Admittedly, janitorial work is not the most glamorous work one could do. It probably ranks up there in the realm between plumbing and coal mining. But just like plumbing and coal mining, although it’s a filthy job, somebody’s gotta do it. And like my father used to tell me, ‘if you’re going to do a job you might as well do it right’. So while janitorial work isn't glamorous- it is absolutely essential. 

Whenever I hear the question arise about janitorial work, and the meagerness of it all, I’m reminded of the trash collectors strike, The Great Garbage Strike, that happened in New York in 1968. Union workers, unhappy with wages and work conditions, decided to go on strike. Within days trash in the city was chest high. By the end of the strike, a brief nine days later, there was roughly 100,000 tons of trash overrunning the streets. A public health emergency was called and a resolution with the union workers was reached. 

The point here is that while janitorial work may not be the most thrilling work it is absolutely essential. Janitors and the work they do keep our spaces and environment not just looking and smelling good but they help keep us safe and healthy, which is a huge responsibility. Janitors are responsible in many cases for doing the work others can’t or won’t do. 

Trained professional janitors do so much more than simply take out the trash. Many are responsible for being knowledgeable about bloodborne pathogens and their hazards in the workplace. Janitors must be aware of chemicals, how to use them, avoid certain mixtures, and what actions to take in the case of an emergency. They must be familiar with Safety Data Sheets, customer service, and many other skills. 

The next time you’re out and about look around. Pay attention to the space you’re in. Often we take a clean space for granted. As if that virtually spotless space happened all on its own. We see a dirty space and recognize it for what it is immediately. But with those same eyes we see a clean space and completely ignore what it took, and more importantly, who it took to clean that space. In all likelihood it took a janitor. A janitor doing an often thankless job to make our lives just a little bit better and healthier. 

Janitorial Directory

It’s very important for cleaning employees and staff to know about bloodborne pathogens because they are at higher risk of coming into contact with blood  while doing their jobs.

The proper treatment and cleaning is of utmost importance to help prevent the spreading of diseases, If the area in not cleaned correctly, there is a risk of the infection spreading.

All staff should be aware of Bloodborne contamination and clean up so it is cleaned, and all affected materials should be disposed of properly. Proper cleanup and disposal prevent will help eliminate the spread of infected pathogens.

As IJCSA members, we put our clients first. Great customer service is a priority, and we want our clients to experience the exceptional service that comes from working with true professionals. That means really listening, understanding each client’s expectations and preferences, acknowledging concerns, and finding solutions when those expectations aren’t being met. Our goal is to make sure every client is completely satisfied with the services they receive.

Being an IJCSA member is about more than restoring or refreshing a home or business. It’s about a commitment to meeting each client’s individual needs with genuine care, a friendly personality, and a smile. Come meet the members of IJCSA here in our IJCSA Business Directory.

Imagine you're removing trash bags from bins at your cleaning job, press down to compress the bag and "BOOM", you've been stabbed by a contaminated needle and have now been exposed too bloodborne pathogens. 

Realistically, you never know what infectious disease the person you're assisting may unknowingly carry. Its best to always be protected, and that protection starts with how employees assess and reset contaminated areas. It is dire to follow OSHA guidelines to reduce exposure. In the event you are exposed, there are precautions necessary to take.

The first issue with our scenerio is that you pressed down on the trash bag. Its an extremely optional action that can risk exposure. Another issue is that there were needles in trash bins. Contaminated items should be properly disposed of every single time. We are supposed to treat every bodily fluid as if its contaminated, per the "Universal Precaution Approach". That includes using proper PPE, no hand-mouth contact/smoking around contaminated areas, and following all other OSHA guidelines.

Things happen, and sometimes you get exposed. First step; call your supervisor and PCP. Afterwards, watch for symptoms. Some symptoms may include, fatigue, pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, jaundice, diarrhea, dark urine, light colored stool, constant fever/rash with no apparent cause. Examples of bloodborne pathogens include Hep-B(HBV) and HIV/AIDS. Although that doesn't conclude our list of symptoms or diseases, I'm sure you're now aware of the importance of cleaning employees knowledge of bloodborne pathogens and why following OSHA is simply to protect yourself and others.

Cleaning and janitorial employees regularly work with chemicals designed to remove soils, disinfect surfaces, dissolve grease, control odors, and perform other specialized cleaning tasks. While these products are valuable tools, they can also present hazards when used incorrectly. Depending on the chemical, improper use can cause skin or eye irritation, chemical burns, breathing difficulties, poisoning, or other injuries. Some products can also create dangerous reactions when mixed together. Understanding product labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), required personal protective equipment, proper dilution, ventilation, storage, and handling procedures helps employees recognize these hazards before an accident occurs.

Chemical safety also involves understanding that familiarity does not necessarily mean a product is harmless. Cleaning employees may use the same chemicals every day, which can make it easy to become less cautious over time. Using an unlabeled container, mixing products, applying too much chemical, failing to wear appropriate protective equipment, or using a product in a poorly ventilated area can quickly turn a routine cleaning task into a hazardous situation. When cleaning and janitorial employees understand chemical hazards and know how to respond to spills, accidental contact, or exposure, they are better prepared to protect themselves, their coworkers, building occupants, and the properties in which they work.

Janitors and cleaning staff is an important line of defense in assisting in keeping us healthy and safe. They work around the clock cleaning floors, bathroom, offices and other shared spaces. Without their hard work many buildings would quickly become dirty and uncomfortable. Janitors help maintain a healthier environment.

Janitorial staff play an important role in preventing the spread of germs and illnesses. They clean and disinfect surfaces that many people touch. Such as door handles, tables, sinks and restrooms. They remove trash, clean up spills and put up caution signs to help prevent accidents. It’s more than just cleaning, it’s having the knowledge of which chemicals to use for each situation. With their dedication, janitors help protect students, customers and visitors from unnecessary health and safety risk.

