Refresh Janitorial Service is committed to providing reliable, professional, and environmentally responsible commercial cleaning services. We understand that today’s businesses are looking for cleaning companies that not only deliver exceptional results but also help create healthier workplaces. By using green cleaning practices whenever possible, we help reduce unnecessary chemical exposure while maintaining clean, sanitary environments for employees, customers, and visitors. Our team serves offices, medical facilities, dental practices, retail locations, and other commercial properties with customized cleaning programs. Green cleaning focuses on using environmentally responsible products, efficient cleaning methods, and sustainable practices that help improve indoor air quality while protecting building occupants. Businesses searching for a green cleaning service can benefit from choosing a company that values both cleanliness and environmental responsibility. If you are searching for a trusted green cleaning service, visit the Green Cleaning Service Directory to find certified providers committed to healthier and more sustainable cleaning practices. Refresh Janitorial Service believes that quality cleaning and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, creating cleaner facilities while supporting a healthier future.

When people think about bloodborne pathogens, they usually picture nurses and ER staff — not the person emptying trash cans or wiping down a break room counter. But anyone who cleans for a living knows better. We're the ones who find the stuff other people would rather not deal with: a dropped needle in a bathroom trash can, a spill nobody labeled, a bag of laundry that's heavier — and messier — than it should be. I saw this firsthand working at a homeless shelter, where this wasn't theoretical — it was part of the job. We were trained on how to find and safely dispose of needles, and on what to do when someone was bleeding on the floor, whether from a fight or from a fall where they'd hit their head on a table. Those situations weren't rare in that environment, and OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standard applies just as much to workers like us as it does to hospital staff.

That real-world experience is exactly why this training matters so much for cleaning staff specifically. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV don't announce themselves — you can't look at a stain or a spill and know it's safe. At the shelter, having training meant we didn't freeze or guess in the moment when someone was hurt: we knew to treat every bit of blood as infectious, glove up, contain it, and disinfect it the right way instead of just mopping it up and moving on. The same principles carry into any cleaning job — gloves on, don't compress trash by hand, don't reuse a sponge or towel, use tongs or absorbent material instead of your bare hands when you can. It sounds like common sense once you know it, but I've seen how easy it is for someone to cut a corner when they're rushing through a shift and don't fully understand why the "slow" way is the safe way.

There's also a piece of this that's easy to overlook: what happens after something goes wrong. A stuck-yourself-with-something moment, a splash to the face, a cut exposed to something it shouldn't be — those things happen fast, and the response has to be automatic. Wash it out, tell your supervisor immediately, get seen by a provider — not "later," not "if it seems bad." At the end of the day, this isn't just about checking a compliance box. It's about the fact that a cleaning company is only as trustworthy as the people doing the work, and clients are trusting us to walk into their spaces and handle things safely. That's the standard I want every person on our team held to, starting with me.

Looking for a cleaning company that provides excellent customer service? IJCSA members have access to high quality customer service education that prepares them to handle any questions or concerns you may have. These cleaning services can be found at the IJCSA Business Directory.

A company providing excellent customer service means they are hearing, understanding, and caring for their customers while having a friendly demeanor. This approach provides the avenue for your problem(s) to be solved, and this is what you will get when dealing with an IJCSA member. IJCSA provides its members with an endless amount of cleaning information that stays up to date, gives a route for them to acquire specialty certifications (including customer service certification), and provides a platform for various cleaning companies to interact with one another, thus improving their business all around. If someone is an IJCSA member, you can rest assured that they are serious about their business, including their customer service. Feel free to find a great cleaning service company near you by visiting the IJCSA Business Directory.

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that can be present and transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, and can cause diseases like HBV, HIV, and AIDS.  These microorganisms are transmitted through the mucous membrane, nose and mouth, and breaks in the skin.

Cleaning staff should treat all bodily fluids with care by using the proper PPE, disinfectants, and procedures for handling soiled linen and trash.  Employees will not only take these precautions for themselves, but for others around them.

Employees who follow the proper precautions will decrease the chance of transmitted infections that cause illness and possibly death.  

Cleaning staff play an important role in keeping workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities safe and clean. However, they are also at risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens when cleaning up blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found in human blood that can cause serious diseases such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Even routine tasks like emptying trash, cleaning restrooms, or mopping floors can become hazardous if contaminated needles or bodily fluids are present. Without the proper training, workers may unknowingly expose themselves through small cuts, broken skin, or contact with their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Training on bloodborne pathogens helps cleaning staff understand how to protect themselves while doing their jobs. One of the most important concepts they learn is universal precautions, which means treating all blood and bodily fluids as if they could be infectious. Employees are also taught how to correctly use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, safely clean up spills, properly handle sharp objects without touching them directly, and use the correct disinfectants. This training also helps prevent common mistakes, like pushing down trash with their hands or picking up needles improperly, which can lead to needlestick injuries or the spread of infection.

Overall, bloodborne pathogen training protects not only the employees performing the cleaning but also everyone who enters the facility. When cleaning staff know how to properly clean, disinfect, and dispose of biohazardous waste, they help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and create a safer environment for employees, patients, customers, and visitors. Following OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard also helps organizations stay compliant with safety regulations while showing that they value the health and safety of their environmental services and cleaning staff.

Medical cleaning practices are important because they help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses that can affect people’s health. Although these cleaning methods are commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities, many of the same techniques can be applied to residential and commercial cleaning environments. By using healthcare cleaning principles such as infection control, proper disinfecting, sanitizing, and contamination prevention, cleaning professionals can create safer spaces for families, employees, customers, and the community.

