A clean environment is essential for every business. Not only does it support the health and well-being of staff, customers and other visitors, it’s a reflection of your professionalism that leaves a lasting impression. Yet, professional cleaning myths persist. So we’re clearing the air and debunking some of the most common myths and misconceptions.
Myth #1: The colour of microfibre cloths is just a matter of personal preference.
Fact: Using different colours of microfibre cloths plays an important role in preventing cross contamination.
We designate a specific colour for each category of cleaning to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses from one area to another. In commercial settings, colour coding is a simple way to ensure the same cloth never gets used to clean toilets, handrails and kitchen sinks, for example.
We designate a specific colour for each category of cleaning to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses from one area to another. In commercial settings, colour coding is a simple way to ensure the same cloth never gets used to clean toilets, handrails and kitchen sinks, for example.
While there’s no official industry standard, as a general rule, most cleaning services use the following colour coding for microfibre cloths:
- Blue for windows, mirrors, doors and hallways
- Green for food prep and general areas
- Red for bathrooms and hazard areas
- Yellow for polishing wood and metal
Following this guideline is a simple way to keep spaces clean and safe for everyone.
Myth #2: Using more cleaning product gets better results.
Fact: While it may sound logical to use more cleaning product if you want to achieve a better result, this is actually a case of too much of a good thing — and in addition to overspending on cleaning products, it can create even bigger problems.
Manufacturers recommend a specific concentration (or amount) of a chemical cleaning product both for the safety of users and to prevent damage to surfaces or materials. Using extra product on hard floors, for example, can damage the finish.
Manufacturers recommend a specific concentration (or amount) of a chemical cleaning product both for the safety of users and to prevent damage to surfaces or materials. Using extra product on hard floors, for example, can damage the finish.
Even if no damage is obvious, excessive chemical use can be counterproductive. When you use extra product to clean carpets, it’s highly likely that you’ll never be able to fully rinse it from the carpet. This causes chemical build-up, which attracts dirt and dust, making carpets re-soil even faster.
Sticking to the concentration recommended by the manufacturer will save you money in the long run.
Sticking to the concentration recommended by the manufacturer will save you money in the long run.
Myth #3: Windows don’t need to be cleaned very often — people don’t really notice when they’re a bit dirty.
Fact: While it’s true that some people may not notice an even layer of dust on your windows, a dirty window will look noticeably hazy as soon as the sun hits it — and that’s not a good look for your business. Your customers might even notice your windows are dirty before you do, because the subtle shift happening over time is less obvious to people who see it every day.
Aesthetics aside, as dirt and dust builds up on windows, it blocks light from entering your workplace. This can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of you and your employees, and it may even increase your energy bills as lighting is turned on earlier than needed.
Aesthetics aside, as dirt and dust builds up on windows, it blocks light from entering your workplace. This can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of you and your employees, and it may even increase your energy bills as lighting is turned on earlier than needed.
Cleaning windows regularly and often makes it crystal clear that you care and take pride in your business.
Myth #4: Frequent vacuuming keeps carpets clean.
Fact: While vacuuming carpets regularly is essential, it’s no match for the dirt, allergens, bacteria and dust mites that become embedded deep in carpet fibres.
Professional carpet cleaning provides a deep clean for a healthier environment. The methods, equipment and products used will vary depending on the type of carpet and how much foot traffic moves through your space. But when done appropriately, carpets that are professionally deep cleaned on a regular basis will look better and last longer.
Professional carpet cleaning provides a deep clean for a healthier environment. The methods, equipment and products used will vary depending on the type of carpet and how much foot traffic moves through your space. But when done appropriately, carpets that are professionally deep cleaned on a regular basis will look better and last longer.
Myth #5: Cleaning during working hours is disruptive.
Fact: This depends on your business, but many businesses will benefit from at least some cleaning tasks being completed during business hours.
A grocery store, for example, requires regular cleaning during business hours to provide a pleasant and safe shopping experience for customers. Cleaning high-touch surfaces, such as refrigerator or freezer doors and handles, helps to reduce transfer of bacteria and viruses — especially important when customers and staff are handling fresh foods. Routine floor cleaning, meanwhile, plays an important part in preventing falls.
In an office environment, tasks like cleaning carpets and emptying waste baskets can be disruptive — which is why these tasks are often scheduled after business hours. However, if you work in a large office, cleaning washrooms, high-touch surfaces and kitchen areas throughout the workday keeps your workplace cleaner and healthier for staff, clients and other visitors.
With the right schedule to suit your business needs, commercial cleaning can provide exceptional results with very little effort on your part — which frees up your time to focus on the work that drives your business forward.