by Theresa | Oct 30, 2019 | Cleaning Industry, Commercial Cleaning
In the realm of the cleaning industry, we recognize the vital role professional cleaners play in upholding the well-being of diverse environments such as businesses, schools, medical facilities, places of worship, and more.
Though often, a janitor's world is unseen, and their work is only noticed if there's a fault in its consistency.
Our dedicated efforts span the globe, enhancing spaces with immaculate floors, pristine carpets, gleaming elevators, functional drinking fountains, hygienic restrooms, and reduced litter.
Moreover, our work fosters improved health and safety by enhancing indoor air quality, curbing germs and pathogens, and mitigating hazards like slip-and-fall incidents.
Undoubtedly, the fabric of modern society would be notably frayed without our contributions.
The Underestimated Importance of Janitorial Services
While the cleaning industry contributes substantially to the lives of millions daily, a longstanding predicament persists.
If you're reading this piece, you're likely attuned to the fact that our industry's true value often remains underestimated.
Granted, the importance of a facility's cleaning regimen is widely acknowledged, and the absence of our services would undoubtedly lead to disorder.
Nevertheless, the broader public perception tends to pigeonhole professional cleaners as mere providers of emptying trash cans and maintaining clean toilets, often overlooking our pivotal role in safeguarding human health.
Due to this limited perception of the Janitorial and Sanitation (JanSan) sector's significance, cleaning programs are frequently perceived as necessary expenses that demand management, rather than as crucial investments that profoundly influence a business's bottom line.
This fixation on cost often detracts from the necessary emphasis on quality.
Janitorial wages remain suppressed, training can be inadequate, and equipment replacement is sometimes deferred.
Regrettably, contractors may feel compelled to compromise on excellence and service in a bid to remain competitive on pricing.
With hopes for a future where the cleaning industry attains the esteemed recognition it rightly deserves, in the meantime, we must vociferously proclaim our value.
Our role involves acting as ambassadors for our field. Our mandate, if we choose to accept it, is to vocalize the invaluable contributions we extend to businesses and institutions.
In fact, our impact is so profound that we play an instrumental role in enhancing businesses' financial performance through significant avenues such as diminishing absenteeism, heightening productivity, and augmenting customer satisfaction.
Top 10 Benefits of Professional Cleaners
Outlined below are several key points that elucidate the benefits that the cleaning industry imparts to the general public and customers:
- Reducing Absenteeism: Employee illnesses lead to decreased productivity. A major contributor to absenteeism is unsanitary facilities and poor indoor air quality. By mitigating harmful contaminants in workplaces, the cleaning industry concurrently curbs absenteeism. The outcome? Healthier, more present employees translate to enhanced business performance.
- Heightening Productivity: On the flip side of absenteeism, presenteeism occurs when unwell employees struggle to be productive while at work. The cleaning industry actively addresses conditions that breed illness and presenteeism. Hence, we have ample reason to proudly highlight our role in nurturing higher productivity levels and bolstering the bottom line.
- Elevating Customer Satisfaction: Customers possess numerous options for conducting business, and the cleanliness of a facility ranks prominently in their decision-making process. Subpar or hurried cleaning can lead to significant revenue losses and increased legal vulnerabilities due to slip-and-fall incidents.
- Cost Savings in the Long Run: Regular maintenance by cleaning professionals prevents the need for expensive repairs or replacements of carpets, furniture, and fixtures.
- Compliance with Health and Safety Standards: Professional cleaning services ensure adherence to industry regulations and standards, reducing the risk of fines and liabilities.
- Improved Reputation: A consistently clean and well-maintained environment reflects positively on a business’s brand image, showing professionalism and attention to detail.
- Letting You Focus on Core Business Activities: Outsourcing cleaning tasks allows businesses to concentrate on their core operations rather than managing cleaning staff and schedules.
- Scalability for Business Growth: Professional cleaning services can scale with a business, ensuring that as the company expands to larger spaces or additional locations, cleaning needs are consistently met.
- Boosted Employee Satisfaction: Employees appreciate a clean and well-maintained workplace, contributing to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options: Many professional cleaning companies offer green cleaning solutions, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact while maintaining a healthy workplace.
Are You Happy with Your Cleaners?
If you love your cleaners and all that they do for you and your place of work, don't forget to celebrate them on National Janitor Appreciation Day, on October 2nd, every year.
Metropolitan Building Maintenance has been offering commercial cleaning services in the Lower Mainland for over 40 years, with an average customer retention of 14 years. We're Canadian-owned and operated, and if you’re interested in our services, contact us today for a free quote!
Gratitude is extended to Adon Rigg of Insightful Selling for the insights provided in this article. Adon, with a quarter-century of professional sales experience in the cleaning industry, is the author of "Insightful Selling" and the host of the podcast "Cleaning Up In Sales," available on iTunes and YouTube.
by Theresa | Oct 8, 2019 | Cleaning Industry, Commercial Cleaning
We firmly believe that the ten reasons outlined below will compellingly articulate our journey as a steadfast Cleaning Service Provider, offering sustainable, reliable, and unwavering services across the Lower Mainland for over 40 years!
Ten Pillars of Our Commitment
- Comprehensive Cleaning Services: Our expertise spans Carpets, Floors, Windows, and more as a dedicated Cleaning Service Provider.
- Microfiber Mastery: We harness the power of Microfiber cloths to efficiently capture dirt, demonstrating our commitment as a proficient Provider.
- Best Business Practices: Upholding the highest industry standards, we exemplify a trustworthy Cleaning Service Provider.
