As proud members of the IJSCA, you understand that cleaning isn’t just about appearances — it’s about health, safety, and sustainability. Across the industry, green cleaning services are setting a new standard for excellence, combining powerful results with environmentally responsible practices. By choosing a certified green cleaning partner, you’re not only protecting your clients’ spaces — you’re also reducing chemical exposure, improving indoor air quality, and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

Today’s customers are more informed than ever and are actively seeking companies that share their environmental values. Partnering with or becoming a green cleaning service helps your business stand out as a responsible, forward-thinking leader. From using non-toxic, biodegradable products to implementing waste-reducing cleaning systems, green practices show your commitment to quality, care, and community well-being.

Implementing a mold cleaning operation into Chicago TidyFixers LLC will enhance our ability to serve clients who are facing deep-rooted household hygiene and safety challenges. Mold is more than just a cosmetic issue—it affects indoor air quality, structural integrity, and overall health, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. To establish this service, we will begin by training our team in proper mold identification, containment, removal, and post-treatment prevention techniques. This includes using EPA-approved mold remediation solutions, HEPA-filtered vacuums, negative air machines, and personal protective equipment to ensure safety and compliance with environmental standards. We will also implement clear assessment and documentation procedures, allowing us to walk customers through inspection findings, treatment plans, and prevention strategies.

The benefits of adding a mold cleaning program to our business extend beyond service expansion—it strengthens our role as a trusted partner in maintaining healthy living environments. Mold remediation is an essential service for clients who may not realize that hidden mold is contributing to allergies, lingering odors, or recurring moisture problems. By offering this service, we can reduce health risks in homes and commercial properties while preventing costly long-term damage. Furthermore, our community commitment aligns with this initiative: providing cleaner and safer homes for vulnerable populations supports our mission to treat customers like family. Ultimately, a mold cleaning program positions Chicago TidyFixers as not just a cleaning company but a health-focused, solutions-driven, and community-centered provider equipped to address both everyday cleaning needs and more complex environmental concerns.

In today’s world, environmental awareness and sustainability are no longer optional — they are essential. Choosing to be a green cleaner or operate a green cleaning company demonstrates a commitment to protecting people, pets, and the planet. Unlike traditional cleaning methods that rely on harsh and toxic chemicals, green cleaning practices use environmentally friendly products and sustainable methods that are safe, effective, and healthier for everyone involved. Green cleaning helps reduce air and water pollution, lowers human exposure to toxins, and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

One of the main advantages of green cleaning is the protection it provides for human health. Many conventional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, chlorine, and other harmful substances that can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, skin irritation, and long-term health problems. In contrast, eco-friendly cleaning products are made from natural ingredients that are non-toxic and biodegradable. They clean effectively without leaving behind dangerous residues or releasing harmful fumes. For businesses and homes alike, this means healthier indoor air quality and a safer environment for employees, clients, children, and pets.

Another major benefit of being a green cleaner is the positive environmental impact. Hazardous cleaning chemicals often wash down drains and end up contaminating soil, rivers, and oceans. This pollution contributes to ecological damage, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Additionally, the overuse of plastics in packaging and disposable cleaning materials contributes to massive waste accumulation, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating mass of plastic debris affecting marine life and even entering the human food chain through microplastics. Green cleaning companies often use recyclable packaging, refillable containers, and eco-safe cleaning tools to minimize waste and reduce plastic pollution.

Being a green cleaning certified company through organizations such as the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) adds credibility and value to your business. The IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification Program helps cleaning professionals adopt sustainable practices, select approved green products, and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Customers looking for safe and sustainable cleaning options can find certified green cleaners in the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory. Certification not only helps companies demonstrate their commitment to health and environmental responsibility but also gives them a competitive advantage in today’s eco-conscious marketplace.

