Commercial Cleaning Industry News, Tips, Guide and Checklist

In this article, I am going to show you the tips on reducing office waste by Clean Group. Let’s dive right in.

Green practices are becoming more and more popular in the business sector today. Many businesses are looking for ways to “go green” and reduce their impact on the environment.

Business owners are starting to realise that waste reduction does more than just save the environment. It also offers businesses and organisations certain benefits. Your local Sydney office cleaning services company can offer you some solutions in going green. Ultimately, it allows you to do three things, which are:

1. Save more spaces in your office
2. Reduce clutter thereby making your working space cleaner; and
3. Save more money

If you want to reap these benefits and more, here are some tips you can follow to reduce the waste you produce in the office:

Tips on Reducing Waste in the Office

Paper Waste

A large portion of waste in the office consists of paper products. Give this, you’ll want to focus most of your attention on reducing paper waste. In order to do this, here are some things you can do:

1. Use recycled paper instead of regular ones. This way, you can help save trees and avoid contributing to manufacturing waste.

2. Reduce paper consumption by using both sides of paper when printing documents.

3. For announcements and memos, print one copy and post it on a central bulletin board for everyone to see.

4. Reuse paper envelopes instead of throwing them away. You can relabel them and cover the old address. You can also do the same for file folders. Refold them so you can use the other side.

5. If it’s possible, go paperless. Instead of printing announcements, memos or reports, send them via email instead. You can also keep a copy of the office manual, rules and regulations on your workers’ computer for easier access.

Non-Paper Waste

While paper constitutes a large portion of waste in the office, it doesn’t mean that non-paper waste should be taken for granted. There are also some simple things you can do to reduce non-paper waste in your office.

1. To save storage space in the office, rent equipment that will be occasionally used instead of buying a new one.

2. Encourage your workers to bring reusable silverware to work instead of using disposable utensils.

3. If it’s possible, allow your workers to telecommute at least once a week. You can create a schedule for which people get to telecommute on certain days. Letting your workers work from home will greatly reduce the amount of waste produced in your office.

4. Use refillable ink and toner cartridges for your printer. This will help reduce the amount of metal and plastic waste that is being sent to landfills.

5. Encourage your staff to observe waste reduction practices. You can reward those who show adherence and motivate others to do the same.

These are just some of the things you can do to reduce the waste your office produces. Implementing them may be hard at first; expect to get a handful of backlash from your employees. Communicating the importance of reducing waste is key.

But being green doesn’t just stop waste reduction. As a business that offers products and services to customers, you should also take the necessary steps to make your products and services make environment-friendly.

Here at Clean Group, that’s exactly what we do. Our cleaning solutions have been made more eco-friendly to adapt to the changing demands of the current world. For expert and eco-friendly commercial cleaning, speak to our friendly team.

In this post, I am going to show you the 3 reasons to clean with microfibres by Clean Group. Keep reading.

Microfibre technology is changing the cleaning game for good. So, throw away your cotton cleaning cloths ‘cause microfibres are here for the taking.

What is Microfibre?

Microfibres are synthetic materials made from polyester and nylon. They are woven together to create fibres that are 200 times thinner than a human hair.

Microfibres are 1.0 denier or smaller. According to the Field Research and Consultation Group of the University of Washington, the most effective type of microfibres are those that are 0.13 denier.

How Does Microfibres Work?

Microfibres have a net-like surface that creates millions of spaces to trap dirt and moisture. When a microfibre cloth moves across a surface, its nylon component produces static electricity that attracts dust. This electricity is strong enough to attract even the smallest dirt particles.

Microfibres’ efficiency in collecting dirt and dust makes it the ideal tool for cleaning. That’s why office cleaning Sydney team takes advantage of this innovative cleaning technology.

Want to learn more about the three greatest benefits of cleaning with microfibres? Find out below:

Why Clean with Microfibres?

Microfibres Are Great for Deep Cleaning

Unlike cotton materials, microfibre cloths are made up of tiny fibres. It is able to reach even the tiniest crevices making it more effective in cleaning hard-to-reach places.

It Reduces the Use of Water and Chemicals

Microfibres are super absorbent. Due to its wide surface area, it can hold water six times more than its own weight.

Also, the static electricity it produces allows it to collect dirt and dust even without the use of chemicals. In cases where you can’t avoid using chemicals, you’ll be able to cover a larger area with a small amount of a product.

Microfibres Are Durable and Reusable

Microfibres are washable cloths. It also dries quickly so bacteria don’t get to stay and grow. And because it is washable, you can reuse it many times before it needs replacement. When given proper care, cleaning with microfibres can last for several years.

Care Instructions

1) When washing microfibre cloths, the water temperature should not exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) You may use mild detergents, but avoid using bleach and fabric softener.

