by Theresa | Mar 4, 2014 | Cleaning Industry, Commercial Cleaning, Green Cleaning, Janitorial Supplies
The concept of green clean cleaning is gaining momentum, driven by a growing awareness of environmental responsibility and the impact chemicals can have on human health.
Businesses are recognizing that embracing more sustainable cleaning practices not only benefits the planet but also enhances their competitive edge.
Yet, despite its advantages, several misconceptions about green cleaning linger.
In this article, we’ll debunk five common myths and shed light on the truths that dispel them.
Myth 1 – Green Products Are Less Effective
It’s a common belief that green clean cleaning products may not be as effective as their traditional counterparts.
However, third-party certifications like EcoLogo and Green Seal require green products to meet stringent effectiveness standards.
Manufacturers understand that the market demands effective solutions, driving them to develop highly efficient green cleaners.
Myth 2 – Green Products Lack Testing and Experience
Contrary to the notion that green products are untested newcomers, many sustainable cleaning products have undergone rigorous testing and have been on the market for over two decades.
Certification organizations like Green Seal have been actively certifying green products for more than 20 years, ensuring they meet established standards.
Myth 3 – Few Manufacturers Produce Green Products
Fact: Nearly all cleaning product manufacturers now offer competitive green product lines. The demand for environmentally friendly solutions has prompted manufacturers to diversify their offerings, making green products readily available to consumers.
Myth 4 – Green Products Are More Expensive
In the past, green products often carried a higher price tag, but today’s competitive market has levelled the playing field.
Green products typically cost no more than their conventional counterparts.
Additionally, when considering the long-term health benefits and reduced healthcare costs associated with traditional chemicals, green products often prove to be more cost-effective.
Implementing sustainable cleaning practices, such as reducing the variety of cleaning products used, further reduces cleaning expenses.
Myth 5 – Transitioning to Green Cleaning Requires Discarding Current Chemicals
Transitioning to a sustainable cleaning program doesn’t necessitate the immediate disposal of existing chemicals.
Many organizations opt for a gradual transition, starting by replacing the most toxic chemicals and then gradually phasing out others.
This gradual approach ensures a smoother transition and allows organizations to adapt at their own pace.
Embracing Green Clean Cleaning Practices
At Metropolitan Building Maintenance, we have been committed to a Green Clean Cleaning program for over five years, and our dedication has led us to achieve approximately 80% to 90% green cleaning practices.
This transition has not only made us more environmentally responsible but has also instilled confidence in providing our customers with sustainable cleaning solutions.
If you’re interested in learning more about our green cleaning program, or if you are interested in having healthier cleaning options for your commercial space, contact Metropolitan today!
by Theresa | Jun 18, 2013 | Commercial Cleaning, Floor Maintenance, Green Cleaning
When we think of “green cleaning,” many focus on environmentally friendly products, such as green chemicals, recycled paper products, and even chemical-free cleaning methods.
But the greenest approach is to clean properly.
This involves a holistic strategy that combines the right processes, equipment, and chemicals.
Any commercial cleaning service worth its salt will educate you on how best to maintain the appearance of your facility or office and improve the longevity of your floors and carpets.
Maintaining a clean and healthy facility in a green way requires a structured cleaning program that keeps the premises looking professional, extends the life of your flooring, and reduces costs.
Addressing the Root Problem
Using green chemicals and low-impact cleaning methods may seem like a solution, but these approaches often only address the symptoms rather than the cause.
To truly reduce cleaning needs, it’s critical to adopt an “outside-in” approach to your cleaning program.
This strategy focuses on preventing soil from entering the facility in the first place.
The Cost of Soil
To understand how soil drives cleaning requirements, consider these industry statistics:
- 80–94% of soil in a facility is brought in via foot traffic.
- 1,000 people in 20 days track in 24 pounds of soil.
- $700 is the average cost to remove one pound of soil.
- Every visitor costs approximately 84 cents in soil removal expenses.
- A single grain of sand has 32 abrasive edges, which wear away at surfaces.
- 1,500 visitors can remove 42% of the floor finish within the first six feet of an entrance if no matting is present.
These figures illustrate the profound impact that tracked-in soil has on maintenance procedures, chemical usage, and budget. Without proper interventions, such as matting systems and routine cleaning, these costs will continue to climb.
The Four Phases of Maintenance
To combat the effects of soil ingress effectively, a comprehensive commercial cleaning services program must incorporate the following phases:
- Preventative Maintenance: Stop soils at the door through removal or containment.
