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International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association

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  • 02 Sep 2026 3:30 AM | Sidney

     A better start to the day-Your team walks into a facility that’s clean, organized, and ready for business.


    Show Up. Clean Right. Every Time.


    We’re currently accepting facility walkthroughs. Schedule yours today and see how an early-morning cleaning routine can work for your facility.

  • 01 Sep 2026 5:42 PM | Emmanuella Morin

    It is important for janitorial employees and employers to know about bloodborne pathogens because it is reasonable for them to anticipate occupational exposure. OSHA—the Occupational Safety and Health Administration—requires a bloodborne pathogens standard, which is the standard operating procedure for working with materials potentially contaminated with bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms found in blood and most bodily fluids.Though they can cause disease in humans, cleaning staff who understand exposure, follow protective handling and decontamination practices, and identify symptoms of infection can protect their own well-being and the health of their clients.

    Cleaning employees are most likely to come into contact with the bloodborne pathogens HIV and HBV. Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the virus associated with AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Haphazard exposure to this virus can eventually make it difficult for the body to fight off infections. Mismanaged exposure to Hepatitis B Virus, or HBV, can lead to liver inflammation, disease, and even cancer. Cleaning employees know that exposure happens when infected blood and bodily fluids come in contact with the mucus membranes in the nose and mouth. They know exposure can happen by direct contact as well through breaks in the skin like cuts and abrasions, after needle sticks, and human bites. With that in mind, choosing to wear protective equipment in accordance with OSHA's standard is the first step in defending the public against the diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens. For further protection, decontamination and waste disposal must involve following Universal Precautions at all times. This means that all blood or bodily fluids found during occupation must be handled by sanitation staff as if it were infected. Despite following the standards outlined above exposure is still possible. Janitorial workers must also know what to do when an exposure occurs. They know that HIV causes flu-like symptoms while HBV causes jaundice and indigestion—symptoms that may not appear for some time after exposure. To mitigate the spread of serious illness, cleaning employees know to contact their physicians and supervisors immediately after they have identified symptoms or even when exposure is merely suspected.

    As a matter of course in the profession, maintaining a healthy and safe environment is paramount. Unlike previous expectations that knowledge about bloodborne pathogens is only relevant to healthcare workers, it is recognized that janitorial staff across industries must be informed as well. Whether cleaning spills, handling soiled laundry, or discarding waste, they are responsible for containing possibly harmful materials. If a cleaning employee knows how exposure occurs, the effects of exposure, and the proper prevention procedures, they will be prepared to mitigate the spread of potentially fatal infections. Pathogenic microorganisms like HIV and HBV would cause serious damage were it not for OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard. 

  • 01 Sep 2026 5:27 PM | CHAMINDA JAYATILAKE

    Biohazard remediation goes way beyond crime scenes. It is a direct commitment to public health and clinical-level safety. Tackling severe hoarding situations, sewer backups, or unattended deaths means facing complex biological hazards that demand specialized expertise. Standard cleaning services simply aren't equipped to manage bloodborne pathogens or chemical risks while strictly following OSHA protocols. Certified biohazard professionals eliminate these dangerous risks and make properties safe to occupy again.

    The job demands a strong foundation of empathy and solid communication. Property owners dealing with a traumatic loss or severe property damage are usually in a highly vulnerable state. Certified technicians do a lot more than clean. They take on the overwhelming physical reality of the situation so grieving families and stressed landlords don't have to. Handling the harsh details of the cleanup gives people the space they need to focus on recovery.

    Adding biohazard remediation to your service portfolio makes sense for your business and your community. The profit margins are strong, but the real value is the high-stakes support you provide to people in crisis. IJCSA-certified professionals show up with the right personal protective equipment, hospital-grade disinfectants, and the procedural knowledge needed to manage these sensitive environments safely. Companies that offer these services protect public health and step up for clients when they need help the most.

  • 01 Sep 2026 10:09 AM | Casey Willis

    Implementing advanced medical cleaning practices into standard residential and commercial cleaning situations represents a massive leap forward for public health and safety. The rigorous sanitizing methodologies originally designed for surgical suites and clinical environments can easily be adapted to protect the general population in day-to-day spaces. For example, adopting the medical standard of strict color-coded microfiber systems in homes and offices completely eliminates the hazard of cross-contamination between restrooms and food preparation zones. 


