They cleaned the toilet, then your desk…with the same rag!
Prepare yourself, for once you’ve read the following information, you won’t be able to unlearn it. Proceed with caution as we unveil a rather unsettling truth: unless your cleaning service adheres to a well-structured cleaning regimen bolstered by comprehensive training, the very rags that were used to sanitize bathrooms might find themselves cleaning your desk.
The question is, how does such a gross mishap occur? How could someone so recklessly violate the cardinal rule of avoiding cross-contamination? The answer is surprisingly simple. Picture a cleaner pushing a janitor’s cart, stocked with an array of rags and cleaning agents. As they make their way through the various areas of your facility, they select the necessary chemicals, pick up a rag, and go about their cleaning duties. If your office comes up for cleaning right after a bathroom, and there exists no dedicated system for rag utilization, then there’s a chance your desk might be cleaned with a rag that was recently acquainted with a urinal. Quite revolting, isn’t it?
But fear not, there are measures to prevent such unsettling scenarios. A competent cleaning service should have the following three strategies in place:
Cleaning Routes and Carts: In cases where multiple individuals are tasked with maintaining the cleanliness of your space, a prudent approach involves designating one person for office areas and another for restrooms, breakrooms, and communal spaces. Even when a single cleaner is assigned, it’s crucial to establish a clear demarcation between cleaning routes for restrooms and other areas. The gold standard would be separate carts for restroom and breakroom maintenance. While this doesn’t entirely eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
Specialized Rags: A proficient cleaning company ought to institute a protocol for differentiating between rags intended for specific tasks. An example might involve color-coded microfiber rags, where each color corresponds to a designated use. Let’s say red rags are exclusively reserved for restroom fixtures, while other colors are allocated to offices, breakrooms, and shared spaces. Alternatively, some companies might opt for disposable paper towels in restroom areas, thereby preemptively thwarting cross-contamination. The specific methods employed can vary, but the objective remains constant: dedicated rags for designated zones.
Comprehensive Training for New Cleaners: Essential to the equation is an exhaustive training regimen to ensure that cleaner personnel understand how to avoid cross-contamination. After all, meticulously planned cleaning routes, separate carts, and rag systems are of little use without the commitment of the cleaning staff. Training is critical, especially during the initial weeks of employment. It’s wise to make sure your cleaning service provides a blend of orientation for new cleaners, on-the-job training, and consistent oversight from supervisors. By laying a strong foundation of training and effective cross-contamination prevention systems, the gross situation described earlier can be avoided.
In conclusion, due to the relatively low barriers to entry in the janitorial industry, the market can become saturated with vendors who might not have established the methods mentioned above. Before engaging a janitorial service, it’s important to inquire about their operational processes to avoid any unwelcome surprises down the line.
