Cleaning Education Archives | Page 4 of 5 | Performance Property Services Group

8 Places in Your Home You Might Not Realise Needs Cleaning

Now is the perfect time to make a full sweep of your home and clean every nook and cranny to guarantee a germ-free existence.

Unfortunately, when we say “clean”, most people only think about the more obvious places in their homes – like the floors, the window cleaning, the sofa, and so on.

You might not realise it but you’re missing a lot of possible places where dirt, grime, mold, and germ can settle. Here are some of the top parts of your home that could use a good clean.

Bed and Pillows

That’s right – your bed and pillows need some TLC, too. We’re not just talking about the sheets but the fluffy materials themselves. Pillows are best cleaned through sun exposure.

Just put them outdoors under direct sunlight and they will absorb any moisture that might have accumulated in your pillow. When you take them back inside, you’ll notice how they’re so much fluffier.

As an added bonus – the sun is also a natural antibacterial. The same can be done for your bed, although it might take some work to drag it out there.

Trash Can

Don’t forget to clean the trash can as well since this can collect not only grime but also the odor of your trash. Even if you use a trash bag all the time, the fact is that there could be an overspill that taints the inside of the can.

Take a good whiff whenever you’re replacing the trash bag – does the can still smell? If so – wash it with soap and water and give it a new lease on life.

Under and Over Furniture

While you many not exactly “forget” to clean under furniture, it’s not really a pleasant experience. Moving large furniture around – like the sofa or the fridge – can be exhausting. This is why you should only do it once every few months or so.

The upside however is that you’ll feel more confident knowing that there are no dust bunnies accumulating underneath your sofa. Don’t forget that some appliances also need cleaning on top – such as the fridge.

Cleaning Items Need Cleaning

Take a good look at the appliances you use to clean the rest of your home. There’s the dishwasher, the washing machine, the mop, the broom, rags, and so on.

These are the ones that take most of the brunt of household chores and fortunately, there are now convenient ways to clean them.

For example, some dishwashers can be loaded with cleaning agents designed specially to remove any grime that might have built up inside it.

The same goes for washing machines. Ideally, mops are cleaned after every use so you’re not just spreading the dirt around the house.

Sink and Garbage Disposal

Don’t wait for clogs to appear before you do something about your sink. Ideally, you should be throwing some hot water in there once a week just to clear up the pathways and minimize the chances of clogging.

Here’s a cool trick – you can clean your sink AND coffee maker at the same time. Just load your coffee maker with a combination of vinegar and water and allow it to run. Pour the hot mixture down the drain and you’re good to go.

Back of Toilet

No one really likes to clean the toilet – but it’s something that has to be done. The back area is typically forgotten since it is often out of sight.

Note though that with all the natural curves of the toilet, the back portion is a hotbed of grime accumulation. This is why it’s best to clean this area as often as possible so you don’t have to spend a long time with each session.

Fans and Air Conditioners

It’s easy to spot gunk buildup in fans but the process of dismantling it can be tough if you’re new to the process. You will find however that cleaning a fan will give you cleaner and cooler air afterwards.

The same goes for air conditioners. Now, a deep clean of air conditioners require expertise, but the filter itself can be removed, cleaned, and reattached in a matter of minutes.

It’s the Small Things

The small stuff also deserve attention – especially since they’re the ones that are often touched. Think lamp switches, wall switches, door knobs, and the remote control.

All these things are a hive for bacteria since everyone touches them all through the day. Wipe them out with alcohol as often as you can.

Of course, those are just some ideas on what parts of the home may need additional attention on your part during a spring clean. For a deep clean without the hassle however, it’s also a good idea to simply hire professionals for the job.

Typically, professional cleaners also take these locations in consideration, often having a checklist to ensure that they hit all the hot spots.

Make your house clean and germ-free, let our professional and reliable commercial cleaning team help you with that. Contact Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872

Hire Professional Office Cleaners To Avoid These Cleaning Mistakes

Is the cleaning of your office entrusted to one or two persons hired as office cleaners? Have you paid attention to how they work and checked the cleaning products that they use?

If some of your employees complain about an odd smell in the air or of stains in your newly-cleaned carpet, your cleaners are guilty of committing cleaning mistakes.

Inspect your office for these signs and if they appear despite repeated reminders, it is time to hire professional office cleaners and prevent the following cleaning mistakes.

Spot Cleaning

Have you looked at the spaces beneath the furniture and electronic equipment in your office and saw a film of dust? Have you checked the glass windows only to find dirt dimming the glass? If this happens, your cleaners have committed a cleaning mistake called spot cleaning.

