The World of In-house Cleaning

I Did “Enjoy The Go,” Thanks

Corinne Zudonyi — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:05:00 GMT

A few weeks back, my husband and I took an impromptu trip to New York. It was our first time in the Big Apple and we had many attractions on our must-see list, as well as a few attractions we stumbled upon while we were there. What I didn’t expect to make the list was a restroom, but in my line of work, I guess it shouldn’t have been a surprise, either.

For those of you who have never been to Manhattan, you should know that, in my opinion, it is possibly one of the most difficult places to find a clean restroom available to the public. That is, with the exception of when Procter & Gamble’s Charmin plants itself in the middle of Times Square for a month during the holiday season.

Right there in the middle of one of the advertising capitals of the world, toilet tissue was on display, surrounded by the likes of MTV, ESPN and The New York Times. To entice people, staff dressed as toilets roamed the area. Honestly, though, most didn’t need the enticement. With clean facilities a rare commodity in the area, there was always a line and an energetic staff welcoming visitors.

I have no idea what it costs to rent space in Times Square, but the message was certainly not lost. Not only where the giant billboards and toilet mascots hard to miss, but people were talking about it all around the area, and it was hard not to. Inside, there were 20 individual restrooms (not stalls) that were cleaned after every use. In each restroom, there were iPods and televisions playing videos. For those waiting on their friends or family, there were photo ops with a giant toilet and play areas where kids could jump in the Charmin (similar to a ball pit, but filled with toilet tissue). It was a restroom like no other, and it was free.

The bonus features were impressive, but for me, not necessary. The fact that you saw how clean these restrooms were provided a sense of security as patrons comfortably hung jackets, bags and such on the back of doors. Stock never ran low and the friendly staff also kept the line moving. It was a refreshing change from other restrooms throughout Manhattan, which were only available to store or restaurant patrons and didn’t appear to be very clean.

According to a brand manager for Charmin, Procter & Gamble has been providing a free and clean restroom for tourists and local New Yorkers to “enjoy the go” for four consecutive years. With any luck, they’ll continue doing it.

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

Corinne Zudonyi — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:26:00 GMT

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 country are embracing green as mainstream.

Along with the push towards green, the quest for certification has exploded as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announces new LEED-certified facilities daily. And although achieving certification is nothing to sneeze at — it requires countless hours, dollars and energy from executives throughout an organization — I constantly find myself asking, what’s next? Now that you have achieved certification, how are you going to maintain it? What are you doing to make sure the green measures you implemented are actually going to work? Are you going to give as much attention to the maintenance of green that you did to its inception?

I have asked these questions to the USGBC and facility managers alike, and am often met with a dead stare. But in reality, certification doesn’t stop with a certificate or plaque. And it appears as though I am not the only one who thinks that the only way to truly be green is to practice it year-round and with constant attention and diligence. A recent New York Times article also drew attention the fact that some facilities are in fact not living up to their green label, sparking the USGBC to respond.

According to the article, “Builders covet LEED certification as a way to gain tax credits, attract tenants, charge premium rents and project an image of environmental responsibility. But the gap between design and construction, which LEED certifies, and how some buildings actually perform led the program to announce that it would begin collecting information about energy use from all the buildings it certifies.”

The USGBC is asking facility executives to submit this information voluntarily, but beginning this year, will also require all newly constructed buildings to provide energy and water bills for the first five years of operation as an added condition for certification. Not providing the data would result in a loss of certification labels.

Addressing the long-term energy and water requirements for green facilities is a good start, but managers must also pay the same attention to cleaning, maintenance and overall efficiencies in their green-certified facilities. Green is not a one-time change, it's an ongoing effort.

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

Corinne Zudonyi — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:34:00 GMT

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 that he doesn’t actually outsource the service to a jan/san company, but to another friend of ours as a way to save money. She alone cleans the entire facility five nights a week. This revelation raised a number of red flags.

First, this “cleaner’s” experience doesn’t extend any further than what she does in her own home. Her knowledge of the reasons for cleaning, proper techniques, safety and disinfecting standards stem no further than common sense. And her training consisted of a tour of the facility and brief explanation of which chemicals should be used where. Certainly not the education or background you want from your cleaner.

My second major concern is that this “cleaner” works alone. As most of you are aware, there are many problems with this. Although I know this person to be an honest and hardworking individual, she is the type of cleaner often blamed for stolen or misplaced items because she comes and goes unannounced and works under no supervision. Working alone can also be a major safety concern — further emphasized when that independent worker is inexperienced and poorly trained.

