Ultimate Guide to Janitorial Services

Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is important. This is doubly true for commercial spaces where varying numbers of customers, clients and employees are using the space on a daily basis. This is why janitorial services are necessary to shoulder the burden of up-keeping your commercial space, not only to keep the environment clean and hygienic, but also to assist in important upkeep and maintenance to save you money on costly renovations.

A clean workspace not only ensures a healthy and productive atmosphere but also leaves a lasting impression on clients and employees. Commercial janitorial services are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, dedicated to keeping your workplace spick and span. To these ends, we have created this ultimate guide with all of the information you should have around janitorial services so finding “janitorial services near me” will be easier than ever.

In this ultimate guide, we will delve into the world of janitorial services, covering the following topics:

1. Why Do You need Janitorial Services?

2. What are Commercial Janitorial Services, and What Should You Look Out For?

3. What Does Full-Service Janitorial Entail?

4. What Other Services Do Janitors Provide?

5. The Importance of Green Janitorial Services

Why Do You Need Janitorial Services?

First and foremost, janitorial services play a pivotal role in maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, significantly enhancing the health and happiness of employees.

We know that clutter on the desk and in the office can waylay productivity and lead to poor time management. But a messy, unkempt office can be a major strain on health and wellness, to the tune of $190 billion dollars per year. Dust, pollen, mold, and mildew triggers asthma and allergies, and if there are chemicals in the environment, whether from cleaners or business products, the side effects can be even worse. As well, clutter in the workplace can adversely affect mental health, which can cause a further decline in productivity and wellbeing.

All of this can lead to increased absenteeism, and decreased productivity, causing a serious drain on profit margins.

From a customer and client perspective, the impression your workspace leaves is crucial. The cleanliness and orderliness of your establishment directly impact their perception of your business. Cleanliness signifies professionalism and attention to detail, which can enhance your brand’s image and leave a lasting impression.

What are Commercial Janitorial Services, and What Should You Look Out For?

Commercial janitorial services are the backbone of a clean and well-maintained workspace. They encompass a wide range of tasks aimed at keeping your commercial property in pristine condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key aspects these services address:

Particulate Matter – Dust, Pollen, and Dirt

Dust and airborne particles are ubiquitous in any environment. They settle on surfaces, linger in the air, and can trigger allergies or respiratory issues in occupants. Janitorial services employ techniques such as dusting and air purification to remove these particulate matters effectively.

Biological Intruders – Bacteria, Mold, and Mildew

Bacteria, mold, and mildew can thrive in damp and neglected areas, posing health risks and potentially damaging your property. Janitorial services combat these biological intruders through thorough cleaning, sanitizing, and mold prevention measures.

What Does Full-Service Janitorial Entail?

Full-service janitorial solutions encompass a comprehensive suite of tasks aimed at maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of your commercial space. These services go beyond surface-level cleaning and include the following:

1. Dusting: Regular dusting helps prevent the accumulation of particulate matter (like dust, pollen, dirt, bacteria, mold and mildew) and maintains a clean and allergen-free environment.
2. Wiping and Sanitizing: Surfaces frequently touched by employees and visitors, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, are regularly wiped and sanitized to minimize the spread of germs and diseases. Areas with possible contaminants like washrooms and kitchens are sanitized, whereas desks, counters and other low-traffic areas make do with a regular cleaning.
3. Trash Removal: The efficient disposal of waste is essential for maintaining cleanliness and preventing foul odors from settling in. Janitors can empty trash, recycling and green bins on a regular basis, depending on your contract.
4. Vacuuming: Carpets and upholstery trap dirt and allergens. Professional janitorial services utilize high-quality vacuum cleaners to regularly and effectively remove dirt and debris, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
5. Mopping: Hard flooring surfaces are mopped to remove dirt and stains, ensuring that your workspace maintains a polished and professional appearance.

What Other Services Do Janitors Provide?

A full-service commercial janitorial goes far beyond the simple day-to-day tidying up. Janitorial services should also include a slew of large-scale and building maintenance projects that are designed not only to keep your space clean and hygienic, but also to maintain the structural integrity of your floors, carpets, windows and surfaces. By maintaining the quality and condition of your commercial space, it will save you from having to replace materials which are not only financially costly, but can also lead to closures. Deeper cleaning and maintenance projects include the following:

Carpet Cleaning

Carpets, while adding warmth and aesthetics to a workspace, also harbor dust, allergens, and dirt. Regular carpet cleaning is essential not only for appearance but also for indoor air quality.

