Commercial Cleaning

Flu Season Cleaning Tips: How to Keep Your Workplace Safe

by

Ah yes. It’s flu season again. That wonderful time of year where the influenza virus can stop us in our tracks at a moment’s notice and decimate otherwise clean and healthy workplaces. In fact, according to the CDC, 38 million people suffered from the flu during the 2019 – 2020 season. Flu activity was unusually low throughout the 2020-2021 flu season. Preliminary reports by the CDC estimate that between 8 and 13 million people suffered from the flu illness in 2021-2022 season. That’s a whole lot of sick days being used. So how can businesses protect their employees while also protecting workplace productivity? By following these helpful flu season cleaning tips.

Tip 1: Identify Common Contact Points

While influenza can certainly be passed through airborne transmission, it can also be transmitted from person to person through commonly accessed contact points throughout your office. In fact, the virus can last on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Because of this, you’ll want to identify the areas in your office that people touch the most so you can focus your cleaning time more efficiently. Some common contact points include:

• Door handles and knobs
• Light switches
• Hand railings
• Countertops
• Desks
• Phones
• Touch screens
• Keyboards
• Toilets
• Faucets and sinks

Tip 2: Use Hospital-Grade Disinfectants

Not all disinfectants are created equal. And while it’s possible to have your workspace cleaned with traditional home-grade disinfectant products, the extra protection and peace of mind that you get by using commercial-grade cleaning products and techniques can’t be overstated. At Corvus, our EPA-approved medical grade chemicals are applied to surfaces using an electrostatic sprayer or ultra-low volume (ULV) fogger to ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness.

Tip 3: Prevent Cross Contamination

One of the biggest risks in trying to clean multiple surfaces with the same cleaning materials is that you risk cross contamination of already sanitized areas. To prevent this, take a tip from Corvus and use different colored clothes and wipes for different areas in your workplace. For instance, use only green cleaning items for bathrooms, or only blue cleaning items for desks and chairs. That way you won’t accidentally spread contaminants from one area to another.

Tip 4: Keep Employees Informed and Prepared

When it comes to fighting the flu, you can’t do it alone. Make sure that your employees know that they can stay home from work if they’re feeling sick. Better to lose one day of someone’s time than have that person come in and infect the whole office, right? Another thing you can do is make sure that your employees have personal cleaning supplies that they can use to keep their own workspaces clean, such as sanitizing wipes and disposable cleaning clothes.

Tip 5: Make a Plan

The most important thing you’ll want to figure out is who is going to be doing the cleaning. If your business has a full-time cleaning person on staff, that’s great. If not, you might want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service, such as Corvus, to help you with all your deep cleaning needs. Drop us a line and we can help you create a custom cleaning plan for your facility.

Conclusion

While the flu season is just a fact of life, you don’t have to just sit around and accept it. The more prepared and informed you and your employees are, the better the chance you have of avoiding a major outbreak in your office.

5 Signs You’re Ready to Purchase a Commercial Cleaning Franchise

by

You’ve been dreaming about purchasing a commercial cleaning franchise, and you think it might be time. What could be better than setting your own hours, being your own boss, and (most importantly) doing what you’re passionate about? These thoughts compel you. But just before you make the move, doubt creeps in, and you pause.

Are you really ready?

Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship is a big one, so it’s understandable to be nervous and even second-guess yourself.
If you’ve been thinking about owning your own commercial cleaning franchise, but you aren’t quite sure you’re ready to take the big first step, check out these 5 indicators. Cast the doubt aside and take a look. You may already be there!

1. You’re Excited

Yes, you have your doubts and healthy quotient of worry. Purchasing a franchise isn’t something anyone should spontaneously jump into. Doubts can be crippling, but if your excitement shines through the fog of fear and anxiety, it’s a sign you may be ready.

The doubt that comes creeping into your brain proves you’re thinking clearly and weighing the pros and cons. You aren’t about to jump into something feet first, which is a good sign. That means you’re excited, but you’re also thinking about the situation logically.

