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Commercial Cleaning Contracts: What You Need to Know

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Now more than ever, cleaning matters. As more and more businesses open their doors to employees and the public, ensuring that workplaces are clean and sanitary has never been a bigger priority. Business owners across the country are working diligently to keep customers and employees alike healthy. For many businesses, this means enhanced protocols for cleaning and disinfecting.

Demand for commercial cleaning services is at an all-time high and is still growing. With so many new cleaning contracts up for grabs, you may be wondering how you can get your cleaning business in front of potential customers. Read on for insights on how to acquire office cleaning contracts, bid customer contracts, collect money from clients, and more.

Choosing the Right Facilities to Clean

Determining what type of facility you wish to target is critical, and when selecting facility types it’s important to think about how facilities and industries differ. For instance, light industrial or manufacturing facilities likely require a less detailed level of service than a medical office or daycare facility. The facility cleaning needs change with the organization’s varying purposes. An organization tasked with the welfare of infants will have far different needs than an organization tasked with distributing cardboard boxes. In thinking about what types of customers you want to pursue, think about your skills, strengths, and weaknesses…determining what suits your skill set best will help you identify your ideal customers. Some companies may not need or want recurring janitorial services, but they may require special event cleaning after an office party. As with recurring commercial cleaning contracts, special event clean up contracts will have a wide variety of needs, and the entrepreneur must decide which of these opportunities to go after.

Keep Your Cleaning Customers Close – Travel, Expenses, Logistics

Travel and logistics should play a role when you are selecting clients to target. Travel time represents a real cost in terms of money and your time and should not be overlooked in deciding which types of contracts your office cleaning business wants to target. It is highly advisable to calculate the cost associated with traveling to client accounts. Moreover, researching areas where your target accounts can be found and selling to areas of closer proximity is very important. Clustering your cleaning accounts in geographic locations that are close to one another will reduce your commute time and the associated costs, as well as limit the chance of a missed clean due to traffic or other unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances.

Types of Commercial Janitorial Services

Creating a menu of the services your professional cleaning company intends to provide is important in terms of selling and pricing your cleaning contracts. Variables such as how often per week or per month you intend to offer service will impact not only your time commitment but also the cost the customer will pay for your services. Another variable to consider is the level of cleaning you intend to provide on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis. For instance, you may elect to provide weekly high dusting in your cleaning contracts, or you might decide to provide high dusting every night. In the second case, your cleaning company will be spending more time in the client facility to perform high dusting, thereby driving your personal cost higher – which in turn should be passed on to the client.

How to Get Office Cleaning Customers…Tools to Use

Traditional Sales Channels

After you have identified your ideal customer, decided which geographic area(s) to target, and defined your service offerings, it is time to begin selling contracts. Traditionally, the most effective and cost-efficient way to get commercial cleaning contracts is by picking up the phone and dialing, aka cold calling. If you already have a network with local business owners or office managers, tapping this network is a great place to start selling. Once you establish a base of satisfied customers, you can ask them to refer you to other businesses in their building, network, or industry. Word-of-mouth referrals are a strong vote of confidence for your brand and will make selling contracts to new clients much easier. Cold calling, networking, and customer referrals can help jumpstart your business, however, they cannot ensure consistent, stable growth in the long run.

Marketing Your Cleaning Business

Additional marketing efforts are necessary if you aim to acquire a large customer base. Fliers and pamphlets are a time-tested and relatively low-cost method to spread the word about your cleaning company. Contacting and building relationships with real estate agents and property managers is another great way to obtain customer contracts. Classified ads in newspapers are also an effective source to sell cleaning contracts, and classified ads are much cheaper than larger newspaper ads. In the age of the internet, a digital marketing strategy is critical to be a true competitor in the commercial cleaning industry. Increasingly, businesses are turning to the web to find and hire professional cleaners. An established online presence is important to winning customer contracts, and the foundation of this presence is creating a website for your cleaning company. An effective website will showcase your service offerings, provide information about your business, and tell your brand’s story. Make sure to include contact information on your website – inbound web traffic are likely high potential contract prospects.

Pricing Commercial Cleaning Contracts

Frequency and scope of service (or level of service) ultimately will determine how to price a cleaning contract. If you intend to service a restaurant or bar, for example, there is a big difference between cleaning the dining area and cleaning the kitchen. In the latter case, a much more intensive clean will be required, as the customer will expect an absolutely spotless kitchen. These elevated expectations should be reflected in the contract. Ultimately, you should take a consultative approach to understanding client expectations, customizing cleaning schedules, determining the frequency and scope of work to suit the facility needs and client desires, generating a cleaning contract with terms, and outlining conditions and pricing to match the client’s desires.

Collecting Money from Customer Contracts

Finally, creating a billing schedule and agreement represents an often-overlooked aspect of starting an office cleaning business. On the one hand, launching a cleaning company and getting clients can be fun and exhilarating, but the end goal is to create financial security and additional income. Therefore, no process is more important than building policies for billing and collecting money owed from customers.

Generally speaking, office cleaning companies offer “terms” to clients in the cleaning contract. What this means is a cleaning company may ask to be paid at a specified date following the receipt of the invoice that corresponds to the delivery of service. For instance, net 30 indicates the customer must pay the office cleaning company 30 days after receipt of the invoice, net 10 indicates payment is to be expected 10 days following receipt of invoice, and so on and so forth. Depending on your savings and capital reserves, you should select a payment term that ensures a steady flow of incoming funds which you’ll need to replenish supplies, continue marketing your service, and, best of all, set aside to increase your savings. Cash flow is king and establishing terms to meet your company’s cash flow needs is a key to success.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, the success of any business is determined by how much and how often they are able to sell. Above all else, consistency is crucial to building, growing, and maintaining a profitable commercial cleaning business. Therefore, having systems in place for sales, marketing, and collections is highly recommended to any business owner who aims to make a profit. Determining your service offerings and identifying your target customer and market are only the first steps to operating a successful commercial cleaning company. The development of a marketing strategy is ultimately how you will acquire customer cleaning contracts, and you must also build out a system to price contracts, distribute bids, and collect money from clients. Getting cleaning contracts – and retaining them – is by no means an easy task, but with the right systems in place, a commercial cleaning business can provide consistent and reliable income to a hungry entrepreneur.

Franchise with Corvus: We Get Cleaning Contracts for You

If you are a professional cleaner looking for contracts or are simply interested in learning more about owning your own business, the Corvus Team is here to help. Our dedicated sales and marketing teams do the hard work for you – all you have to do is clean! Contact us today to learn about franchising with Corvus.

UV Light Cleaning and Disinfecting

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Before, during, and after the coronavirus outbreak, the main priority of Corvus Janitorial Systems is the health and safety of our customers and the community at large. Now that we all know how important advanced cleaning and disinfecting strategies are, we’re shedding light on some of the ways that our services help combat this virus, other viruses, and everyday germs and bacteria. One method that has been gaining a lot of attention recently is ultraviolet (UV) light cleaning and disinfecting.

There are several different options for UV cleaning and disinfecting, but some are riskier than others. Professional-level UV cleaning and disinfecting are ideal, while certain at-home devices and products (UV lamps as hand sanitizers, in particular) should be avoided. UV phone cases and self-cleaning water bottles, when used properly, are safer consumer devices to use at home. But what about UV cleaning and disinfecting at the office? Can UV light really work as a disinfectant? Is it safe? Read on to find out.

UV Light Cleaning and Disinfecting

What is UV disinfecting?

