The Science of Commercial Cleaning Blogs
How does handwashing work?
Everyone talks about the importance of handwashing. It is ingrained in society: wash your hands before you eat, after you use the bathroom, and during times of increased sickness (namely, fall and winter, when illness is on the rise).
But why is handwashing so important? We have all heard that it eliminates germs and stops you from becoming sick. The science behind these seemingly simple facts is very in-depth.
The Cost of Absenteeism and Presenteeism
At Janitronics, we have embraced the philosophy of cleaning for health. For over fifty years, we’ve brought that standard to our clients with stellar results.
So what exactly does cleaning for health do for your workplace?
Two of the biggest effects of health in the workplace are absenteeism and presenteeism. We’ll discuss the issues and look at the impact they have on the workplace as a whole.
Staying Safe and Healthy, Winter 2022–23
Going into the winter this year, there are a combination of factors which could lead to increased illnesses in the workplace, schools, or medical facilities. Being prepared and using scientifically-proven preventative measures are some of the best ways to keep you and your community healthy.
The History of the Vacuum Part 2: Improvements Made by a Harris
At Janitronics, we have a fondness for anyone with the last name Harris. Being family-owned and operated by Harris’ for fifty years, we know they’ve played important roles in the world of cleaning.
There have also been some notable Harris’ in the history of the vacuum. While all Harris’ are not related to each other (the US Census says it was the 25th most common last name in 2010), we still celebrate their contributions to the vacuum.
The History of the Vacuum Part 1: A General Overview
The history of any invention is muddled. Oftentimes, a combination of individual efforts leads to the modern-day technology we all know. Not all of these innovators make it to the history books, but their contributions can still be found in the final product.
The vacuum cleaner follows this trajectory: from idea to many designs and approaches, to pairing it down to a few core elements that become common throughout. In this post, we’ll explore the general history of vacuum cleaners.
Flu Season: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Many people think of flu season as just a winter affair, wrapping up around when Punxatawnee Phil tells us spring is coming. However, a typical season runs from October to March, and viral activity sometimes stretches as late as May. Proper planning, prevention, and preparation are key to maintaining a healthy and productive work space year-round.
How Can You Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle in the Workplace?
We all know the phrase “reduce, reuse, and recycle,” but how often do you actually apply it? Examining your daily habits and routines can help you recognize your own interactions with the environment and how you could be impacting it.
Reducing, reusing, and recycling does not have to go with grand gestures; seemingly small but powerful ways can leave a big impact over time. Not only do these practices help the environment, but they also can help your bottom line.
A Tale of Golf Ball Marketing
With fifty years in the business, we have our fair share of stories to tell. One of our favorites involves our founder, Jim Harris, Sr., and marketing with golf balls. (You read that correctly.)
What is CIMS Certification?
Janitronics remains dedicated to providing the highest standards of cleaning. We continue to prove our commitment through third party evaluation and certification.
Recently, Janitronics renewed our CIMS certification with ISSA. (More specifically, we received our CIMS-GB with Honors.) This will be our seventh time holding this certification, showing that our strive for quality has always been a part of our goals.
What is ISO Certification?
At Janitronics, we strive to meet the highest standard of cleaning. This goes beyond the products that we use; from training to management, we pay attention to every detail.
One way that we show our commitment is through our ISO 9001:2015 certification. It shows how we’re not only focused on good management, but also how we work to continuously exceed our own standards.
The Origins of the Words “Janitor” and “Custodian”
When someone says the words “janitor” and “custodian,” many people have an immediate image that comes to mind. After all, they are people that play an important role in our lives, even if we may not see them during usual business hours.
Both words have stunning origins that highlight their importance. Each can be traced back thousands of years.
What is the Omicron variant?
At the end of November 2021, scientists identified a new variant of the COVID-19 virus: the Omicron variant. Nearly two months later, it has seemingly outpaced the Delta variant and is the prevailing source of new infections.
We’ve discussed virus mutations in a previous blog, “What are virus mutations?” Like Delta before it, Omicron contains many mutations compared to the original virus. However, Omicron’s numerous mutations (said to number somewhere between 30 and over 50) have changed the virus in several key ways.
Why do we get sick during the winter months?
For many, colder weather is the start of everyone getting sick. "The stomach bug the kids caught from school” and “the cold passing around the office” are a near annual occurrence. No matter where you are or what industry you’re in, it seems inevitable. And it isn’t just you: data shows that the peak months of the flu season are December, January, and February. The common cold, stomach bug, and other illnesses see a similar trend.
Many will blame the cold air for increased sickness. The truth is surprisingly more complex.
What are virus mutations?
One of the hot topics of 2021 is the new and potentially dangerous variants of COVID-19. But what exactly are virus mutations? And are they really able to become more problematic than the original virus? The science behind them, and what we can do to prevent them, have as much importance as ever.
The NY HERO Act and Guidelines
On May 5, 2021, the NY HERO Act was signed into law, also known as the New York Health and Essential Rights Act, to achieve safety and protection from the spread of current and future airborne diseases such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) that abruptly hit the United States in early March 2020.