3) Also, avoid using chemicals in cleaning microfibre cloths. Chemicals that harm plastics typically can also be microfibres.

4) Microfibres should not be dried outdoors for too long. High temperatures can break down its fibres making it less effective. It should be dried in places that are hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

5) When you’re unsure about what to do, you can always check the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.

Using microfibres gives us a lot of benefits. It is easy to use and it makes it clean fast for better Business Productivity. Caring for it also doesn’t take too much effort.

If you follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, it will help you maximise the benefits that microfibre technology offers.

We at Clean Group Sydney invest in microfibre technology. Our professional commercial cleaners make use of it in order to deliver impeccable results. Talk to us about all your cleaning needs.

Today you’re going to see the dirtiest places in the office that we’re sure you’re unaware of by Clean group. Let’s get started.

What do you think the dirtiest places in your office are? The first two things that will probably come to your mind are the toilets and trash bins. Well, those two aren’t necessarily incorrect.

After all, they are the proper place to dispose of human and non-human wastes. However, what several studies about germs have found will surprise you.

To put it briefly, studies found out that there are dirtier places than toilets and trash bins. In the study conducted by template maker Hloom, they found out that coffee pots have 4 times more bacteria than school toilets.

While in the Top 10 list of dirty places shared by Mashable, toilets landed only on the 8th spot, getting an ATP count lower than vending machines. Trash bins didn’t even make the cut.

Many other studies have been conducted revealing the same findings. There’s been so many of them now, you can bet their number is greater than the spare time you have to read them.

These office hotspots for germs can make it incredibly difficult to avoid them without proper and regular office cleaning. To make it easier for you we’ve compiled some of the dirtiest places in your office that you need to watch out for:

Buttons

Elevator buttons, vending machine buttons and photocopiers “start” buttons are some of the best breeding grounds for germs.

In the same study by gloom, they found out that photocopier buttons contain 1.2 billion CFU (colony forming units) per square inch. That’s more than what school toilets have with only 3,200 CFU.

Moreover, a study by Kimberly-Clark Professional revealed that vending machines have an ATP count of 300 or higher. Having a score this high means it poses a high risk of spreading illnesses.

So, the next time you get hungry at work, you might want to think twice about grabbing snacks from the vending machine.

Handles

This includes all kinds of handles you can find in an office such as doorknobs, handles of coffee pots, microwaves and mugs. Microbiologists at the University of Arizona once found traces of coliform bacteria on clean (mind you, clean!) office coffee mugs.

What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s just bacteria found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals and on their wastes! — no big deal.

Also, as part of this study, microbiologist Charles Gerba tested how fast viruses spread by putting them on doorknobs. The experiment showed that the first place viruses transferred to was on coffee pot handles.

Handheld Electronic Accessories

Now, this may not come as a surprise since these are what we commonly spend most of our time using in the office. This includes electronic items like computers, telephones, keyboards, mouse.

The same study by Kimberly-Clark Professional, showed that keyboards have a high level of bacteria contamination. 27% of the keyboards involved in the study had an ATP count of 300 or higher. Similar to vending machines, it poses a high risk of causing diseases and infections.

What You Can Do?

If you think about it, what these things have in common is that they receive a lot of traffic on a daily basis.

More importantly, they involve direct contact with human hands. It only shows that one sure of spreading germs fast is by physical contact.

While it’s impossible to avoid germs entirely, there are ways you can do to protect yourself and stay healthy without quitting your job.

Observing proper hygiene, frequently washing your hands and cleaning your work area regularly will surely go a long way.

Hiring professional office cleaners is always beneficial for your commercial and office spaces. They provide the best solution to dirty and dusty areas.

When it comes to office cleanliness and hygiene, let Clean Group take care of it. We will give your workplace a thorough clean and eliminate all disease-causing germs and bacteria.

We’ll give you the confidence to focus on your work without worrying about your health. Contact us today at 1300 073 089 for a personalised solution to your commercial space.

This is a complete guide on how to improve indoor air quality in the office by Clean Group. Let’s dive right in.

You may not notice it but the air in your office can have a serious impact on your employee’s health. Poor air quality in the office is closely associated with a phenomenon called Sick Building Syndrome. Find a local office cleaning service with a good reputation who can use the latest tech on vacuum cleaning.

This is a situation where people experience acute illnesses (such as headaches, coughing and other respiratory ailments) while inside an enclosed space, but it disappears when they leave.

When your employees experience this syndrome at work, it will surely affect their productivity. In fact, according to the 1989 Report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality in the office results in more employee sick days and lower productivity.

So to help you prevent SBS and its subsequent effects, here are some tips on keeping the improved indoor air quality in the office clean and healthy:

Allow natural ventilation

Airconditioned offices require windows and doors to stay shut. But opening them from time to time allows for better air circulation. By doing this, you’re letting fresh air in and the stale air out. Also, with the window cleaners in Sydney companies can keep their windows clean and away from dust.

