendly decision that a person can be proud to make. You can search the directory here International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Green Cleaning Services (ijcsa.org)

A young physician had just come in from assisting a laboring mother. His hands were covered by the evidence of the operation. The controversial Austrian physician who witnessed this firmly rebuked his younger colleague and told him to go get cleaned up before proceeding to the next birthing mother. At this time in Europe, the knowledge of pathogens was minimal but the mortality rates were not-especially in the birthing wards. But one man would strive to take the cleanliness practiced by the midwives into the hospitals of his beloved homeland. History lessons from the past show us why we must practice a system of contamination control and knowledge in the workplace.

On the farm/ranch we grew up taking pride in the grease, oil, or dirt that gave proof to the demands of our daily chores or projects. It was much the same in Europe at the hospitals in a trade exclusively dominated by men. Pride often gets us into trouble in more ways than we realize. We can be gratified by the results as long as no one else is detrimental affected. Wearing personal protection such as a uniform designated with this in mind, glasses and gloves, are the most important things to remember.

Thinking about the consequences to others around us should play major part in our attitude toward pathogens of any kind. That OSHA and fines should happen to catch up could indeed be a key motivator- but principles of society go beyond a governing entity. Principles are based on what we believe and why and if we believe what others tell us without thought we become a cheap fragment. These ignorant doctors in 18th century Europe were going from birthing woman to woman without cleaning up or wearing protective equipment because they were just doing what everyone else was doing. Sounds similar to our society now in other facets of life.

To sum this up let's not just consider the facts and figures spouted out with textbook lingo and because OSHA tells us to, let's make sure we know the life and death is in the blood...

It is no secret that regular cleaning products have the potential to create harm within humans and the environment. Green cleaning on the other hand is the best way to go about cleaning for your business and for your customers because of the benefits that come along with it. With regular cleaning products, there are chemicals within it such as irritants that could do damage to the skin, lungs, and eyes if they are misused. 

It is the best way to go about cleaning through green cleaning because of the benefits that comer along with it. The main benefit being that the health of you and your employees is maintained with the proper knowledge and training received for green cleaning. For example, one product known to cause irritation to humans is chlorine bleach. This chemical has the potential to do some real damage if used. Green cleaning has good alternatives compared to chlorine bleach so that the dangers are not present

Another example of a dangerous everyday chemical used in regular cleaning is isopropyl alcohol, which can be found in glass cleaners. It is no secret that isopropyl alcohol has the power to irritate skin, eyes, nose, and throat if mishandled. Green cleaning products also have an alternative to this chemical so that you, your workers, and the environment stay safe while you work. 

Some all-purpose cleaners can also include 2-butoxyethanol which can cause headaches, confusion, and irritation to the human senses if mishandled by your or your employees. Green cleaning products do better by providing something else to do an even better job of cleaning while you and your employees steer clear from the harmful damage of these chemicals.

Sodium hypochlorite/chlorine found in some bathroom cleaners can also do some harm to you and your employees since it could severely irritate your skin, cause eye damage, and cause shortness of breath. Green cleaning products available to you can eliminate the need for using harmful chemicals and do a better job overall!

Chemical Information

Green Cleaning Directory

As someone that has been a cleaner for over 10 years, I have noticed that this job requires a high level of exceptional customer service to become and remain successful.  This may seem simple, but having the tools in your arsenal to help with valued customers helps a great deal. Below I have listed the 7 essential tips in helping provide great costumer service provided by David Brownlee. https://youtu.be/tn0veQ7_stI?si=4BJBQWy2dpAaic1h 

Here are some essential tips to help guide valuable customer service experiences.
     First off, it is imperative that your client feels heard. If they have an issue, let them vent to you. Do not interrupt them thinking you need to defend yourself and your company right off the bat. Listen to your clients if they need to let you know how they want things handled, or if something was handled improperly. Even if it is something positive, let them tell you. Sometimes it’s even hard to take in compliments, and we can be quick to pass it off without taking time to appreciate someone’s praise. 
    You also want to let your customers feel understood. There is nothing worse than feeling like what you’re saying to someone is going in one ear and out the other. This means when someone gives you information you can ask questions and repeat back the question. Making a customer feel cared for is very important. You can do that by not rushing them or having body language that suggests you're Uncomfortable and busy like looking at your phone and watch. 
   There is an acronym called S.E.C which stands for SMILE, EYE CONTACT, and COMMENT. smiling is a great way to acknowledge someone and let them know you are friendly and mean no harm. Eye contact sends a message of confidence and that you are paying attention to what they are saying, and to comment implies that you having computed the information they are telling you and that you. 
  Clients want to be acknowledged. This means that if they have a concern, you take the time to put yourself in their shoes. Really take a moment to hear them out. Sometimes that acknowledgment is all that is needed to ease someone’s discontentment. Take it one step further and truly empathize with the client. This means understanding how they feel. If it’s possible, try to find a solution for the problem. This may mean going back to the home or office and spending some time to fix an area that was not cleaned correctly. It may even be an option to give the customer a refund. Obviously this is not the number one solution as we want to have lucrative business, but if that ultimately solves a problem that needs fixing, then it may need to be done. Always be willing to come up with some sort of solution. This may be giving an extra 2 hours free on the next visit, or a 20% off coupon for the next 3 cleans. Be creative and see if it helps ease the strain in an unhappy client. Once you clarify the situation with them hopefully they will be satisfied with your need to please them and to not just leave them high and dry.  You would be surprised at how many people don’t beee a full refund to feel better. Even a promise to make a note for next visit can help make them feel like you will take extra care and what they say is important to you. 