Spot cleaning refers to the habit of keeping everything in the office clean while leaving the hidden spaces dirty. You can prevent this cleaning mistake to be committed in your office if you use the services of professional cleaners.

Use of Harsh Cleaning Products

Left on their own, your office cleaners might buy cheap but very strong products. Some of these items cannot be used for all-around cleaning. Bleach can leave a faded spot in the carpet or in the upholstery if your cleaners use it to remove the stain or scrub the material.

Some strong floor cleaners can be effective but if you use too much or leave it on the floor for a long period of time, it can cause fading. Some cleaning products are so strong that they can cause skin allergies and other skin problems.

If your employees start to sneeze or cough after entering your newly cleaned office, chances are the air freshener used is not safe so that it can cause skin irritation, coughing, and sneezing.

Professional cleaners can identify harsh products from gentle and natural ones. You are assured that the products that they use are safe and eco-friendly.

Causing Damage to Office Equipment

Do your cleaners have any experience cleaning your equipment and dismantling it to do a thorough cleaning? If not, do not let them touch your office equipment. They can use a rough cloth to clean screen monitors, causing scratches on the surface.

With the wrong or insufficient cleaning material, dirt is spread instead of getting removed. Find a professional cleaning company that has a specialist in cleaning, dismantling, and assembling office equipment to prevent damage.

Incorrect Maintenance of Cleaning Equipment

The vacuum and floor polisher that is used in cleaning must be properly maintained. When you see your office cleaners leave them around without cleaning them first, your office cleanliness might be jeopardized.

Equipment that is not properly cleaned after use can deteriorate fast and malfunction. Hiring professional office cleaners is one way of reducing costs on equipment maintenance and repair.

Disrupting Employees at Work

Since your cleaning employees have the same work hours with the other employees, they might start cleaning even if there are still employees that are trying to finish their work for the day.

This can interrupt their work or make them decide to leave their wok unfinished to give way to the cleaners to do their job.

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.

Unpleasant Smell

Improper way of cleaning by inexperienced persons can result in a persistent foul odour in your office could mean some trash had been left to rot or some areas were left moist for a long time.

For old office buildings, mould and mildew can leave an unpleasant smell. Your employees could suffer from allergic reactions or become sick.

Using the services of professional cleaners can save you from working in an unhealthy office because their cleaners have been trained on how to get rid of dampness, mould, and mildew in the place that they clean. This can result in a fresh-smelling and hygienic environment.

If you want to have your office thoroughly and professionally cleaned, use the services of commercial cleaning experts to protect your employees and your business from the ill effects of cleaning mistakes.

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.

Cleaning and Disinfection for Residential and Commercial Buildings During COVID-19

The World Health Organization has recently warned the public that the coronavirus might be here to stay.

While there had been developments of possible vaccines for the virus, the best everybody can do at the moment is to practice safety precautions, clean, disinfect and sanitize the surroundings regularly to help prevent further infections.

For proper guidance in cleaning and disinfecting residences and workplaces, here are some FAQs (frequently asked questions) that you need to know.

Cleaning and Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?

Cleaning and disinfecting at times have been used interchangeably. However, they do have their differences.

Cleaning is the physical act of taking away bacteria, viruses, dirt, grime and debris from surfaces by means of water and detergents. Detergents, once mixed with water, help to break down oil and grease.

Disinfecting on the other hand makes use of chemicals to treat microbes on surfaces. Cleaning is required for the target surface first before disinfecting. This is due to the fact that dirt, grease and grime can inhibit the performance of the disinfectant to get rid of germs and other types of contaminants.

Which areas of the home or commercial building needs regular cleaning and disinfection?

Surfaces that are touched often must be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Examples of these spots include the following:

• Door handles
• Toilets
• Tabletops
• Phones
• Counters
• Light switches
• Kitchen surfaces
• Cupboard handles
• Taps

Areas that are visibly dirty should be taken care of immediately as well.

How often should these areas get cleaned and disinfected?

Routine cleaning and disinfection are recommended for homes or areas that engage minimal interaction or are typically attended by a small number of individuals. However, places like retail stores or any workplace that involves accommodating many people day by day need to cleaned and disinfected more frequently.

Disinfecting surfaces should be done regularly on surfaces that many people get in contact with. Proper disinfection must be done at least once a day.

What products should I use for cleaning and disinfecting?

For cleaning surfaces, using warm water and detergent is recommended since it is effective in breaking up oil, grime and dirt. There are lots of detergents in the market which can do this job capably. After cleaning, the surface should then be disinfected.