Finally — and potentially most important — if this facility manager is willing to hire an inexperienced and uneducated (as far as cleaning goes) “temp” to save a couple dollars, where else is he making cuts? Standards of clean certainly can’t be where they should and where is the accountability?

Yes, he might be saving a couple dollars, but he is doing so at the expense of the building occupants. Substandard training, improper disinfecting, inferior cleaning standards and a lack of accountability negates the purpose of cleaning.

Buyer Beware: Understanding Green Claims

Corinne Zudonyi — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:39:00 GMT

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 bodies are moving forward with the production of legislation requiring minimized energy usage and certified cleaning products and practices. Even our own trade publications put a heavy emphasis on cleaning green.

But what does this all mean? Has “green” become more about business and less about the environment or overall health — the reason for its original inception?

Green has turned into a business and although the majority of products are legitimate, there are going to be companies out there trying to cut corners to make an extra buck on the green trend. To make sure the products you buy are actually green, look past the fancy verbiage on product labels and watch for certification logos. Also examine product ingredients and check the MSDS’s for clarification. If you suspect a product of falsifying green claims, contact the certifying body for confirmation. Some sites even go so far to list the names of products and manufacturers falsely claiming green.

Taking these simple steps will guarantee you are cleaning green, bettering the environment and protecting the health and wellness of the building occupants.

Cleaners Should Also Be Educators

Corinne Zudonyi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:35:00 GMT

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 fact, this constant attention to cleaning has unveiled a lot of information the common person (outside the industry) might not be aware of.

For instance, as we were renovating our facility a couple months back I found myself contributing to the additions. Walk-off matting in the form of floor tiles was installed at entryways and I pointed out that by adding a couple more feet of the tiles, it would provide adequate space to effectively remove soil, ultimately protecting the carpeting throughout the remainder of the corridor. In the restroom, I emphasized the potential savings associated with touch-free fixtures. And on a regular basis I find myself touting the importance of proper hand washing to my fellow employees as a way to reduce cross-contamination and the potential for illness.

As a cleaner, your main objective is to clean the facility and focus on the job at hand. But, it is also important to share your knowledge in an effort to better the environment in which you work. For instance, if the facility is undergoing renovations, offer advice on how to maintain higher levels of clean or ways to cut costs. Explain the importance — and difference — of soaps and sanitizers and how proper use can minimize absenteeism. In an office setting, encourage occupants to clean desks, phones and keyboards regularly. These private areas are often left off cleaning specs and many people don’t realize the germs they can harbor.

It is important to periodically step away from cleaning to educate occupants on the importance of being clean and healthy. The knowledge you have can be a valuable resource. It should be shared.

Janitors Fight For Their Jobs Among Overwhelming Odds

Corinne Zudonyi — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:48:00 GMT

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, school board members are tasked with making the difficult decision of eliminating the in-house staff in favor of a lower cost outsourced crew. The shift in services reportedly has nothing to do with the existing cleaning as much as it has to do with the associated cost and keeping familiar faces inside schools no longer has the pull it use to.

Even with overwhelming support from the community, janitors are losing their fight to keep jobs in-house. The reason has a lot do with the fact that in-house workers tend to carry a higher salary and benefits than an outsourced crew, putting strain on tight budgets. Many managers of contracting services will also argue that they provide superior services because they are always going to be compared to their competition and cleaning times and efficiencies must exceed expectations to maintain the account.

Although there might be some truth to this, community members and cleaners alike are frustrated with the decision from school board members to outsource. Reportedly, the recent decision blindsided both cleaning crews and community representatives, causing anger and frustration. Workers argue that they would have considered pay cuts or at least should have been allowed to compare existing cleaning specs to those proposed by incoming contractors.

I understand that business is business, but I can’t help but wonder that if school board members are so willing to dismiss their in-house team, when will they start cutting back on actual cleaning to save a dollar?

Click here and here for recent articles focusing on Michigan schools. For information on how to keep outsourcing at bay, click here.

When Times Get Tough, Negotiate

Corinne Zudonyi — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:44:00 GMT

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 willing to negotiate costs and services to maintain a strong and committed working relationship. When faced with budget cuts, these service negotiations can provide a little wiggle room for managers.

