At Refresh Janitorial Service, we’re building carpet and rug cleaning into our standard service offering for our Rockford-area commercial clients medical offices, professional offices, retail, and financial institutions where appearance and indoor air quality both matter. Our plan is to schedule carpet extraction on a recurring basis alongside routine janitorial visits, using hot water extraction methods that meet IJCSA standards, and to train our cleaning staff on proper pre-treatment, spot removal, and traffic-lane care so carpets last longer and look better between deep cleans. Beyond the visual benefit, professionally cleaned carpets remove trapped soil, allergens, and bacteria that regular vacuuming can’t reach, which matters for our medical and dental clients in particular.

Having carpets cleaned by an IJCSA-certified provider gives our clients confidence that the work follows recognized industry standards, not just a quick shampoo it protects their flooring investment and supports a healthier space for employees and visitors alike.

The practices learned from medical cleaning can easily be transferred into other environments. Following a cleaning order of operations like starting from the entrance door and working clockwise, can and should be done in any room, not just a hospital patient room. Taking universal precautions when encountering blood on the floor should happen whether in a hospital or in an office break room. Following product labels, reading material safety data sheets (MSDS), and having up to date employer training all serve a professional cleaner no matter what environment they are cleaning. Locate a cleaning company that implements proper cleaning practices by visiting the IJCSA Janitorial Service Directory.

Other medical cleaning practices that can be implemented in residential and commercial environments include never pushing down on trash, washing your hands, and changing gloves when moving to a different area to clean. And just as medical cleaners need to consider what disinfectants can be harmful to patients and medical equipment, they need to consider what disinfectants will be harmful to office workers or a residents belongings.

A professional cleaner’s job is to protect occupants in an environment by controlling the spread of harmful organisms. When germs are controlled, less workers will have to call out sick, stress levels will be lowered, and workers will be happier and more productive.

Cleaning and disinfecting properly can be the difference between somebody picking up a life-threatening infection and not. Cleaning is the necessary first step of any sterilization or disinfection process. “Cleaning is a form of decontamination that renders the environmental surface safe to handle or use by removing organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation” (CDC, 2024). And disinfecting is “to cleanse by destroying, inactivating, or significantly reducing the concentration of pathogenic agents” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). The disinfecting solution needs to be made with the right water to chemical ratio, and the solution must maintain a certain contact time with the surface to be effective.  If you want to locate a cleaning company that follows proper cleaning and disinfecting protocol, browse through IJCSA’s Janitorial Service Directory.

References

CDC. (2024). E. Environmental Services. In Infection Control. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/environmental-control/environmental-services.html

Definition of DISINFECT. (n.d.). In www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinfect

International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Janitorial Services Directory. (2026). Ijcsa.Org. https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices

Potential exposure to a bloodborne pathogen is way more common and deadly than people may think. If even small risks are not taken care of properly, it could harm not only the person exposed, but the people they then expose while they are clueless about what they're carrying around. Cluelessness can be deadly. Companies need to take this into serious consideration and evaluate if their current policies and procedures truly protect their staff and customers. 

Incidents they seem small to the unknowing can lead to serious illnesses such as HBV and HIV, which can severely damage your liver and even cause AIDS as well as cancer. Could you imagine you get Liver Cancer from cleaning up a soiled bed at work a few years ago? Symptoms don't immediately show themselves, meaning you can carry this around for years, even unknowingly spreading it to your loved ones, without any knowledge you have it in the first place. 

Without proper knowledge and protection while dealing with potential Bloodborne Pathogens people could die. This is why it is so important for people, especially cleaning staff dealing with these hands-on, to have the knowledge of risks and protective measures as well as the access to what they need provided by the company they work for. This isn't something to say "Oh, that'll never happen to me" and go on about your day. This is something to stand up and advocate for. The expansion of knowledge and awareness is crucial to keep everyone arriving and leaving work as healthy as they can be. 

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities prevents harmful microorganisms from spreading. Patients in hospitals will be more susceptible to infections because their immune systems will not be working as efficiently as they normally would be due to any variable of health problems they are facing at the time. Because of this, it’s more important to maintain a clean environment within the healthcare facility. Healthcare associated infections or HAIs, annually infect one in twenty people who end up in the hospital. The CDC reports that 99,000 people die from HAIs annually. Nosocomial infections also knowns as HAIs, rank in the top 10 frequent causes of death in the United States. Cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces in healthcare facilities substantially reduces the spread of HAIs. To find a janitorial service near you that is certified to clean medical facilities, visit the IJCSA Janitorial Service Directory, and inquire if they have received medical cleaning certification.