Keep furnishings clean

Dust and dirt accumulate on carpets and upholstered furnishing. That’s why you should clean and vacuum them at least twice a week. Deep cleaning should also be done periodically. This can be provided by cleaning providers that offer specialty carpet and upholstery cleaning.

Avoid indoor plants

Many believe that getting indoor plants can improve indoor air quality. However, Harvard Medical School suggests otherwise. It’s true that plants absorb toxins from the air and release oxygen.

But their dampness, due to frequent watering, makes them an ideal breeding ground for moulds – which is a notorious cause of respiratory ailments.

If you can’t avoid having indoor plants in your office, at least make it a habit to regularly check for mould growth and remove them.

Dehumidify damp areas

Damp areas in your office need to be well-ventilated. If leaving the door and windows open is not an option, use a dehumidifier to prevent moulds from growing. Also, you should remove visible mould growths in restrooms, showers, sinks and the like.

Keep your office clean

This is the best way to improve indoor air quality in the office. Make sure to remove dirt and all other possible air pollutants in your office that can cause respiratory ailments. You should also schedule regular cleaning with a trusted and commercial cleaning company.

Final Thoughts

Keeping the air in your office clean and healthy doesn’t have to be so time-consuming and complicated. But when things get really busy at work, you can always call on Clean Group for help.

The business owners must maintain cleaning and sanitation for their premises. cleaning jobs service provider can be doing this work perfectly for your office. We’ll take care of all your office cleaning concerns so you and your employees can focus on running your business.

In this post, I am going to show you the ultimate office cleaning checklist for your employees by Clean Group. So let’s get started.

Every day, different kinds of waste keep creeping up due to the various activities people undertake. When it comes to the office, workers are producing tons of waste on a daily basis.

They generate rubbish like mixed paper products, general waste, plastics, and food scraps. It is a scenario that calls for a definite waste plan that will incorporate all workers. Consider the following office cleaning services checklist to keep the office environment sparkling clean at all times.

Replace Liners and Empty Trash Bins

You should empty office trash bins as often as possible. Failure to do so inevitably leads to unpleasant smells and sights. The number of employees and bins should determine the sequence of clearing trash. The office cleaning service provider should empty kitchen and restroom bins on a daily basis and employee cubicle trash cans periodically. 

Sanitise Frequently Touched Areas

Due to constant human contact, there are many objects in the office that harbour harmful germs. According to a study by the University of Arizona, a virus placed on an office door can spread to over 50% of indoor surfaces within a few hours.

The effect of such contamination during the flu season can undoubtedly be detrimental to office operations. To ensure that you avoid office downtimes due to the spread of germs, sanitise the following areas using a non-toxic cleaner.

1. Telephone receivers
2. Doorknobs
3. Coffer stations
4. Water fountains
5. Light Switches
6. Vending Machine Buttons

Toilets and Sinks

Sinks and toilets are other office areas that can easily get stains and emit toxic odours. On top of that, bathrooms undergo aerosolisation. It is why you ought to invest in a toilet and sink cleaning service.

Remember, these are crucial areas when it comes to positive impressions since both clients and employees use them. Don’t forget to clean the kitchen sinks weekly, to prevent issues like pest infestations and soap scams.

Break Rooms

It is important to incorporate office breakrooms in all cleaning schedules. Employees spend most of their breaks in these rooms, eating and relaxing, making them one of the biggest sources of waste in the office.

To ensure that the breakrooms remain clean, incorporate the following:

1. Inspect the refrigerator and remove any spoiled or expired food
2. Wipe the refrigerator and disinfect the handle
3. Disinfect other surfaces like the tables and counters
4. Replace liners and empty trash holders

Clean Kitchen Appliances

Other than the break room refrigerator, other office appliances like the microwave and water dispenser should be part of your employee office cleaning checklist, lest they become unpleasant and toxic.

The kitchen is a high traffic area in any office, and failure to clean it often can lead to the spread of viruses and diseases. Therefore, ensure that all surfaces that are always in close proximity to food remain spotless.

Mop and Vacuum Floors

In most office buildings, the VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile) and carpeted floors have a stream of foot traffic every day. It makes these areas highly predisposed to the build-up of stains, footprints, and unsightly soils.

With the carpet cleaners Sydney team, mopping and vacuuming your tiles/ carpets will not only keep the entire office clean but will also extend the life of these materials.

Dust Horizontal Surfaces

If you don’t want your office to have a dingy, grey film layer covering, dust horizontal surfaces like desks, countertops, tables, etc. three times a week. Most employee office cleaning checklists overlook horizontal surfaces in the assumption that these areas don’t get dirty easily.

