Cleaning Education Archives | Page 4 of 4 | Performance Property Services Group

6 Tips in Keeping your Place Clean while Staying Green

If there are two things people are most concerned about today – it’s the coronavirus and the environment. Well, it’s actually any kind of virus – but the main principle is still the same. Everyone wants to be able to clean their home thoroughly with zero chances of the dreaded coronavirus residing in the area without overburdening the environment.

So what can you do about this? Here are some cleaning materials that hit both birds with one stone:

Castile Soap

Soap is and has always been the ultimate cleaning product to be used on most surfaces. Castile soap has a way of breaking down the fatty layer in viruses so that it becomes ineffective and therefore unable to infect anyone.

Castile soap is best used for hardy surfaces like marble, tiles, concrete, or other non-porous materials. The problem with it is that the suds can take some time to remove. Use some castile soap for mopping, follow up with plain water, and let the floor surface dry.

Vodka

If you have any spare vodka lying around, you can use it to clean surfaces including wood. A very powerful disinfectant, look for vodka that is 80 percent proof or 100 percent proof, giving you full antibacterial capability without any lingering smell. It also works well for mildew growth and can therefore be sprayed between the grout of the tiles. Opt for cheap vodka since you’re just going to use it for cleaning and leave the good ones for a celebratory drink.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a fairly common eco-friendly option for cleaning. It’s often combined with water in a 1:1 ratio and works just as well as bleach in removing bacteria without the nasty smell. If you’re using vinegar however, make sure to buy only the white kind as the reddish hue can stain.

Essential Oils

Oils are getting lots of bad reputation today because of the aggressive way they’re being marketed by people. Some of these companies reached Australia already with products that are somewhat overpriced. Don’t worry though – you don’t have to buy the expensive oils in order to get their antibacterial benefits.

Oils like tea tree and citronella are known for their ability to remove bacteria from surfaces. They’re best used together with other cleaning products to boost their effect. These oils are safe to use on even small fixtures or figurines and they create a very nice smell that adds to the overall aesthetic.

Lemon and Water Mixture

Of course, let’s not forget the classic lemon and water mixture which works well on tough stains. As an antibacterial, it doesn’t work as well as the commercial types – but it can sanitize areas and leave off an excellent smell.

There’s a 50-50 mixing ratio for it although you can definitely use more lemon in order to increase the acidic power of the product. If you have to choose between lemon and vinegar however, go with vinegar as it offers a more powerful punch for sanitisation.

Using Steam

Having a steamer can really work wonders in your home. Remember – steam is produced by heating up water to a certain degree. The natural temperature of the steam can kill off some types of viruses and bacteria, leaving surfaces free from grime, dirt, and microscopic particles.

Steam is best used for cloth products like the carpet or perhaps the bathroom rug. With many products having this particular function, it’s also not hard to clean using this item. Even better – you can add some oils into the steamer to boost its cleaning capability.

Eco Friendly Brands

When all else fails, it’s always possible to use ecofriendly brands for cleaning. They’re usually more expensive than the regular products however and it’s tough to find them in the market in large quantities.

The problem with using these type of disinfectants is they take a lot of work. It can also be tough to create a specific combination for different surfaces. After all, you don’t want to cause damage to valuable items like your PC monitor or the surface of an antique. This is why the smarter choice is often employing the services of professional cleaners who utilize environment-friendly cleaning products. With this, you can get the results you want without the hassle.

For cleaning tips and hacks, you can talk to our expert commercial and carpet cleaning team in Dandenong at 1300 867 872 NOW!

Professional Cleaner’s Tips For Cleaning With Allergies

Allergies can be tough to deal with, especially if you are allergic to dust, pollen, and other usual irritants commonly found at home. When the house is not thoroughly or successfully cleaned of these allergens, you end up sneezing all the time.

While hiring a professional cleaner is the best solution to ensure that you live in a clean and allergy-free home, you can follow these important tips from the experts to maintain your house as close to ideal as possible.

