Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood and bodily fluids that can lead to dangerous diseases in those who come into contact with them. Types of bloodborne pathogens include: HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. 

Those in the cleaning field are especially at risk for coming into contact with bloodborne pathogens since they may be tasked with cleaning up and sanitizing areas where bodily fluids were present. 

OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has created industry standards which help employers and employees create a plan to remain safe on the job. By understanding the dangers of bloodborne pathogens and adhering to OSHA guidelines, employees can decrease their risk of exposure and do their jobs safely and effectively.

Looking for a reliable, professional carpet cleaning service you can trust? IJCSA Members are fully trained and certified in the latest carpet and rug cleaning techniques, using eco-friendly products and equipment to leave your home or business looking and feeling refreshed. Whether you’re dealing with stains, allergens, pet odors, or just everyday dirt buildup, our experts are ready to restore your carpets to their best condition. Find a trusted carpet cleaning professionalnear you today by visiting the IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Directory and experience the difference that quality service and certified care can make!

Clean Freaks is excited to announce that we are now officially IJCSA Master Green Cleaning Certified, proving our commitment to providing safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible cleaning services. Through the IJCSA Master Green Cleaning Certification Program, we gained in-depth knowledge about the harmful effects of toxic cleaning chemicals and how they impact human health, indoor air quality, and the planet. The course taught us about proper green cleaning techniques, the benefits of using eco-friendly products, and how to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness. We also learned how small changes—such as switching to microfiber cloths, biodegradable cleaners, and energy-efficient equipment—can make a big difference for both our clients and the environment.

One of the most interesting aspects of the course was learning how green cleaning not only protects the environment but also improves health and productivity. Many traditional cleaning chemicals release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, and long-term health risks. By using certified green products and sustainable cleaning methods, Clean Freaks can now ensure safer air quality and healthier indoor spaces for our customers. The IJCSA also provided valuable resources on waste reduction, recycling, and the importance of using concentrated cleaning solutions to minimize plastic waste—helping us do our part to fight global issues like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

By implementing everything we learned from the IJCSA Master Green Cleaning course, Clean Freaks is not only protecting our planet but also saving money and operating more efficiently. Green cleaning methods reduce the need for harsh chemicals, lower equipment maintenance costs, and minimize waste disposal fees. Energy-efficient practices and water conservation techniques have further reduced our operating expenses while boosting sustainability. When you hire Clean Freaks, you’re supporting a company that genuinely cares about the environment, your health, and the future of our planet. Visit the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory to learn more about certified green cleaning professionals like us—because together, we can make a cleaner, greener world!

 Let the International Janitorial and Cleaning Services Association assist you in finding a certified mold inspection and remediation services expert. Through our flood damage directory we can link you with the best professionals in your area whom we have passed our extensive mold remediation course. By using a IJCSA certified company you can be assured you will be working with a company that is knowledgeable and will get the job done right. 

Please visit  http://www.ijcsa.org/Flood-Damage-Restoration-Services to find your local service professional.

Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace begins with ensuring that cleaning employees are properly trained in recognizing and handling bloodborne pathogens. These harmful microorganisms—such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C—can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials. Cleaning staff, who often work in environments where accidental exposure is possible, must understand how these pathogens spread and what precautions are necessary to protect themselves and others.

Equally important is the role of management in supporting this knowledge and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Employers are responsible for providing thorough training, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), written exposure-control plans, and easy access to materials like disinfectants and spill kits. When management prioritizes bloodborne pathogen awareness, it helps create a culture of safety that reduces workplace risk and builds employee confidence. This not only protects the workforce but also reduces liability and helps the organization meet OSHA requirements.

By working together, cleaning employees and management can significantly minimize the dangers associated with bloodborne pathogens. Proper training, clear communication, and ongoing reinforcement of safety procedures ensure that everyone understands how to respond to potential exposures. Ultimately, this shared responsibility promotes a safer work environment, enhances public health, and reinforces the professionalism and preparedness of cleaning staff.

Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens and Workplace Safety

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause serious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. These diseases can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, certain body fluids, mucous membranes, or through needlestick and sharps injuries. Because of these risks, it is critical that employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens receive proper training to understand how exposure can occur, how to prevent it, and what actions to take if an incident happens.

As a business owner in the cleaning industry, I believe it is essential that all employees are trained on the proper way to handle and dispose of any materials that may contain bloodborne pathogens. Employers have a responsibility to implement a written exposure control plan, provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at no cost to employees, and ensure that effective disinfectants are available at all times. These steps are not just about following OSHA regulations—they are about protecting the health and safety of every team member.

Investing in proper training and safety protocols not only protects employees, but also strengthens the company's reputation. Clients notice when a business takes worker safety seriously. It shows professionalism, builds trust, and reassures customers that the services provided are carried out with care and responsibility. When employees feel safe and valued, and clients see that safety is a priority, it reflects positively on the company as a whole.

Cleaning professionals play a critical role in maintaining safe and sanitary environments in healthcare facilities, schools, offices, and public spaces. One of the most vital aspects of their job involves understanding and managing the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens (BBPs)—infectious microorganisms found in human blood that can cause diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). Accidental exposure to contaminated blood or bodily fluids through cuts, punctures, or mucous membranes poses a real health threat. That’s why it’s essential for all cleaning staff to be properly trained in recognizing, handling, and disposing of materials that may carry bloodborne pathogens.