UV light has been used for decades to kill bacteria and viruses. Since mid-March, germicidal ultraviolet technology has been getting a lot of attention. It is so effective that it’s often used in hospitals, where high-level cleaning and disinfecting has always been a necessity. Cleaning professionals in medical settings use UV devices to reduce the spread of bacteria and bugs that are resistant to medication, as well as effective disinfection in surgical rooms. Now, many professionals are using (or considering) UV light cleaning and disinfecting in schools, offices, and restaurants. This can help reduce the spread of the coronavirus as these settings reopen and adjust to the new normal.

How does UV disinfection work?

This process involves using UV-C light to clean and disinfect. This man-made light is one of three classes of UV light. Like UV-A and UV-B, UV-C comes primarily from the sun. But UV-C is the one that doesn’t reach us because our atmosphere absorbs it first. UV-C lights are used in sanitizing devices to disinfect surfaces. The light in these devices is strong enough to demolish the genetic material in bacteria and viruses. Because this particular class of light doesn’t reach the Earth, we can’t achieve the same effects by simply increasing sun exposure.

One important thing to keep in mind is that this particular coronavirus strain has been around for such a short amount of time that researchers haven’t been able to perform sufficient studies on the efficacy of all of the applicable cleaning and disinfecting methods yet. But we know that it has worked on previous coronavirus strains, so the relevant scientific evidence suggests it would have the same effects here. Another thing to keep in mind is that this is an incredibly strong and potent cleaning and disinfecting method. UV light can damage your skin and eyes. As such, it should only be used on a surface or object that needs cleaning. Do not use UVC light on your skin, and handle with care (preferably by a professional).

Deciding if you need it

For months, we’ve all been practicing safe social distancing. We’ve kept six feet away from others, worn masks in public, washed our hands and sanitized more frequently. We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Now that businesses, offices, and schools are reopening, we must continue to increase the measures that are keeping us and our loved ones safe and healthy. We weren’t all prepared for the outbreak when it began, but we can be prepared for how we address it now. By increasing the level, frequency, and efficacy of our cleaning and disinfecting processes, we can work toward a post-coronavirus world together.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that UV cleaning and disinfecting is a requirement. Ultimately, the choice is yours. There are human-safe UV light fixtures with low enough doses of UV-C lights to help reduce the spread of germs and viruses without damaging the skin, eyes, or causing other health problems. These are common in medical settings and are just starting to make their way into other business and commercial settings. But more research may be needed to confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Corvus Janitorial

With a wide variety of cleaning and disinfecting service options available, Corvus Janitorial can help you keep your office clean and safe. We offer high-impact disinfecting services for workplaces, including increased frequencies and convenient timing. In addition to UV light disinfecting, our high-level disinfecting services include electrostatic spraying and ultra-low volume fogging. Major airlines are using these techniques to disinfect passenger planes. We also offer re-focused cleaning and chemical applications, exposure cleaning and disinfecting, and can help you with mindful office organization. No job is too big or small at your local Corvus Janitorial office. Call us today to get started with a free consultation.

CEO Shares Home Cleaning and Disinfecting Tips

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Good Morning Arkansas

Interview with Corvus Janitorial CEO Justin Douglas

Corvus Janitorial Systems’ founder and co-CEO, Justin Douglas, sat down with KATV ABC7: Good Morning Arkansas’ Alyson Courtney to discuss cleaning and disinfecting your home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This interview aired on April 13, 2020.

Reporter:

Well, now more than ever cleaning services and cleaning thoroughly are vital. Cleaning expert Justin Douglas has been in the cleaning and janitorial business for more than 20 years and has some helpful tips to keep you from making some cleaning mistakes.

Courtney:

Justin, yes you guys are vitally important. The janitorial services that we just kind of took for granted for a long time. Really now, at the forefront of this pandemic, we need those cleaning services now more than ever. For people at home, what are some of the things that we need to keep in mind as we’re trying to clean our own homes?

Douglas:

Well, I think one of the big things that people need to be aware of is their schedule, what they’re cleaning, how often, and being aware of those high touchpoints. That’s where the germs and the disinfecting, of course, need to take place because everyone in your home is handling those items and objects.

Courtney:

There’re some mistakes out there that I’m sure that you notice as a professional in this business that a lot of us at home are making. Talk about some of those big mistakes.

Douglas:

Yeah, I think the biggest mistake that people are making has to do with the chemicals as well as the application of them. So, you want to clean a surface, but then you need to disinfect it. And when you’re doing that, you need to let the chemical dwell to have enough time to kill whatever it needs to kill–in this case, it’s a virus or bacteria. So, that two-step process is critical.

The other thing that I think people are making mistakes about is re-infecting areas that are clean. So, the frequency of cleaning those surfaces, how you’re cleaning them, again just being mindful of the fact that you may clean something in the morning, but it may need to be hit again in the afternoon and the evening as many times as possible. You know, avoiding re-infecting areas.

Courtney:

The dirtiest parts of our homes might not necessarily be where we think they are.

Douglas:

That’s right. I mean, what people have typically thought about cleaning–vacuuming the floors, trash–that, of course, is also still important, but you know, it’s become very different now.

I think that appliances are probably the dirtiest places in the house. And specifically, washing machines, dryers, and quite frankly, your trash bin because that’s where soiled materials are going to go. It’s just not a part of our regular routine so we’re reminding people that of course, you’re hitting the appliances as we said, but anywhere that soiled materials–rags, cloths, paper towels– that you’ve used to clean are going now needs to be cleaned too.

Courtney:

Let’s talk about the products that we use to clean and disinfect our homes. It’s been hard to find some of those products lately because everyone has gone out to get the Lysol and the disinfecting wipes. What should we be using and what should we use if we can’t necessarily find what we would typically like to use?

Douglas:

Yeah, so I think the supply chain is catching up. But certainly, people went out and bought in bulk and that’s understandable. In terms of a disinfectant, you want to be using an EPA certified disinfectant. The CDC is a great resource for people out there, and they have a list of all of these types of cleaning chemicals that you can use.

You know, in the event that you can’t get something at the store, there are home remedies. I think the thing that your viewers should be very careful about is mixing those home remedies, just as a disclaimer. But bleach is a disinfectant that you can use that the CDC is recommending and you need to dilute it with water correctly. And so is hydrogen peroxide.

Then, there are some more basic remedies, but I don’t think that they’re ideal for this sort of pandemic. White vinegar, for instance, has some disinfecting properties, but EPA certified disinfectant followed by bleach and hydrogen peroxide.

Courtney:

Let’s talk about disinfecting things that we bring into our homes. First off, we have our shoes on. Should we be leaving those outside? Then, as we bring in mail, packages, groceries, should we specifically be disinfecting each of those items?

Douglas:

Yes. And, I think that’s where people break down in terms of their vigilance, if you will. When groceries arrive, when packages come, I mean, frankly, it’s almost the only interaction we’re having with the outside world right now and I think people get excited. But the delivery people who are just as critical, I think, as janitors right now are out in the world and not social distancing.

So, what I think is really important is to set up almost a manufacturing line in your home. If you get home and you get packages, if you can leave them outside for a period of time, put them in your garage, put them somewhere safe. Quarantine those packages, quite frankly, for a period of time and then once that’s elapsed go out and disinfect it with a Lysol or a disinfectant. Then, also, get rid of the packaging that whatever you’ve ordered has come in. Or, if in the case of groceries, if you can take your strawberries from one of those plastic containers and put them into clean Tupperware, that’s what you really need to be doing. So, it’s the chemical, but it’s also the awareness about [the] order of operations for bringing outside objects into your home.

Courtney:

And Justin, are you guys still working as much and how does someone know when they do need a professional to come in?