Watch Out For Products and Ingredients

Chemical-based products have been popular due to their ability to kill germs and bacteria, they are not the only effective cleaning materials out there. Eco-friendly ones are much better if you suffer from allergies, but it is not an assurance that you will not get any unwanted reactions. Some people are still allergic to specific scents or other natural ingredients, so not all organic products are safe. Make sure you read the list of ingredients to be sure that you will not end up with a case of allergies.

You can also just go for age-old solutions like vinegar, baking soda, lemon, salt, and essential oils. They are easy to find and can be used in most parts of the house.

Clean The Carpets

If you find yourself still irritated despite cleaning your house thoroughly, then the reason might be your carpet. Cleaning them thoroughly is key to keeping your allergies in control. Over time, tons of things like dirt, pet hair, dust, food, dead skin cells, and even insect feces accumulate there and trigger sneezing or hives. Deep cleaning your carpets regularly is the best step, and let the professionals do it for you if you have severe allergies.

Improve The Ventilation At Home

People with allergies end up being afraid of fresh air, especially during allergy season. While this makes sense, it is also not a good idea to avoid letting in fresh air. Stagnant air has tons of bacteria, viruses, and germs. So try to maintain proper ventilation at home, opening the windows and doors daily. If there are not as many windows or ventilation, you can invest in an air purifier instead.

Wear A Mask When Dusting

If you are allergic to dust, then you should consider wearing a mask when dusting around the house. This way, the particles are not triggering an allergic reaction.

Get A Good Vacuum Cleaner

A broom will only send particles flying in the air, eager to make you sneeze or develop those annoying hives. A good vacuum cleaner, on the other hand, will suck all of them in so that they are not bothering you at all. Just make sure it has an anti-allergy filter, which will trap the tiniest particles instead of blasting them out again.

Plus, a good vacuum cleaner has tons of attachments that have their specific purposes, like for carpets and upholstery.

Deal With Mould and Mildew

Not only are they an eyesore, but they can also trigger some uncomfortable allergic reactions. Remove them as soon as you discover them, so they have no chance to spread all over the house. There are many products that can do the job, although white vinegar is a common household solution for this problem.

Change The Sheets

Even the cleanest of people will need to regularly change the sheets. When you lie down and sleep, you shed dead skin cells, for example. Plus, the bed accumulates dirt and dust as well. The heat of your body also encourages the growth of bacteria and germs, so putting on new sheets weekly is recommended if you have allergies. They should be washed in hot water to kill germs and bacteria.

Call The Professionals

Some people have real problems when there is dust and dirt at home. Cleaning the house thoroughly to remove them is important, but if this will leave them sneezing and out of breath, then it is time to let someone else do the job. Professionals will not just gladly clean your home but will do it thoroughly so that your home remains a safe haven from allergies.

Final Words

These invisible, tiny particles can really lead to suffering if you are allergic to them, and the only way to avoid an unwanted and possibly dangerous reaction is to do your best to remove them from your home. Follow these tips and get relief from the sneezing and the hives.

For more commercial cleaning in Melbourne area, don't hesitate to contact Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872 and we will be glad to assist you with any of your cleaning concerns.

What Are the Office Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid?

In today's modern workplace, maintaining a pristine office environment is crucial for both employee health and business success.

With Australians spending 50-60% of their time in office environments, proper cleaning practices have never been more important.

Studies show that 98% of office workers will contract some form of infectious disease during their professional life due to poor workplace hygiene, highlighting the critical need for proper cleaning protocols.

Office desks harbor 400 times more bacteria than toilet seats, yet many businesses continue to make fundamental cleaning mistakes that compromise workplace hygiene and employee wellbeing. From incorrect equipment usage to poor sanitisation practices, these cleaning oversights can lead to increased sick days, reduced productivity, and a negative impact on company image.

Understanding and avoiding common cleaning mistakes is essential for any business aiming to maintain high standards of workplace hygiene and professionalism.