Disinfecting hard surfaces is best done with disinfectants that contain equal to or more than 70 percent alcohol, chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds.

Always look for disinfectants with anti-viral properties to kill viruses. Check the label of the disinfectant to guarantee that it’s made to remove viruses.

You can also make use of diluted bleach. If this is your preferred option, make sure to follow the instructions for correct dilution and use of the product. The solution will only be effective once it is diluted according to the prescribed concentration.

To maintain the bleach’s efficacy, make sure that you store the item away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Is it okay to create DIY solutions to disinfect surfaces?

Commercial disinfectants are effective since they are required to meet specific government standards. If disinfectants are often out of stock in your area, making your own disinfectant using bleach and water is recommended as well.

However, items like baking soda, vinegar, saline solutions and even mouthwashes and essential oils are not recommended for disinfecting since these items cannot destroy the COVID-19 virus.

Ensure that you are handling chemicals like bleach properly when making your own disinfectant since these items can be harsh. Always keep up with manufacturer’s instructions and comply with the safety precautions mentioned on the product label.

Will detergents and disinfectants with anti-bacterial properties kill the COVID-19 virus?

Detergents and disinfectants with anti-bacterial features are meant to kill bacteria only, not viruses. Therefore, COVID-19 being a virus from the coronavirus family, will not be destroyed by anti-bacterial products.

What cleaning methods should not be used?

Make sure to steer clear of cleaning methods that can produce droplets or scatter the coronavirus like dusters, dry rags or cloth, pressurised air products and pressurised water devices.

Disinfectant fogging might seem like a good idea. However, this is not recommended as well since it does not have the capability to clean up surfaces and its success rate of killing COVID-19 is still suspect. Improper application of this method can also expose individuals to chemicals that are hazardous.

A good way to survive the coronavirus pandemic, apart from social distancing, frequent handwashing and a stronger immune system is through regular cleaning and disinfecting.

Make sure that the methods for clean-ups and disinfection that you apply are done correctly to guarantee a higher success rate.

For more information about proper cleanliness and sanitation for our times, you can also visit official online sites of government agencies tasked to help on the matter.

This is not the time to sit on your hands. Do what needs to be done to stop the harm done by COVID-19.

For any cleaning and disinfection questions and inquiries this COVID-19 pandemic, call us at 1300 867 872 and we will be glad to assist you.

Useful Tips on How to Clean and Disinfect your Home in the Time of COVID-19

The increasing number of coronavirus cases in Australia now in the many thousands, the majority of us have been wise to implement self-isolation in our respective homes.

It has been revealed that the virus can survive up to three days on hard surfaces, so if you are cooped up in the house, it is important to establish and maintain cleanliness at all times.

And even if you hire a professional cleaning company like in Melbourne to come to your house for deep cleaning, it is still important that you perform cleaning and disinfecting routines every single day.

How should you clean your home in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak?

House cleaning experts have revealed some top tips to make sure your house is as clean and germ-free as possible. But before we go over the list, let’s be clear about the definitions of cleaning and disinfection.

Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt, germs, and other impurities from all types of surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs per se, but by removing them, you successfully lower their numbers and reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases.

Disinfecting is a term that refers to the use of chemicals to eradicate germs on different types of surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean the dirty surfaces or physically remove germs, but it kills the germs on surfaces after cleaning, which then lowers the risk of spreading infection.

Here is a detailed cleaning list that you should adapt to your home not only during these trying times but also as a standard cleaning protocol to ensure the health and wellness of your household.

1. Clean Before Sanitising

It is important to start by cleaning your home before sanitising or disinfecting. If you are cleaning hard surfaces, always make sure to start cleaning with a soapy sponge or wet cloth to wipe away visible dust, dirt, and impurities.

Wipe away these materials from the surface and then proceed to disinfecting using a cloth with disinfectant.

Make sure to leave the disinfectant untouched on surfaces for up to 30 seconds before wiping them off.

Normally, you would want to clean and sanitise your home every few days, but during these trying times, it’s best to clean and disinfect on a daily basis, especially if you or any member of your household still goes outdoors.

2. Put Your Sponges in the Dishwasher

Sponges are very useful in cleaning not only the dirty dishes but other surfaces, too. Due to their nature and makeup, they are teeming with germs, hence it is important to give them a good cleaning and disinfecting between uses.

To accomplish this, simply pop dirty sponges into the dishwasher or washing machine for a thorough clean. You may also do this manually by giving it a good scrub with hot soapy water. You may also place sponges in the microwave and expose them to heat for up to 2 minutes.