- Daily Maintenance: Remove soils promptly to minimize their impact on indoor surfaces and air quality.
- Interim Maintenance: Maintain a high level of cleanliness with minimal labour, chemical, and water usage.
- Restorative Maintenance: Conduct intensive cleaning to restore surfaces as close as possible to their original state.
1. Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is the cornerstone of an effective cleaning program, especially in a green cleaning context. The primary goal here is simple: stop soils from entering the building.
By preventing dirt and debris from reaching your interior surfaces, you reduce the need for intensive cleaning and mitigate the wear and tear on your floors and carpets.
Key Strategies for Preventive Maintenance
Matting Systems:
A matting system serves as your facility’s first line of defence against dirt.
Proper matting captures soil at the entrance, preventing it from spreading indoors.
However, the effectiveness of matting depends on its length:
- 6 feet of matting traps only 40% of incoming soil.
- 36 feet of matting captures 99% of soil before it enters.
Carpets act as “unofficial mats,” absorbing dirt and wearing out prematurely without sufficient matting.
Most facilities already feature 36 feet of textile surfaces—leverage this with proper matting systems to reduce soil intrusion and protect carpets.
Sweeping Programs:
Sweeping is another powerful preventative measure.
A study by Windsor demonstrated that sweeping walkways, entryways, and parking lots can significantly reduce soil ingress:
- Sweeping walkways and entryways daily and parking lots twice weekly (up to 80 feet from the entrance) reduced soil by 66%.
Combining sweeping with matting creates an efficient barrier against dirt, saving cleaning costs and protecting your floors.
Does Cleaning Prevention Matter?
Preventing soil from entering your facility isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about cost control and sustainability.
Removing soil that has entered the building costs $700 per pound, a significant expense driven by labour, water, and chemical use.
Furthermore, soils accelerate wear on hard floors and carpet fibres, leading to higher maintenance and replacement costs.
2. Daily Maintenance
While preventative measures focus on stopping dirt at the door, daily maintenance tackles the soils that make it inside.
This phase is essential for reducing the damage caused by dirt and ensuring your facility remains clean and appealing.
Key Strategies for Daily Maintenance
Hard Floors:
- Dry soils: Regular sweeping and mopping removes loose dirt, preventing it from grinding into the floor finish.
- Sticky, oily soils: Scrubbing removes residues that can discolour finishes, avoiding costly stripping procedures.
Failure to address these soils can lead to losing the glossiness of hard floors and the yellowing of wax, while also becoming a fine grit that will grind into the flooring itself.
Good maintenance prevents more labour-intensive restoration efforts and replacement.
Carpets:
- Frequent vacuuming: Removing dry soils promptly minimizes their abrasive effect on carpet fibres.
- Extraction Carpet cleaning: Accumulated dirt scratches and dulls carpet fibres, creating unsightly “traffic lanes” that cannot be restored through vacuuming alone.
Visualizing Carpet Damage
To understand the long-term impact of inadequate maintenance, imagine replacing your carpet with plexiglass.
Over months of use, even after cleaning, the plexiglass would show permanent scratches and dullness.
Carpets, made of similar plastic materials, undergo the same irreversible damage when dirt isn’t removed promptly.
3. Interim Maintenance
Interim maintenance ensures a high level of cleanliness while conserving labour, chemicals, and water.
It bridges the gap between daily upkeep and intensive restorative cleaning, focusing on maintaining appearance and reducing long-term wear.
Hard Floors
- Burnishing or spray buffing: Restores gloss and protects the finish without the need for extensive stripping and refinishing.
- Light scrubbing: Removes surface dirt and minor scuffs efficiently.
- Application of wax: by adding additional layers of wax after a thorough mopping, the gloss is improved and the extra layer provides protection against soil.
These methods require less water, fewer chemicals, and reduced labour expenses compared to restorative cleaning and replacement.
Carpets
- Encapsulation cleaning: Uses low-moisture detergents that crystallize soils, which can then be easily vacuumed.
- Spot cleaning: Targets localized stains and high-traffic areas, preventing them from becoming permanent.
Regular interim maintenance keeps carpets looking fresh and reduces wear without excessive water or chemical use.
By incorporating these methods, interim maintenance keeps commercial spaces clean and professional while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
4. Restorative Maintenance
Restorative maintenance is a detailed process aimed at revitalizing surfaces to their near-original condition.
It involves specialized procedures and equipment for hard floors and carpets and might require extended periods of work that might impact employees in the space.
Hard Floors
- Deep scrubbing: Targets ingrained soils and scuff marks to restore the surface’s original appearance.