Whether it’s your product supplier or a contracted service, managers should analyze every contract to identify where a cost reduction is a possibility. In addition to the cost, examine the terms of the agreement and any value-added services that are offered. Addressing these areas can go a long way to keep costs down, but be prepared that the negotiation process is not an easy one. Here are a few tips:

• Come prepared. Make sure you know what you want out of the new agreement and go into discussions with an understanding of the other businesses needs.
• Set a goal and reach for it. In other words, you wont get anything you don’t ask for. Worse they can do is say “no,” but then at least you have a starting point for negotiations.
• Be ready to compromise. In most cases, you wont get everything you ask for, but you will likely come out in better shape than you were going in.
• Stay focused. You will likely hear the problems of the other business and why your request won’t work. Stay focused on your needs during the negotiation.

Finally, if managers are successful in renegotiating contracts, make sure to get the new deal in writing.

The Ultimate Push For Green

Corinne Zudonyi — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:50:00 GMT

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 Obama girls is made out of all recycled and non-toxic materials. Even drinking fountains throughout the grounds are being upgraded to promote the use of refillable bottles.

Although any step towards bettering the environment is a step in the right direction, there is one adoption the Obama’s have implemented that I hope helps drive the jan/san industry. For the past two months, the housekeeping staff has reportedly begun using green cleaning products throughout the complex. Groundskeepers and engineers have been asked to do the same. Recycling efforts have also been stepped up on both the East and West wings to include newspapers, magazines, glass, aluminum and plastics.

Through their actions, the Obama’s have communicated to the world that our environment is precious and we should do everything in our power to preserve our resources. The cleaning industry has focused on green and environmental initiatives for years, but to see the First Family implementing change on this grand scale is hope for the future of green cleaning.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

Corinne Zudonyi — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:08:00 GMT

In the February issue of Housekeeping Solutions magazine, we featured an article on successful methods for treating gym floors. One of the facilities highlighted was University of Wisconsin’s Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

I recently had the opportunity to tour the Kohl Center while attending the high school state championships and I have to say, I was pleased with what I saw — specifically in regards to the entry systems, restrooms and wood floor.

Upon my arrival, it was obvious to see that the custodial crew in this facility took great pride in appearance. Entryway matting was placed perfectly to minimize tracked-in dirt and debris, floors were clean and buffed to a shine and the vast amounts of windows were crystal clear to allow in as much natural light as possible.

As I moved further into the facility, I quickly noticed well-placed restrooms that received constant attention from cleaning crews. Paper products were well stocked throughout the day and trash removed to maintain a clean and orderly restroom.

Even further into the facility, I sat in my stadium seat to observe the basketball game, but instead found my mind wondering. I couldn’t help but think about the 210 maple pieces that make up the gym floor hovering over hockey ice. Then I thought about the thousands of people within the facility at that one moment who potentially overlooked all three of these observations.

The custodial crew at the Kohl Center obviously takes pride in their work. Although overlooked by many, the hard work and dedication to clean was noticeable to this visitor.

Stimulating Green: Is Cleaning Left Out?

Corinne Zudonyi — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:42:00 GMT

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 $71 billion for energy and environmental initiatives and another $20 billion for green tax incentives. But does it include cleaning?

Green provisions to Obama’s stimulus package include energy investments, infrastructure improvements, transportation, clean water investments and scientific research. But, there is no mention of chemical usage, occupant health or maintenance. At the same time, daily announcements flood the newswire announcing green-certified buildings, but it is a rare occasion when cleaning or maintenance is a focus.

Since the early stages of green, buildings have received a heavy focus because of energy costs, water usage and building materials. I agree that it is important to preserve our environmental resources by building green, but what happens once that “green” building is built? To continue its minimal impact on the environment, maintenance and custodial issues must be addressed.

Why Blame The Cleaner?

Corinne Zudonyi — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:37:00 GMT

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. The latest item to go M.I.A. was half a dozen packets of our free coffee. Office administration is bound to get to the bottom of the thefts, but speculation swarms the office and people are talking.

We are a very close-knit family and because no one can fathom whom of our coworkers could have done such a thing, fingers point immediately to our evening custodial staff. Unfortunately, this happens in many offices and cleaners are the first to be blamed when items go missing. But why is this always the case?

Sure, cleaners often come in the late afternoon and evening and have free reign of the — often times — vacant building. No, no one is here to watch their every move. But do these facts automatically make cleaners thieves? No. In reality, cleaners are an easy blame because they go unseen and unknown by most building occupants.

How have custodial managers successfully reduced/eliminated the negative perception of their cleaners?

Walking On Water

Corinne Zudonyi — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

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 stone staircase. But, the view was very deceptive on this wet evening and as I approached the stairs, it was obvious that this beautiful stone was actually a serious slip-and-fall hazard.

