Get Those Janitorial Supplies Out: It’s Spring Cleaning Time!

Spring is here, and so is another opportunity to clear out the winter cobwebs, sort through the shelves, clean house, and organize what’s left. But cleaning isn’t just putting things away. It’s literally scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, and disinfecting to ensure every nook and cranny has a thorough wipe down and is properly disinfected and sanitized.

The effects of a good spring cleaning go way beyond providing aesthetic appeal. In fact, cleaning and workplace wellness go hand in hand, with a clean workplace being an integral first step in facility safety and employee wellness. It helps rid your spaces of pathogens, dirt, debris, and other potential hazards while also enhancing overall productivity and well-being. It’s a win-win!

The Connection Cleanliness and Physical Health

The well-being and safety of all workers within an organization, whether they be those on the factory floor or those seated in the executive suite, falls under the responsibility of the organization itself. Keeping your facility clean means ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of everyone who walks through your doors.

It’s no secret that a dirty workspace is the perfect breeding ground for germs and other pathogens, not to mention dirt and dust can create serious slip and fall hazards. According to OSHA’s Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses report for 2021-2022:

• Private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022, up 7.5 percent from 2021
• This increase is driven by the rise in both injuries, up 4.5 percent to 2.3 million cases, and illnesses up 26.1 percent to 460,700 cases.
• The increase in illnesses is driven by the rise in respiratory illness cases, up 35.4 percent to 365,000 cases in 2022.

It’s also no secret that a cleaner workplace is key in bringing cases of workplace injury and illness way down. No one wants a lawsuit on their hands, nor do they want sick employees. Besides being a huge financial burden, it also leads to other major negatives of a dirty, messy workplace – poor employee mental health, morale, and focus.

The Connection Between Clutter, Health, and Productivity

Mental health and cleaning are inextricably connected. Studies show clutter and mess correlate to negative mental health, eliciting emotions such as confusion, tension, and irritability. On the other hand, a well-organized workspace has been linked to positive emotions, including calmness and a sense of well-being.

Clutter can also affect a person’s productivity. According to a study conducted by researchers at Princeton University’s Neuroscience Institute, clutter can hinder a person’s ability to concentrate on a task at hand, which then leads to difficulty completing projects efficiently. Since mental focus is essential to success, every opportunity should be made to keep distractions to a minimum. And that means taking stock of what you really need, finding a proper place for it, and getting rid of anything that doesn’t ‘spark joy’ (or serve any other useful purpose).

So, are you ready to get in on the spring-cleaning kick and kiss any unhealthy winter residual goodbye? If so, Guernsey’s got you covered. We have all the products and tools you need to bid adieu to any accumulated dirt, dust, and grime and say hello to shiny surfaces and organized shelves.

Best Practices for Effective Cleaning

There are ways to clean that are both efficient and effective in achieving the deepest and most comprehensive clean. We recommend this 5-step method.

Start at the Top

…And by that we mean the highest points. To effectively clean a room, it’s best to begin at the highest point and work your way down. Why clean surfaces beneath a ceiling fan only to have the fan’s accumulated dust fall onto the freshly cleaned area as soon as you turn the fan on? Clearing out high, hard-to-reach spaces not only contributes to better indoor air quality, but also helps eliminate allergens. It also means you don’t have to go over the same spots again and again.

Clean Dry to Wet

Prior to applying chemicals and sprays, it is recommended to start with dusting and dust mopping to ensure a pristine surface. The elimination of debris beforehand will prevent streaking during chemical application. The utilization of microfiber is an exceptional option for dusting and dust mopping, as it captures and retains dust, effectively extracting it from surfaces.

Clean Back to Front

You know the expression ‘painted into a corner?’ When you clean, you certainly want to avoid being the person who ‘cleaned’ themselves into the corner. To avoid that, work from the farthest point from your entrance point and work backwards towards that entrance. This allows you to exit the room without leaving footprints or making a mess (and it means you can avoid the annoying and uncomfortable experience of wet socks).

Use the Proper Equipment and Cleaning Products

To clean effectively, it’s important to choose the right tools for the job. But it’s not just about the tools – choosing the right chemicals and products to use is also crucial. While using the right chemical for a particular application saves time and ensures a thorough cleaning on the first attempt, using the wrong one can damage surfaces and even be flat-out dangerous. Ever heard of mustard gas? Mix the wrong chemical compounds and your routine bathroom scrub could become a biohazard! And don’t forget the gloves!!!! You should never be mixing and applying any chemicals without taking precautions to cover your hands and face.

Clean and Store Your Equipment

Now that you’ve gotten every surface to shine and given every germ the boot, it’s time to store your equipment. If you want to ensure that your cleaning equipment lasts longer (and why wouldn’t you?), it’s important to clean and store it properly after use. To avoid cross-contamination, clean microfiber cloths, mops, and other cleaning tools after each use and use a new or freshly cleaned cloth or mop each time you start cleaning.

If you implement these tips, you’ll save time and energy during your spring cleaning tasks while also ensuring your employees have a safer, healthier, happier environment to work in.

Need a helping hand? In addition to offering supplies, we also provide assistance with issues such as janitorial equipment rental or repair, inventory management, on-site demos, and training programs. Learn more about Guernsey’s cleaning services here.

Visit our site for our full range of cleaning products and services.