- Stripping and refinishing: Removes worn or damaged floor finish and applies fresh coats of wax for renewed shine and protection.
Carpets
- Deep shampooing: Breaks down tough grime and revitalizes the carpet’s texture and colour.
- Hot water extraction (steam cleaning): Penetrates deep into carpet fibres to remove embedded soils, stains, and odours.
By conducting restorative maintenance, facilities can extend the lifespan of floors and carpets, maintain their aesthetic appeal, and ensure a healthier indoor environment.
Regular upkeep and interim maintenance help minimize the frequency and intensity of restorative procedures.
Budget and Environmental Impact
Proper preventative and daily maintenance have financial and environmental benefits:
- Cost Savings: Preventive measures and regular upkeep reduce the need for intensive cleaning, extending the life of your flooring and lowering overall expenses.
- Resource Conservation: Fewer chemicals and less water are required, supporting sustainability goals.
Remember, a robust commercial cleaning services program is an investment in your facility’s longevity, much like routine maintenance for a car.
By protecting your floors and carpets, you safeguard their value and reduce the need for premature replacements.
Carpets
Carpets that are not maintained on a routine schedule require significant water and chemical usage during deep cleaning to achieve an acceptable appearance.
Over time, carpets that cannot be effectively cleaned must be replaced, contributing to environmental waste.
The EPA estimates that 4.7 billion pounds of carpet are thrown away annually in the U.S. alone. Since most carpets are 98% synthetic, they take up to 1,000 years to degrade in landfills.
Hard Floors
Scrubbing and burnishing, top scrubbing and recoating, stripping and refinishing processes are labour-intensive and require significant water and chemical inputs.
Additionally, dust mopping and burnishing can stir settled soils into the air, affecting indoor air quality if soils are not adequately captured.
The environmental cost is considerable:
- Chemicals and scrubbing pads used during restorative procedures must be disposed of, often ending up in landfills.
- Water usage in these processes adds to resource consumption.
Replacing hard floors is usually a substantial cost for a given facility.
Are You Happy with Your Cleaners?
Understanding the relationship between soil ingress, cleaning demands, and environmental impact is key to developing a cost-effective and sustainable cleaning program.
By prioritizing preventative and daily maintenance, facilities can reduce their reliance on labour-intensive and resource-heavy restorative processes, protecting both their budget and the environment. Have your commercial cleaning services informed you of any of the details in this blog post?
If you’re interested in learning more about our commercial cleaning services, or if you are interested in having healthier cleaning options for your commercial space, contact Metropolitan today!
by Theresa | Apr 26, 2013 | Cleaning Industry, Commercial Cleaning, Green Cleaning
Sustainable cleaning is more than just a buzzword; it represents a holistic approach to cleaning that considers environmental responsibility, budget management, choosing responsible flooring, and maintaining high cleanliness and appearance standards.
The term sustainability has become overused and sometimes creates doubts, but its importance extends into all industries, including cleaning and janitorial services.
In this article, we'll explore what sustainable cleaning entails, why it matters for your business, and how to bring the practice of green cleaning to your business.
Defining Sustainable Cleaning
Often referred to as "green cleaning,” it encompasses environmentally responsible methods and systems designed to minimize harmful environmental impacts while maximizing the sustainability of the built environment.
This approach takes into account not only the cleanliness of indoor spaces but also the protection of outdoor resources such as air, water, and soil.
So, how can a sustainable cleaning program achieve these lofty goals?
Indoor Environment Protection
People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, making it a critical focus for sustainable cleaning efforts.
Indoor air quality, in particular, plays a significant role in the health and well-being of occupants.
Consider these important facts:
Why Does Sustainable Cleaning Matter for My Business?
Now, let's explore why it should be a priority for your business:
- Employee Health and Productivity: Your employees are your most valuable asset. A clean and healthy indoor environment can lead to reduced sick days, improved morale, and increased productivity. Sustainable cleaning practices contribute to creating a workspace that promotes employee well-being and engagement.
- Cost Savings: Sustainable cleaning isn't just about environmental responsibility; it's also financially sound. By reducing the use of harsh chemicals and optimizing cleaning procedures, you can lower cleaning and maintenance costs. Fewer sick days and improved productivity further contribute to cost savings.
- Environmental Responsibility: In today's environmentally conscious world, customers and stakeholders expect businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Embracing green cleaning practices showcases your dedication to reducing your ecological footprint, which can enhance your brand's reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.