Here are key office cleaning mistakes to avoid:

1. Neglecting High-Touch Surfaces

Ignoring frequently touched areas like door handles, light switches, keyboards, and phones can lead to the buildup of germs and bacteria, increasing the risk of spreading illness

2. Using Incorrect Cleaning Products

Applying the wrong cleaning chemicals can damage surfaces or carpets. For example, using harsh chemicals on delicate materials or improper solutions on electronics can cause irreversible damage

3. Skipping Carpet Maintenance

Failing to vacuum carpets regularly allows dirt and dust to settle deep into the fibers, shortening the carpet's lifespan and affecting indoor air quality

4. Not Emptying Trash Bins Daily

Allowing trash bins to overflow or ignoring them leads to bad odors, pest infestations, and an unclean environment

5. Overlooking Restroom Hygiene

Neglecting daily restroom cleaning can result in unsanitary conditions and odors, affecting both employees' health and the overall perception of the office

6. Improper Dusting Techniques

Dusting without removing items from desks or shelves, or using dry cloths, simply spreads dust around rather than eliminating it. Always use damp or microfiber cloths to trap dust effectively

Hiring professional cleaning service providers can save you from this problem because they come at a time convenient to you and your employees. They come to work either at night or early in the morning when there are no workers present anymore.

For you cleaning queries and concerns, you can contact us at 1300 867 872 and we will be glad to assist you.

How A Cleaning Services Company Can Help Achieve 5S System in the Workplace

If your company has implemented a 5S System, chances are you’ve wondered what it is for and if it’s really effective. While most companies do not orient their employees on the 5S purpose, it is important for each worker to know why it is essential in boosting productivity and reducing the overall costs of the company.

What is the 5S System?

The 5S System originated in Japan, specifically in the Toyota Production System. It is a list of 5 words starting with the letter S that will provide a guideline on how to keep the workplace clean and conducive for operations.

In Japanese, those 5 words are seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. In other words, they’re sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain, respectively.

The end goal of the 5S system is to ultimately improve the overall business operations. In fact, when the 5S system is consistently practiced, benefits like reduced costs, lower risk of injury, increased productivity, and better employee well-being can be experienced.

The 5S’s

Here are the 5 steps in the system for a better understanding of what each employee should do.

1. Sort

The first step is sort which means categorizing and grouping all the things on your desk and cabinets. It’s not as simple as grouping them based on their item category like office supplies, personal items, documents, etc.

The 5S system takes it a step further by asking you to categorize them based on their purpose, frequency of usage, who owns/uses it, and if it really is meant to be there.

In other words, you have to ask yourself when you sort through your things, “What’s the use of this item? Is it even mine? How often do I use this?” and the like. Asking these questions will help you find out which items to group together or which ones to throw away or bring to your own home.

2. Set in Order

The second step is set in order. Here, you’ll actually position things where they are best placed. Based on your answers on the grouped items in step 1, you will have an idea which items stay on your desk or cubicle and which ones are for the common areas.

It’s important that when you do the 5S that you will do it with your team so everyone will be able to decide where the most logical place is for communal items. Keep in mind the overall floor plan of your office when identifying strategic locations.

3. Shine

The next step is shine. This step simply refers to doing a general cleaning of your workspace or your whole office space. This might be a good opportunity for you to consider hiring a commercial cleaning service to ensure that every common area is squeaky clean.

As for your personal work area, it’s important that no dust is in place and everything is in clean working condition. Commercial cleaning services often don’t clean personal areas, so it’s best that you do the cleaning yourself.

4. Standardize

By now, the whole workspace should be clean and organized. However, the 5S system does not stop there. Your management would have to create standard operating procedures (SOP) on how and when to do the 5S. This is important to ensure that the exercise you just did above is not just a one-time thing.

Some companies set a regular cleaning period while others incorporate the 5S in the performance evaluations of the employees. There can be a lot of strategies on how to standardize this and it’s up to your management as to how they can be executed.

5. Sustain

Lastly, you have to sustain it. In reality, even if there are SOPs on the 5S, it is easy to forget about it or fail to understand what it is for. For this step, it is crucial that managers continuously keep everyone in the office involved. The best way to do this is to make 5S a habit so that everyone understands and hopefully gets motivated to do it.