3. Clean High-touch Surfaces and Items Thoroughly

During the COVID-19 outbreak, it is of utmost importance to focus your attention on high-touch areas and items.

Whilst large surfaces like kitchen countertops typically get the most attention, you should not forget to clean and disinfect areas, surfaces, and items that we frequently come in contact with, such as appliances and gadgets, as well as household fixtures like doors, window handles, and our bathroom essentials, too.

– Doorknobs
– Table surfaces
– Dining chairs
– Bathroom counters
– Faucets and knobs
– Toilet seat and handle
– Light switches
– Remote controls
– Game controllers
– Kettles
– Coffee machine

It is important that you stock up on disinfecting solutions at home. If a disinfectant specifically indicates that it can kill influenza virus, SARS, or other coronavirus types, the better. Although there is no product that specifically targets the coronavirus, any solution will be enough to protect your home.

Here is a list of common and simple disinfectants that you need at home:

– Disinfecting wipes
– Disinfecting spray
– Isopropyl alcohol
– Hydrogen peroxide

If there is a shortage of commercial disinfectants, you still have options. You may need to implement more soaping and scrubbing at home instead. This technique may not kill germs but it can still reduce the number of disease-causing germs in your environment.

If you have bleach at home, this is a crucial substance that you can use to make your very own home cleaning solution.

You can make your own bleach disinfectant spray at home by simply mixing 4 teaspoons of household bleach with 1 quart of water. Just pour these two ingredients in a bottle and then shake vigorously before spraying.

You can use this solution to disinfect hard surfaces. Make sure to let the solution sit on surfaces for 10 minutes before wiping with a wet cloth. A word of caution is to never combine bleach with other cleaning products as this may result in damage or discolouration of sensitive and soft surfaces. Follow necessary safety precautions when cleaning with bleach cleaning solutions.

Cleaning your home in these strange and trying times is not just about removing dirt and dust; it’s also about maintaining the health and wellness of your loved ones.

For questions and quote about commercial and home cleaning services especially in Richmond area, drop us a call 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 and home cleaning services, 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.

Holiday Cleaning: Tips for a Guest-ready Home

Just merely wiping your furniture and fixtures or arranging the pillows on the bed before your guests could arrive for the holidays is not enough. If you feel lazy to prepare your home for a guest, it’s recommended to call the extreme cleaners.

1. Scrub your entrance. Sweep your front door and your porch if you have one. Cleaning should always start in the entrance, and it is the most important thing to work on when you are expecting guests to arrive. It’s the first thing that your guests will see. Make sure it’s all tidy and clean to make sure you’ll leave a good impression on your guests.

2. Focus on the kitchen. Even if it’s not a holiday and you have guests coming over, the kitchen and dining area are the second place, where you can gather your visitors. Be sure to have your kitchen sanitized to ensure cleanliness and safety for your guests to dine in.

3. Do not neglect the loo. Wiping is not enough when cleaning bathrooms. You need to really clean thoroughly with sanitizers, bleach, and scouring powder. The bathroom is where hygiene is always the number priority, so make sure it’s very clean.

4. Sniff out bad smells. If you feel like your home doesn’t smell right, or it smells different in an awful way, you can try and brew some coffee to set the aroma of your home.

5. Always have one soap for everything, be it a laundry detergent, mopping solution, or a shampoo. If you have these ready, then you are good to go.

6. Your trash bins should be clean as well, despite it being garbage containers. Use lemons and rind it to bits and put it in your bins. This will help ease the foul smell.

7. Keep your windows clean and clear because if not, you might not be able to see your guests pull over your front lawn. Always keep a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle if ever you need to wipe off a spot on your window asap.

8. Clean your stove and oven with baking soda. Since you’ll be cooking a lot during the holidays, stoves and ovens get a little too stained as well. It helps remove tough stains and it also helps brighten the metal edges of your stove or oven.

9. For clogged drains, you can use ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup vinegar and pour it all the way down the drain. Cover it for 30 minutes and then flush it with hot water. Mixing your own homemade cleaning products will help you save a little in grocery expenses.

If you feel lazy to do all the cleaning for the guests, you don’t have to put that much effort to do so.

Here are other simple hacks that you can do for your dusty home:

1. Cleaning the bathtub

Cleaning a bathtub is pretty hard to do because of the size of it. It’s like cleaning a big toilet. But to save time, you can use a drill to clean the bathtub—yes, a drill! Attach a foam ball polisher to the drill and use it to do the scrubbing work. You can ask the automotive section at a nearby store or hardware for the attachment. This is actually made for getting rid of grime without making scratches on the surfaces.

