Facility Management and Maintenance

CorpClean In Facility Management and Maintenance

The Most Common Pests in Our Area (And Tips on How to Deal With Them)

With warm temperatures approaching, many businesses have a backlog of work postponed from the colder seasons, and one job often overlooked is pest control and management.

Insects tend to migrate indoors during the winter in search of a warmer climate and waste no time building a home and reproducing, which evolves into a much bigger problem in the warmer months. A pest or rodent problem in and around a facility poses threats to productivity, employee health through the spreading of contamination and diseases, and structural integrity and safety of the building.

Keep reading to learn the most common pests that you might find in and around your facility, as well as tips for how to identify and deal with them, whether through commercial management practices—trapping, baiting, insecticides, and pesticides, or through secondary practices—insect repelling plants and flowers, potent smelling ingredients such as peppermint oil and garlic, and for some friendly tips on handling minor problems on your own.

Ants

Social insects live in colonies of hundreds to thousands and are attracted to places where food has been left out or dropped. Ants are one of the most problematic pests, as they’re often hard to see and blend in with darker surfaces. Moreover, if you see one, there are many others nearby. Common control techniques include cleaning up spills, routinely removing trash, and applying bait stations and traps.

Box Elder and Stink Bugs

Drawn to warmth and exterior walls facing the sun, these insects are not a risk for damage or biting. However, they can stain surfaces as box elder bugs produce liquid feces, and stink bugs secrete a yellow liquid. Practical prevention methods for minor problems include sealing windows and cracks, removing box elder trees around the area, or a simple solution of warm, soapy water that can deter and even kill box elder and stink bugs.

Flies

Drain flies, cluster flies, gnats. Flies are insects with various species that have adapted to living in many places (drains, inside walls, trash bins). Most flies are only a nuisance, though some species can bite. The bigger issue that flies bring is the threat of infestations, as flies can produce more than a million offspring in weeks.

For minor problems, a spray bottle with soap and water can take down and kill flies.

Cockroaches

The most problematic insect, and for a good reason. Roaches pose significant health risks, particularly in people with asthma, and can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Also, they carry the potential for other diseases, such as dysentery, giardia, salmonella, and gastroenteritis, to name a few. Roaches are hard to kill, as insecticides are not effective against them. Along with the myriad health problems with roaches are your brand or company’s image and reputation damage.

Ticks

Generally overlooked as problematic, ticks pose a significant health risk to employees and customers. A study from the Minnesota Department of Health states that one in 3 adult ticks have Lyme Disease, and one in 5 nymphs (immature stage) also contain the bacteria.

Good management techniques include clearing overgrown grass and weeds and removing grass and leaf clippings.

Bees

While some bees benefit ecosystems versus some of their counterparts, a business is no place for a bee. Carpenter bees cause structural damage when they nest in walls of buildings, yellowjackets are aggressive and can deliver a painful sting, and most bees cause a certain amount of panic. It’s important to know which type of bee you’re dealing with, as it might be better and cost-effective to re-home “good” bees versus dealing with them as a pest.

Rodents

Rodents pose a high risk of damage to your facility. Squirrels, rats, and mice present a fire hazard due to their ability to chew through wiring, wood, and insulation. In addition, rodent feces are both unsightly and cause allergic reactions in people.

Pest control is essential to facility management to ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment for employees and customers. Effective pest control can have the most impact by following a few steps.

1. Conduct regular inspections. Identify signs of infestations (feces, carcasses, chewed items) and locate potential nesting areas, in addition to property walk-throughs and assessment of systems where nests or destruction may have occurred (pipes, wiring, vents)

2. Implement preventative measures: Seal cracks and gaps in windows and walls, routinely declutter, keep the facility free of debris, and properly store food and dispose of food waste.

3. Educate employees: Teach employees about proper food storage and management and identify signs of a pest problem.

4. Hiring a professional pest control service. A good, quality pest control service not only deals with removing unwanted guests but also works with your wants and needs to develop a plan that will keep your facility running smoothly and critter-free. These professionals have the knowledge and the techniques of treating and eliminating pests which allow these methods to be applied most effectively and efficiently, reducing recurrence and saving you long-term money.

At CorpClean, our team of professionals and those we work with can inspect problematic areas, identify threats, develop a plan of action that includes treatment options and preventative measures, and continue to monitor the overall progress of the process while providing minimal disruption to your business.

A pest or rodent problem threatens productivity, employee health, and overall safety of your building.