- Regulatory Compliance: Environmental regulations are becoming stricter, and non-compliance can result in fines and legal issues. Sustainable cleaning practices help your business stay in compliance with environmental regulations, reducing the risk of legal complications.
- Resource Conservation: Sustainable cleaning reduces the use of water and chemicals, conserving valuable resources. This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term cost savings for your business.
Commercial Cleaning for a Safe and Productive Environment
In summary, green sustainable cleaning isn't just a moral obligation but also a financially sound choice for your business.
By protecting the indoor environment, reducing pollutants, and improving indoor air quality, a green cleaning program can save money, boost productivity, enhance your brand's reputation, and promote the well-being of your employees.
If you're looking for a sustainable solution for your business, contact Metropolitan Building Maintenance today!
by Theresa | Feb 18, 2013 | Commercial Cleaning, Disinfecting, Floor Maintenance, Green Cleaning, Janitorial Supplies
Spring is in the air, and that means it's time for your janitorial service to freshen up your commercial space or business.
A thorough cleaning can breathe new life into your workspace, making it more inviting and productive for both employees and customers.
To ensure you don't miss a beat, here's a comprehensive spring cleaning checklist for office and building managers.
1. Assess the Space to Tailor Your Spring Cleaning Checklist
Before diving into the cleaning process, take a moment to assess your commercial space. Walk through every room and make note of areas that require attention. This initial evaluation will help you create a tailored spring cleaning checklist.
2. Gather Essential Supplies
To efficiently tackle your spring cleaning checklist, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies. Stock up on cleaning agents, disinfectants, microfiber cloths, mops, brooms, vacuum cleaners, and garbage bags. Having everything ready will save you time during the cleaning process.
3. Declutter and Organize
Begin your spring cleaning by decluttering the workspace. Remove any unnecessary items, outdated paperwork, or broken equipment. Organize desks, shelves, and storage areas to create a more functional and tidy environment.
You can also take this time to declutter and properly file papers that seem to gather everywhere, ensuring your filing systems are well organized. This will give you a chance to revisit old checklists, reports and notes to make sure nothing has fallen through the cracks over the year.
4. Dust and Clean Surfaces
Dust accumulates quickly in commercial spaces. Use microfiber cloths or dusting wands to clean all surfaces, including desks, shelves, windowsills, and electronic equipment. Pay extra attention to air vents and light fixtures.
5. Carpet and Flooring
Deep cleaning of carpets and floors is essential. Vacuum all carpets thoroughly and consider professional green carpet cleaning if needed. For hard floors, mop with a suitable cleaner and scrub away any stains.
6. Windows and Blinds
Clean windows and blinds to allow more natural light into your space. Use a streak-free glass cleaner for windows and wipe down blinds with a damp cloth.
7. Sanitize High-Touch Areas
In the wake of recent health concerns, sanitizing high-touch areas is crucial. Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and communal spaces such as break rooms and restrooms.
8. Furniture and Upholstery
Dust and clean all office furniture, including chairs, desks, and cabinets. For upholstered furniture, consider professional upholstery cleaning to remove deep-seated dirt and stains.
9. Electronics
Clean and disinfect keyboards, computer screens, and phones. Use compressed air to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas of electronics.
10. Restrooms and Kitchen
In commercial and office spaces, restrooms and kitchens are frequently used and require special attention. Thoroughly clean and disinfect sinks, countertops, toilets, and kitchen appliances. Restock essential supplies like hand soap and paper towels.
11. Exterior Maintenance
Don't forget about the exterior of your building. Clean the windows, pressure wash the building's facade if necessary, and tidy up the surrounding landscape. A well-maintained exterior gives a positive first impression to visitors.
12. Evaluate the HVAC System
Consider scheduling an HVAC system check to ensure it's working efficiently. Clean or replace air filters, inspect ductwork, and address any ventilation issues.
13. Final Inspection and Create a Spring Cleaning Checklist for Next Year
Once you've completed all the tasks on your spring cleaning checklist, do a final walkthrough of the space. Check for any missed spots or areas that require additional attention. You might also take this time to note everything you will need to clean and declutter for next year, based on what you’ve learned – always plan ahead!
Spring cleaning is an opportunity to refresh and revitalize your commercial space.
By following this comprehensive Janitorial spring cleaning checklist, office and building managers can ensure that every nook and cranny is attended to. A clean and organized workspace not only boosts productivity but also creates a healthier and more pleasant environment for all who enter.
A Breath of Fresh Air
A well-executed Janitorial spring cleaning checklist can set the tone for the rest of the year, promoting a positive atmosphere and leaving a lasting impression on employees and clients alike.