2. Iron out bad carpet stains

Instead of spending hours and hours scrubbing your carpet, you can actually iron it out. Spray a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 3 cups water on the stain and cover it with a cloth. Use an iron and iron it all across the cloth. This way, the stain will be transferred to the cloth that you used as a cover.

3. Clean floor and ceiling vents using the dishwasher

We all know that cleaning vents is a very tiring job to do, because you have to detach them to be able to clean them thoroughly and then reattach them after. If you have aluminum vents, you can clean them by using your dishwasher and setting it on a water-only cycle.

The holidays are the time when we get together with family and loved ones. Make sure your home is ready for accommodating guests. This way, everyone will be happy.

For enquiries and cleaning services this holiday season, contact Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872 or click on this link for a quick quote.

Cleaning Service Package – The Best Gift You Can Give on Holiday Season

People are very busy preparing for the holidays. They may no longer have time to clean their homes in a more thorough and comprehensive manner. That is why a cleaning service package is one of the most endearing gifts you can ever give this holiday season.

Here are the reasons why:

It is a Unique Gift

There is no doubt that a cleaning service is a very unique gift. Other people may wrap expensive items for their recipients to open come Christmas Day. They can have decors to hang on their walls or fancy items to display in their cabinets. These items are very commonplace. We give them as holiday presents every year. Giving a cleaning service as a holiday gift is something unexpected.

What you need is a trustworthy cleaning company that can provide the kind of cleaning services you want for someone and his or her family. Make sure to inform your recipient of your intention to give the cleaning service as a gift. The company and this person can coordinate to schedule the best time to perform the deep and thorough cleaning of the house. You cannot have a gift more unique than this.

Fosters a Healthy Environment

The holiday season is a time of merrymaking. Unfortunately, it is also a time when certain germs are very active. There are the common flu, stomach flu, and influenza. There is also the risk of other infections. Spills on the floor can always be health and safety hazards. These can lead to injuries related to accidental falls.

Cleaning the house before the holidays lets everyone enjoy the festivities without having to worry about getting a viral infection. All the surfaces of the house will be free of infectious germs. Or, at least, minimise their levels. A cleaning company can also be very useful right after the holidays. There may be stubborn stains and nasty spills that the family cannot manage because they still have the holiday hangover.

Giving a cleaning service package can provide a healthier environment for the family to enjoy the holiday season in.

Saves Other Person’s Energy and Time

Cleaning your house can take a substantial amount of time to execute. This is especially true if one is going to perform a very thorough cleaning. The person can utilise this length of time for other purposes. She can buy her groceries, make her holiday gift list, or plan a sumptuous meal for the family. She also saves her energy in cleaning. She can devote this to other activities, like taking care of the children.

There are also some parts of the house that are more challenging to clean than others. The bathroom and the kitchen are two of these rooms. The bathroom tiles, toilet, and bathtub all require a very thorough cleaning and sanitation. The kitchen countertops, ovens, backsplashes, and kitchen cabinets also need their dose of deep cleaning. The ventilation system and sewage system also need a more thorough cleaning. The basement, garage, and utility room all require the attention of a cleaning company.

Shows Genuine Concern for Others

Giving a cleaning service as a gift this holiday season shows just how much you care for that person. You do not want her to go through the hassle of cleaning her house. You want her to enjoy the holidays with her family by doing the things they love to do as a family.

This is the perfect gift for very busy moms. They are already very tired from work. And they still have to tend to their family’s needs when they arrive home. Pregnant women also make excellent recipients of a cleaning service package. It shows that you are concerned for the welfare of both the mommy-to-be and her unborn baby.

This is also a great gift for elderly people. It shows that you are concerned about their state of health. Growing old often comes with a reduction in physical abilities. Giving an elderly person a cleaning service gift can help make life a lot easier for him or her.

Provides Great Value

Traditional holiday gifts do not provide additional value. Of course, decorative pieces can improve the appearance of one’s home. This depends on whether the person will display it or not. You are not sure if the gift has value or not.

When you hire a company to clean the home of someone else, you know what you are paying for. You know that the job will lead to a cleaner and healthier place for other persons to live in. They will not get sick more often. They will also be able to use their time and energy for other more useful activities. They will also have a safer, more comfortable, and a cleaner home to enjoy the holidays at.

Giving a cleaning service package as a gift to someone else this holiday season makes perfect sense. It is the most endearing gift you can provide.

For enquiries and cleaning services this coming holiday season, contact Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872 or click on this link for a quick quote.