On the flip side, your excitement reveals your passion for the venture. This passion is what will fuel your future success. You’re likely ready when you have a healthy balance of both.

2. You’ve Done Your Homework

There’s a lot to owning a commercial cleaning franchise. Not only do you need to understand the cleaning industry, but you also need to research various franchising companies in your area. Once you’ve explored your options, reviewed the Franchise Disclosure Agreement, and feel good about it, don’t overthink it! You’re ready.

3. You’re Financially Equipped

Your financial status is one of the biggest (and most obvious) factors in your overall readiness to purchase a commercial cleaning franchise.

Purchasing a commercial cleaning franchise is a big investment. It involves putting a lump sum of money down initially and getting it back over time, and then some.

If your finances and credit are in good shape and you can make the initial investment comfortably, then it may be time to move forward.

4. You Understand the Risks Involved

Any business, franchise or not, comes with an element of risk. It’s the potential rewards that make it all worth it. A 2019 study by the Journal of Economics & Management Strategy shows that franchises boast an 8% higher two-year success rate than independent businesses, making them a safer alternative, though still not risk-free.

If you’ve done your research, fully understand the risks, and feel prepared to take them on, that’s another sign you may be ready to purchase your own commercial cleaning franchise.

5. You Have Support

Even if you’re the only one who signs the dotted line, your family and friends become a part of this journey as they offer their advice, love, and support. Even if they aren’t part of the financial decision-making process, they’re the ones who will be your sounding board and the ones who will celebrate your success with you.

If your loved ones support you, you’re more ready than you knew. With the support of those who love you most, there’s not much you can’t do.

Make the Dream Come True with Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you’re ready to take that life-changing step to own a commercial cleaning franchise, Corvus Janitorial Systems is prepared to help make it happen. We’ve helped thousands of other aspiring business owners achieve the same goal.

Corvus makes the process easy with financial and technical support to assist you along the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your dream to life.

Restroom Cleaning 101

by

If you want to earn positive reviews from customers and create a comfortable workspace for your employees, there’s a straightforward action to focus on一janitorial services. Keep your restrooms clean and smelling fresh at all times. People do judge businesses by the condition of their restrooms.

Why Is Proper Cleaning So Important?

Customers will spend more money in businesses with clean restrooms. And if they aren’t impressed by your bathrooms, it’s likely they won’t tell you, but judge your business instead.

Of course, it’s not just a matter of popularity…it’s also a matter of health and safety. Unfortunately, too many businesses go through the motions of office cleaning without emphasizing the importance of their restrooms.

The problem is that they don’t use the proper techniques. It takes effort to get that professional level of cleanliness you usually see from commercial cleaning companies. Read on to learn a few tricks of the trade.

Know the Signs of Poor Cleaning

All commercial restrooms get dirty. Sometimes, they get filthy. It can help to think of messes as being in one or two categories.

Daily Cleaning Issues
This first category involves the daily cleaning and sanitation concerns affecting your restroom facilities. If your sanitation team ignore a day or two’s work, the following may result:

● Trash cans left to overflow
● Toilets too long without being scrubbed
● Paper towels strewn on the floor
● Countertops left damp
● Paper products not replaced as they should be
● Lingering odors

What’s the issue here? Maintenance staff often underestimates the amount of attention that commercial restrooms need throughout the day. That is especially true if you have facilities that are open to the public.

Long-Term Neglect
If your sanitation workers ignore their daily cleaning and disinfecting duties, the following may result:

● Hard water stains in sinks
● Built-up grime on bathroom mirrors
● Thick layers of dust on light fixtures and stall partitions
● Soap buildup on dispensers
● Stained countertops
● Floors that never look clean even after mopping
● Stained commodes and urinals

Skipping important tasks a few days in a row or completely ignoring them is not only unpleasant and unsafe for you, your customers, and your workers. It’s also against OSHA laws.

