Cleaning Education

Cleaning is a regular chore. It appears so ordinary that people often overlook its benefits or find a more strategic way of doing it. Whether it’s your home, office, or car, keeping a tidy space will go a long way for you and your family. Here are 7 interesting facts about cleaning that you may never have thought of.

1. Cleaning Burns Calories.

If you’re looking for a practical and effective way of losing weight, you only have to grab your wipes and broom to begin sweating out. You are expected to burn 200 calories for 2 hours of regular cleaning. A more intense cleaning that involves rigorous scrubbing, mopping, and polishing will result in greater weight loss.

2. Kitchen Sinks Need to be Cleaned More Often than Toilets

People normally think toilets are dirtier than sinks, so they invest in hiring professional cleaners just to focus on tidying up and disinfecting toilets. But in reality, kitchen sinks have more germs than toilets.

A research confirmed that there is greater presence of E. coli, salmonella, and other fecal matter in the sink (75%) than in the toilet (less than 10%). The disease-causing bacteria feed on food particles and grow in wet places. Research confirmed that salmonella and other fecal-based bacteria grow on a sponge or dish cloth. So make it habit to prioritize disinfecting your sinks, sponges, and even cutting boards. As they say, you are probably better off eating on your toilet seat than on a dirty kitchen sink.

3. Antibacterial Cleaners are Effective When Left on the Surface Longer

You may have seen this scene multiple times – a cleaning lady spraying antibacterial cleaner on the table, then immediately wiping it off to remove dirt, food particles, and stain. If the purpose is to remove the spots, then this habit works perfectly fine. But if the goal is to kill bacteria, you need to let the antibacterial cleaner sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

A professional cleaner is likely to be aware of this technique. Hiring one would save you from potential health risks, as well as thoroughly clean your space.

4. Germs Last Longer Than You Think

It’s a costly mistake to believe that germs live shortly. On dry surfaces, some germs stay until 24 hours and on wet surfaces they last for as long as 3 days. The dreaded salmonella that stays in your kitchen sinks, regardless if the environment is freezing or not, can stay for 24 hours. Postponing cleaning is definitely not a good idea. If you lack the time or energy to do it, hire somebody to perform a routine cleaning of your house.

5. Some Vacuums Only Make the Air More Polluted

A study examined the performance of different vacuums and found that the older models and those with no high-efficiency particulate air or HEPA filter actually sends dust back into the air. You may think you have cleaned the floor, but in truth you are only circulated the dust around the area. Then the cycle goes on.

You can either invest in a quality vacuum or find a subscription company that lends you updated vacuum models for a fixed monthly fee – no obligations for repair or maintenance. Some freelance professional cleaners are on the rental scheme. Don’t be stingy on cleaning, after all improving air quality makes sense when research shows an average person spends 87% of time indoors.

6. Dirt Track is Kept Within the First 3 to 35 Feet of the Entrance

Commercially- or professionally-trained cleaners are taught of this basic fact early – that 30% of dirt is deposited in the first 3 feet from the entrance while the greater volume is left within the 25 feet. The lack of visible traces in the further entrance of the house does not guarantee absence of dirt, since soil comes in different consistencies, textures, and types. If you prefer doing the cleaning yourself, do the dirt cleaning strategically.

7. Door Knobs are Among the Dirtiest Parts of a House

Again, you probably have thought toilets and door rugs are the dirty areas. But that is not exactly true. Backed by research, door knobs are hot spots for bacteria considering the everyday contact.

Other germ spots you probably think are safe include dish cloths (possibly contain 4 billion living germs), butting boards, fridge, toys, and the microwave. They require frequent thorough cleaning.

When you research further, you’ll learn more surprising facts about cleaning. You probably are wiping the wrong way or arranging furniture in a harmful way. If you simply don’t have the luxury of time to do the nitty gritty of cleaning, hiring help is a wise idea.

For office and home cleaning services, you can call Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872 for more information.

