The practices learned from medical cleaning can easily be transferred into other environments. Following a cleaning order of operations like starting from the entrance door and working clockwise, can and should be done in any room, not just a hospital patient room. Taking universal precautions when encountering blood on the floor should happen whether in a hospital or in an office break room. Following product labels, reading material safety data sheets (MSDS), and having up to date employer training all serve a professional cleaner no matter what environment they are cleaning. Locate a cleaning company that implements proper cleaning practices by visiting the IJCSA Janitorial Service Directory.

Other medical cleaning practices that can be implemented in residential and commercial environments include never pushing down on trash, washing your hands, and changing gloves when moving to a different area to clean. And just as medical cleaners need to consider what disinfectants can be harmful to patients and medical equipment, they need to consider what disinfectants will be harmful to office workers or a residents belongings.

A professional cleaner’s job is to protect occupants in an environment by controlling the spread of harmful organisms. When germs are controlled, less workers will have to call out sick, stress levels will be lowered, and workers will be happier and more productive.

Cleaning and disinfecting properly can be the difference between somebody picking up a life-threatening infection and not. Cleaning is the necessary first step of any sterilization or disinfection process. “Cleaning is a form of decontamination that renders the environmental surface safe to handle or use by removing organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation” (CDC, 2024). And disinfecting is “to cleanse by destroying, inactivating, or significantly reducing the concentration of pathogenic agents” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). The disinfecting solution needs to be made with the right water to chemical ratio, and the solution must maintain a certain contact time with the surface to be effective.  If you want to locate a cleaning company that follows proper cleaning and disinfecting protocol, browse through IJCSA’s Janitorial Service Directory.

References

CDC. (2024). E. Environmental Services. In Infection Control. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/environmental-control/environmental-services.html

Definition of DISINFECT. (n.d.). In www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinfect

International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Janitorial Services Directory. (2026). Ijcsa.Org. https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices

Cleaning professionals should be trained and educated in all aspects of their job. Historically janitorial staff has been depicted as background or bottom rung employees in tv and movies. However, as observed in the pandemic in 2020, the frontline cleaning staff plays an underappreciated and critical role in the health and safety of facilities. Staff who are trained and educated are professionals in their field and will be better prepared.

When thinking of interacting with bloodborne pathogens, it is most likely pictured in a healthcare facility. While this is the most common occurrence they can be encountered anywhere. For this reason all cleaning staff should be trained in the safe handling and disposal of blood and other bodily fluids regardless of their location. A staff who is prepared to handle a wide variety of situations is able to provide better service and client satisfaction.

The most important reason cleaning personnel should be educated and trained in bloodborne pathogens is for their safety and well being. Employees should not be afraid of potentially life changing diseases and illnesses resulting from them simply preforming their duties. They should be confident they have been provided with the correct training and equipment to safely complete the task and return home safely afterwards.   

The importance of cleaning employees and staff knowing about bloodborne pathogens is extremely important for a variety of reasons. Cleaning employees can unexpectedly encounter blood or other potentially infectious materials while cleaning, especially in restrooms, healthcare facilities, schools, apartments, offices, and trash-handling areas. There are many seen hazards cleaners and staff may encounter. But some hazards can be unseen, such as HBV, HCV, and HIV. Having knowledge of these Bloodborne pathogens may help mitigate exposure or inform when exposure does occur. 

Another concern that may not often come to mind is the expose to Bloodborne pathogens by way of sharps. Imagine a cleaner using his/her hand to push down trash in a trash can only to discover there was a discarded needle, razor, or broken glass in the trash. A puncture can create a route for bloodborne pathogens to enter the body. That kind of exposure can be both dangerous and costly. 

Finally, proper training can teach cleaners what to do but also and equally important, what not to do as it pertains to bloodborne pathogens. It’s important for cleaners and staff to know not to pick up an unknown sharp with bare hands. They should never reach blindly into trash. Cleaners should always wear the appropriate PPE. It is especially important they know how to properly handle contaminated materials, appropriate cleaning and decontamination procedures, as well as how to properly dispose of contaminated materials. Cleaners should also know what to do and who to contact in the event they believe that have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens. 