Best Daily Commercial Cleaning Practices for Restrooms

There are several things to consider here. First, determine how often each restroom needs cleaning. If only a handful of people use the bathroom, once a day or every few days is adequate. On the other hand, commercial buildings open to the public certainly require daily, or even hourly, cleaning.

Choose the Right Supplies
The truth is that household products don’t do an adequate job to keep a commercial restroom clean. Professional cleaning companies use commercial-grade surface cleaners, disinfecting sprays, toilet bowl cleaners, and floor solutions for a reason. Likewise, they purchase mops, brooms, wipes, and other equipment from commercial suppliers.

Learn to Use the Supplies
Many commercial cleaning products come in concentrated form. To use them safely, you must learn to dilute them, label bottles correctly, and know which surfaces they can be applied to. Proper disposal is also key.

Use Proper Techniques
It’s not pleasant to think about, but restrooms are full of the kinds of pathogens that make people very sick. Unfortunately, poor cleaning practices can make things even worse. For example, washing the floors before cleaning surfaces can cause issues. So can cleaning highly soiled areas before less dirty areas.

Additionally, it’s important to have different cleaners and supplies for toilets and urinals, sinks, countertops, and floors. Fail to adhere to this, and you are basically just moving dirt and bacteria around.

Create a Cleaning Checklist

Every time someone enters a restroom to clean it, they should be working from a checklist. That guarantees your sanitation workers miss no steps in the process. Here’s a sample list to get you started and cover all the main bases:

● Empty trash can in the sink area and in stalls
● Restock paper and sanitary supplies
● Dust light fixtures and stall partitions
● Scrub inside of toilets and urinals with bathroom cleaning solutions
● Wipe under seats and outside of bowls and urinals with disinfecting cleaner
● Clean sinks, faucets, and counters
● Sweep and mop floors
● Spray or wipe door handles and faucets with disinfectant
● Note maintenance issues to be reported to facilities

It’s helpful to create a cleaning log that all staff members must sign each time they clean a restroom. It will hold employees accountable, as well as ensure tasks are completed.

How Janitorial Services Go Above and Beyond for Clean Restrooms

It’s the deep cleaning tasks that make the real difference. Keep up with these tasks to ensure cleanliness and impress customers and staff:

● Thoroughly wipe down toilets and urinals inside and out.
● Replace air fresheners and bowl cleaning tablets.
● Scrub floors around toilets and urinals.
● Treat faucets for hard water buildup and stains.
● Use a commercial floor scrubbing machine to clean floors and remove stains.
● Dust vents.
● Fix leaks, replace bulbs, and deal with other maintenance issues.
● Strip old layers of wax from floors and recoat.

The frequency at which you complete these tasks can vary. It’s entirely dependent on how often the facilities are used and how dirty they get. You must also decide if it’s worthwhile for you to purchase floor scrubbers and strippers or if you can rent these machines from cleaning supply companies.

Other Things to Consider When Cleaning and Disinfecting Restrooms

Think of these as tips for keeping standard commercial restrooms clean and sanitary. Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to take other steps. For example, there are particular protocols for healthcare facilities and companies that serve food.

Your local health department may be able to give you some guidance. Additionally, the CDC publishes guidelines for cleaning to prevent the spread of Covid and other illnesses.

Interested in Learning More?

Corvus Janitorial Systems offers a full range of commercial cleaning services. We’re happy to discuss the best methods for cleaning your facilities. If you are a professional cleaner, we’d love to hear from you as well. Contact us so we can discuss your needs.

Corvus Recognized for Exceptional Disinfection & Sanitization Services

by

We are thrilled to announce that Corvus Janitorial Systems has been named #1 Top Disinfection and Sanitization Services Companies by Manage HR Magazine in the Disinfection and Sanitization Edition.