There are a growing number of Australian medical clinics and hospitals that employ the services of a professional cleaning company.

Unlike commercial establishments, cleaning a medical clinic or hospital can be very daunting. This industry poses a lot of unique challenges that only the best cleaning companies can address.

 

Safety

The hospital is not the cleanest and the most hospitable place to be. People who are in hospitals are often sick. They may have an ongoing infection that can be transmitted to others.

No one can see these microorganisms. Almost every other surface in the hospital can have these germs. From handrails to guardrails to door knobs and the like, it is easy to get in contact with disease-causing microorganisms.

Hospitals have protocols for minimising disease transmission. They often do not extend to non-hospital persons like guests, however.

People visiting hospitals are thus at risk of contracting these microorganisms. The same is true for cleaning technicians. They can also get exposed to such pathogens which they can bring home to their families.

Professional cleaning companies have to train their staff. They need to increase their knowledge of disease transmission. They also need to learn the different techniques of minimising the risk of disease exposure.

Workplace Protocols

Cleaning an office or a school is different from cleaning a medical facility. It is true that these establishments require the best possible cleaning for their property.

But when it comes to cleaning a hospital, it often entails adherence to very strict protocols that the organisation may have in place.

Many of these workplace protocols are pursuant to global standards. Numerous international organisations expect medical facilities to comply with these standards.

Different areas in a hospital may also have different regulations regarding sanitation. The operating theatre may have a different set of sanitation protocols.

These guidelines may come from the Australian College of Perioperative Nurses or some other similar organisation.

There are also protocols coming from the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses. In other areas of the hospital, cleaning companies have to adhere to the protocols that the Safety Institute of Australia has in place. In short, cleaning companies have to be very well-versed with these protocols.

Patient Privacy

It is easy to clean other establishments. Cleaning companies can close off one section at a time for cleaning. They cannot do this in a hospital setting.

Not only does it disrupt the delivery of care, it can also invade the privacy of the medical centre’s patients.

Patient privacy is a very important element in any health care setting. Only authorised healthcare professionals can interact with patients.

Cleaning technicians do not “interact” with patients. They may, however, have to enter the patient’s room to perform their cleaning duties. This constitutes an invasion of privacy for many patients.

There is also the issue of data theft. Cleaning often requires moving some equipment. This helps ensure a more thorough cleaning.

Unfortunately, “incidents” can happen. A cleaning technician can obtain patient data from various sources. It is for this reason that medical facilities are very strict about third party providers.

They expect cleaning companies to provide cleaning technicians that are trustworthy. Stringent background checks are a must for these cleaning companies.

Incomplete Cleaning

When cleaning offices and other establishments, a simple wipe of the surfaces is often enough. Removing soiled items and tidying up the space are often substantial in cleaning these establishments.

Unfortunately, such an approach would not suffice if you’re talking about medical cleaning. Hospitals require extensive and intensive cleaning protocols in their facilities.

One has to understand that the patients in a hospital are not in their peak health. Many have compromised immune systems that can make them more susceptible to infections.

As already noted, the hospital is not the safest place to be. It is a place where microorganisms of different types, strains, and pathogenicity reside. These are ever-present in the hospital environment.

A cleaning company’s job is to make sure that its cleaning technicians understand the implications of not being able to provide a very extensive and intensive cleaning.

A single missed spot is all it takes to spread infectious microorganisms to immunocompromised individuals. This can make them sicker.

Most cleaning companies will only focus on high-traffic areas, restrooms, and public areas. Most cleaners do not clean the doorknobs and handrails that line the hallways.

Many patients and hospital guests use these fixtures to aid them in getting from one hospital section to another. If these areas or fixtures are not cleaned properly, then there is a risk of transmitting a disease-carrying germ to other individuals.

Cleaning a medical facility or hospital is never easy. There are a lot of challenges that cleaning companies have to hurdle. Addressing these challenges can help ensure a more thorough clean of hospital premises and contribute to enhanced patient safety.