Companies that care about cleanliness choose CorpClean.

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CorpClean In Facility Management and Maintenance

Curb Appeal Matters: 8 Steps to Ensuring Your Building Puts Its Best Foot Forward

The only thing harder than making a good impression is making up for a bad one.

People make judgments almost immediately, and your commercial building’s exterior appearance can make or break their perceptions. If your business looks clean and well maintained on the outside, people will assume the same is true inside.

You want to present an inviting environment that shows you care about the products and services provided within the building’s walls by its people. Here are a few steps you can take to improve your facility’s curb appeal:

1. Clean your building’s exterior seasonally or at least annually.

Brick or other siding materials, the roof, and gutters tend to get neglected until they look bad. Staying ahead of the cleaning will keep your building looking fresh and new and may cut down on repair work.

2. Keep sidewalks swept and parking lots free of debris.

Be sure to fix any cracks that develop right away. Not only does this improve the appearance, but damaged and uneven walkways are a potential hazard and insurance risk.

3. Wash windows inside and out at least monthly.

Sparkling clean windows show attention to detail and make everything appear brighter and more hygienic.

4. Manage your company’s waste.

Schedule regular trash pickup. Don’t leave dumpsters in a visible location on your property. If the containers get old and battered, request your waste management company to provide new ones. Create a fenced area to provide screening. No one wants to see yesterday’s Taco Tuesday lunch remnants.

5. Keep pests at bay.

Pest control inspections and treatments should be scheduled quarterly or more frequently, depending on the property’s location and internal activities. Specific factories may require unique applications depending on their production. Visible signs of rodents, cockroaches, and other unsightly critters are an instant turnoff to anyone entering your building.

6. Install proper exterior signage.

The right signage will make way-finding easier for everyone entering your site. Make sure all signs are visible from a distance. Customers and visitors will appreciate the easy navigation directing them to their desired destination.

7. Make certain designated smoking areas are not visible as visitors approach or leave the grounds.

Every worker is entitled to their breaks; however, having idle workers gathered outside your building does not convey a message of confidence.

8. Landscaping is one of the best methods to improve your building’s curb appeal.

It goes a long way in providing a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere for both visitors and employees. A few simple plantings of trees, shrubbery, and flowers can make a huge difference. It’s a low-cost investment that will last for years. Don’t forget to schedule pruning and trimming to keep everything looking good as seasons change.

Curb appeal should be a vital component of your ongoing cleaning and maintenance regimen. The outward appearance of your company is a direct reflection of your brand. If people see a well-kept and inviting property upon their approach, it will generate an immediate positive opinion about your company and its products and services. Taking these extra steps will create a professional environment. Take pride in your building, and employees will respect it as well. And customers will take notice and appreciate your attention to detail.

Office managers don’t always know how to secure these services and who to contact, so they hire multiple services—one for cleaning and property maintenance, another for grass cutting or snow removal, and a third for window washing. CorpClean can help reduce redundancy by providing many of these services. We’ll assess your company’s needs and make the proper arrangements.

Let us make your job easier and coordinate your cleaning and maintenance services. Then you’ll know, “It’s taken care of.”

If your business looks clean and well maintained on the outside, people will assume the same is true inside.

Your building’s curb appeal is our priority.

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CorpClean In Cleaning, Facility Management and Maintenance

Safeguarding Your Office Against Monkeypox

What you can do to keep work areas safe from monkeypox and ensure employees are comfortable returning to the office.

Just as you thought it was safe to bring everyone back to the office, the federal government announced another health threat. The White House recently declared monkeypox a national public health emergency, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quickly issued updated guidelines for cleaning professionals. Many employees are concerned about contamination in their physical workspaces with this new virus, so building managers must address these valid concerns. Let’s first better understand the monkeypox virus and how it is transmitted. According to the CDC, the monkeypox virus is similar to smallpox but milder and rarely fatal. Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like illness occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the infection remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people. The first human case of monkeypox occurred in 1970. Before the 2022 outbreak, people reported the disease in several central and western African countries. Transmission typically occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact. Contact can be from touching an infected person’s rash, scabs, or body fluids. One can also be infected when coming into contact with objects or fabrics such as clothing, towels, or bed linens used by someone with the disease. Studies show that the live virus can remain active for weeks or even months if not adequately eliminated. Soft surfaces appear to retain the virus longer than hard surfaces. Thorough cleaning is vital to maintaining a virus-free environment and keeping workers productive. The CDC recommends using disinfectants found on the EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogens list (also known as List Q). CorpClean employs an electrostatic disinfectant spraying method containing VitalOxide, one of the List Q products. VitalOxide kills 99.999 percent of germs and bacteria and is fragrance-free, gentle, and safe to use around people and pets. An electrostatic sprayer saves time and labor, sprays less liquid, and covers more surfaces. The technology provides an electrical charge to solutions, allowing them to wrap conductive surfaces with adequate coverage evenly. Double-charged particles envelope all conductive surfaces—shadowed, vertical, and underneath. Electrostatic spraying ensures 100 percent area coverage. CorpClean is ready to handle the following businesses: commercial, institutional & governmental, educational, industrial, logistic support centers, retail centers, hospitality, healthcare, and childcare. Let us take the worry out of your everyday or as-needed cleaning needs.