    Bringing these advanced healthcare cleaning methodologies into residential spaces provides families with a vital shield against seasonal outbreaks. Homeowners benefit immensely when their cleaning routines shift from purely aesthetic tidying to true surface decontamination. Focusing on chemical dwell times and targeting hidden structural high-touch areas ensures that homes remain safe havens, drastically lowering the survival rates of household pathogens. 


    In a commercial layout, applying these hospital-level sanitation standards protects the world from harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses that disrupt economic supply chains and communities. Schools, corporate offices, and fitness centers experience immediate drops in localized disease transmission when cleaners treat facility hot spots with the same gravity as an outpatient clinic. Using medical-grade disinfectants and structured dwell times ensures everyday public environments achieve a deeper level of bio-safety. 


    Ultimately, elevating standard cleaning contracts to mirror medical-grade protocols builds a healthier society and provides immense peace of mind to clients. Property managers and homeowners can browse the Janitorial Service Directory (https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory) to identify advanced service providers who understand how to successfully execute these specialized sterilization techniques. Bridging the gap between medical protocols and general sanitation is the future of the professional cleaning industry.

  • 31 Aug 2026 1:33 PM | BethAnn Astolos

    Medical facilities follow some of the most complex cleaning protocols in the world because even a small mistake can contribute to the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. While homes and traditional businesses do not require the same level of infection control as hospitals or surgical centers, many of the practices used in healthcare environments can be successfully adapted to improve cleanliness, reduce cross contamination, and create healthier spaces. By adopting these methods, residential and commercial cleaning companies can provide a higher standard of service and better protect the people who occupy these spaces.

    One of the most valuable practices is cleaning from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest areas while using color coded microfiber cloths and mop systems to prevent cross contamination. High touch surfaces such as light switches, door handles, remote controls, keyboards, countertops, faucets, handrails, and appliance handles should receive special attention during every cleaning. Professional cleaners should also follow manufacturer recommended disinfectant dwell times, allowing products to remain wet on surfaces for the required amount of time to effectively kill bacteria and viruses. Using the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), practicing good hand hygiene, and safely handling soiled materials further reduces the risk of spreading contaminants.

    Another healthcare principle that translates well into residential and commercial cleaning is consistency through standardized procedures. Using detailed cleaning checklists, documenting completed work, performing quality inspections, and training employees on proper cleaning techniques helps ensure every area is cleaned thoroughly during every visit. Professional cleaning teams should also understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, selecting the appropriate process based on the environment and the client’s needs. This systematic approach improves both cleaning quality and customer confidence.

    Implementing healthcare inspired cleaning practices demonstrates a commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence. Clients increasingly expect more than a surface level clean they want confidence that their homes, offices, medical practices, schools, and commercial facilities are healthier environments for their families, employees, and customers. By incorporating proven infection prevention techniques into everyday cleaning services, professional cleaning companies can reduce the spread of germs, deliver more consistent results, and set themselves apart as leaders in the cleaning industry.


  • 31 Aug 2026 12:06 PM | Johnson Le

    More people today are looking for a cleaning service that is safe, reliable, and better for the environment. A green cleaning service uses safer cleaning products and better cleaning methods to help protect your home, office, employees, customers, pets, and family. Green cleaning can help reduce strong chemical smells, improve indoor air quality, and create a cleaner and healthier space.

    When choosing a green cleaning company, it is important to look for a service that understands eco-friendly cleaning, non-toxic cleaning products, biodegradable cleaning supplies, safe disinfecting, green janitorial services, and sustainable cleaning practices. These services are helpful for homes, offices, schools, medical offices, commercial buildings, and many other types of facilities. A professional green cleaning company should know how to clean properly while also using products and methods that are safer for people and the environment.

    IJCSA members provide many types of professional cleaning services, including house cleaning, office cleaning, commercial cleaning, janitorial services, carpet cleaning, floor care, and more. If you are looking for a green cleaning service near you, visit the IJCSA Green Cleaning Service Directory to find a provider. You can also search the full IJCSA Cleaning Service Directory to find a professional cleaning company that fits your needs.