Douglas:

We are an office cleaning company. Because so many of our customers are now quarantined and sheltering in place, we’re trying to provide home cleaning tips. You know, I think it’s a tricky situation that we’re in, obviously, that’s an understatement. But, for the time being, being aware of who is in your home and who’s not is probably the best and first line of defense. Therefore, if you can do your own cleaning at home, that’s probably the right thing to do. And you know, we’ve all got a lot of people at home these days, so you want to press your family into service and make it a team sport.

Courtney:

Justin, thanks so much for your time. I know you guys are certainly teaching us a lot as we learn to do it ourselves at home and make sure we’re doing it correctly. We appreciate you.

Douglas:

Thank you, it’s a pleasure.

Corvus Janitorial

If you’re looking for a commercial cleaning company that uses only the highest-quality products and proven techniques, Corvus Janitorial is it. For all of your cleaning, purifying, and disinfecting needs, trust Corvus Janitorial. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.

Corvus Endorses H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act

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As our country and communities continue to face the coronavirus head-on, it has never been more important that offices, schools, restaurants, food production facilities, and other businesses are thoroughly and effectively cleaned and disinfected. The reopening of the American economy and the return to workplaces by employees and patrons brings with it new health and safety concerns for employers. Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of workers, families, and society at large is a top priority as we continue to reopen.

In order for the economy to continue opening up, it is critical that businesses have sufficient resources to invest in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment for their workers and customers. This will entail businesses significantly improving upon their cleaning and disinfection practices in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and to create peace of mind in workers and customers alike.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and industry groups have all issued guidance that calls for increased frequency and scope of cleaning and disinfecting applications. The “new normal” for commercial cleaning standards will increase costs to businesses at a time of unprecedented revenue declines and uncertainty.

Federal legislation is needed to address the rising costs to businesses associated with enhanced cleaning and disinfection programs. It is for this reason that Corvus would like to thank Representatives Darin LaHood and Stephanie Murphy for introducing H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act.

The bill, introduced in the House of Representatives in June, would create a $25,000 temporary tax credit per location (capped at $250,000 per business entity) for a business’ qualified cleaning expenses. H.R. 7079 allows business taxpayers a tax credit for 50% of their qualified cleaning expenses, such as amounts paid for cleaning services and products, tools, machinery, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other sanitary equipment, as well as training and certification in cleaning.

The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act is a bipartisan bill that ensures businesses will be able to adequately protect employees and patrons and allow them to continue serving their communities. This commonsense legislation is critical in helping our nation’s businesses safeguard the health and safety of workers and customers and preventing further outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.

Corvus strongly urges members of the House, the Senate, and the White House to pass additional bipartisan stimulus that includes H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act. Additionally, we encourage our teammates, franchise partners, customers, and communities to contact their local congressperson to show support for H.R. 7079.

To see the bill in its entirety and for more information on the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act, click here.

The High-Level Disinfecting Method Trusted by Airlines and Hotels

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By now, we all know how important it is to give extra attention to high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas. And that’s not just in your home and or your office space. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world’s busiest passenger airport, sees 107.4 million passengers each year. To keep up with the high demand, there are over 700,000 hotels and resorts across the globe. Settings like airports and hotels that see near-constant traffic can be hard to keep effectively clean and disinfected, but it’s not impossible if you know how to do it right.

These are a few settings where it’s incredibly important to keep everything clean and disinfected. High-traffic locations can easily spread germs and viruses to millions of people if they’re not properly maintained. Even if the coronavirus changed the way we do it, it’s clear from recent data that we’re not done traveling. So, what are the recommended cleaning and disinfecting procedures for places that see the highest amounts of traffic and have the most high-touch surfaces? The answer might be one you’re not very familiar with yet. Luckily, Corvus Janitorial is.

Disinfecting with Electrostatic Sprayers

Some of the largest airlines in the world are relying on high-level electrostatic sprayers to sanitize every flight and ensure their passengers’ safety. Delta is one of them, reporting that electrostatic spraying “provides a safe and effective way to thoroughly clean an aircraft cabin from floor to ceiling.” Next time you take a flight, you can find comfort in the fact that all high-touch surfaces, including your seat, screen, armrest, tray table, door, and restroom will be disinfected this way. They’ll be used in crew cabins, airline offices, and other settings there, too.

How Electrostatic Sprayers Work

The sprayers work by electrically charging and dispersing high-level liquid disinfectants via fine mists into the air and onto surfaces. This is a highly effective technique used to attack germs, bacteria, and viruses. For years, electrostatic spraying has been used in healthcare settings. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities have long recognized the benefits of employing this method to stop the spread of dangerous germs and infections. But since the coronavirus outbreak, airlines and hotels have broken into the space, too.

An Emerging Trend

Delta’s not the only one that has caught on to this germ-killing super method. Southwest Airlines is also making use of this highly effective method of disinfection, along with United Airlines, and Singapore Air. One of the largest lodging companies in the country, Marriot, has recently upgraded its cleaning procedures to include electrostatic spraying. Another large hotel chain, Hilton, is considering following suit. As we progress further into the year and travel becomes more widely acceptable again (and eagerly anticipated), it’s highly likely that we’ll see this list continue to grow.

Cleaning and Disinfecting for the Future

These high-traffic airlines and hotels are making use of one of the most powerful disinfecting methods we currently have available. And they’re using it in conjunction with other important cleaning and disinfecting methods. We can expect to see more options for virtual, contact-free check-ins, digital room keys, booking buffers, and limited shared spaces (where possible) going forward. The pandemic has changed a lot of things about the ways we all live. While many of the impacts are negative, increased comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting through methods like electrostatic spraying is a huge positive.

This potent disinfectant application is allowing airlines and hotels to take control back from the coronavirus. You can use it to take back control in your office, too. We can’t put our lives on hold forever. But as we begin to return to “normal life,” we might have to make some adjustments. From summer vacations to daily office life, small adjustments can get us back to where we need to be. Corvus Janitorial is offering electrostatic spray services for high-level disinfecting that gives you peace of mind when you need it. Use it to keep your office safe and to reduce the spread of both the coronavirus and other viruses, too.

Corvus Janitorial

If you’re looking for a commercial cleaning company that uses only the highest-quality products and proven techniques, Corvus Janitorial is it. For all of your cleaning, purifying, and disinfecting needs, trust Corvus Janitorial. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.

Understanding the pH Scale of Cleaning Chemicals and Why It Matters

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Most of us remember from middle school science and high school Chemistry the very basics of the pH scale. We remember beakers and test strips, lining up the colors to see which side of the scale our test liquid would land on. We remember that dissolving chemicals in water alters the pH scale, either in the direction of being acidic or basic, and that pure water was our neutral base. We tested lemon juice and found it acidic, while common detergents were basic. But we rarely thought about these things again until we realized the impact it had on our cleaning chemicals and how much of a difference it could make in our cleaning processes.

Basic vs. Acidic on Different Types of Material

As a quick refresher, the pH scale ranges from zero to 14. Zero to six is acidic, seven is neutral, and eight through 14 is alkaline. Choosing the right cleaning supplies based on their standing on the pH scale, the type of material, amount of time you have, and the level of soiling is crucial. Most cleaning chemicals are alkaline (basic) because these are the types of solutions that are good for cleaning dirt stains, greases, oils, and other organics. On the other side of the pH scale, acids are more effective when working on minerals like rust spots and calcium buildup. Right in the middle, dish soap is the closest to neutral, as far as cleaning supplies go.

The Scale of Common Household Cleaning Supplies

Bleach: pH 11-13

Bleach is one of the most common cleaning supplies in households and commercial settings. This particular product has a pH between 11 and 13. Its high level of alkalinity is what makes it corrosive. As a result, ventilation is important when using bleach. It should be used cautiously and strictly according to instructions, both for the safety of the cleaner and the benefit of the surface it’s being used on. Because bleach is so strong, it’s not safe on a lot of surfaces or fabrics, but it’s great for eliminating stains and whitening the affected area.