When this step is successful, you will notice that you no longer have to remind people to do the sorting, setting in order, and the shining.

Is 5S Necessary?

Each company has its own way of boosting their employees’ productivity and well-being. The 5S System is one of the many techniques in ensuring that a company can minimize their operational costs while maximizing their employee’s abilities.

The 5S System definitely does not take effect overnight. As it is a continuous cycle, you will only be able to see effects, when this has become a practice in your company.

Trying it out once will not work long-term. Therefore, in order to see the benefits of the 5S system, you need to shape the way people think about office cleanliness, productivity, and organisation.

If you need commercial cleaning services in Sunshine area or just have a question regarding disinfection and cleanliness, contact Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872.

7 Important Things to Consider When Hiring A Cleaning Company

Are you thinking about outsourcing cleaners to keep your office and its premises always clean and fresh? Hiring a cleaning company seems to be the best choice if you want to provide your employees with a pleasant, hygienic, and healthy environment.

This practice is not only safe and cost-effective but it is also a way of streamlining the number of your regular employees.

With the big number of commercial cleaning companies that are operating nowadays, finding one is very easy. However, finding the one that is right for your business needs might be a challenge.

Choosing a commercial cleaning services provider must be done carefully the way you hire your employees. Here are the important things that you must consider when hiring a cleaning company.

1. Complete Equipment and Materials

When choosing a commercial cleaning company to hire, check if they have the right cleaning equipment and materials for your cleaning needs.

Do they have ladders for cleaning the ceiling and other areas that cannot be easily reached? Do they have vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, and other equipment needed for a thorough cleaning? Are the cleaning substances they use safe, eco-friendly, and of high-quality?

You can conduct an interview with the representative of the cleaning companies that you have shortlisted for the job. You can also check their website to get more information about the equipment and cleaning materials that they use.

2. License to Operate and Insurance

Make sure to hire a legitimate commercial cleaning services provider. If they are a registered company, you can run after them if ever they fail to deliver the services that you have paid for. Insurance is also important.

You do not want to pay for the cleaning people’s medical bills if ever they have an accident while cleaning your property. With an insured company, whatever items or equipment that are damaged while they are cleaning can be shouldered by the cleaning company and not by you.

Accidents include breaking glass materials, using harsh substances that can cause damage to the carpets, furniture, and other office furnishings as well as floor tiles.

If ever the company you hire refuse to pay for these damages, you can file a complaint that can result in the revocation of its license.

3. Well-trained Cleaners

Some people think that cleaning is easy and simple but this is far from the truth. The cleaners must be trained on how to use cleaning equipment properly and safely. Cleaning furniture, glass windows, tiles, and carpets require knowledge of the right and safe way to clean them.

A knowledgeable cleaning crew knows what cleaning substances to use and how to apply them to achieve the best results. Not knowing the right application can cause harm to the establishment and to the health of your employees.

4. Price

Price is one of the most important considerations when hiring a commercial cleaning company. Some companies may be cheap because they use low-quality equipment and materials and untrained people.

Hiring them can compromise the health of your employees and the productivity of your business. Go for companies that offer the best service and the highest value for your money.

See if they offer packages and discounts, as well as other perks that can make hiring them cost-effective. Compare service quality and prices of several companies before making your final choice.

5. Experience

An experienced commercial cleaning services provider is always better than a business that is just starting up. Having lasted for many years in the industry shows that this company has been able to keep its clients and get new ones.

This is only possible if it is able to satisfy its customers. Experience is an assurance that you are hiring people that know what they are doing and does it to the best interest of their customers.

6. Professionalism

What sets one company apart from the others is professionalism. Professional companies treat their customers with respect. They can deliver what they promise as scheduled. Their cleaning crew wears clean uniforms.

Check their website. If it is presentable and impressive, you can say that you are dealing with professionals.