You can take other steps to help prevent the spread of monkeypox and other contagious viruses at work and at home.

Communication

Make sure everyone has the correct information about the virus and educate them on how they can help prevent spreading the virus. Keep messages fact-based to avoid creating stigma when communicating about monkeypox.

Isolation

Anyone who suspects they have been diagnosed with the monkeypox virus should be isolated until fully healed (which may take two to four weeks.)

Hand Washing

Everyone should have access to hand washing stations, frequently wash their hands, and use hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol. Those coming into direct contact with an infected person, objects they used, or surfaces they touched should wash their hands immediately and thoroughly.

Home Cleaning

When cleaning areas where an infected person has been, avoid using equipment or activities that could readily spread dried material from lesions, such as fans, sweeping, dry dusting, or vacuuming. Soiled linens should be kept separate from other laundry items (do not shake, as this could disperse contaminated particles) and laundered with regular detergent and warm water.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Use proper equipment such as masks, gowns, eye protection, and gloves when entering an isolation area, cleaning and disinfecting, or doing laundry. We may be entering a new age where infectious diseases such as Covid-19 and monkeypox are more prevalent, so now is the time to take action and establish a regular industrial cleaning regimen. Let CorpClean secure your business and stay ahead of any new contaminates that may be on the horizon. Call us today to get started.

The live monkeypox virus can remain active for weeks or even months if not adequately eliminated.

Stand up to monkeypox with CorpClean’s Electrostatic Disinfectant Spraying.

CorpClean In Cleaning, Facility Management and Maintenance, Uncategorized

Post Pandemic: Do We Still Need Commercial Cleaners?

People are looking for the same attention to cleanliness and safety they’ve recently come to expect.

Commercial cleaning crews used to work the night shift because office managers didn’t want them visible during busy work hours. That has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Now people expect to see cleaning in action. And they want to see deep and effective cleaning, not just a duster and vacuum cleaner.

Your employees and visitors desire the same dedication to cleanliness and sanitary routines they have implemented at home over the past couple of years. And that’s not going to change.

Everyone wants to feel safe in their workplace, so companies must demonstrate their commitment to better cleaning systems. Although many are still reeling from the adverse effects of the recent pandemic, some good practices have evolved. Maintaining higher standards for cleanliness simply makes good sense.

There are many types of germs and bacteria lurking on all surfaces. And what company doesn’t want happier, healthier, and more productive employees with fewer sick days and a more presentable work environment? We have all learned the lessons of preventative cleaning to stave off future potential germs. It has become common practice to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer and keep disinfectant wipes handy.

According to Essity, a leading global hygiene and health company, the results of their Return to Workplace survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, show some impressive statistics.

The overwhelming majority of American adults still believe increased cleaning and sanitizing are essential in public places, such as doctors’ offices/healthcare facilities (90 percent), restaurants (89 percent), hotels (88 percent), theaters (88 percent), fitness centers (87 percent), retail stores (86 percent), and entertainment facilities (stadiums/museums) (86 percent). The survey also indicates that workers have high expectations for office hygiene and cleanliness to feel comfortable, and those attitudes aren’t going away.

Contrary to what you might think, people are not all staying at home. Many are returning to the office, but that physical space is changing. Employers are seeking new ways to engage their staff and make them want to come back to the office. Gone are the days of closed-in cubicles. The latest trend is hoteling, where wide-open spaces are being created to allow for social distancing while encouraging collaboration. Converting lobby areas and conference rooms to community work areas provide new ways for employees to interact more safely and engage. Some companies are adding upgraded perks and concierge-like services to employees to promote camaraderie and make a more fun atmosphere.