So roll up your sleeves and get ready to make your commercial space shine this spring!
If you’re interested in hiring professionals to help with spring cleaning or regular cleaning and maintenance, reach out to Metropolitan Building Maintenance today for a free quote!
by Theresa | Feb 12, 2013 | Commercial Cleaning, Disinfecting, Green Cleaning
The Impact of Chemicals in Commercial Cleaning
In the realm of commercial cleaning, the term “chemical-free” has gained substantial traction in recent years.
As businesses and individuals become more conscious of the environment and their health, the harmful nature of chemicals in cleaning products has come under scrutiny.
In this blog, we will explain the significance of Metropolitan’s chemical-free philosophy in commercial cleaning, shedding light on the potential environmental and health hazards associated with conventional cleaning chemicals.
The Harms of Chemical Cleaning Products
Commercial cleaning has traditionally relied on a plethora of chemical-based products to disinfect and sanitize. While these products are effective at eliminating germs and stains, they often come with a hidden cost. Here are some of the key concerns:
- Phosphates: Phosphates are chemical compounds commonly found in detergents and cleaning agents. While they enhance cleaning performance, their runoff into water bodies can have devastating consequences. Phosphates are known to promote the growth of algae in waterways, leading to harmful algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, causing massive fish and aquatic life die-offs.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs encompass a range of organic compounds found in various cleaning products. When released into the atmosphere, VOCs can react with other chemicals and sunlight, forming ground-level ozone and smog. These pollutants are known to contribute to environmental diseases, respiratory problems, and even climate change.
- Aromatic and Halogenated Solvents: Cleaning products that contain aromatic and halogenated solvents pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. Exposure to these solvents can lead to toxicity of the nervous system, reproductive damage, liver and kidney damage, respiratory impairment, and even an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, they can cause skin irritations and dermatitis upon contact.
The Ecologo Certification Program
In response to these concerns, organizations and consumers have sought safer and more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cleaning products. The Ecologo Certification Program, managed by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), plays a vital role in identifying and promoting environmentally responsible products.
Ecologo certification is a trusted symbol of environmental leadership, ensuring that products meet rigorous criteria for reduced environmental impact. To receive this certification, products must undergo comprehensive testing and evaluation in areas such as energy efficiency, toxicity, and biodegradability. By choosing Ecologo-certified cleaning products, commercial cleaning services can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining effective cleaning results.
Benefits of a Chemical-Free Cleaning Approach
- Reduced Environmental Impact: By adopting a chemical-free approach, commercial cleaning services can minimize the release of harmful substances into the environment, helping to protect ecosystems and aquatic life.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Chemical-free cleaning products typically contain fewer VOCs, which can lead to better indoor air quality. This is particularly crucial in commercial spaces where occupants spend a significant portion of their day.
- Enhanced Health and Safety: Employees and clients benefit from reduced exposure to toxic chemicals, resulting in a safer and healthier working environment.
- Sustainability: Chemical-free cleaning aligns with sustainability goals, demonstrating a commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.
Alternatives to Chemical Cleaning
Embracing a chemical-free cleaning philosophy doesn’t mean sacrificing cleaning effectiveness. There are eco-friendly alternatives available that can deliver outstanding results while minimizing harm to the environment and human health. Some alternatives include:
- Microfiber Cleaning: Microfiber cloths and mops are highly effective at trapping dirt and germs without the need for chemical cleaners.
- Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning uses hot water vapour to sanitize surfaces, eliminating the need for chemicals.
- Green Cleaning Products: Many manufacturers now offer green cleaning products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from harmful chemicals.
- Ionized Water: Some cleaning systems use ionized water to clean and disinfect surfaces effectively without chemicals.
In the world of commercial cleaning, adopting a chemical-free philosophy is not only a responsible choice but also a forward-thinking one.
Understanding the potential harm posed by chemicals in cleaning products underscores the importance of seeking safer and more eco-friendly alternatives.
Start With Green
At Metropolitan, we opt for cleaners that are Ecologo Certified. Ecologo serves as a beacon of environmental responsibility, guiding commercial cleaning services toward products that are both effective and environmentally sustainable.
By prioritizing a chemical-free approach, our commercial cleaning services contribute to a healthier planet, safer workspaces for our clients, and a more sustainable future.
The shift toward cleaner, greener cleaning practices not only benefits the environment but also the well-being of those who occupy the spaces we clean.
If you’re interested in adopting a chemical-free approach to cleaning in your office, contact Metropolitan today!