Furthermore, green cleaning supports a company’s reputation, efficiency, and long-term cost savings. By switching to reusable supplies, concentrated cleaners, and sustainable operations, businesses reduce waste and lower overall costs. Clients are increasingly seeking out companies that align with their values — and environmental responsibility is at the top of that list. Green cleaners can proudly market themselves as leaders in sustainability, showcasing their certification and practices as part of their brand identity.

In conclusion, being a green cleaner or operating a green cleaning company isn’t just about keeping spaces clean — it’s about protecting lives, preserving the planet, and promoting a healthier future. By adopting green cleaning practices, reducing plastic waste, and using safe, non-toxic products, you contribute to a global effort to safeguard our ecosystems and improve human well-being. Joining the movement through the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory connects you with a professional network of like-minded cleaners dedicated to making the world a cleaner, safer, and greener place for generations to come.

 Employees and Staff should know and recognize the importance of knowing and understanding bloodborne pathogens because if everyone is aware of precautions it will help prevent exposure to potentially infectious diseases, will provide education on how to handle if an exposure happens and will help keep everyone in your facility safe.

As a proud owner of PScleaning, we pride ourselves in understanding and helping our cleaners know the importance it takes to be aware of Bloodborne pathogens. When everyone is safe and aware of precautions, they are better able to assist with proper clean up.

With proper education on how to handle and exposure, it all goes down the line and helps everyone stay protected and safe. In order to control exposure safely you need to implement and exposure plan, so all employees and employers are aware of what to do. Provide universal precautions so at all times everyone is treating all spills of hazardous material as infectious. Make sure to have proper training for employees and employers, as well as follow standard precautions to prevent spread and exposure.

To conclude, if everyone is aware and understands the importance of bloodborne pathogens, everyone can be safe and prevent exposure of potentially hazardous materials.

Becoming IJCSA green cleaning certified instantly sets your company apart in a competitive industry. It demonstrates your commitment to high standards-not just in cleanliness, but in safety, responsibility, and innovation. Certification shows potential clients that your team is trained in eco-friendly methods, uses non-toxic products, and follows sustainable practices. it's more than a label-it's a promise of quality and care that builds trust and attracts environmentally conscious customers.

More people today are aware of the dangers linked to harsh cleaning chemical especially families with young children, pet owners, allergy sufferers, and those with respiratory conditions. By offering certified green services, you directly address their concerns. Clients will feel safer knowing their homes or offices are being cleaned with product that won't leave behind toxic residues or harmful fumes. This health-first approach not only retains loyal customers but also earns referrals.

Green cleaning certification also shows your dedication to protection the environment. From reducing plastic waste and water use to choosing biodegradable products and low-emission equipment, your company becomes part of the solution to pollution and climate change. Every service your provide becomes a small act of environmental stewardship something customers increasingly value and seek out in the businesses they support.

Ultimately, IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification helps you build a brand rooted in purpose, not just profit. It tells your team and your clients that your mission goes beyond cleaning-it's about contributing to a healthier, safer world for future generations. When your values align with your services, people notice. And in today's market, businesses that care about both people and the planet are the ones that thrive.

Medical cleaning practices are among the most advanced and effective methods of infection prevention. These practices, used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments, focus on removing and killing harmful pathogens to prevent the spread of disease. Implementing these same high-level cleaning standards into residential and commercial settings can significantly reduce exposure to bacteria, germs, and viruses that threaten public health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), consistent disinfection of high-touch surfaces and proper use of hospital-grade cleaning agents are key to stopping the spread of infectious diseases. By applying these methods beyond healthcare, professional cleaning companies can create safer, healthier environments for families, employees, and communities.

The foundation of medical-grade cleaning lies in infection control. In healthcare facilities, professional cleaners follow strict protocols that include the use of EPA-registered disinfectants, color-coded microfiber cloths to prevent cross-contamination, and systematic cleaning from “clean to dirty” zones. These same principles can be applied in homes, offices, and industrial spaces to elevate sanitation standards. For example, janitorial teams can use hospital-grade disinfectants on kitchen counters, doorknobs, and restroom fixtures—common areas where pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and cold or flu viruses often thrive. Similarly, commercial spaces can benefit from medical-style cleaning schedules that emphasize frequent disinfection of high-traffic areas such as breakrooms, lobbies, and shared workstations. By using healthcare cleaning methods, businesses can reduce employee absenteeism, improve air quality, and protect both clients and staff.