For all these reasons and more cleaners and staff should be knowledgeable about bloodborne pathogens. This protects the cleaners, staff, clients, and the company. 

It is important for cleaning employees and staff to know about bloodborne pathogens because they may come in contact with blood or other body fluids while doing their job. Blood can carry diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Even if an area looks clean, there can still be a risk, so employees should know how to protect themselves.

Cleaning staff should always use the correct protective equipment, such as gloves, when cleaning blood or body fluids. They should also know how to safely handle and throw away contaminated items like paper towels, broken glass, or needles. Using the right disinfectant and following the proper cleaning steps can help prevent exposure and keep everyone in the building safe.

Training about bloodborne pathogens is important because it helps employees know what to do if an accident happens. For example, if someone gets cut or is exposed to blood, they should report it right away and follow the company’s safety procedures. Knowing these basic rules helps protect the cleaning staff, other employees, and customers from possible infections

When you need to make the decision on who will clean your carpets, there are a lot of choices out there. So how do you know what company to choose? you want to start with a company that is knowledgeable, and trained in how to properly clean your carpets. Companies that are members of the IJSCA are provided the opportunity to become certified in the latest carpet cleaning application, and techniques. So if you're tasked with choosing the correct company to care for your carpet, certified IJCSA professionals are a good choice. Just ask your technician if he has been certified, and your choice gets a lot easier.  -  https://www.ijcsa.org/Carpet-Cleaning-Directory.

Finding a Mold Cleaning Service You Can Trust

Mold can appear after flooding, water damage, plumbing leaks, roof leaks, excess humidity, or moisture problems—and addressing it promptly can help protect your home or business. When you need professional help, choosing a qualified mold cleaning service can make the process easier. IJCSA Members offer specialized services that may include mold inspection, mold removal, mold remediation, mold containment, moisture control, HEPA filtration, water damage restoration, and flood cleanup.

Whether you are dealing with a small area of mold or a larger problem following flood damage or water intrusion, the IJCSA directory can help you connect with professional cleaning and restoration companies. Don't let mold and moisture problems go unaddressed. Find a professional mold cleaning and restoration service through the IJCSA Flood Damage & Restoration Services Directory today.

Find an IJCSA Flood Damage & Restoration Service

Mold Cleaning Keywords: Mold Cleaning • Mold Removal • Mold Remediation • Mold Inspection • Black Mold Removal • Mold Containment • Flood Cleanup • Water Damage Restoration • Moisture Control • HEPA Filtration • Odor Removal • Structural Drying • Emergency Mold Cleanup

Promoting Myself as IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified

By David DeMaio

Becoming IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified is an important step for me because it shows that I have learned how to clean in a safer, more environmentally responsible way. This certification has helped me better understand green cleaning products, chemical safety, sustainable cleaning practices, indoor air quality, and environmentally friendly cleaning methods. I can use this knowledge to make better decisions about the products and procedures I use while also reducing unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals.

I plan to implement a green cleaning program into my daily cleaning routine by choosing safer cleaning products whenever possible, using the correct amount of product, reading labels carefully, and avoiding waste. I will also use methods such as microfiber cloths, proper dilution, reusable cleaning materials, and products that are appropriate for each surface. I will focus on keeping areas clean and sanitary while also considering the health of people, pets, and the environment. Proper storage and handling of cleaning products will also be part of my routine.

Being IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified will also help me explain green cleaning practices to others and show that I take environmental responsibility seriously. I plan to continue learning about eco-friendly cleaning, safer cleaning solutions, green cleaning chemicals, waste reduction, and sustainable cleaning techniques so I can improve my routine over time. My goal is to use effective cleaning methods that protect indoor spaces while reducing unnecessary environmental impact.

Overall, I am proud to promote myself as IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified and to use what I have learned in my daily cleaning routine. I believe green cleaning is about more than simply choosing products with a green label. It is about using proper techniques, understanding chemical safety, reducing waste, and making responsible choices every day. I will continue applying these principles to help create cleaner, safer, and more environmentally responsible spaces.