What is SaniGLAZE?
The SaniGLAZE process is one of the unique offerings Janitronics has for their clients. It can transform tile flooring and, most importantly, make it easier to clean.
The CDC updated their COVID-19 cleaning guidelines. What does this mean?
On April 5, 2021, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated several of their website pages with new guidelines for cleaning for COVID-19. Many news outlets picked up on the story, with some simplifying these changes with headlines saying it’s time to forget about disinfecting surfaces.
The truth of the matter is, of course, much more complicated.
Cleaning and Mitigating Dust and Dust Mites
Dust is one of the universal signs of an unsanitary work environment. However, there is more than meets the eye with dust in the office, classroom, or factory. From what dust is created with, to the dust mites that live within, the science of dust is complex and the impact on the health and productivity of your workers and visitors is significant. Despite this, there are steps you can take to remove and prevent dust from accumulating in your office or workspace.
Spring Cleaning
“Spring cleaning” is a tradition that can be found throughout history around the world, going under many different names. The motivating factor, however, remains the same: spring cleaning helps us transition into warmer weather and clean out the messes that winter has allowed to get into our spaces.
What is nonpharmaceutical intervention?
As the vaccine continues to be administered, we continue to remain alert. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through nonpharmaceutical intervention (NPI). This intimidating-looking term is surprisingly simple: nonpharmaceutical intervention refers to ways to stop the spread of sickness that are not related to vaccines or medication.
Is my air purifier spreading the virus?
The honest answer: it depends on your air purifier.
If you have a high-quality air purifier, the answer is “no” with a few conditions.
What are activated carbon filters, and what do they do?
One of the most common air filters to be paired with HEPA filters are active carbon filters, also known as activated charcoal filters. These filters take care of odors and gases, while HEPA filters work to remove particles. Together, they provide a wide coverage to make offices and workspaces safe.
What's in the 24/7 Protection program?
Janitronics is proud to provide antimicrobial/antiviral mitigation to help keep your employees and customers healthy and safe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Prioritize the health and safety of your employees and customers with visible protection that works round the clock, 24/7.
How can I achieve my New Year’s resolution to have a clean office and workplace?
New Year’s resolutions serve as important goals for the coming new year. Many people include a resolution to keep a cleaner workplace. Our team at Janitronics can definitely help you maintain a clean and healthy working environment for employees and customers. However, every employee can pitch in to help keep the goal of maintaining a clean workplace a reality.
What are HEPA filters? And what are the dangers of "HEPA-like" filters?
HEPA filters are one of the highest grades of filters for air purifiers in the world, and certified HEPA filters are in high demand. However, with this increased interest in air purifiers, there is an increase of “HEPA-like” filters on the market that do not meet the same rigorous standards.
What are the health benefits of a clean workplace?
At Janitronics, we clean for health. While the statement seems straightforward, the results of a clean working environment manifest in many ways. They can leave both a physical and mental impact on people, and ultimately affect the quality of life of your employees and customers.
How can we avoid a "twindemic"?
In August, The New York Times published an article named “Fearing a ‘Twindemic,’ Health Experts Push Urgently for Flu Shots.” The coined phrase “twindemic” refers to the potential of facing two pandemics at once: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and a pandemic-like flu season.
Should I do some fall office cleaning?
Most people consider spring to be the season of cleaning. It’s a natural connection; after months of staying inside, people can finally air out their homes and offices. In recent years, people have come to see fall as an important cleaning season as well. Like the spring, fall is a transitional season, albeit towards colder weather. It offers a perfect opportunity to clean up your house, and just as importantly, your workspace. More importantly, as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal cleaning cannot be ignored.
What is AIRBOX?
There are different types of air purifiers on the market, and they all claim to do the same thing: keep your air clean and healthy. The challenge that all consumers face, no matter the facility, is finding one that is truly efficient and effective. With the additional pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic, the bar for quality in air purifiers has only gotten higher.
What are high-touch surfaces? How should I clean them?
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are becoming increasingly aware of everything we touch. While coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets in the air, many people have been careful to avoid contracting it via touch contact. As businesses and schools continue to reopen, it’s important to remember to clean the surfaces we touch now more than ever.
What can we do to promote a healthy office during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Every business owner and employee wants a workspace where they can be productive. However, it’s hard to be productive when sickness can spread like wildfire.
How can we clean for health during the school year?
Back-to-school has always been a source of excitement and stress for students, parents, and teachers alike. The new school year brings students as well as an influx of germs into the educational environments.
Electrostatic Spraying
There is no single way to clean an area. Science continuously makes new discoveries and inventions that, in turn, can be utilized in efforts to clean for health. One of the most recent methods...
Carpet Cleaning
Carpets can be some of the toughest floors to clean correctly. While other types of flooring need a broom and mop to clean the surface, carpets will absorb their surroundings into their fibers. Allergens from the air, dirt, and anything...