Training and awareness empower cleaning employees to take appropriate precautions and use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, face shields, and protective gowns when dealing with potentially infectious materials. Understanding universal precautions—the practice of treating all human blood and certain body fluids as if they are infectious—ensures staff do not become complacent or assume a surface is safe. Staff should also know how to safely clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, manage sharps disposal, and follow post-exposure procedures, including medical evaluation and incident reporting.

Beyond safety, knowing about bloodborne pathogens helps reinforce a culture of professionalism and accountabilitywithin cleaning teams. When employees are confident in their ability to protect themselves and others, they perform their duties more efficiently and with greater peace of mind. Additionally, it demonstrates that the employer is in compliance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), which is a legal requirement for many workplaces. In summary, educating cleaning employees about bloodborne pathogens is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives, maintaining trust, and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Medical cleaning practices are held to the highest standards of hygiene and infection prevention because they’re designed to protect the most vulnerable populations—patients, healthcare workers, and the broader community. But the truth is, these methods aren’t just for hospitals and clinics. They can be adapted and implemented into residential and commercial cleaning routines to dramatically increase safety, health, and peace of mind for everyone. Whether you're maintaining a corporate office, cleaning a fitness center, or caring for your own home, adopting a medical-grade approach to sanitation can be a game-changer.

One of the most valuable practices to borrow from medical cleaning is routine disinfection of high-touch surfaces. In healthcare, surfaces like bed rails, call buttons, and door handles are disinfected multiple times a day because they’re known to harbor bacteria and viruses that can spread quickly. In commercial and residential settings, the same principle applies—think of office keyboards, elevator buttons, faucet handles, light switches, and remote controls. By using EPA-registered disinfectants and adhering to dwell times (the time a product needs to remain wet on a surface to be effective), cleaners can significantly reduce microbial contamination and protect building occupants from illness.

Another medical practice worth adopting is the concept of cleaning for health, not just appearance. In non-medical cleaning, it's easy to focus on making spaces look tidy while overlooking areas where germs thrive. Medical cleaners are trained to clean systematically—from cleanest to dirtiest areas, using color-coded cloths to prevent cross-contamination, and changing gloves and supplies between rooms. These strategies can be used in homes, schools, daycares, and offices to improve hygiene and reduce the spread of illnesses like colds, flu, COVID-19, and norovirus. It’s about being intentional, informed, and consistent—values that elevate the quality and effectiveness of cleaning services across the board.

Beyond the practical benefits, implementing medical cleaning practices reflects a broader commitment to public health and global responsibility. In a world that’s more connected than ever, what happens in one building can impact entire communities. When cleaners take extra steps to eliminate harmful germs, they help protect the elderly, immunocompromised, children, and others at higher risk of infection. It also reduces absenteeism, boosts productivity, and builds trust—people feel safer in environments that are visibly and professionally maintained. Ultimately, adapting medical cleaning standards to everyday spaces isn’t just good practice—it’s a meaningful way to care for people and contribute to a healthier planet.

Here is a link to the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association’s directory where you can find certified janitorial companies in your area International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Janitorial Services Directory.

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is extremely important. A healthcare facility is generally a place where people who are sick or have a health problem go to be treated and with that it is essential to properly clean the facility to avoid patients from getting sick. Viruses, bacteria’s and other pathogens are going to enter the facility and disinfecting/cleaning everything correctly can eliminate those pathogens. Healthcare associated infections can make a patient sicker that what they first went into the hospital.

Hospitals are supposed to be one of the cleanest places but in the other hand it also contains a lot of germs from people who are going in sick. In a hospital there is always people who are touching everything from doorknobs to light switches and if this is not properly clean daily the germs and viruses can become a problem.  Proper training will help identify high traffic areas and with that proper cleaning/disinfecting techniques.

Having a trained cleaning crew will be of great benefit it will give you a peace of mind knowing that your crew have the knowledge to clean efficiently a healthcare facility.  IJCSA is a great association that offers trainings and with that you can be certain that you get a great cleaning company. Check out https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices to find a certified company.

There are so many reasons that one would want to obtain professional home cleaning services. Usually we think of the basics, just to stay on top of things or just to keep things maintained. However, there are advantages of having a professional cleaner come and service your residence that you may have never thought of. 

According to a survey done by ACI, it found that 87% of Americans feel their best-both mentally and physically when their home is clean. That same survey noted that 70% of people felt more accomplished. The survey goes on to show many more benefits of a clean space, such productivity and reduction in stress.

This is where the cleaning professionals can come in to help. Since we have evidence to back up how a clean home has benefits, let's talk about that in detail and what someone can expect when hiring a professional cleaner. You have heard it said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. However, it is also one of the most germ heavy areas of the home. Regular sanitation helps prevent grease buildup, and bacteria, that can live on handles and counters. By hiring a professional cleaner, you can be assured that all these areas will be professionally sanitized and cleaned.

Let's talk about the benefits of getting a professional in the bathrooms. Bathrooms are notorious for harboring bacteria and moisture. Hiring a cleaner can help you eliminate those germs and also extend the life of your tile, grout and fixtures. 

For those that have loved furry friends as part of the family. Hiring a cleaner to help keep up with pet hair is beneficial to the health of the home. Pet hair is like Velcro, catching dust and debris. When left on furniture and corners it creates allergen hot spots that need to be removed. The good news is, when you hire a professional cleaner to come in and remove pet air from carpets and upholstery, you're reducing the allergen load circulating in your home.

 Overall, when hiring a professional cleaner, you can expect a healthier home, more free time, longer lasting surfaces and a peaceful clean space.