January 2009 - The World of In-house Cleaning

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

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

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

Wash Your Hands

Cleaners are not immune from germs, which is why proper hand washing techniques are just as important for you as they are for the building occupants. As the weather turns colder and more people head indoors to share close quarters, the chance for spreading...

Published 12-05-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Soap & Dispensers, MRSA

Taking A Moment To Give Thanks

About a week back, I was walking towards the entrance of a local mall. Just outside the doorway was a custodial worker changing out the garbage bag. Seeing me coming, he stopped to open the door for me, wishing me a happy holiday. Much appreciated, I...

Published 11-27-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Customer Service

Celebrating The Toilet And Its Cleaner

Wednesday was a big day for the cleaning industry: World Toilet Day. Yes, the commode has its own day, right up there with Earth Day, Flag Day and National Smoke Out Day. Laugh if you must, but the toilet should be celebrated. World Toilet Day was introduced...

Published 11-21-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Touch-free Fixtures, Odor Control

Do You Have The Germiest Job?

I think that overall the American consumer has a very inaccurate perception of the average custodial worker. Case and point: As I was searching for industry news, I came across an article that started, “If you think you’re getting sick from...

Published 11-14-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Safety, Customer Service

Questions Surround Green Laws

In a recent discussion with a coworker, I uncovered some interesting questions regarding some of the current laws requiring green initiatives — such as green cleaning in schools throughout New York and Illinois, government buildings in New Jersey...

Published 11-06-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Products & Certifications, LEED, Green Regulations, Legal/Regulatory, Purchasing

Meeting Consumer Demands

When it comes to innovative cleaning products, the professional cleaner is often the first to know of a breakthrough. Microfiber was available to commercial cleaners long before it was available in retail stores. Green initiatives are certainly not a...

Published 10-31-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

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

Reading Between The Lines

In the cleaning industry there are four groups: manufacturers, distributors, building service contractors and in-house cleaners. Each group has different objectives and varying needs, forcing educational sessions and seminars to be general. As I sit through...

Published 10-22-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Management, Training

Defending The Restroom

On my way into work this morning I was listening to the local radio personalities discuss areas where the average person will come into contact with major bacteria. Obviously intrigued, I listened in. Although I agreed on a couple points, I thought the...

Published 10-16-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Paper Products & Dispensers, Soap & Dispensers, Hand Dryers, Chemicals, Touch-free Fixtures, Cleaning Equipment, Odor Control

Pest Control In Action

On my recent trip out to Las Vegas for the ISSA/INTERCLEAN show I had the opportunity to do the traditional tourist thing and walk the Strip once or twice. As I walked from one hotel/metropolis to another, it was difficult not to notice the cleaning and...

Published 10-08-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Grounds Care, Pest Control

The Impact of the Economy

Everyone is talking about how the economic downturn is the worse it has been since the Great Depression. Republicans and democrats are still arguing over whether or not to pass the bailout bill. Talk about depressing, but through this economic downturn...

Published 10-01-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Management, HR

Ah, That New School Smell

The other day I did my brother a favor and picked up my nephew from school. It had been a long time since I had to show up for the first week of school, but I was welcomed by that oh-so-familiar new school smell. It wasn’t overpowering, but not...

Published 09-04-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Cleaners & Disinfectants, Odor Control, Matting, Finishes, Strippers & Cleaners, Carpet Care Chemicals

Shopping Around

My husband and I were in the market for a new roof on our house. To make sure we get the most bang for our buck, we called multiple contractors for estimates. Some of those contractors came recommended to us, while others were contacted simply for competitive...

Published 08-22-2008 by Corinne Zudonyi

Filed under: Management, Customer Service, Purchasing