7. Reputation

How can you check the reputation of a commercial cleaning company? You can check customer reviews of the companies that you are considering. These write-ups usually present the strengths and weakness of a company.

Talk with your acquaintances that had used the said company’s service. They can provide you with enlightening information as to the way the company conducts business.

If you want to find the best commercial cleaning company that can meet the needs of your office and employees, do your homework well. Learn more about the company that you are considering to hire.

For questions and inquiries about our commercial cleaning services especially in Port Melbourne, you may contact us at 1300 867 872.

7 Surprising Facts About House Cleaning

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, home cleaning and carpet cleaning services in Footscray, you can call Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872 for more information.

Common Questions on Office Cleaning, Answered

There’s always a first time for everything. Office cleaning was not always a thing until someone realized that it is better to outsource cleaning services than hire people to do it. Outsourcing has been proven to save more while lessening the burden of overseeing the cleaners.

On the other hand, if you do not have your own cleaning arm, then you don’t have to ask your employees to do so anymore.

If it’s your office’s first time to hire a cleaning company, then there must be a few questions buzzing around on your employees’ minds. Here are some of those frequently asked questions of employees and the answers to them.

1. Should I secure anything before the cleaners arrive?

Since you are working in an office, there will always be confidential documents and personal items scattered around. The rule of thumb is this: if you don’t want them to see it, do not place it out in the open.

If you have an important contract that is not meant to be seen by outsiders, then it’s best to stow them away before the cleaning service arrives.

2. Can they be trusted?

This is one of the main concerns of a lot of employees. While cleaning services with great reputations are generally trustworthy, you should not leave out anything that is too risky (or costly) to lose.

Whether it’s a company phone or your own personal gadget, you don’t want them to be lying around especially when they clean and you won’t be there in the area.

3. Will they clean each person’s desks?

Cleaning services often only cover common areas like walkways, pantries, reception areas, etc. However, this still depends on your company’s agreement with them. While some stick to common areas, there are agreements where even the actual desk is cleaned.

4. Should we provide cleaning materials?

Commercial cleaning service providers have their own materials. Most of these materials are for professional use. However, if you have cleaning materials in your office that you want them to utilize, you can always discuss this with them when they arrive.

5. Should I be there when they clean?

You don’t have to be there when the cleaning service arrives. In fact, some cleaning services schedule their visits beyond or before office hours so they do not interrupt business operations.

In any case, you do not have to be in your area when they clean provided, of course, that you do not have any confidential and important documents and items scattered on your desk.

6. Will the cleaners be the same every time?

It’s at the discretion of the cleaning company to either rotate or assign specific people to your office. Nonetheless, it is always better to have the same team clean your office because it creates familiarity in the spaces that need to be cleaned.

It also helps develop a certain level of security since you will not keep entertaining strangers every other week.

7. Do they have green initiatives?

This depends on the cleaning company you are hiring. Ideally, if your company makes it a point to take steps towards saving the environment, then it should hire a cleaning company that does the same.

You can also further discuss with the cleaning company your preferences when it comes to green initiatives. Some companies reuse the plastic bag that covers the trash can if there is no liquid that was thrown there.

You can also do the same or better yet, think of your own steps that you can share with your hired cleaning company.

8. What kinds of training do commercial cleaners undergo?

Commercial cleaners undergo both in-house and on-the-job training. This combination of development will help them have a deeper understanding of cleaning techniques as well as exposure to the different sanitary problems experienced in offices.

Hiring a commercial cleaning service for your office seems to be risky at first, but that is why you have to be careful and critical of the company you are hiring.

Since the common concern of employees revolves around trust, then make sure that you hire a company that has a clean track record with their clients.

Researching reviews of clients and doing background checks can give you a glimpse of whether or not a certain cleaning company is the right fit for your business.

Should you have questions about commercial office cleaning in Sunshine suburb, contact us at 1300 867 872 and we will be very glad to assist you.

Dealing With The Unique Challenges Of Medical Cleaning

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 hospital or medical clinic 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 .

5 Cleaning Tips You’d Wish You Knew Sooner

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.