Ammonia: pH 11-13

Ammonia is another common cleaning product and it lands around the same number on the pH scale. It is also corrosive, requires care and ventilation, and shouldn’t be mixed with other cleaning supplies or ingredients. Ammonia is great when you’re working with stubborn dirt and grime spots. The same is true for tub and tile cleaners. At home or in the office, these can be used on stubborn dirt and grime spots throughout the bathroom, not just in showers. Their alkalinity makes them ideal for toilets, countertops, and sinks, too.

Borax & Baking Soda: pH 8-10

As we inch closer to neutral on the scale, we find products like Borax and baking soda. Borax leans toward the alkaline side of the scale, making it ideal for breaking down organics like dirt and oil. But with a pH of 10, it isn’t as corrosive as heavier products like ammonia and bleach. And just before we reach our friendly, neutral cleaner of traditional dish soap, we have baking soda with a pH of eight or nine. It’s alkaline enough to eliminate dirt and grease, but close enough to neutral to be even less corrosive than Borax. For a good, neutral, everyday cleaner, mild dish soap won’t hurt your skin and it’s safe on most surfaces.

Acidic Cleaning Products: pH < 7

The cleaning products on the alkaline side of the pH scale are, by far, the more common ones. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have any use for the products on the basic side of the scale. Things like stone cleaners, vinegar, lemon juice, and toilet cleaners serve their own purposes at home and in the office. These are generally better for cleaning things like mineral or hard water deposits, milder rust stains, soap film buildup, and polishing brass or copper products in the kitchen, bathroom, or other areas. Choosing the right cleaning supplies can save you time, money, and frustration. Using the wrong product can be ineffective or even damaging, depending on the surface you’re cleaning.

Corvus Janitorial

When you choose Corvus Janitorial’s cleaning services, we take all of the guesswork out of your commercial cleaning. We bring the right chemicals, tools, supplies, and procedures to give your space the deep cleaning it deserves. You don’t have to worry about relearning Chemistry, choosing the right products for the right surfaces, or any of the other little details that add up to make big differences. Our commercial cleaning services take the pressure off you and your employees. They provide you with a true, deep clean, and clear peace of mind. And with a deeply cleaned and sanitized office space to walk into, everyone will feel more comfortable and productive. Let us handle the complicated cleaning procedures, so you can focus your time and attention on more important things. Contact us today to discover how Corvus can help keep your workplace clean and vibrant.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Cleaning Tips from the Corvus Team

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Slow and Steady Wins the Race

When it comes to growing your business, there are so many different business strategies out there. It can almost feel overwhelming, especially if you’re thinking about starting a business or trying to get one off the ground. To gain some insight, Cleaning Matters caught up with Bennie Roberts, a Corvus of New Orleans Franchisee since 2010, who has recorded outstanding financial growth as a result of his disciplined, careful approach to operating his Corvus Office Cleaning Franchise. Mr. Roberts shares some key insights connected to his business philosophy that have helped him to stand out in the industry.

Cleaning Matters:

Mr. Roberts, thank you for agreeing to sit down with us and share your perspective on what it takes to start a cleaning business.

Mr. Roberts:

You’re welcome, although starting is one thing, succeeding is another. What I wanted to share is how I think about what accounts to take. As a Corvus Franchisee, the local office sort of serves as my sales and marketing arm. They go after prospects, land accounts, then offer them to me. The thing is, you don’t have to take every account that is offered to you. And you shouldn’t.

Cleaning Matters:

That’s exactly right, but maybe you can elaborate, please?

Mr. Roberts:

Running a business is a marathon; it’s not a sprint. Taking on accounts, of any kind, in a slow, methodical way, so you can scale up your operation to provide service, is key. It is way better to grow slowly and create a strong base of customers and be really capable than to take on a bunch of accounts and get overwhelmed. So, saying no to more accounts, sometimes, is the best way to make sure you succeed in the long term.

Cleaning Matters:

Are there any other reasons to say no to accounts, or any other strategies you use?

Mr. Roberts:

When I first started my business, I had this idea that I would only take really huge accounts. But actually, for me and my business, I prefer smaller accounts, but want more of them…Now I am at a place where I can take lots of them. So, I say no to large accounts a lot, but I also let the office know I want smaller customers. By doing so I guide them, which they really like. They want that feedback and want to customize the sales approach to my needs. You just have to think about what works best for you, for your business, then communicate that.

Cleaning Matters:

You certainly have done that well, and after a decade of operation show no signs of slowing down. Thank you, Bennie Roberts, Corvus of New Orleans Unit Franchise Owner.

As you can see, Mr. Roberts approached his business with a slow and steady technique. He valued the quality of clients over quantity and learned how to say no if the client didn’t fit his vision for the company. Though that may have been difficult at first, it has had a big pay off as time has gone on!

HEPA Filters in Vacuums: Why We Use Them and What You Need to Know

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Before the pandemic began, vacuum filters weren’t something that many of us thought about. But in the post-outbreak world, we’re all digging a bit deeper. We’re considering our options, diving into the details, and making better choices. We can do the hard work that’s necessary to keep ourselves, our loved ones, our employees or coworkers, and our communities safe. Choosing HEPA filters and cleaning services that use HEPA filters are two easy ways that we can make a big difference in the air quality at the office and at home. But what are HEPA filters?

HEPA Filters vs. Regular Filters

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters are often also called high-efficiency particulate absorbing and high-efficiency particulate arrestance (the measure of a filter’s ability to remove synthetic dust from the air). Whichever name you know them by, their purpose is the same: to serve as an efficiency standard of air filter. HEPA filters remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This percentage meets the United States Department of Energy (DOE) standard adopted by most American industries.

How HEPA Filters Work

HEPA filters remove contaminants from surfaces and the air by forcing the air through fibers that trap them. The fibers are typically made out of fiberglass. There is very little airspace left between the filters, so they can catch even the smallest particles. These particles are trapped in three different ways: diffusion, interception, and impaction. Each of the three methods differs slightly for maximum efficiency. Together, they provide unbeatable air filtering.

Diffusion is the result of the collision of gas molecules and the smallest particles in the area. The particles are impeded and delayed as they pass through the filter. Interception occurs when particles following the natural air stream come in contact with one of the HEPA filter’s fibers and then stick to it. And with impaction, larger particles can’t avoid the fibers and end up embedded in one of them instead. The three methods of trapping particles come together to give us that minimum of 99.97% removal.

Benefits of Using HEPA Filters

HEPA filters offer high-quality purification. They are highly effective in removing particles like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and smoke. A normal vacuum would recirculate these particles back into the air. HEPA-filtered vacuums trap the particles instead. In order to achieve maximum efficiency, a true HEPA filter is needed, not just a filter that mimics its style. There are many benefits to removing these air particles, especially for individuals with asthma, allergies, or breathing problems.

These conditions, and others, can be triggered or worsened by small particles in the air that would be left behind by normal vacuums. With these tiny particles removed from your office or living space, your indoor air quality is drastically improved. HEPA filters can also remove dust, mold, and bacteria. They’re useful in every setting where the air quality can be improved, not just the ones where you worry about allergies and asthma. You’ll notice the difference immediately. HEPA filters are a simple way to provide cleaner air and peace of mind.

HEPA Vacuum Maintenance

If you’re using vacuums or air purifiers with HEPA filters at home or the office, it’s important to keep them maintained. Check the HEPA filters every two weeks. On average, HEPA filters have to be replaced every six months. It may be more or less depending on how often you use it and how contaminated the area gets. The best method is to replace the filter as soon as it starts to look discolored. These filters can be part of a bigger plan to keep pesky particles out of your office or home. For the best results, vacuum often, and reduce the number of harmful particles by keeping other areas cleaned and disinfected, too.