For professional and efficient commercial and household cleaning around Melbourne, drop Performance Cleaning a call at 1300 867 872 .

There are always instances when cleaning would seem like taking a lot longer than usual to accomplish. More often than not, it happens in instances when you’re expecting a visitor or while performing a much-needed spring cleaning.

Or, you are trying to keep up with the shower of pet hair on your couch. While cleaning can be a real bummer, there are a few hacks and tricks you can employ to make your chores a lot easier.

 

Here are 5 cleaning tips you wish you’d have known much sooner.

1. Clean and Sanitise the Sponge

This foam contraption takes plenty of abuse whenever performing your cleaning chores. With each pass, it tends to pick up dirt, grease, grime, and germs.

You can dunk it in warm water and wring the excess out. But there is no telling if you also removed the germs sticking in the individual pores of the foam.

By the time you use it on another surface, you are now transferring these germs onto the next object. You now have more than one item to “sanitise”.

Cleaning your sponge on a more frequent basis is a must for a germfree, extra-clean home. Soak the sponge in warm water and wring the excess water out.

Do not let it go dry. Pop it in the microwave and heat it for about 30 seconds. This will kill the germs in the sponge. Wait a couple of minutes before taking it out of the microwave, though, as it can be too hot to handle.

2. The Vinegar Power Shower Spray

Vinegar is a very common household item. What many do not realise is that it is also an excellent cleaner because of its natural, non-toxic, and acidic nature.

It can dissolve hard water stains and other types of stains as well as soap scum and sticker residues. White vinegar works best when it comes to cleaning surfaces.

But, if you do find it too strong, then apple cider vinegar is a good alternative. Combine one part of white vinegar to 10 parts of water in a spray bottle. This is enough to clean your house.

One word of caution, though. There are surfaces that you should never clean with this vinegar power spray. For example, marble and granite countertops don’t do well with vinegar on their surface.

You should also not use it to clean kitchen knives, iron, solid wood furniture, and egg-based messes.

3. “As-Salt” the Carpet Stain

Most of us know that baking soda is one of the best hacks for removing carpet stains. However, if the stain is still fresh on your carpet, there is another simpler solution: salt.

Your ordinary table salt has enough moisture-drawing properties to help remove the fluid on the carpet. Scientists call it the capillary action. We all know it as “seeping” action.

As soon as you notice red wine or any other fluid on your carpet, resist the temptation to dab it with a dry cloth. Instead, pour generous amounts of table salt over the area.

You should see the salt mound starting to moisten. This means it is already drawing the fluid out from the carpet. Let it dry. Get your vacuum and start finishing up the mess. For still unknown reasons, salt works on mud stains, too.

4. Vacuum Cleaner-Turned Air Freshener

Cleaning doesn’t only have to lead to a tidier home. It should also result in a nice-smelling place. While you can apply air freshener right after the cleaning process, there is a better way.
Soak a cotton ball in your favourite scent like vanilla or another scent. Put this in the vacuum bag and start vacuuming the place.

This is a very simple hack that cleans and freshens your home in a single pass. It is perfect for getting rid of nasty pet odours, cooking smells, or any other offensive odour in the home.

5. Fuss-Free Oven Cleaning

Your oven has got to be one of the toughest appliances to clean, making the chore seem like an eternity. But there is a way which you can clean this large kitchen appliance without sweating.
Fill an oven-safe bowl or pot with water. Place this in the oven and heat it to about 230 degrees Celsius for 15 to 20 minutes.

What you are doing is creating steam to loosen the grease, grime, and dirt that may have accumulated inside the oven.

Let the oven cool down first before you give it a good wipe. The grease should come right off. After that, make a paste of baking soda and water and smear this on the oven’s enamel surfaces.
This will turn into the oven’s protective layer, allowing it to absorb grease every time you bake or broil.

Cleaning doesn’t have to be very challenging. It can be efficient and easy, too, if you know the tips and tricks to employ.

For commercial and household cleaning services, you may contact Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872.