Protecting the population and the world from harmful bacteria and viruses is not just a professional responsibility—it is a moral one. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how quickly viruses can spread and the importance of maintaining clean and hygienic environments across all sectors. Integrating medical cleaning practices into everyday cleaning helps minimize outbreaks, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and promote long-term wellness. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) both emphasize the importance of regular disinfection, proper ventilation, and safe chemical handling to prevent illness (OSHA, 2023). By educating cleaning staff and homeowners on proper sanitation techniques—such as using PPE, practicing hand hygiene, and following dwell times for disinfectants—we can collectively work toward a healthier planet.

Partnering with certified cleaning professionals is one of the best ways to ensure these standards are met. The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) provides education, certification, and resources for cleaning companies worldwide to deliver high-quality, medical-grade cleaning services. Through the IJCSA Janitorial Services Directory, residential and commercial clients can find trained professionals who understand healthcare-level cleaning requirements. These certified members are knowledgeable about biohazard cleanup, bloodborne pathogen safety, and infection control best practices. By hiring or modeling operations after IJCSA-certified companies, cleaning businesses can extend medical cleaning excellence to every home and workplace—protecting communities and contributing to a safer, cleaner world for all.

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2023). Infection Control in the Workplace. https://www.osha.gov/infection-control

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

It is crucial to maintain safe workplace cleaning practices as germs and viruses continue to remain a high potential health risk for everyone in a healthcare environment. Viruses such as Hepatitis B can survive on surfaces for up to one week stated by OSHA.  Germs and viruses are so common in a healthcare facility that in 2003; OSHA guidelines stated the ten most common pathogens make up eighty-four percent of all HAI. Study has shown one in twenty people will catch health associated infection. WWW.Betco.Com understand the importance of using cleaning tools and solutions that follow protocol guidelines to effectively remove and kill off surfaces prone to attract and or may be large role players in transmission of bacteria from high touch areas.

The potential risk of catching or transmitting of germs and viruses is very common following direct or indirect contact. Viruses can be transmitted through contact, airborne and contact/droplet making it very common to catch Utilizing Betco cleaning protocals is used to effectively disinfect and sanitize all surfaces with approved solutions. It is important not only for surface cleaning, it is essential to practice proper hand washing hygiene whether visibly dirty or not; to help prevent common germs and viruses for being spread, as we touch everything and also don't want to bring work home from touching personal belongings

Following safety guidelines set forth by OSHA standards and utilizing cleaning practices and approved solutions from www.betco.com and hiring essential members from IJCSA directory whom have gone through the necessary training; is a strong proactive approach to health safety in the healthcare facilities workplace. Knowing how common the HAI are and how easily transmitted viruses are, the use of chemical solutions used to sanitize and disinfect safely and effectively comes from MSDSs provided by employers for the right to know hazard risks. Employers must develop a post written schedule for cleaning and decontamination- the procedures must account for surface types, soil types and tasks. Following proper protocals in the workplace can help prevent spread of common germs and viruses

Hiring a certified cleaning company who is a member of the IJCSA for your healthcare related facilities is a great choice knowing that company has gathered the most essential knowledge on the proper protocols and tools necessary to effectively provide such services. These businesses located in the IJCSA directory for medical services have been trained from protocols on proper hand washing, how to use PPE, how to effectively disinfect and sanitize surfaces from standard cleaning practices provided by www.Betco.com. In addition to the cleaning knowledge these businesses provide; we are committed to providing the next essential tool; a positive safety attitude in the workplace environment.