Corvus Janitorial

If you’re looking for a commercial cleaning company that uses only the highest-quality products and proven techniques, Corvus Janitorial is it. We use high-quality HEPA-filtered vacuums to improve the air quality in the offices and buildings we service. These filters remove particles and impurities from the air instead of circulating them right back in like normal vacuums do. What you’re left with is cleaner air and a higher quality of life. For all of your cleaning, purifying, and disinfecting needs, trust Corvus Janitorial. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.

How Coronavirus Will Change Your Office

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Now that restrictions are lifting, most of us are left wondering what post-coronavirus life will look like. The CDC is urging businesses, schools, and other facilities to follow updated practices as they re-open. Until we have a better understanding, an effective vaccine, and pre-COVID numbers, it’s up to us to ensure the health and safety of ourselves and the people around us. If you’re wondering how the coronavirus outbreak will change your office, there’s a lot here to consider.

Why Offices Employers and Employees Need to Adjust

We all need to continue doing our part in slowing the spread and ending this pandemic. If the numbers have gone down enough for your town to feel comfortable re-opening, that’s a good sign. But it doesn’t mean that we’re entirely in the clear yet. By following updating practices, keeping our distance, changing our office setups, and increasing our cleaning and disinfecting processes, we can keep ourselves and each other safe.

For the last few months, the majority of America’s workforce has been working from home. In a recent survey, 66% of workers reported that they’re not comfortable going back to their workplace the way things are right now. But if you work for a company that requires your physical presence at work each day now that restrictions are lifting, employers and employees will have to compromise. It’s up to employers to make their valued employees feel more comfortable, safe, and valued.

In the same survey, 64% of respondents would prefer the ability to wear a mask at work; 61% hope to maintain social distancing in the office, and 49% want to see limited numbers in workplace meetings. These are a few things that are easy to implement as offices reopen. And they’re a great start. But we all have to do more.

Why Office Spaces Need to Change

Most traditional office spaces have been set up in a way that doesn’t align with proper social distancing. After all, this is something that we didn’t see coming. But now, it’s time to adjust. Office spaces with open layouts, large conference rooms, shared workspaces, and a clear lack of division won’t survive the post-coronavirus world. Unless employers want to see their offices shut down again while their employees fight the virus at home, office spaces will have to change. They’ll need to create more space between cubicles or workspaces, break meetings into smaller groups, and operate at a reduced capacity until we know it’s safe again.

The CDC is recommending:

• Hazard assessments in the workplace
• Cloth face coverings at work (or more drastic protection measures if the area is deemed hazardous)
• Keeping six feet of distance between each individual
• Immediately sending symptomatic employees home
• Increasing air circulation in shared spaces
• Cleaning and disinfecting routinely

What the Post-Coronavirus Office will Look and Feel Like

The good news is that many offices are already implementing a lot of the changes we’ve talked about. In the short-term, many are occupying their offices at a reduced capacity. Some are suggesting that employees alternate their schedules so that only 50% of them are in the office at the same time. This would mean that in one workweek, 50% would be working in the office while the other 50% work from home. The following week, they’d switch. Large meetings are being canceled, moved to virtual, shortened, or broken up into smaller groups. Temperatures are being checked at the door. Face masks are being worn throughout the day.

Another change you’ll notice immediately is that your cubicle probably won’t look the way it did three months ago. At least some of them won’t. Ones with thick, high walls may remain. But others that serve as flimsy dividers that end at your chin will likely be improved or replaced. The same way fast-food chains, convenience, and grocery stores have implemented shields made of plexiglass or similar materials, we can expert similar enclosures from our office cubicles.

These are excellent changes to make until we have more substantial processes to rely on. But now that we know how quickly a simple virus can come along and shake up the whole world, we have to consider long-term changes, too. For experts, businesses, and many others, long-term requirements are clear. And one of the largest ones is updated and increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures. This is where Corvus Janitorial and our incredible franchisees come in.

The Bottom Line

For the foreseeable future, it’s important to follow the CDC’s updates closely. Changed office spaces, reduced capacities, consistent use of masks and social distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures are all current recommendations. Almost all offices will need more cleaning and disinfecting services now that the scope of work has changed. What used to be a schedule of casual vacuuming, dusting, and light cleaning for many companies has now evolved into a true medical need. We need increased attention and care to keep ourselves, workers, our families, and our communities safe.

Corvus Janitorial can help meet these goals and mitigate the spread of the virus by providing more thorough, regular disinfection programs. Both the methods and the frequencies must be updated. In an ongoing effort to help fight against the spread of COVID, we’ve implemented a high-impact disinfection system with highly effective techniques that have been proven in other settings. These systems have been used in hospitals, clinics, and airlines to thoroughly and properly disinfect high-touch and high-traffic areas. We’re thrilled to be bringing these systems to your offices to keep you, your employees, and your families safe.

Our new disinfection processes include:

• Electrostatic sprayers
• ULV fogging
• UV light disinfection

Electrostatic sprayers use an electrical charge to apply a high-quality coating, cleaner, or disinfectant to the chosen surface. This makes it easier to cover more surface area, disinfect hard-to-reach areas, and eliminate any human error involved in manual disinfecting. This way, all surfaces are properly disinfected, not just the high-touch ones. Additionally, when disinfectants are applied this way, they don’t have to be wiped down. This eliminates the dwell time and increases its effectiveness.

ULV fogging is another service that is used by major airlines. This is a similar process, in which a pump and blower are used to atomize the cleaner or disinfectant and spread it in the air. This allows for greater coverage, disinfection or larger areas, and an efficient, effective process. Lastly, UV light disinfection stops germs, bacteria, and viruses in their tracks. Without the use of chemicals, this method relies on wavelengths of UV light that give you rapid and effective results. Our cleaning and disinfecting processes are a step above the rest. Call us today to see what we can do for you.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit corvusjanitorial.com or corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.

Corvus Franchise Owners Are Proud to Serve Essential Businesses

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We are all living through uncertain and unprecedented times. Corvus Janitorial franchise owners are stepping up to the challenges facing our nation. While many businesses have gone into lockdown, essential service providers have remained open. They have faced the coronavirus pandemic head-on. Essential workers are continuing to provide goods and services to the general population, and they do this despite often putting themselves at a greater risk of infection. From food distributors to medical facilities, manufacturers to law enforcement, Corvus wants to thank essential workers. We are proud to service essential businesses and the employees that keep them running. We are proud to support those that are keeping their doors open for the good of the public.

Individuals and businesses have had to make radical changes in their everyday lives. This is particularly true for essential businesses, and they’ve had to adapt their practices in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Keeping employees safe and healthy has always been important, but never before has the issue been so front-of-mind and clear. In this volatile time, businesses are rapidly updating their standards and procedures. Cleaning regimens have seen more attention than most other areas. We support these businesses and their efforts to ensure a safe, sanitary workplace. As such, we’ve done what we can to make it easier for them. Corvus franchise owners have been accommodating changes in the scope of their services. This flexibility helps us provide high-level, unapparelled services.

In labor-intensive, high-volume essential industries like manufacturing, updates are necessary. A growing number of Corvus customers are requesting changes. Increases in the frequency of cleaning services have been a common request. Enhanced disinfection programs and day porting services are also in demand. We’re proud of what our Franchisees have been doing to help the state of the nation. So, we want to highlight some of the stories we’ve encountered over the last few weeks.