- Fair Wages Commitment: Our commitment to equitable compensation reinforces our identity as a responsible Provider.
- Personalized Customer Care: Our Face-to-Face Customer Service ensures personalized attention, setting us apart as a customer-focused Provider.
- Established Since 1980: A pioneer in the industry since 1980, our legacy as a trusted Provider has roots dating back to 1974.
- Strong Customer Retention: With an impressive 14-year average, our customer retention exemplifies our dedication and consistency.
- Seasoned Expertise: Our experienced staff, with tenures ranging from 5 to 25 years, embodies the proficiency of a seasoned company with a deep roster full of knowledge and experience.
- Green Practices: Demonstrating our eco-conscious approach, over 90% of our products are environmentally friendly, emphasizing our role as a sustainable Provider.
- Feedback-driven Improvement: Our "How Are We Doing?" surveys, conducted thrice yearly, underscore our commitment to continuous enhancement as a conscientious Cleaning Service Provider.
Opting for Quality: Your Path to a Cleaner, Healthier Workspace
Opting for Metropolitan as your designated Cleaning Service Provider marks the commencement of a lasting and positive partnership that will change your mind about the professional cleaning industry.
We are resolute in upholding indoor air quality—a pivotal concern for your most valued resource: your employees.
Through consistent dusting and vacuuming, we instate a frequent maintenance schedule, tailored to our expertise.
This approach has been proven to foster productivity in the workplace and combat absenteeism.
Often underestimated, entrances hold a pivotal role in maintaining cleanliness.
Leveraging high-quality walk-off matting, we champion the importance of routine maintenance, highlighting savings, reduced absenteeism, and heightened workplace safety.
Embracing a New Standard: Janitorial Services that Listen
We cordially invite you to welcome a distinctive cleaning experience—one founded on attentive listening—provided by a Janitorial company that genuinely values your needs.
We hold your premises' cleanliness and the well-being of your employees in the highest regard as your dedicated Green Cleaning Service Provider.
Metropolitan Building Maintenance has been offering commercial cleaning services in the lower mainland for over 40 years, with an average customer retention of 14 years. We're Canadian-owned and operated, and if you’re interested in our services, contact us today for a free quote!
by Theresa | Feb 25, 2015 | Cleaning Industry, Commercial Cleaning
Supporting Education and Nutrition
Socially responsible companies are more important today than ever and more and more people want to work with such companies.
That is how initiatives like Breakfast for Learning’s grants are making a profound impact on schools across Canada where hungry children are receiving the nourishment they need to kickstart their school day.
These nutrition programs not only address the immediate needs of students but also contribute to their education and foster a sense of community.
In this article, we explore the significance of socially responsible companies and the remarkable work being done by Breakfast for Learning.
The Impact of a School Nutrition Program
Getting kids ready for back-to-school means starting every day right.
Breakfast for Learning has been a lifeline for over 1,899 schools in Canada over the past two decades.
They have provided more than 554 million meals and snacks, nourishing the minds and bodies of over 3.6 million children. But what makes the impact of a school nutrition program so significant?
Phil, a dedicated teacher at a school supported by Breakfast for Learning, offers an enlightening perspective.
His school introduced a nutrition program several years ago, thanks to Breakfast for Learning’s support.
This initiative has completely transformed the school into a happier and calmer place.
As a volunteer with the breakfast program, Phil witnesses firsthand the profound influence it has on students, both in and out of the classroom.
“I watch each week as my most vulnerable students have a healthy breakfast, a snack, or lunch, and are then more prepared to learn and participate actively in school and social activities,” Phill explains. He emphasizes that the food choices offered by the nutrition program have also sparked awareness and an appetite for healthier snack alternatives.
Phil concludes, “Instead of feeling tired, hungry, and possibly different because they don’t have food from home, these students are happier, more engaged, and it may make coming to school that much easier for them. I can personally attest that greater connection and engagement have a positive influence on academic success.”
Supporting Socially Responsible Companies: Giving Back to Communities
As we emphasize the importance of socially responsible companies, we delve into a broader perspective of their role in the community.
These companies exemplify the essence of giving back, recognizing that their contributions extend beyond profits.
They understand the importance of being a force for good and actively invest in their communities, reaping various benefits while fulfilling a crucial societal need.
The Importance of Giving Back
For companies, giving back is not merely a charitable act; it’s a strategic imperative. It reflects a commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices.
By actively engaging in philanthropic endeavours, these companies demonstrate their dedication to making a positive impact on society.
Community engagement is a two-way street. When companies invest in their communities, they build trust and goodwill among their neighbours and customers.
Meeting a Societal Need
Socially responsible companies recognize a fundamental societal need – the need for support and assistance where it matters most.
They understand that their success is intertwined with the well-being of the communities they serve.
By giving back, they actively address societal challenges, contribute to the greater good, and help build stronger, more resilient communities.
Socially Responsible Companies are Making a Difference Together
Socially responsible companies play a pivotal role in supporting initiatives such as Breakfast for Learning.
The impact of these programs goes beyond nourishing children; they shape their futures and build stronger, more connected communities.
You too can make a difference by contributing to this or any other social cause.
Investing in All of Our Futures
By choosing to support initiatives like Breakfast for Learning, we collectively nurture the bodies and minds of our future leaders, ensuring a brighter tomorrow.
Metropolitan Building Maintenance is a proud supporter of Breakfast Club of Canada, Union Gospel Mission, World Vision, and the BC Cancer Society.
If you’re interested in our services or a free quote, contact us 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!