lastly, an essential tip for all Customer Service Reps is to follow up with their customers! This may look like an email or text message after a clean, or it can be a phone call. It is super important to give customers a chance to let you know if things went well or if they had a few concerns. If they are dissatisfied, they may not become a repeat customer if you don’t give them that follow up. it gives them a chance to give you much needed feed back that can help you for your next customers. 
Some great follow up tactics are Drip Campaigns. These are emails that can be weekly, monthly, or even annually, that offer coupons, and/or surveys. This helps keep a line of communication always open and readily available. 

All in all, the best advice to give is to treat people the way you would want to be treated if the tables were turned and the were on the other side of the table being the customer. Always Remeber SEC, smile, eye contact, comment. This goes a long way. Take time to listen to people and don’t things to heart if your ego gets hurt due to criticism. We are professionals and we can do this ! 

Are you looking for a cleaning company for services? Look no futher , The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA)  they are the  place to find excellent services, they have the top of the line customer service and always are there for their customers needs.

They have the best directory and are always will to help if you need anything or have questions.

Always a one stop shop with IJCSA when looking for anything related to the cleaning industry. check out their link ijcsa.org 

Do you know the affects that the ingredients in your favorite commercial brands of cleaning solutions can have on your health? Many solvents and petroleum-based chemicals found in cleaning products like degreasers have been shown to affect things such as sleep, memory, concentration, and even cause personality changes. Not only that, but sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) that many people use to clean areas of their home is not only toxic to human health, but it also damages aquatic life and wildlife as it escapes into the environment through water treatment plants and individual residential sewer systems. 

When searching for a professional cleaning service for your home or commercial facility that truly cares for your health and the environment, partnering with IJSCA members that offer green cleaning services is the way to go. IJSCA green cleaning members don't just care, they take action to protect your health and the environment by using natural cleaners and reusable cleaning products like bottles and cloths. Not using single-use cloths and spray bottles reduces the amount of waste that goes to the landfill and can take hundreds of years to degrade. Using natural cleaning solutions greatly reduces the risk of adverse reactions, is safe to use around pets and children, and doesn't leave your home or business smelling like a hotel pool.

Trusting in IJSCA members that provide green cleaning services to keep your home exceptionally clean, with your health and the environment in mind, will be one of the best decisions of your life. You can find our reliable and eco-friendly professionals through this link https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services

Are you tired of looking for the perfect carpet cleaning service? Look no further! At IJCSA, we understand the importance of maintaining clean carpets and rugs in your home or business. Our members specialize in professional carpet and rug cleaning, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning process. Whether you're dealing with stubborn stains, pet odors, or just in need of routine maintenance, our certified members have got you covered. Experience the difference with IJCSA members and enjoy fresh, clean carpets that enhance the beauty and comfort of your space. Contact us today to schedule your next carpet cleaning appointment! https://www.ijcsa.org/Carpet-Cleaning-Directory 

As a cleaning professional, we can be placed into situations where we are exposed to bloodborne pathogens. It’s important to know how to protect yourself and your employees to prevent exposure. Once exposed, you are subject to become infected with Hepatitis B and/or HIV as just some examples. 

Hospital workers are not the only individuals who are at risk of exposure. Anyone who cleans up bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, or saliva or does laundry is at risk of exposure due to hazardous materials that may be in the covers or on the clothes. Most exposures is through contact of the mucus membranes in the nose or mouth or through breaks in the skin. 

It is very important to follow universal precautions. One precaution is to wear protective gear at all times when cleaning and to assume all bodily fluids are infected. It’s also wise practice to wash your heads before touching your face, smoking, eating/drinking, or applying lip balm. It’s important to have a system in place such as color coding or labeling laundry. It’s your job to clean the area properly so that no one else will be exposed. Never manually smash down trash. Avoid splashing and splattering while cleaning. Dispose of all PPE in properly marked containers. Disinfect any equipment used to clean the area. Again, wash your hands thoroughly. 

If you feel you have been exposed, contact your supervisor and your doctor. Be sure to pay attention to your body and check for any symptoms for the infections.