Chicago Corvus Franchisee, Marquette Dewitt, exemplifies our high standard of customer care. He has cleaned for Packaging Corporation of America for the last three years. Marquette and his team have expanded beyond their regular, after-hours cleaning services. They have begun day porting at the facility for four hours each day. Included in the expanded scope of service is routine, comprehensive disinfection. “With all that’s been going on with coronavirus, I am grateful to be able to provide these businesses – and their employees – with peace of mind. Being able to do my part to help essential businesses operate smoothly and safely is a great feeling, and I’m proud to be their partner,” Marquette reflects.

Medical facilities are in particular need of extensive cleaning and disinfecting programs. Medical professionals are right on the front lines. They are combatting COVID-19 and saving lives each day. Alere Toxicology Services is an excellent example of an essential medical business. Pre-coronavirus, this company provided substance abuse testing (and continues to do so). But now, they have been administering COVID-19 tests in the New Orleans metro area, as well. Due to the nature of this work, they have altered their procedures to keep their clients safe. Franchise owner, Keelee Menina, and her crew have increased cleaning and disinfecting to three times per day. Ms. Menina says, “It has been humbling and inspiring to see the work they are doing to help our community. Our region got hit very hard initially, and businesses like Alere are saving lives. I’m just glad that my team and I can support their efforts”.

The Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA) is another important company. ARORA collaborates with hospitals to facilitate organ and tissue donations. Corvus franchise owners service ARORA’s facilities in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. In a letter to local Corvus management, they’ve reminded us that what we do is so important. ARORA’s Executive Director writes, “I wanted to share my appreciation to Corvus for the outstanding work done by the cleaning team at our office… Thank you for your employee’s dedication to keeping our office clean and sanitized”. It is our pleasure; thank you, ARORA, for all that you do in our communities!

Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society is more important than ever. This has been a major emphasis during the pandemic. The elderly are at particularly high risk for serious complications from SARS-CoV-2. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the severity of this risk. “Eight of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years or older; risk of death is highest among those 85 years or older”. Elderly individuals in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are at the highest risk.

The communal nature of these facilities can act as a breeding ground for the virus. Data collected by the New York Times reveals that approximately 11% of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States have occurred in long-term care facilities. However, these facilities account for over one-third of case fatalities. It is critical that this demographic receives an even greater level of care and caution. This is true for the essential individuals who serve them, as well.

Corvus is proud to service organizations and facilities that care for elderly populations. These essential businesses provide care, medical supplies, and aid to senior citizens. Corvus of Orlando Franchisees, Julio Santos and Castillo Padilla, provide cleaning and disinfecting services to Seniors First and Kissimmee Outpatient. Seniors First facilitates local Meals on Wheels and similar programs in the area. Kissimmee Outpatient provides urgent care in the community. They have also been providing local COVID-19 testing. “The team [at Seniors First] has done so much good for the Orlando senior community over the years, and it has been really inspiring to see them step up in these difficult times. It’s an honor to be their partner – now more than ever,” Santos states.

Tarita Ivy, a Corvus of Indianapolis Franchisee, recently began performing services at HomeMed Pharmacy. HomeMed delivers essential pharmaceutical products and prescriptions to high-risk patients. “I was excited to take on the HomeMed account at the beginning of May. They are keeping vulnerable patients safe, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to contribute to their efforts”.

Corvus Janitorial Franchisees care about the communities that they serve. This has never been more clear. As this crisis evolves, we will continue to serve our communities in any way we can. Increased awareness, cleaning, and disinfecting can make all the difference. We’ll get through this together and we’ll come out stronger on the other side. If you’re ready to serve your community and take control of your career, this is the job for you, too. Contact us today to learn about business ownership with Corvus Janitorial Systems.

Corvus Disinfecting Programs: Electrostatic Spraying

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Corvus Janitorial System and its Franchisees have been honored to participate in the fight against COVID. We are working to make workspaces clean, healthy, and safe. In an ongoing effort to support that mission, Corvus is pleased to announce its HIGH IMPACT DISINFECTING program. This disinfection process is centered around the use of ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYING systems, a highly effective technique employed to attack germs, bacteria, and viruses. Already in use by major airlines to disinfect planes between flights and also employed by medical and hospital type environments, Corvus is thrilled to bring this service offering to our valued customers.

What is Electrostatic Spraying?

Electrostatic spraying is a method of applying a coating, cleaner, disinfectant, or other liquid to a surface by applying an electric charge to the liquid solution. Electrostatic spray technology was invented in the 1930s to improve spray disposition. It was popularized in the 1940s by the auto industry, where it was used to more efficiently paint cars and trucks. In the 1980s, the technology emerged in the agriculture industry as a method to apply pesticides to crops. Over the last few years, electrostatic spray technology has found its way into the cleaning industry as an efficient new way for cleaning professionals to apply cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants across facility types and surfaces.

How Does Electrostatic Spraying Work?

At the most basic level, electrostatic spraying works by applying a positive electric charge to a liquid as it passes through a nozzle. The liquid is then sprayed onto a surface that is grounded or has a negative electric charge. Excess protons in the positively charged atoms of the spray are attracted to the electron fields of other atoms, causing those atoms to become polarized.

As Coulomb’s Law states, opposite charges are attracted to one another and similar charges repel each other. In essence, this means that a positively charged liquid is attracted to a neutral or negatively charged target surface. At the same time, as each particle of the liquid carries a positive charge, the particles naturally repel each other, creating a wider dispersion. As the liquid passes through the nozzle, it becomes atomized into a fine spray. The droplets disperse from each other, becoming finer and finer, and seek out a negatively charged surface to bind with.

Electrostatic spraying provides a full, even coat of liquid across a surface. The droplets will cover the entire visible area, including the underside and backside of surfaces. Surfaces that have already been covered by the disinfectant will repel additional spray, maximizing the efficiency of delivery. Conventional sprayers use air pressure to break down the particles in a liquid solution. This leads to a high spraying velocity that can cause overspray. Electrostatic sprayers do not use air pressure in the atomization process. This leads to a vastly improved transfer efficiency, which limits chemical consumption as well as the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) into the environment.

Electrostatic Spraying vs Traditional Disinfecting Techniques

Electrostatic spray technology provides many advantages during the disinfection process. In order to properly disinfect a surface, it must be fully coated with the disinfectant and needs to remain wet for the proper dwell time, usually around 10 minutes. Traditional methods of disinfecting, such as spray and wipe, mopping, and cloth applications are not only time consuming – they also lend themselves to human error. To truly disinfect an area, all surfaces must be disinfected. Traditional disinfection methods require the cleaner to manually apply and remove the chemicals, which can take a lot of time and requires acute attention to detail. Additionally, hard to reach areas are often overlooked, though they could still be soiled and carry dangerous germs and pathogens.

Electrostatic sprayers eliminate these barriers to effective disinfection. Because they are able to cover a large surface area relatively quickly, they are both time and monetarily efficient. Surfaces that are hard to reach by the human hand are easily reached by an electrostatic sprayer. This enables cleaning professionals to disinfect every surface in a room rather than just “high-touch” areas. Traditional disinfection methods, particularly spray and wipe, are rendered ineffective if the disinfectant is not allowed to dwell on a surface long enough.

Oftentimes, a surface will get sprayed with a disinfectant and wiped down almost immediately. This is a problem, as disinfectants need time to work properly. The proper dwell time varies by chemical, but 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb to reference. Disinfectants applied with an electrostatic sprayer solve the problem of inadequate dwell times. After applying disinfectant with an electrostatic sprayer, the surface does not need to be wiped down. In facilities such as childcare facilities, schools, and healthcare facilities where germs can spread like wildfire. Disinfection is of utmost importance to them, and electrostatic disinfection techniques are a game-changer.