Janitors are important in every community but sometimes their work is overlooked. They work behind the scenes getting buildings ready for people every day.They look out for our comfort, health and safety. Janitors and janitorial staff deserve respect and appreciation. Their hard work help make our daily lifes better. If you need some janitorial magic in your area. Look up our Janitorial Directory for your next cleaning team..

First in order to understand why it’s important to know about handling bloodborne pathogens, it’s a good idea to understand the potential dangers.  So what exactly are Bloodborne pathogens?  Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in the human blood that can cause disease in humans. OSHA defines blood to mean human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood. [1]

Now that we know what bloodborne pathogens are, why is it important to have knowledge of handling them? The CDC estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and other diseases. [2]. You and your colleagues are likely included in that number and are working in an industry where exposure and potential risks of infections are very high and possibly life changing. In order to reduce these risk, a significant and comprehensive focus on educating yourself and knowing what it is you may be exposed to and how to prevent injury, infection, and possibly death must take place. 

Not only does knowing about bloodborne pathogens help reduce risk related to exposure, infection, and death, it also helps foster better decision making and efficiency on the job at handling scenarios that arise. This gives employees the confidence needed to handle such task and puts customers at ease in knowing they have hired someone that is properly training and can get the job done correctly. It is not only important for employees and companies to know about blood-borne pathogens it is of upmost urgency and at great consequence that they educate themselves on this topic when working in these types of environments. 

[1] https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/

[2] https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/recognition.html

Looking for a qualified carpet cleaner? Consider your search complete when you select an IJCSA certified carpet cleaner. All IJCSA certified carpet cleaners go through training and testing before receiving certification. They are a part of a network where professionals thrive by sharing best practices and ideas. 

So whether you need rug or carpet shampooing, spot removal, or extraction work you can rely on an IJCSA certified carpet cleaner to get the done and done right!

This link to Carpet Cleaning Directory will provide you IJCSA certified carpet cleaners in your area. 

      Medical cleaning practices offer a useful model for improving residential and commercial cleaning because they emphasize consistent procedures, attention to frequently touched surfaces, and preventing the spread of contamination. Adapting these principles does not mean turning a home, office, or retail store into a hospital or using stronger chemicals everywhere. Instead, it means matching cleaning methods to how a space is used. In a home, priorities might include bathroom fixtures, kitchen counters, and door handles; in a commercial building, they might include shared workstations, elevator buttons, and reception counters. Regular cleaning is the foundation, while disinfection should be added when illness, specific risks, or applicable requirements make it necessary.

One practical approach is to establish a cleaning sequence that limits cross-contamination. Work from cleaner areas toward dirtier areas and from higher surfaces downward, leaving floors until last. Assign separate cloths and tools to bathrooms, kitchens, and general living or working areas; a simple color-coding system can help prevent a restroom cloth from being used on a desk or food-preparation counter. Replace soiled cloths rather than carrying them from room to room, and clean reusable equipment after use. These habits can be built into a household routine or a commercial cleaning checklist, making a systematic approach easier to repeat.

Another important lesson is that effective disinfection depends on correct use, not simply on choosing a product labeled for hospital use. Remove dirt before disinfecting, and select an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled for the intended surface, setting, and relevant germs. Follow all label directions, including dilution, protective equipment, ventilation, and contact time—the period a surface must remain wet for the product to work. Never mix cleaning chemicals, and store them securely away from children and pets. For food-contact surfaces, follow any required rinsing instructions; for electronics and delicate finishes, also follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance. In ordinary household situations, regular cleaning is generally sufficient unless someone is sick or additional precautions are needed.

Successful implementation also requires clear responsibilities, training, and routine checks. A household can use a room-by-room schedule, while a commercial operation can document assigned tasks, cleaning frequency, approved products, and completion checks. Adjust these routines for traffic levels, shared equipment, and illness rather than applying the same intensity everywhere. Cleaning techs should be taught to practice hand hygiene, handle supplies safely, and recognize when a situation requires specialized assistance, such as a spill involving blood or discarded needles. The goal is not to promise a sterile environment, but to bring the planning and consistency of medical cleaning into everyday spaces in a practical, proportionate way.

Why Is Properly Cleaning Healthcare Facilities So Important?

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is critical because it directly prevents the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can threaten patient safety. Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities house individuals with compromised immune systems who are highly susceptible to pathogens. When surfaces like bed rails, medical equipment, and door handles are not rigorously disinfected, they become breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria and viruses like C. difficile, MRSA, and influenza. Regular, high-standard sanitation breaks the chain of infection, dramatically reducing the risk of cross-contamination between patients, staff, and visitors.

Beyond infection control, thorough medical cleaning is essential for maintaining strict regulatory compliance and protecting a healthcare institution's reputation. It is crucial for a cleaning service provider to comply with the sanitation standards for the healthcare facility to be in compliance with the standard. Failing to adhere to these protocols can result in liability and loss of public trust. Conversely, a visibly spotless environment reassures patients and their families that they are in a safe, professional, and competent care setting.

Finally, a clean healthcare environment significantly enhances the overall well-being and productivity of medical staff. Doctors, nurses, and support personnel work long hours under high-stress conditions; ensuring their workplace is sanitary minimizes call-outs due to occupational illness. When a facility prioritizes cleanliness, it creates a safer workspace that allows healthcare professionals to focus entirely on patient care rather than worrying about environmental hazards. Ultimately, proper sanitation serves as the foundational backbone of effective healthcare delivery, safeguarding everyone who walks through the doors.