Those new work areas create more challenges for the cleaning teams as the spaces expand and even move outdoors. Finding a team of experts to help your company navigate the critical elements of your overall facility maintenance can be vital to getting workers back and ensuring they feel confident enough to stay.

Another benefit of using a contracted commercial service for cleaning is one-stop shopping. Having all your cleaning and maintenance services integrated into one service provider means fewer people entering your facility, less exposure, and streamlined performance. Product availability has been an ongoing problem during the pandemic, and inventory control continues to be negatively impacted by a slow-moving supply chain. Let CorpClean monitor necessary products to ensure you have what you need, when you need it. We utilize our own equipment, which keeps costs down for our clients. We can clean daily, twice a week, or weekly—you determine the frequency based on your needs.

At CorpClean, we can tailor our services to meet and exceed your specific commercial cleaning needs. Give us a call or send us a message.

Everyone wants to feel safe in their workplace, and that’s not going to change.

Daily, three times weekly, or once a week. You pick your cleaning schedule.

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CorpClean In Cleaning, Facility Management and Maintenance

Vacuuming is Not Enough: Why Your Business Needs Professional Carpet Cleaning

Beyond a tidy appearance, regular professional cleaning helps extend the life of your office carpeting.

Regular vacuuming goes a long way in removing dirt and grime from office carpets. But unless they are appropriately maintained, carpeted floors in high-traffic business facilities can undergo noticeable wear and damage. While vacuumed floors might look clean, even frequent vacuuming won’t keep carpets free from harmful bacteria and unseen debris that can cause fibers to fray. Periodically having your commercial carpet cleaned by professionals will extend its life and create a healthier work environment for your team.

What you see—and don’t see.

Vacuuming keeps your office carpets looking neat overall by removing visible loose impediments. However, deep-down dirt that vacuums can’t thoroughly capture can break down carpet fibers, and soil that collects in high-traffic areas can cause traffic patterns to appear. The result is flooring that looks worn and neglected.

Unclean carpets can cause more than just appearance problems. When bacteria and germs take up residence deep inside your carpet, they can lead to offensive odors and unhealthy air quality. And in extreme cases, they can even make employees sick.

Reputable commercial carpet cleaning services have professional-grade equipment designed to remove even deeply rooted residue from your office flooring. As a result, your carpet will look fresher and cleaner, and the improved air quality will help keep your staff healthier.

Professionals also employ industrial-strength cleaning products capable of removing embedded stains while applying stain-resistant treatments that safeguard against future staining and other damage resulting from heavy foot traffic. Another product consideration is the environment. For example, at CorpClean, we use non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Dust, dirt, and other debris will inevitably find their way into carpet fibers and, thus, the air we breathe. Qualified professional commercial cleaning services can effectively remove those harmful elements from the carpet.

How often should you clean your carpets?

While every facility maintenance plan should incorporate professional carpet cleaning, each business is unique. Carpet cleaning frequency can depend on several factors.

The building type is one deciding element. For example, physician offices and healthcare facilities must follow stringent cleaning and sanitation regulations. And in the age of Covid, most are increasing the frequency of deep carpet cleaning.

Foot traffic amounts—from visitors and workers alike—also influence how often carpets require cleaning. For most office buildings, once every six months should be enough. However, at CorpClean, we recommend quarterly cleaning in high traffic areas, such as busy lobbies, hallways, and dining rooms.

Depending on your business, you might need to consider any seasonal fluctuations, such as harsh outdoor weather conditions or higher retail foot traffic during busy holidays. And because of the spill-prone nature of their industries, restaurants and bars should clean their carpets at least quarterly.

A carpet’s color, nap, and pile type also influence how often you should clean it. For instance, high naps and light colors usually require more frequent cleaning.

With regular cleanings, carpet fibers can remain strong and durable, extending the carpet’s life and saving your business money over time.

Finding the right cleaning service.

Even when the rest of your building appears sparkling clean, dirty carpeting can leave a negative image. If you want to impress clients visiting your business, professional carpet cleaning services should be a part of your regular cleaning routine.

While finding a professional cleaning service that can keep your carpets looking great is essential, choosing one that won’t disrupt your business also matters. At CorpClean, we offer carpet cleaning schedules customized to meet your specific needs. We’ll create a floor care program featuring preventative measures and regularly scheduled cleaning that preserves and maintains your carpet.