Electrostatic Spraying in the Cleaning Industry

As mentioned above, traditional disinfecting spray equipment and methods come with a suite of issues. In addition to allowing for a proper dwell time, making hard to reach areas easily accessible, and shortening the time it takes to disinfect an area, electrostatic spray technology also addresses transfer efficiency problems. Transfer efficiency is a measure of how much chemical reaches a surface versus the percentage lost to the floor and surrounding environment. Just as the agricultural industry adapted electrostatic spray technology from the auto and painting industries, the commercial cleaning industry has adapted it to suit its needs. Because almost any liquid can be electrically charged, electrostatic sprayers are highly versatile in their applications.

With improvements in the past decade in the portability and simplicity of use of electrostatic sprayers, they have become a reasonable, cost-effective, and practical tool for professional cleaners to add to their arsenals. Cleaners, sanitizers, deodorizers, and disinfectants can all be used with electrostatic sprayers. In the current pandemic climate, there has been a massive surge in interest and demand for electrostatic disinfection services. Many companies are utilizing the technology to keep their businesses running and their stakeholders safe. For example, United Airlines has implemented electrostatic spray disinfection on their aircrafts after each flight.

Disinfectants Used in Electrostatic Sprayers

Since most liquids can be used in electrostatic sprayers, many common disinfectants can be applied using the technology. For use against COVID-19 specifically, the EPA has released “List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2”. All of the products on List N meet the EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19. At Corvus, we use the hospital-grade disinfectant Q.T. Plus, which has demonstrated effectiveness on hard, porous surfaces against viruses similar to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Conclusion

At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we understand that a clean and sanitary workplace not only protects people’s health. It also gives them peace of mind. With these needs in mind, Corvus has implemented the use of electrostatic sprayers into our service offerings. Call or email today to learn more about this exciting and effective service offering.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit corvusjanitorial.com or corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.

Corvus Guide to Reopening: Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Medical Office

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With more and more states lifting, or planning to lift, stay-at-home orders, business owners and office managers across the country are exploring the safest – and most practical – measures to reopen their facilities to employees and customers alike. Medical offices, such as doctor’s offices, dental facilities, and specialty clinics, should begin to see an uptick in foot traffic as in-person visits start to increase and elective procedures resume. It is critical that these facilities implement cleaning and disinfecting regimens that go above and beyond the pre-coronavirus standard.

As medical offices begin the process of reopening their operations, decision makers must determine how they can create the safest environment for their staff and for their patients. At Corvus Janitorial, we understand the vital role medical professionals play – both during this pandemic and outside of it – to ensuring that our communities are healthy, happy, and safe. With that in mind, we are here to provide advice on procedures that should be implemented in medical offices and facilities in order to successfully reopen in the safest, most sanitary way.

Perform a Deep Clean and Disinfection Before Opening the Office

According to Tommy Petagna of Corvus of New Orleans, “Before opening the office to staff and patients, both a thorough, deep clean and facility-wide disinfection should be performed. We’re seeing more and more of our medical office clients ask for this type of deep clean even before we recommend it”. Though they are often thought of as the same, cleaning and disinfecting are two distinct processes. During a general clean, the intent is to remove dirt and dust. This step must be completed before disinfection because germs can lurk in grime and soiled areas. Once an area is clean, it must then be disinfected.

Disinfection can be done in numerous ways. With COVID-19, the disinfection of all areas using commercial grade chemicals is critical. Typical disinfecting is done using EPA approved medical grade chemicals that are applied to a surface using a spray bottle (or as a mop solution for floors). The disinfectant is then given “dwell time”, which is time to sit on the surface and kill microorganisms. Though this method is effective at killing germs, it can be a time-consuming task to disinfect every surface in a facility, and hard to reach areas are often missed.

Disinfecting Techniques to Combat COVID-19

To address the issues with common disinfection methods, it is advisable to use a machine, such as an electrostatic sprayer or an ultra-low volume (ULV) fogger. This will ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness.

Electrostatic sprayers work by giving the disinfectant solution a positive electric charge. Because surfaces typically carry a negative or neutral charge, once the disinfectant is sprayed, the positively charged chemicals are attracted to the negatively charged surfaces and will bind to them. The droplets will cover the entire visible area, including the underside and backside of surfaces. Surfaces that have already been covered by the disinfectant will repel additional spray, maximizing the efficiency of delivery.

ULV fog machines work in a similar manner to electrostatic sprayers. ULV fogging works by compressing disinfectants through a nozzle that produces a fine mist or aerosol. The droplets that are produced are incredibly small and concentrated, therefore fewer chemicals need to be used. These droplets will linger in the air for approximately ten minutes, allowing them to bind to any visible surface area.

At Corvus, we have begun utilizing both electrostatic sprayers and ULV foggers in our service offering to customers. We believe these methods are both effective at eradicating viral pathogens as well as safe for use in our customer’s facilities and for our franchise owners. We are happy to provide a free quote for these services as either a one-time work or as a part of a routine, recurring service offering.

Routine Cleaning is Not So Routine Anymore

Though businesses are beginning to open back up, we are still nowhere close to “business as usual”. With stay-at-home orders being replaced with safer-at-home guidance, there is still the looming threat of COVID-19 community spread. Additionally, a high rate of asymptomatic carriers means that an individual who shows no signs of infection could visit your office during a routine checkup. Thus, inadvertently exposing your facility to risks. Because of the virus’s high infection rate and the number of potentially asymptomatic carriers, decision makers must account for this risk and take preventative, precautionary steps in their facilities.

Was your medical office being cleaned twice a week before the coronavirus pandemic? If so, it may be a good idea to increase that frequency to three, four, maybe even five times per week. In medical facilities, it is never a bad idea to be overly cautious. As these facilities are more likely to interface with individuals at a greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, they must be even more proactive in their cleaning procedures than any other businesses. As society adjusts to a “new normal”, cleaning and disinfecting are more important now than ever before.

Reopening Reminders and Checklist

Your cleaning regimen is not the only facet of your office that is likely to change once you reopen. For example, some states and localities are requiring reduced on-premise staff, alternating work schedules for at-risk workers, or other social distancing procedures in the workplace. Below, we highlight some important items that all facility managers and decision makers should account for as they get back to business:

1. Prepare a list of obvious and overlooked high touch objects such as appliances in break rooms, telephone handles, sinks and basins, trash cans, and communal printers.

2. Thoroughly clean AND disinfect those high touch points with an EPA certified disinfectant allowing for a proper dwell time of the chemical (click here for additional resources)

3. Engage with your team to comply with an appropriate headcount for your office space as well as discussing protocol for potential distancing in office. Some states are mandating reduced concentration of personnel or alternating schedules, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on these regulations.

4. Engage an outside cleaning company or delegate your own personnel to provide a thorough top to bottom clean and disinfection regime prior to re-opening.

5. Prepare to have appropriate cleaning tools, supplies, and equipment such as clean rags or wipes, proper chemicals and clean, and well-working vacuum cleaners.

During these unprecedented times, it is crucial that we take unprecedented precautions to maintain the health and safety of everyone. When it comes to reopening medical offices, we, at Corvus Janitorial, strongly urge you to take the right measures in cleaning and disinfecting your office. Doing so will ensure the safety of your staff, your patients, and their families. If you are interested in a free quote or would like more information about the appropriate cleaning and disinfection of your medical office in preparation for reopening, please feel free to contact us today!

This piece is meant simply to inform, not to provide any legal or medical advice.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit www.corvusjanitorial.com or www.corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.