Residential and commercial cleaners can implement medical cleaning practices by focusing on high-touch surfaces, proper cleaning procedures, and the use of appropriate disinfectants. Areas such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, keyboards, phones, bathrooms, and shared equipment can harbor bacteria and viruses. Using personal protective equipment (PPE), following universal precautions, preventing cross-contamination, and applying hospital-grade disinfectants when needed can help reduce the spread of infectious microorganisms. These practices are especially valuable in offices, schools, apartment buildings, restaurants, and other high-traffic areas.

Applying healthcare cleaning standards outside of medical facilities helps protect the population from harmful pathogens and promotes healthier indoor environments. Professional janitorial services that follow environmental services (EVS) practices, infection prevention methods, and proper sanitation techniques provide an added level of protection against germs and viruses. By understanding bloodborne pathogens, other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), and safe cleaning procedures, cleaning professionals can better protect themselves and the people who use the spaces they maintain.

The IJCSA Janitorial Services Directory is a valuable resource for finding trained cleaning professionals who understand the importance of healthcare cleaning standards and advanced sanitation practices. Whether cleaning a medical facility, commercial building, or residential property, implementing medical-grade cleaning methods can help prevent the spread of illness and improve public health. By making infection control, disinfecting, and proper cleaning procedures a priority, professional cleaners can contribute to a cleaner, safer world for everyone.

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is essential because it helps prevent the spread of infections and protects patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Hospitals, clinics, and medical offices treat individuals who may have weakened immune systems or contagious illnesses, making infection control a top priority. Healthcare cleaning requires more than routine cleaning because surfaces can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, bloodborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). A proper healthcare cleaning program helps reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and creates a safer environment for everyone.

Healthcare facility cleaning involves the use of proper cleaning procedures, hospital-grade disinfectants, personal protective equipment (PPE), and effective sanitation methods. High-touch surfaces such as bed rails, door handles, light switches, medical equipment, and countertops must be cleaned and disinfected regularly because they can easily spread germs through indirect contact. Professional janitorial services trained in healthcare cleaning understand the importance of following universal precautions, preventing cross-contamination, and properly handling biohazard materials. A detailed cleaning and disinfecting process ensures that patient rooms and healthcare areas meet strict infection prevention standards.

Maintaining a clean healthcare facility improves patient safety, supports quality care, and helps healthcare workers perform their jobs in a safer environment. Proper environmental services (EVS), deep cleaning, surface disinfection, and routine sanitizing all play an important role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Healthcare facilities rely on trained cleaning professionals and trusted resources such as the Janitorial Services Directory to find qualified cleaning providers who understand the unique requirements of medical environments.

Healthcare cleaning is a critical part of infection control and public health. A properly maintained healthcare facility reduces exposure risks, protects vulnerable patients, and helps prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. Using professional healthcare janitorial services, proper disinfecting techniques, and consistent cleaning protocols ensures that hospitals and medical facilities remain safe, clean, and sanitary for everyone.

Anyone can provide a cleaning service, but delivering outstanding customer service is what truly separates professional and outstanding cleaning service from everyone else. The members of the International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association understand that customers want more than just a clean building. They want to know they're working with a company that genuinely values them. IJCSA Members take the time to listen to each customer, to understand their concerns, ask questions, and make sure they know exactly what is expected before getting to work. They greet customers with a friendly attitude, communicate openly, and treat every client with the respect and professionalism they deserve. 

Great customer service also means finding a solution that works for each individual client – not just a one-size-fits-all. IJCSA Members know that every client and every facility is different, so they look for practical solutions that meet each client’s individual needs. When a concern comes up, they respond with understanding, work to resolve the issue, and make sure the customer is fully satisfied before considering the job done. Many even follow up afterward to ensure everything met expectations because they want to earn your business again. When you choose an IJCSA Member, you're choosing a cleaning company that not only provides excellent results, who will deliver excellent customer service along the way.

IJCSA Members proudly delivers great customer service across the Nation and offers an easy-to-use directory to find a business to fit your needs near you: International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Find Cleaning Service

Bloodborne Pathogen Standards are designed to help prevent exposure to potentially infectious materials in the workplace. It is important to understand that specific cleaning products and procedures are required when cleaning areas contaminated with bloodborne pathogens.

Bloodborne pathogens are not limited to hospital settings. They can be present anywhere blood or other potentially infectious materials, such as certain body fluids including saliva or mucus when visibly contaminated with blood, are found. Exposure can occur through mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth, or through cuts or breaks in the skin.

Always assume that blood or other potentially infectious materials are contaminated. Follow Universal Precautions at all times by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), using proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and washing your hands thoroughly after handling contaminated materials or completing cleanup tasks.

Any saturated or contaminated items, including linens, towels, gloves, and other disposable materials, should be placed in properly labeled, color-coded biohazard containers and disposed of according to established procedures. Every cleanup involving blood or other potentially infectious materials should be treated as potentially infectious.

An OSHA Exposure Control Plan must be available at all worksites and reviewed annually by all employees. If an employee experiences an exposure incident, OSHA exposure protocols should be followed immediately. The employee should report the incident, seek medical evaluation from a healthcare provider, and monitor their health as recommended. Employers are responsible for reviewing the Exposure Control Plan with employees to help ensure they understand the procedures that protect them from occupational exposure.