To disinfect effectively, the right products to kill these HAI’s must be used, as not all disinfectants have the same strength level. Examples of different disinfectant strength levels being used in a hospital setting include; using low and intermediate level disinfectants for non-critical instruments and environmental surfaces, and high-level disinfectants for heat sensitive semi-critical medical devices. Properly cleaning and disinfecting the items in a hospital limits and controls the growth of microorganisms, thus reducing or eliminating any chance of infection.

Proper hand hygiene, wearing PPE, and disposing of hazardous materials in the correct manner, all are a part of proper cleaning protocol or infection control. Following proper cleaning procedures will control the spread of microorganisms and create a safe environment for everyone in the healthcare facility. To locate a janitorial service certified to clean healthcare settings, visit IJCSA’s Janitorial Service Directory, and inquire if they have medical cleaning certification.

Using green, eco-friendly cleaning products can improve the air quality, reduce health and environmental concerns and sets the standard for environmentally responsible behavior. Contributing to a well thought out green cleaning practice will benefit not only client, but it will also ensure that you are reducing your impact on the environment. Your clients will appreciate this and maybe even start using green cleaning products themselves! green cleaning service directory

To implement a good green cleaning service program you must first conduct an audit of the facility or area in which you have been hired to clean. This will help you assess which areas need the most improvement and build a comprehensive plan around this. Next is to train the cleaning staff with the use of chemical and equipment handling and cleaning procedures. Afterwards, review the progress to make sure the green cleaning program is successful and implement any changes. 

Find IJCSA Certified Green Cleaning Services Here

As a member of staff or an employee responsible for cleaning, understanding and knowing about bloodborne pathogens can help protect the lives of others and especially your own.

Bloodborne pathogens can affect any of us at any time if not careful. They are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. Some examples of these pathogens are Hepatitis B Virus (HPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is very important to understand that while health care professionals and hospital employees are most at risk, those responsible for cleaning, removing trash and laundry can also come into contact with such bloodborne pathogens. These Pathogens can come in contact with your mucous membranes by means of the ear and the mouth. This can also happen because of breaks in the skin, needle sticks or a bite from another human. It is important to note that pathogens come from blood, vomit and saliva from other humans. 

Understanding bloodborne pathogens will no doubt move us to protect not just ourselves but others as well. this can be done by keeping updated with standard OSHA exposure practices. Being sure to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and disinfecting surface and areas where needed. Immediately washing our hands also reduces the risk if the spread of bloodborne pathogens.

Being a cleaner is more than just cleaning. when we take the time to truly understand bloodborne pathogens, we will truly become cleaners that not only protect our lives but the lives of others as well!

Medical cleaning practices are very strict in the sense that there are rules to follow when it comes to the cleaning. Since medical facilities need to be properly clean to avoid patient getting sick medical cleaning practices can benefit residential and commercial places. The majority of people won’t be familiar with some of the rules and proper methods went dealing with cleaning chemical.

Some of those standards can help other residential and commercial situations in the sense that if they can implement a higher standard of cleaning there would be less people getting sick. There would be a lower number of people calling in sick to work and to school. Medical cleaning practices implementation at home can also help you avoid going to the doctor because of bacteria’s or virus that could have been avoidable if we were to do a deeper cleaning with the right cleaning chemicals. 

A good idea to implement is to have a higher standardard level of cleaning for all types of situations, for homes and work places. By implementing medical cleaning practices across the board we can have a better control when it comes to people getting sick. According to the CDC, cleaning alone effectively reduces the number of microorganisms on contaminated equipment. Now imagine having the knowledge to use the correct chemicals it can really impact us in a good way.

Now, that we are in a pandemic cleaning is crucial and knowing and implementing the high standards of medical cleaning can keep a better control of the spread. For example, knowing that we should clean with color rags that way we are not cross contaminating areas and knowing about how to correctly use chemical that can kill harmful virus and germs. Check out https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServicesto find a certified company that can help you in the process.