• Carpet Shampooing: Shampooing is a popular method of deep cleaning carpets. With this method, the carpet cleaning machine has two tanks: one with a cleaning solution and another for the dirty water. The downside to shampooing is that there is no rinse cycle, so a good deal of chemicals remain on the carpets afterwards.
• Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning, in particular, is highly effective in removing deep-seated dirt and allergens from carpets. It utilizes hot water and steam to break down dirt and stains, instead of chemicals, leaving carpets fresh and free from contaminants or chemical residue.
• Encapsulation: This method uses a special detergent that dries on the carpets and adheres to dirt and debris to be vacuumed up after drying. Encapsulation is sometimes seen as more environmentally friendly, however, it is also less effective at penetrating odors and dirt deep in the carpet fibers.
• Bonnet Cleaning: Bonnet cleaning uses machine with a motorized spinning pad washes carpets with cleaning solution while sucking up dirty liquid as it moves. Bonnet cleaning is most common for hotels or other high-traffic areas where they need a nightly clean that doesn’t leave wet carpets. However, bonnet cleaning doesn’t provide a deep clean, so it needs to be periodically supplemented with a more thorough method.
• Dry Carpet Cleaning: With no liquid involved, dry carpet cleaning uses a dry detergent and a motorized brush to distribute the powder. Unfortunately, any time there is a detergent involved, some is bound to be left behind which can be an irritant or allergen for some.

Floor Stripping and Waxing

Floor maintenance is a critical aspect of janitorial services, and floor stripping and waxing are key components. This process involves removing old wax layers, thoroughly cleaning the floor, and applying fresh wax. The benefits of this service extend beyond aesthetics and include enhanced durability and protection for your flooring.

Floor stripping and waxing is a great way of prolonging the life of your flooring, especially in high traffic areas. When it is fresh, the wax will give your floors a clean shine. Over time, the wax is worn down by foot traffic so it needs to be scraped off and replaced periodically.

Window Washing

Clean windows not only enhance the external appearance of your commercial property but also have several benefits for occupants. Regular window washing removes dirt and grime that can obstruct natural light and affect the overall ambiance of your workspace. Additionally, clean windows can positively impact employee morale and create a welcoming atmosphere for clients.

Wait, Won’t the Rain Clean Exterior Windows?

One common misconception is that rain will naturally clean windows. However, while rain may help rinse off some surface dust, it often leaves behind mineral deposits from dirt and pollution and streaks as it dries. This is one of the reasons exterior windows get so dirty in the first place! The debris and pollutants that stick to windows can also erode integrity of the glass over time, which means they will have to be replaced much sooner than expected. You can count on the rain to ruin a picnic, but not to clean your windows!

Flood Cleanup and Equipment Rentals

Unexpected disasters, such as basement floods, can wreak havoc on your commercial property. In such situations, it’s essential to know what to do and how to mitigate damage effectively. Janitorial services often offer flood cleanup services, which include water extraction, drying, and sanitizing to prevent mold growth and structural damage. Steps that janitors take to clean up after a flood include:

• Cleaning up the flooded area
• Treating the flooded area with special anti-bacterial and anti-mould solutions
• Drying the area with dehumidifiers and blowers to move the polluted air out

Janitorial Supply Top-Up

Maintaining a well-stocked inventory of janitorial supplies is essential for the seamless operation of cleaning services. Your regular janitors can play a helpful role in monitoring and replenishing these supplies, saving you both time and money. Whether it’s cleaning chemicals, paper towels, or trash bags, having an organized supply system ensures that your office can run more smoothly.

The Importance of Green Janitorial Services

As sustainability becomes increasingly important in today’s world, green janitorial services are gaining popularity. These eco-friendly practices not only reduce the environmental impact but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Let’s delve into the significance of green janitorial services:

The Impact of Air Quality on Health, Happiness, and Productivity

Indoor air quality has a direct impact on the well-being and productivity of occupants. Poor air quality, laden with pollutants, can lead to health problems such as allergies, respiratory issues, and even decreased cognitive function. Green janitorial services prioritize indoor air quality by using eco-friendly cleaning products and techniques that minimize the release of harmful substances into the air. If you’re using chemical cleaners in your home or office, look out for the following:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are chemicals that vaporize into the air and can have adverse health effects. They are often found in conventional cleaning products and can contribute to indoor air pollution. Green janitorial services opt for VOC-free or low-VOC cleaning products, reducing the risks of respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches among occupants. To learn more about VOCs and their impact on indoor air quality, you can refer to this resource from the American Lung Association.

• Aromatic and Halogenated Solvents: Some traditional cleaning products contain aromatic and halogenated solvents, which can pose serious health risks. Exposure to these solvents can lead to respiratory issues and even neurological problems. Green janitorial services steer clear of these harmful chemicals, ensuring the safety and well-being of your employees and clients.

• Phosphates: Commonly found in cleaning products, phosphates can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. When these chemicals enter waterways, they can lead to the overgrowth of algae and harm aquatic life. Green janitorial services avoid products containing phosphates, promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Commercial janitorial services play a pivotal role in maintaining a clean, healthy, and productive workspace. From battling dust and bacteria to ensuring clean windows and sustainable practices, these services offer comprehensive solutions to meet your cleanliness and hygiene needs. Whether you opt for conventional or green janitorial services, the choice you make can significantly impact the well-being of your employees and the sustainability of our environment.

Metropolitan Building Maintenance has been serving customers in the lower mainland for over 40 years, with an average customer retention of 14 years. If you’re interested in our services, call today for a free quote!