However, horizontal surfaces usually accumulate dust consisting of fungi, mites, and dead skin cells. It means that your employees face a health risk if these areas are not dusted frequently.

An employee office cleaning checklist has never been as important as it is now. Office workers are the biggest contributors to waste generation and the spread of viruses/germs.

The pointers above should help you create a comprehensive cleaning checklist that ensures everything is fresh and neat most of the time. Don’t forget to employ a cleaning company that fully understands the operations of an office.

It will help you to focus on what is important without having to worry about all the clutter and waste. This can also improve employee productivity within the office and enhance their workflow.

At Clean Group, we clean offices and commercial buildings to perfection each and every time! We understand the cleaning demands that offices require on a daily, weekly, fortnightly and monthly basis.

That is why we work hard to ensure that your offices in Sydney are always thoroughly cleaned with our unique office cleaning services.

This guide will show you exactly how to reduce plastic waste in the office by Clean Group. Let’s get started.

It is our responsibility to ensure that we reduce not only plastic waste but also other kinds of waste. Failure to do so, waste will clog up our landfill sites, and destroy our ecosystems and oceans.

Given the devastation this excessive plastic use causes, more businesses urgently need to set up this worthy challenge.

As a company, your duty is to lead your employees to adjust to the mindset of throwing-away habits that have emerged. Reducing plastic waste in the office is not rocket science. It simply needs investing effort and time to review the amount of plastic waste you generate at the moment. Then make a commitment to rethinking the changes you can make to minimise your business’s plastic footprint. Your local office cleaning company can help you with solutions for reducing waste.

Inspire Every Employee

Just as with any other change, the first step to reducing plastic waste in the workplace is education. Every employee needs to know why it is important to take this action.

Currently, most of the high-profile media do cover this environmental issue. So, many employees might care much about the situation. As for the clueless, they will need more information or inspiration to persuade them to make such changes.

For instance, you can hold a discussion about ocean plastic. Here you can invite an expert at your workplace to share first-hand stories on the effects of plastic waste on the environment.

Alternatively, you can get a colleague who is very passionate about the issue to share their concerns. You can encourage employees to start a recycling environment to reduce plastic waste in the office.

Once done, you can come up with practical strategies your business can use to reduce plastic waste in the workplace.

Carry Out An Audit On Waste

To come up with suitable strategies for cutting down on plastic waste, first, you must first understand what are the ways you throw the plastic and the volume of that waste.

The waste audit is easy to conduct. Just wear some gloves and dig into the trash can. Check the label on these plastics to know what plastic can be recycled.

In most cases, you will note that lots of plastics are drink bottles. These are among the worst offending disposable plastics.

In such a case, you can ban the single-use of water bottles. For this ban to be effective, you can provide access to clean water for drinking in the office. You can invest in water coolers or refrigerated filtered water.

Plan For A Beach, River, Or Park Clean Up

Besides carrying out an audit, you can organise a cleanup with your colleagues. You can decide to clean a beach, river or park. This is a great way to get an employee to interact with the issue once they see the scale of the issue.

There is nothing that has greater impact than first-hand experience. You will see that the plastic you use daily spills out into oceans, parks, and rivers. Most people hardly think about this because they think they have disposed of the plastic responsibly.

Have Re-Usables In Canteens And Kitchens

A single-use utensil is only useful for a minute yet it will stay in the environment for centuries. As it stays there, it damages our ecosystems, pollutes our oceans, and harms or kills wildlife.

Opting for washable and reusable silverware is a much brilliant idea. You can even request employees to carry their own (lunchboxes, bowls, plates, cups, etc.). You can as well provide a facility where they can wash these items once used.

Reduce Plastic Waste In Workplace Coffee And Tea

Though it is challenging to completely do away with plastic from the workplace coffee and tea making, there are strategies you can use to reduce plastic waste in the office.

if you want to reduce waste the of plastic in your office we suggest you the best option for finding the best professional cleaner in Sydney.

For instance, you can source milk in returnable and reusable glass bottles. As for sugar that comes in paper packets, you can decant it into refillable containers. Surprisingly, lots of tea bags contain plastic in them. Instead, you can buy tea-bag brands or loose-leaf tea that does not use plastics.

More so, you can provide freshly roasted coffee beans in no-plastic packaging. You can go for “less plastic” choices such as glass tins or jars of coffee. You can invest in reusable stainless steel pods to store coffee/tea.

Using less plastic in the office is not about attaining zero waste perfection. Rather it is about acknowledging that you cannot continue as you are.

We treat indestructible items as disposable waste. We must urgently change our minds about plastics and come up with strategies to reduce waste.

If you require office cleaning duties to be carried out for your office space or someone to properly dispose of your plastic waste, Clean Group is here for you.

We provide ongoing and superior office and commercial cleaning services in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne areas. Contact us today for a discussion about your commercial office cleaning needs.