Providing standardize cleaning practices taken from WWW.Betco.Com helps in preventing HAI or Healthcare Associated Infections. Training from the Betco safety practices show how to use resource process management focusing on proper procedures in cleaning patients rooms: occupied, occupied isolated, patients room detailed discharge cleaning and patient room project cleaning. The use of Betco cleaning products range among 300 essential tools for healthcare facilities. These employers develop a post written schedule for cleaning and decontamination- the procedures account for surface type, soil type and tasks.

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities allows for a proactive defense against direct or indirect transmission of HAI or known as nosocomial infections. Using the right type of cleaning solutions and tools for the task at hand in healthcare facilities strongly determines the effectiveness of safety outcome. One major risk but not limited to from a concern of cleanliness in any health care facility is the fact OSHA states Hepetitis B can survive on surfaces for one week.  OSHA mandates the right to know of chemical in use provided in MSDSs. The IJCSA provides essential training for cleaning companies who want to serve their families, clients and communities at the highest level. Offering tools the employers and employees can have confidence when in the workplace.

Janitors and janitorial staff play an essential role in maintaining the health, safety, and comfort of our daily environments. Whether in schools, offices, or public spaces, their work ensures that these places remain clean, organized, and functional. Without their efforts, germs and bacteria would spread quickly, leading to increased illness and unsafe conditions. They are often the first line of defense against contamination, especially during flu seasons or pandemics, by disinfecting high-touch areas and maintaining sanitary restrooms and common spaces.

Beyond cleanliness, janitorial staff contribute to the overall well-being and productivity of those who occupy a space. A clean environment has been proven to boost morale, improve focus, and create a sense of professionalism. For example, in workplaces, a tidy setting allows employees to perform efficiently without distractions or health risks. In schools, janitors help create a safe learning environment where students can thrive. Their behind-the-scenes efforts often go unnoticed, yet they directly influence the quality of life and the success of businesses, healthcare facilities, and communities.

In many ways, janitors and cleaning professionals are the unsung heroes of society. They work early mornings, late nights, and weekends to ensure others can function in clean, orderly environments. Their responsibilities require skill, dedication, and attention to detail—qualities that are fundamental but frequently undervalued. Recognizing the vital contributions of janitorial staff helps shift the narrative toward appreciation and respect for this essential workforce. In essence, janitors do far more than clean—they protect public health, support efficiency, and uphold the standards of living we often take for granted.

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Why Properly Cleaning Healthcare Facilities Is So Important

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is essential for maintaining a safe and sanitary environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Hospitals, clinics, and medical offices are high-risk environments where harmful pathogens and bacteria can easily spread. Effective cleaning and disinfecting practices reduce the transmission of infections such as MRSA, C. diff, Hepatitis, and COVID-19. When cleaning staff understand and follow strict cleaning protocols, they play a vital role in infection prevention and protecting public health. Healthcare cleaning is not just about appearance—it’s about safeguarding lives and ensuring every surface is truly safe to touch.

Healthcare cleaning requires specialized training, attention to detail, and the proper use of chemicals and equipment. IJCSA Members are certified professionals who understand how to clean in compliance with OSHA and CDC guidelines, using hospital-grade disinfectants and appropriate PPE. Proper cleaning involves focusing on high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, medical equipment, and patient rooms, as well as handling biohazard materials safely. These measures help prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and keep both patients and staff healthy. A well-trained cleaning team ensures the facility operates efficiently while upholding the highest standards of sanitation.

At IJCSA, we take pride in promoting excellence among our members through ongoing education and certification programs. When clients choose an IJCSA-certified cleaning company, they are choosing a team committed to quality, safety, and reliability. Our members understand that proper cleaning in healthcare facilities supports patient recovery, reduces liability, and demonstrates professionalism. For trusted and qualified cleaning professionals, visit the IJCSA Janitorial Service Directory. Cleanliness in healthcare is more than a service—it’s a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of everyone who enters those doors.