Periodically having your commercial carpet cleaned by professionals will extend its life and create a healthier work environment for your team.

CorpClean’s floor care services protect hard surfaces from discoloration, wax build-up, peeling, and scratches and keeps carpets looking and smelling clean.

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CorpClean In Facility Management and Maintenance

Weather Advisory: Time to Prepare for Winter Facility Managment

In Northwest Ohio, winter has a way of sneaking up on you. Are you prepared for winter’s effects on your facility?

Janice Stillman, the editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, has a warning for her readers. “This coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we’ve seen in years,” she says.

This year’s edition of the Almanac predicts a “Season of Shivers” featuring bone-chilling temperatures throughout much of the nation. The publication has forecast the country’s weather for more than two centuries with an 80 percent accuracy record.

Winter’s inclement weather can suddenly strike in Northwest Ohio, pushing idle heating systems into service, weakening roofs, and damaging outdoor landscaping. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for preparing your facility for winter.

Check the Furnace

At this point in the year, your facility’s furnace has probably sat unused for months. Will it fire up reliably when the first cold snap hits?

Autumn is an excellent time to arrange preventative furnace maintenance before outdoor temperatures drop too low. Professional HVAC technicians will check your system for efficiency and overall condition. Services typically include:

Examining pilot safety switches and temperature controls—and replacing, if necessary
Inspecting the heat exchanger, motor, fan, and drive-belts
Testing the thermostat for accuracy
Cleaning or replacing air filters

Now is also ideal for checking air ducts for dust or debris, damage, and leakage.

Inspect the Roof

Just as a flat roof’s membrane responds to summer’s heat by expanding, it shrinks in winter’s cold. Those fluctuations can take a toll on roofing over time and weaken the structure’s defense against ice, snow, and water.

Prepare for heavy snowfall by having your roof inspected for membrane damage, obstructed drains, and pooling water that could cause leaking. Make any necessary repairs now—before winter increases the danger of working on the roof.

It’s also important to clear gutters of leaves and other debris that lead to clogging, standing ice, and the formation of dangerous large icicles.

Plan for Snow and Ice

Don’t wait until the first significant winter storm hits to begin thinking about snow and ice removal. Having a snow management plan is vital to keeping your facility accessible and safe for employees and visitors.

Start by determining how you’ll remove snow from parking areas, delivery zones, and walkways around your building. If you plan to hire an outside company for snow removal, contracting for those services well in advance can secure your place on their priority list. If you intend to use internal maintenance staff, ensure your snow-blowing equipment is in good working condition.

Next, be sure to map out where to pile all the snow you remove. Mounded snow can take up needed parking spaces, block entrances or exits, and damage landscaping. Find a place that causes the slightest impact, and be sure to communicate your wishes to those removing the snow.

Whenever possible, apply deicing salt on paved areas before winter storms to prevent snow and ice sticking and provide a bit of traction for walkers.

Step Up Your Floor Maintenance

Winter and its elements cause added wear and tear on commercial flooring. Snow and ice get tracked indoors, causing buildups of mud, salt, and moisture. Therefore, facilities should increase floor maintenance efforts throughout the winter months.

A winter floor management plan should include adding indoor and outdoor safety mats at entryways to capture snow and salt and keep interior floors clean and dry.

It’s essential to wet mop hard flooring surfaces frequently during the winter using a neutral cleaner that removes salt residue while protecting against damage. Soiled floors create dirty mops and mop buckets, so be sure to replace mop water often.

While it might seem counterproductive—and an uphill battle—increasing deep cleaning efforts throughout the winter helps extend your flooring’s lifespan. Whether it’s having the carpet cleaned professionally or scrubbing your hard surfaces often, you’ll keep your floors looking their best all winter.

This year’s edition of the Almanac predicts a “Season of Shivers” featuring bone-chilling temperatures throughout much of the nation. The publication has forecast the country’s weather for more than two centuries with an 80 percent accuracy record.

Let CorpClean design an ongoing maintenance plan for your facility.

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CorpClean In Facility Management and Maintenance

4 Reasons to Outsource Your Facility Management and Maintenance

According to McKinsey & Company, outsourcing accounts for more than 50 percent of North America’s total facilities management market. For many companies, outsourcing offers clear opportunities for reducing costs and improving overall productivity. Unfortunately, measuring the tangible benefits of outsourcing is not always easy. But here are four perspectives to consider when weighing the advantages of using an outside facility management and maintenance company.