Implementing a Mold Cleaning Operation at Power House Cleaning Service

Power House Cleaning Service LLC plans to implement a professional mold cleaning operation as an expansion of our existing commercial and residential cleaning services. Our goal is to provide customers with a safe, organized, and environmentally responsible approach to addressing visible mold and mildew in appropriate areas of homes, apartments, offices, schools, and other facilities. The program will begin with employee training on mold awareness, moisture control, personal protective equipment (PPE), containment practices, proper cleaning techniques, and recognizing situations that require referral to a qualified mold-remediation professional. Before beginning any mold-related project, our team will evaluate the affected area, identify potential moisture sources, document the condition, and communicate clearly with the customer about the scope of work. Power House Cleaning Service will focus on cleaning services that fall within our training, equipment, and applicable regulations rather than attempting to perform work that requires specialized remediation or restoration.

As the program develops, Power House Cleaning Service will establish standardized procedures for mold-related cleaning projects, including customer intake, inspection documentation, work-area preparation, PPE requirements, cleaning and disinfection procedures, waste handling, equipment cleaning, and post-service documentation. We will also educate customers about the importance of correcting water leaks, excessive humidity, condensation, and other moisture problems because cleaning mold without addressing the underlying moisture source can allow the problem to return. By combining trained employees, documented procedures, appropriate equipment, and strong customer communication, Power House Cleaning Service intends to build a mold-cleaning operation that complements our janitorial and residential cleaning services while maintaining a strong commitment to worker safety, customer protection, and professional service.

Finding a Carpet Cleaning Service Made Easy!

When your carpets and rugs need a fresh, clean look, finding the right professional carpet cleaning service can make all the difference. Whether you need residential carpet cleaning, commercial carpet cleaning, area rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, stain removal, deep carpet cleaning, steam cleaning, odor removal, pet stain treatment, or routine carpet maintenance, IJCSA members are available to help you find professional cleaning services for your needs. Don't let dirty carpets, stubborn stains, pet odors, or everyday wear take away from the appearance of your home or business. Find a professional carpet and rug cleaning service through the IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Directory and connect with cleaning professionals who can help restore the beauty, cleanliness, and freshness of your carpets and rugs. Visit the IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Directory today and start your search for a carpet cleaning professional!

How Power House Cleaning Service Plans to Implement a Carpet Cleaning Program

At Power House Cleaning Service LLC, our goal is to continually expand the services we provide while maintaining the quality, professionalism, and reliability our clients expect. As part of our business growth strategy, we plan to implement a dedicated carpet cleaning program that will complement our existing routine and commercial cleaning services. Carpet and upholstery care is an important part of maintaining a clean, healthy, and professional environment in offices, schools, apartment communities, residential properties, and vacant homes. Our carpet cleaning program will be designed to provide clients with more comprehensive cleaning solutions by addressing accumulated dirt, stains, odors, allergens, and everyday wear that traditional vacuuming and routine janitorial services cannot completely remove.

The implementation process will begin with investing in the appropriate professional carpet-cleaning equipment, products, and employee training. Power House Cleaning Service will establish standardized procedures for inspecting carpet conditions, identifying fiber types and potential problem areas, selecting appropriate cleaning methods, treating stains, extracting moisture, and completing final quality inspections. We will also focus on proper chemical handling and safe cleaning practices to protect both our employees and our clients' properties. By establishing consistent procedures and documenting each step of the process, we can provide dependable results while reducing the risk of carpet damage.

Our carpet cleaning program will initially be incorporated into our existing commercial and residential service offerings, with the potential to develop specialized packages for offices, schools, apartment properties, property managers, landlords, and real estate professionals. We also see an opportunity to provide move-in/move-out carpet cleaning for vacant apartments and single-family homes, as well as scheduled maintenance programs for commercial clients. This approach will allow Power House Cleaning Service to create additional value for existing customers while developing new revenue opportunities and strengthening our position as a full-service cleaning company.

Ultimately, implementing a professional carpet cleaning program is about more than adding another service to our menu. It is about building a more comprehensive cleaning company capable of addressing the changing needs of our customers. Power House Cleaning Service LLC intends to grow this program through proper training, quality equipment, reliable procedures, customer education, and consistent service delivery. By combining carpet care with our existing cleaning services, we can help our clients maintain cleaner, healthier, and more presentable properties while continuing to build a strong foundation for the future growth of our company.