Cleaning professionals should be trained and educated in all aspects of their job. Historically janitorial staff has been depicted as background or bottom rung employees in tv and movies. However, as observed in the pandemic in 2020, the frontline cleaning staff plays an underappreciated and critical role in the health and safety of facilities. Staff who are trained and educated are professionals in their field and will be better prepared.

When thinking of interacting with bloodborne pathogens, it is most likely pictured in a healthcare facility. While this is the most common occurrence they can be encountered anywhere. For this reason all cleaning staff should be trained in the safe handling and disposal of blood and other bodily fluids regardless of their location. A staff who is prepared to handle a wide variety of situations is able to provide better service and client satisfaction.

The most important reason cleaning personnel should be educated and trained in bloodborne pathogens is for their safety and well being. Employees should not be afraid of potentially life changing diseases and illnesses resulting from them simply preforming their duties. They should be confident they have been provided with the correct training and equipment to safely complete the task and return home safely afterwards.   

Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens: A Crucial Element in Employee Safety

In any workplace, the safety and well-being of employees are paramount, and this includes knowledge about potential health hazards such as bloodborne pathogens. These invisible threats, including viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, can be present in blood or other bodily fluids and pose serious risks if not handled correctly. Educating employees and staff about bloodborne pathogens is not just a legal requirement in many industries, but it is a critical step in fostering a secure and healthy work environment.

Preventing Workplace Risks: The Power of Knowledge

Awareness about bloodborne pathogens empowers employees to take proactive measures, reducing the risk of exposure and transmission. IJCSA training programs provide valuable insights into proper handling, disposal of contaminated materials, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This knowledge ensures that employees understand the importance of exercising caution when dealing with situations that may involve blood or bodily fluids, minimizing the potential for accidents or exposure. By equipping staff with the necessary information, businesses create a culture of safety, reinforcing the idea that every individual plays a crucial role in maintaining a secure workplace.

Legal Compliance and Ethical Responsibility

Beyond the immediate health benefits, ensuring that cleaning employees are well-versed in bloodborne pathogen safety is often a legal requirement. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations mandate training programs for employees who may be at risk of exposure. Companies failing to comply with these regulations not only risk legal consequences but also jeopardize the well-being of their workforce. Ethically, it is the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment, and comprehensive training on bloodborne pathogens is a fundamental component of fulfilling this obligation. In doing so, businesses not only protect their employees but also contribute to the overall health and safety of the community.

Find a Certified Bloodborne Pathogen Cleaning Specialist today in the IJCSA Business Directory or in Arvada, Colorado at Crystal Clean Office Cleaning. 

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is ine of the most important responsibilities in the professional cleaning industry. Hospitals, medical offices, dental clinics, outpatient centers, and other healthcare environments require a much higher standard od medical cleaning that traditional commercial buildings because patients, healthcare workers, and visitors can all be exposed to harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Effective healthcare environmental cleaning, infection, prevention, Hospital disinfection, and proper sanitation procedures help reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections otherwise known as HAIs while creating a safer environment for everyone. Professional cleaners who understand cross contamination prevention, proper PPE usage, and the correct application of EPA registered disinfectants play a critical role in protecting public health. The IJCSA Medical Cleaning Certification provides specialized training that helps cleaning professionals understand these essential procedures. 

Medical facilities contain high touch surfaces that require routine cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day. Door handles, examination tables, waiting room furniture, medical equipment, and restrooms can all become sources of contamination if they are not cleaned correctly. Following proper medical facility cleaning protocols, using the correct cleaning chemicals, and understanding bloodborne pathogen safety are essential skills. The IJCSA Medical Cleaning Certification teachers cleaners how to safely maintain healthcare environments while helping facilities comply with professional cleaning standards. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to continuing education, safety, quality service, and giving customers great confidence when selecting a healthcare cleaning provider.

Whether you are starting a cleaning company or expanding into healthcare cleaning services, investing in professional education can help set your business apart. It shows clients that you understand the uniquw requirements of hosptial cleaning, Infection control, terminal cleaning, healthcare sanitation, and disinfection services. Businesses and consumers looking for certified cleaning professionals can also use the IJCSA Janitorial Service Directory https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices to locate qualified cleaning companies that have earned industry recognized certifications. By combining professional training with proven cleaning practices, certified cleaners help create healthier healthcare environments while building trust and credibility with their clients.