The World of In-house Cleaning

Janitors Fight For Their Jobs Among Overwhelming Odds

Over the last year, the number of Michigan-based in-house janitors to receive their walking papers has drastically increased. The reason is a growing trend towards outsourcing of jan/san departments within public schools. In light of deep budget cuts...

Published 06-17-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Management, HR, Customer Service, Outsource

Stimulating Green: Is Cleaning Left Out?

As President Barack Obama gets settled into the White House, his push for an economic stimulus package has taken form. In an effort to reshape the economy into one that is greener, cleaner and more sustainable, the new economic stimulus package includes...

Published 03-03-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Green Regulations

If You're Gonna Clean, At Least Do It Right

I recently learned that an acquaintance of mine works as a facility manager in a smaller company where he oversees and manages the cleanliness of the building. There is no in-house cleaner on hand so he outsources the custodial services. But I learned...

Published 08-10-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Management, Training

Why Blame The Cleaner?

It was the cleaner, in the kitchen with the waste receptacle. Mystery solved! Or is it? Recently there have been items from our break room that have gone missing. First, it was half of someone’s lunch, then a full lunch and a container of sugar...

Published 02-06-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: HR, Safety

Now That It’s Built Green, How Is It Maintained?

The green movement continues to grow stronger and stronger every year. There’s no question about that. With more accessible information, better training and a greater overall understanding of what it means to be green, facility managers across the...

Published 09-04-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: LEED, Green Regulations

New Technique: Towel Sweeping

I have seen some crazy cleaning techniques, but one specific example stands out to take the cake. Cleaning managers can train staff on proper cleaning techniques until they are blue in the face, but aside from shadowing them on-the-job, how do you know...

Published 01-10-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Equipment, Floor Pads & Brushes, Brooms, Brushes & Mops, Dusters, Squeegees & Other Tools, Microfiber

Soap vs. Sanitizers: Perception Is Everything

What is the difference between soap and hand sanitizers? To the common consumer, there is no difference, or so it appears. I was at park the other day with some friends for a picnic when I mentioned that I was going to the restroom to wash my hands. My...

Published 08-13-2007 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Cleaners & Disinfectants, Soap & Dispensers

Walking On Water

I have never known anyone to successfully walk on water without getting wet, or in this case, wiping out. I recently attended a wedding reception at a county facility. As part of the décor, the three-level facility was only accessible by a beautiful...

Published 01-19-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Safety, Equipment, Floor Pads & Brushes, Matting, Finishes, Strippers & Cleaners

Cross-Contamination, MRSA, Bacteria: Anything But A T.K.O.

A couple weeks back, I was invited by a friend to attend a boxing event hosted in his town. With nothing better to do, I decided it might be fun to go and experience something new. What I didn’t expect was the complete disregard for health and safety...

Published 12-12-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Cleaners & Disinfectants, Safety, MRSA, Brooms, Brushes & Mops

Cleaners Should Also Be Educators

As an editor, I am either writing or researching something about the cleaning industry every day. Whether its for an article, catching up with a reader or moderating a Webcast, the information I have access to can be very valuable in everyday life. In...

Published 07-02-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Training, education

Buyer Beware: Understanding Green Claims

Green is everywhere. The general public walks up and down consumer store aisles full of products touting green, sustainability or environmentally friendly. Consumer news stations cover water conservation and energy issues on a regular basis. Governmental...

Published 07-24-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Green Regulations

Will There Be 'Green' In 2009?

We are all familiar with the traditional “Best Of” lists that clutter our in-boxes at the end of every year. After all, the close of a year provides a great benchmark for looking back. What I wasn’t expecting — and what seems to...

Published 01-07-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: LEED, Green Regulations, Customer Service, Products & Certifications

When Times Get Tough, Negotiate

Facility managers across the country are cutting back on everything from purchasing to employees, but even a department’s fixed costs might not be as fixed as you think. In our current economic situation, businesses and contractors are much more...

Published 05-08-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi

Is Your Toilet Seat Sanitized?

I stopped to use the restroom while shopping at a popular retail store the other day. Once inside the stall, I quickly noticed an additional dispenser on the wall. It is standard to find the multi-roll toilet tissue dispenser, trash can and the occasional...

Published 01-22-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Paper Products & Dispensers, Soap & Dispensers, Touch-free Fixtures, Safety

The Ultimate Push For Green

Not too long ago, the New York Times reported on the environmental steps the new First Family has taken since moving into the White House. Michelle Obama built an organic vegetable garden, solar panels are being considered and the new play set for the...

Published 04-17-2009 by Corinne Zudonyi