This edition features an interview with Corvus Janitorial Systems Founder and Co-CEO, Justin Douglas. With over two decades of experience, he discusses the importance of commercial cleaning services, addressing customers’ needs, maintaining safety, and how Corvus helps business owners start their own franchises.

“We offer outstanding cleaning services with expertise at budget-friendly pricing, but what we are most proud of is the quality we deliver, the people we have on our team, and the culture that drives excellence with every project we work on,” says Mr. Douglas. Corvus’ success is a direct result of its Franchise Owners and team members, and we are so proud of the hard work and dedication they show every day.

Thank you, Manage HR Magazine, for this distinguished award. Corvus Janitorial Systems is grateful and privileged to receive your recognition.

Carpet Cleaning 101: Hot Water Extraction vs. Dry Chemical Cleaning

by

In addition to frequent vacuuming and spot cleaning, having your carpets professionally cleaned at least twice a year is integral to their maintenance and preservation. In this blog, Corvus Janitorial Systems goes over some benefits of routine carpet cleaning and reviews two of the most popular carpet cleaning methods recommended by commercial cleaning professionals: hot water extraction and dry chemical cleaning.

The Benefits of Routine Carpet Cleaning

Good carpet hygiene, quite literally, goes beyond the surface level. Here are just five good reasons to invest in high-quality carpet cleaning for your facility:

1. Microbiologist and immunologist at New York University Langone Medical Center and author of The Secret Life of Germs Philip Tierno Jr., Ph.D. found that a typical carpet contains nearly 200,000 bacteria per square inch, making it 4,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat.
2. The lifespan of a carpet is typically between 5-15 years, and routine carpet cleaning prolongs the life of a carpet significantly.
3. A fresh and clean carpet works wonders to enhance the overall appearance of your home or facility.
4. Carpet soiling can make it seem like vacuuming isn’t enough to maintain a carpet’s appearance. However, routine carpet cleaning using the methods described below will make it so that vacuuming is enough to remove most dry soils.
5. Carpets are breeding grounds for allergens, bacteria, and other germs. Regular, deep cleaning protects air quality and prevents exposure to dangerous pollutants.

Hot Water Extraction: What it is & How it Works

Hot water extraction involves injecting hot water and cleaning detergent into the carpet through a high-pressured wand. The combination of hot water and high water pressure breaks down and extracts dirt and other debris from carpeting quickly. This simple and effective approach makes hot water extraction the preferred carpet cleaning method across the commercial cleaning industry. Not only does it leave a carpet looking cleaner, but the hot water is also effective in killing bacteria and other germs.

The hot water extraction process consists of a few relatively simple steps. First, water and the chosen cleaning product are mixed and poured into the water tank. Once the mixture heats up, the liquid is released onto the surface under pressure, penetrating the carpet’s fiber and removing dirt and debris.

Dry Chemical Cleaning: What it is & How it Works

Dry chemical cleaning, also known as a “low moisture” system, relies on dry compounds accompanied with chemical cleaning solutions to remove dirt and debris from a carpet. These low moisture methods of carpet cleaning yield a quick drying time, especially compared to the hot water extraction method described above.

Typically, a cleaner applies pre-treatment detergents that break up carpet fibers to the carpet beforehand. Once the pre-treatment dwells for the right amount of time (generally between 5-10 minutes), a dry compound carpet cleaning powder is used. The cleaning compound is then lathered into the carpet using a rotary machine like the one pictured below. Lastly, the soiled cleaning compound is removed by vacuuming.

What is the Best Method for Your Facility?

Each facility comes with its own set of unique cleaning needs, and carpet care is no exception. If removing germs, allergens, mold, mildew, bacteria, and other irritants is your top priority, hot water extraction will likely be the best option. However, the several hours it takes for the carpet to dry afterward might make it less than ideal for businesses experiencing heavy foot traffic. In this case, dry chemical cleaning would be an excellent option. Both hot water extraction and dry chemical cleaning effectively attain clean, aesthetically pleasing carpets, so consider factors like time and cost to determine which technique best suits your facility.