Disinfecting and Cleaning to Open Your Daycare Facility

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As we inch toward the end of shelter-in-place orders, it’s important to be ready when our businesses open back up. We don’t want to be left scrambling when the time comes. For businesses that focus on the young and old, such as daycare and childcare centers, keeping things clean is particularly important. And that’s true now more than ever before. Following compliant, safe, and healthy cleaning practices will help us avoid preventable illnesses while we work on getting back to normal.

These practices will keep you, your staff, and the kids you care for healthy. If you’re not sure where to get started with disinfecting and cleaning to open your daycare, here are some tips from the friendly experts at Corvus Janitorial:

Give Everything an Initial Deep Clean

Before you open back up, it’s important to give everything a thorough, deep clean. This helps remove dirt, germs, and debris before you sanitize. This can be done with regular soap and water. Just scrub all of the surfaces, wash, and rinse. Make sure you hit all of the high-touch surfaces like bathroom fixtures, light switches, desks, and cubbies. Any toys or teaching tools that are shared should be cleaned, too. This will make sanitizing and disinfecting much more effective when you get there.

Give High-Touch Surfaces Some Extra Attention Moving Forward

The words cleaning and sanitizing are often used interchangeably, but they mean two different things. When you clean, you remove surface dirt, debris, and some germs. When you sanitize, you use a product that will kill 99.9% or more of the germs on these surfaces. Both cleaning and sanitizing are important when you want to keep your daycare truly clean, healthy, and safe. You’ll want to give those high-touch surfaces we mentioned earlier more attention than you used to. Any other areas that are handled a lot or shared should get extra attention.

When you’re dealing with kids, things can get messy. You’ll want to clean and sanitize throughout the day if you can. Durable, plastic toys that have been chewed on can be run through the dishwasher when you can sneak them away. Other toys can be disinfected and left to air dry. Instead of chasing children around to sanitize their toys during the day, it may be easier to sanitize these after pickup and focus on surfaces, counters, and cubbies during the day instead.

Look at the number of children you care for, the number of staff members you employ, and the number of high-touch surfaces you have, then use your best judgment to determine the right cleaning schedule for you. You can also build off of your old cleaning schedule – use it as a baseline and add additional steps from there. Once open, daycare facilities should be cleaned and sanitized at least once per day moving forward.

Use the Right Cleaning Supplies, In the Right Ways

Whether you’re gearing up for your initial clean before you open or you’re looking for ongoing cleaning practices to follow, it’s important to use the right products. Using them the right way is important, too. Before all of this happened, casual home cleaners might wipe a counter with a watery paper towel and call it a day. This won’t be enough anymore. Using an EPA approved disinfectant and following the proper dwell time is key to keeping things truly clean.

Read the label of your preferred cleaning products or check the EPA’s website to see if they’re approved. You can also find the answer to how long you should let the product dwell on a surface before you wipe it away. Many cleaning supplies have a 10-minute dwell time for maximum efficiency. For others, it might be two minutes or five. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results.

Create an Efficient and Safe Cleaning System

Many daycares are dealing with baby colds and shared toys, so you may already have a cleaning system you prefer. But with everything going on right now, it’s a good time to revisit it; there are ways to make it safer that you may not have thought of before it was a necessity. First, try to limit cross-contamination. This means keeping the mop you use for the bathroom in the bathroom and using a separate one in the hallway or playroom. If you use cleaning rags or dish towels, keep these separate, too. Limit exposure wherever you can.

With some extra effort, the right supplies, and an effective routine, we can keep our daycares and other businesses safe. We’re all in this together. And when it starts to feel overwhelming, give the experts at Corvus Janitorial a call. We’re always available to help. For ongoing cleaning once centers reopen, we’ve got our own updated practices in place. Just keep in mind that the process may have changed a bit since we last visited your facility. We’ll need a bit more time to sufficiently clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces to keep everyone safe. We’re also focusing more on power-scrubbing bathrooms and ceramic floors, and carpet cleaning. These areas harbor germs and could benefit from a slightly more aggressive scope of service.

How Corvus Can Help Your Childcare Facility Reopen

At Corvus, we understand the pressure and uncertainty that has arisen from the coronavirus pandemic. Thorough cleaning and disinfecting procedures matter now more than ever. To that end, our dedicated franchise owners and teammates have added new tools to our cleaning arsenal. These tools include electrostatic disinfectant sprayers and disinfectant fogger machines. Both tools enable Corvus professionals to sanitize and disinfect large spaces and areas that are often missed with standard disinfection practices, such as the underside of tables and chairs.

The Corvus Janitorial Systems team is here to help as America begins the process of reopening businesses and facilities. Cleaning and disinfecting are critical to open up daycare centers. If your daycare or childcare facility is in need of a professional cleaning partner, or if you simply require a deep clean and disinfection before opening up, inquire here for a free quote or give us a call at (855) 919-1346. We are happy to help!

This piece is meant simply to inform, not to provide any legal or medical advice.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit www.corvusjanitorial.com or www.corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.

How to Safely Disinfect Your Phone and Electronics

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In recent weeks, the Coronavirus Pandemic has brought a lot of attention to the importance of cleanliness and the prevention of spreading germs. From wearing masks in public to sanitizing our groceries, we are doing more and more to eliminate our chances of potentially spreading or contracting this disease. You may be surprised to learn that one of the biggest germ distributors is, actually, our phones. Did you know that studies show that your phone is approximately seven times dirtier than a toilet on any given day?

When you think about it, it does make sense. We are constantly checking it and taking it everywhere we go. The germs on every surface we touch are ultimately shared on our devices when we check the time, a notification, or make a phone call.

During this pandemic, the CDC suggests that we disinfect our daily used items, such as our phones and electronics, regularly. Corvus Janitorial Systems would like to share some of our tips to safely disinfect your high-touch, everyday devices.

Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines

First and foremost, make sure that you are following your specific devices’ manufacturer’s recommendation. For example, Apple specifically says for its users to not use any type of cleaning products on its devices’ surfaces.

Utilize a Wipeable Cover

If the specific phone or electronic that you have does not allow any types of soaps or cleaners to be used, the next best option is to get a cover that does.

If you cannot afford a phone cover that will allow you to disinfect your phone properly, we’d suggest placing your device in a sandwich bag if you are going out of the house. Let’s say you are going to the grocery store. Before leaving your home, you can put your phone in a resealable sandwich bag. While you are at the store, you can still use your phone, but the germs from your hands will not be transferred to it. Then, when you arrive back home, wash your hands thoroughly, then retrieve the phone from the bag. It’ll be like you never left!

Wipes and Sprays

If your device’s manufacturer’s guideline allows you to utilize disinfectant or a cleaner (or if you have a wipeable cover), then the CDC suggests that the safest way to keep your phone and electronics disinfected is to use wipes or sprays that have a minimum of 70% alcohol.

Fears of spreading COVID-19 have led to a shortage of disinfectant wipes. If you can’t get your hand on any of those, here are some other suggestions:

● Use a damp paper towel with gentle soap
● Try a damp paper towel with rubbing alcohol and water
● Dampen a paper towel with any disinfectant spray cleaner

Use the paper towel or wipe to disinfect all surfaces of your device or phone. Make sure you are careful not to get any on the open surfaces (headphone jack, etc.). Once you have finished, dry devices thoroughly.

In Conclusion…

The thought of potentially spreading or contracting COVID-19 can be really scary. These are unprecedented times that have us taking unprecedented measures. Keeping your phone and devices clean can truly make a huge impact on the spreading of germs. Ultimately, this will bring us one step closer to flattening the curve and getting us through this difficult time. While this isn’t a comprehensive list of all the ways to disinfect your phone and electronics, we hope we’ve provided you with a great starting point for keeping germs at bay.

This piece is meant simply to inform, not to provide any legal or medical advice.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit www.corvusjanitorial.com or www.corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.