I mentioned the hazard to those around me and proceeded gingerly up the steps without incident. Later in the evening, I had heard that not everyone had been so careful and a few injuries — some more serious than others — had transpired.

Incidents like this are easy to avoid for a mindful facility crew. First and foremost, proper matting both in and outside entrance doors is essential to remove moisture from shoes. Not only will it help reduce water, but matting will also aid in the removal of dirt and debris, helping to reduce contaminants from ever entering the facility.

Slip-resistant strips can also be added to the stairs to provide additional traction for building occupants. For facilities focusing on appearance, strips are traditionally available in various styles and colors — even clear.

Finally, it is important — no matter what safety measures are already in place to prevent slip-and-falls — to provide warning signs of potentially wet floors. Pay attention to high traffic areas and make sure signs are in plain sight for building occupants.

With relatively minimal effort, facility managers can maintain the desired appearance of the facility, while providing safety to its building occupants.

Will There Be 'Green' In 2009?

Corinne Zudonyi — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

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 be all the buzz — was a very popular “Worst Of” list come across my desk. If you haven’t heard of it already, it is “The 15 Words We Hate” from 2008.

Lake Superior State University actually published this annual list of words and phrases that they request be unofficially banned from our vernacular. Included on this list — and of little surprise to many — was: “maverick,” “from wall street to main street,” “bailout” and “iconic.”

What topped the list, though, were two terms that are commonly used in the cleaning industry, neither of which will be going away anytime soon. According to the report, the ubiquitous “green” and all of its variables, such as “going green,” “building green,” “greening,” “green technology,” “green solutions” and more, drew the most attention from those who sent in nominations this year. Second on the list was “carbon footprint” or “carbon offsetting.”

In regards to cleaning specifically, green and carbon footprint are terms that will continue to drive the jan/san industry throughout 2009. Although the American public might be tired of these, they are the direction the economy is going and few plan to ban them from their practices, much less their vocabulary.

The Weather Is Here...

Corinne Zudonyi — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:00:00 GMT

As Jimmy Buffett would say, “The weather is here.” That certainly is the case for most of the country, but I don’t think he was singing of snow in his 1980 hit.

Winters latest punch came late last week when even warmer cities, such as Las Vegas, got dumped on with the latest round of snow. Here in the Midwest, I found myself shoveling out of 14-inches and we are already looking forward to more heavy accumulation in the coming days. But what does this gift from Mother Nature mean to facilities? If you aren’t prepared, it may mean added expenses.

Severe weather in recent years left many facilities ill-prepared when it came to snow removal. Heavy accumulation throughout the winter months resulted in ice melt shortages and staff overtime. Unless facility managers prepared themselves, this year will deliver much of the same.

Make sure you have enough ice melt to last you the season. If you think you might run short, talk to your distributor now about stocking up before potential shortages make stock difficult to find. If excess is purchased, there are storage options available to secure your investment until next winter. Also address the staffing necessary to clear entrances, walkways and parking lots in and around your facility. Last minute staffing changes are expenses that can add up.

For those warmer cities that don’t traditionally experience snow, it never hurts to have snow removal and safety equipment on hand for such an emergency. Shovels are a necessity and, at the very least, keep a bag of sand on hand to provide traction on slippery walkways.

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

Corinne Zudonyi — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:00:00 GMT

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.

Upon arrival, I learned that there would be a total of nine five-minute, three-round fights with two intermissions. The first three fights were pretty uneventful and over quickly. As we progressed through the evening, though, they got more intense and by the fifth fight, we were watching real boxing. That is, spit-flying, sweat-dripping and blood-poring boxing.

Although the fights were exciting, as I looked around, I never saw one cleaner, disinfectant, mop or rag anywhere in sight. In fact, between matches the referee used only a dry paper towel to rub and dab at the bodily fluids remaining on the mat. But, instead of absorbing or eliminating the fluids, he simply spread them around.

All I was thinking about where the headlines I see on a daily basis about MRSA, cross-contamination, bloodborne pathogens, C. diff and norovirus. Cleaners around the country are fighting to keep bacteria and cross-contamination at bay while events like this exercise a blatant disregard for health.

During a time when health is such an obvious issue, why wouldn’t an organized event such as this practice proper cleaning methods between fights? Not only did this obvious oversight put the boxers at risk, but anyone who touched the rope, mat or surrounding area was also in danger of infection.