Carpet Cleaning with Corvus Janitorial Systems

Corvus Janitorial Systems offers first-class floor and carpet care for your facility. Our team pays close attention to areas underneath desks and trash cans where crumbs, dirt, and debris frequently accumulate. As part of our routine inspection, we will assess your facility’s carpet condition and recommend when a complete carpet steam cleaning is due. Contact us today to receive a free quote and learn more about the janitorial services we offer.

Growing a Cleaning Franchise

by

A Franchise Owner can learn and grow in new areas despite not having as much experience as you may expect.

A significant benefit to partnering with a franchising company is working alongside individuals who understand the industry through and through. As a Franchisee, you have access to a pre-established business model, the backing of an existing brand, and training and support you typically would not find when starting your own business. Other benefits include established capital, a shorter development period, the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, and being your own boss. It is no surprise that the franchise industry in the United States employs over eight million people and generates $825.4 billion in economic activity.

But just like anything worthwhile, some problems come along with franchising. Luckily, Corvus Janitorial Systems can provide clear, actionable solutions. Read on to learn our suggestions for growing your cleaning franchise:

Dream Big!

Corvus believes in dreaming big, working with integrity, building valuable relationships, and making lives better. We provide technology and tools, sales and marketing support, ongoing training, and a stellar reputation that empowers you to stop dreaming and start doing. Owning your own commercial cleaning franchise means owning your future, independence, and security…all without facing the daunting task of starting a business from scratch.

Foster Relationships

As previously stated, a thorough and well-thought-out expansion plan is essential to growing a successful franchise. A notable component of this plan is fostering existing relationships. From the franchisor to the customers to the surrounding community- trust, honesty, and open dialogue are vital elements to upholding valuable relationships.

Building your franchise would be substantially harder without experienced professionals showing you the way. Every relationship is valuable along your journey, which is why keeping an open line of communication between you and your franchisor, employees, and clients- both new and old- is of the utmost importance.

Follow a Consistent System

For a franchise to truly expand, each individual involved must understand and agree upon the rules, goals, processes, and values it holds. A consistent system ensures that everyone is on the same page, yet inconsistency continues to be a significant challenge Franchise Owners face. Partnering with a franchisor like Corvus assures you that a proven system is already in place. Our decades of experience have shaped our understanding of what does and does not work, which in turn allows you to focus on implementing what you learn in training, create guidelines, and build a strong team.

Hire the Right People

While we are on the topic of teams, let us take a moment to discuss the importance of hiring the right people and providing the proper training. Take your time when building your team. Ask potential candidates questions that require thought and discussion to ensure their experience and values align with your franchise. You are working hard to turn your dreams into reality, so hire a team that is ready to work hard and willing to learn.

Listen to the Customer

As a commercial cleaning franchisor, delivering high-quality cleaning and disinfecting services is ultimately your top priority. Therefore, customer satisfaction is the ultimate testament to how your business is performing. When customers provide feedback, listen carefully and make it clear that what they are saying is understood. This is especially true when the feedback is negative. Rather than feel offended or get defensive, see it as constructive criticism. When you are growing a franchise, any feedback you receive is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Partner with Corvus

Following a franchisor with an established expansion plan and experienced staff will enable you to grow at your desired rate. Corvus understands that human connection is the basis of any successful business transaction. Since 2004, we have helped entrepreneurs all across the nation successfully open and operate their own businesses. We are more than a franchise opportunity…we are a network of small business owners with similar goals. Check out our blog for more resources on Franchise Ownership and all things commercial cleaning.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus Janitorial Systems 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. Visit our website for more information regarding Corvus and the franchise opportunities we offer nationwide.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only. It is not intended to advise an individual on their purchase of a franchise and should not be used in place of legal counsel. There are many factors that affect the purchase of a franchise. Any person considering the purchase of a franchise should become familiar with their state laws related to franchising.