  • 31 Aug 2026 9:27 AM | Susan C

    There are germs in human blood that can cause illnesses and diseases.  It is important for cleaning staff to be knowledgeable about bloodborne pathogens in order to protect themselves from dangerous infections.  HIV and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are some of the diseases that spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids.  It is important for cleaners to protect themselves during their routine cleaning activities.

    Cleaners in medical facilities may come into contact with sharp needles, dirty rags, blood splatter on medical equipment and floors. proper training to avoid coming into direct contact and proper cleaning procedures will protect them against contracting diseases. There are strict rules for worker safety through groups like (OSHA) Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  These groups provide information and rules such as  proper cleaning protocols, protective clothing, and chemicals.

    Cleaners should use proper protective clothing or eyewear specific to their cleaning environment and know the rules before they do their job. It is important to follow the guidelines in order to not only protect themselves but also to keep the work environment safe for other employees and customers.  Good training helps to keep all safe and environments clean of germs and contamination to a minimum.

  • 31 Aug 2026 7:22 AM | Desiree Straathof
    Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) are diease causing microorganisms that include but are not limited to hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They can be transmitted though human blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIMs). It's important to take universal precautions when there's a chance of be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.  But when educated & trained annually, required by OSHA on proper bloodborne pathogen handling protocalls someone is  less likely to put themselves and others in potentially dangerous or harmful situations.  Being prepared to avoid exposure, using Personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of  bloodborne pathogens. What to do in the event of exposure & reporting procudure will also make staff more proficient in health and safety protocalls while giving them confidence.  Not only is this training essential to protecting employees, but is required of any business or formal organization. 

  • 30 Aug 2026 3:39 PM | Zachary Appel

    Properly cleaning healthcare facilities prevents harmful microorganisms from spreading. Patients in hospitals will be more susceptible to infections because their immune systems will not be working as efficiently as they normally would be due to any variable of health problems they are facing at the time. Because of this, it’s more important to maintain a clean environment within the healthcare facility. Healthcare associated infections or HAIs, annually infect one in twenty people who end up in the hospital. The CDC reports that 99,000 people die from HAIs annually. Nosocomial infections also knowns as HAIs, rank in the top 10 frequent causes of death in the United States. Cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces in healthcare facilities substantially reduces the spread of HAIs. To find a janitorial service near you that is certified to clean medical facilities, visit the IJCSA Janitorial Service Directory, and inquire if they have received medical cleaning certification.

    To disinfect effectively, the right products to kill these HAI’s must be used, as not all disinfectants have the same strength level. Examples of different disinfectant strength levels being used in a hospital setting include; using low and intermediate level disinfectants for non-critical instruments and environmental surfaces, and high-level disinfectants for heat sensitive semi-critical medical devices. Properly cleaning and disinfecting the items in a hospital limits and controls the growth of microorganisms, thus reducing or eliminating any chance of infection.

    Proper hand hygiene, wearing PPE, and disposing of hazardous materials in the correct manner, all are a part of proper cleaning protocol or infection control. Following proper cleaning procedures will control the spread of microorganisms and create a safe environment for everyone in the healthcare facility. To locate a janitorial service certified to clean healthcare settings, visit IJCSA’s Janitorial Service Directory, and inquire if they have medical cleaning certification.


  • 30 Aug 2026 11:38 AM | Allison Thacker

    Employee's and staff being knowledgeable and well educate on bloodborne pathogens is very important for many reasons.

    Exposure to bloodborne pathogens can lead to serious health consequesnces , including transmission of diseases like hepititus B, hepatitis C, and HIV.  With employees and staff having the proper training will help them to recognize and alleviate thes risks, creating a safer work environment for everyone.

    Another benefit of compliance for trainng on bloodbourne pathogens is for legal protection. Compliance with OSHA standards helps avoid fines and legal issues.

    Workplace efficiency is also an important reason for training.  A safe work environment enhances overall productivity and morale.

    Last but definetly not least, minimizing the spread of infectious diseases,  benefits the broader community.  Implementing regular training sessions promotes the values where safety is a shared responsibility.

    Encouraging an open communication about the hazards and promote the best practices and can significantly reduce the risks of bloodborne pathegens.

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