Commercial Cleaning

What is a Commercial Disinfectant?

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Commercial vs. Home Disinfectants

Home disinfectants are regular name-brand products that you can find in grocery stores. They’re used to eliminate bacteria and viruses at home, especially on high-touch surfaces, which the CDC is recommending we pay extra attention to right now. Cleaning and disinfecting with home disinfectants is what most people do to keep diseases, like COVID, from spreading through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting are always a good idea. And many common household products, like the disinfecting wipes put out by Clorox or the disinfectant mist produced by Lysol, are registered with the EPA. But even when a home disinfectant is registered with the EPA as an effective product against hard-to-kill viruses, it might not be enough. Commercial disinfectants take the cleaning and sanitizing process one step further.

Commercial Disinfectant Benefits

While many household disinfectants will kill deadly viruses, they still have their limitations. Commercial disinfectants are stronger than home-grade ones, killing a wider range of transferable infections and diseases. And on top of being stronger and more effective, the techniques that trained commercial cleaners use are more effective and efficient, too.
Techniques like cold fogging and electrostatic spraying are significantly more effective ways to disinfect. These commercial-grade products and methods create a 360-degree mist to target every surface and hard-to-reach corner, ensuring that nothing is missed. This type of high-level cleaning and disinfecting is particularly helpful in sensitive and high-traffic settings where keeping things sanitized and safe is a necessity rather than a luxury.

Where Commercial Disinfectants are Used

Among other places, commercial disinfectants are extremely common in:

– Airports
– Hospitals and other medical facilities
– Senior centers
– Schools and daycares
– Office buildings
– Restaurants and food facilities
– Factories and manufacturing facilities

Because these facilities see a lot of traffic, have many high-touch surfaces, and many house vulnerable individuals, a higher level of cleaning and disinfecting is required. Since the first COVID shutdown, we have all learned the importance of maintaining our health and safety. Commercial cleaning and disinfecting services make it easier to do so. By using highly effective, commercial-grade products, equipment, and techniques, we help our clients ensure that their facility, office, or workspace is safe.

When to Use Home Disinfectants

EPA-approved home disinfects are great to use during routine home and office cleaning. Between professional cleaning and disinfecting services and in a pinch, they are an effective way to slow the spread of germs and infections. If you’re cleaning a high-traffic home, an office, or another workplace setting, you should regularly use sprays or wipes to sanitize high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, handles, desks and chairs, light switches, phones and keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, and countertops. Remember to follow the proper protocols to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your cleaning and disinfecting efforts.
And remember that there is a big difference between EPA-approved home disinfectants and homemade natural cleaning products and disinfectants. Natural products are growing in time with the movement for more eco-friendly solutions, but natural cleaning products that rely on ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are far less effective than household and commercial cleaning products. Health and safety should be the top priority for cleaning and disinfecting procedures, especially during times like these.

Proper Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols

Following the proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures will both help ensure that they are as effective as possible and that you remain safe while cleaning. Some disinfecting products might be harmful if they’re left on exposed skin for too long; others might only be safe for use in well-ventilated areas. Wear disposable gloves, clean surfaces with soap and water first, then disinfect. Wear clothes that you aren’t concerned about damaging if you’re using products that contain bleach.
Check your home disinfectant bottles for instructions on dwell time, the amount of time a solution has to stay on a surface in order for it to be effective, as well as other important instructions. With some products, simply wiping them with a rag and walking away won’t be enough. Regular cleaning is a good way to help slow the spread of preventable illnesses. But when it comes to getting a deeper cleaning, disinfecting those hard-to-reach surfaces, and finding some peace of mind, commercial disinfectants applied by trained professionals will carry you farther.

Corvus Janitorial Services

Regular cleaning, washing your hands, wearing your masks, and keeping your distance can help slow the spread of illnesses. But when you need something more, commercial disinfecting services will keep high-touch surfaces and hard-to-clean areas clean and disinfected to reduce the transmission on a higher level. Our service providers are trained to get the job done right and done safely. And you can move forward with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you’ve done your part to keep your facility, employees, patients, loved ones, and community safe and healthy.

How and Why to Strip and Refinish Hardwood Floors

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As far as home and office improvement projects go, stripping and refinishing hardwood floors is definitely high up on the list. It’s something that’s relatively easy to take on – you can do it yourself or find several local hardwood floor specialists to do it for you. Whichever you choose, there are many benefits to stripping and refinishing your hardwood floors. And if you’re feeling handy or you’re willing to learn, one of those benefits is that you can do it on your own, save money, and learn a new and valuable skill.

Why Strip and Refinish Hardwood Floors

Stripping and refinishing hardwood floors gives you the chance to restore old, worn, or otherwise damaged flooring in your home or office. It is also the perfect time to change the color with a quick and easy stain. Refinished hardwood floors increase the property’s value, makes the room more visually appealing, and makes them easier to keep clean. Dirt and dust can settle in as hardwood floors age. Stripping and refinishing will help you remove allergens, eliminate pesky splintering wood pieces, and give you a smooth finish that is easy to clean and maintain.

How to Strip and Refinish Hardwood Floors

Stripping and refinishing your hardwood floors will take some patience and a fair amount of elbow grease, but the results make it worth it. Using the floors as the jumping-off point to redecorate and breathe new life into your space can make it feel brand new. There are different levels and stages of refinishing hardwood floors, so we’ll start with the easier ones. If you only have a handful of minor scratches, dings, or a worn, dull finish, you might be able to get away with quickly buffing and adding a new coat of varnish or polyurethane to your hardwood floors.

But if your hardwood floors are in dire need of a full makeover, the process is still manageable and rewarding. Plus, doing it yourself can save you thousands over paying an expert to do it for you. On average, professionals charge between $3 to $4 per square foot to refinish floors. This means that a 2,000-square foot space could cost as much as $8,000. If you’re willing to do the work yourself instead, it would cost closer to $700 instead.

Steps Involved in Stripping and Refinishing Damaged Hardwood Floors

If you don’t fall into the category of a quick repair, here are the steps you’ll want to follow to breathe life back into your hardwood floors:

1) Prep the room by taking out furniture and rugs, covering vents and electrical boxes with painter’s tape, and gently removing the base molding with a pry bar

2) Number the molding pieces as you go so it’s easier to put them back in the right place when you’re done

3) Use wood filler to patch and repair larger holes or cracks or wood patch filler on individual spots if the damage is minimal

4) Let the filler dry completely

5) Use a damp rage to wipe down the floor and get rid of any remaining dust or debris; let the floor dry again before sanding

6) Slowly and cautiously use a drum sander to sand the floor (remember your mask and eye protection, too)

7) Buff the floor to remove any small sanding marks that were left behind and give the floor a smooth finish

8) Prep the room for stain or sealer by wiping away any dirt, dust, or hair on the floor or walls so they don’t affect your finish

9) Apply stain if you want to change the color (make sure the room is well ventilated first and wear your respirator mask)

10) Once the stain is dry (or you decided to skip the stain), the last step is sealing the floor (usually with polyurethane) to protect it from further scratches and water damage

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Depending on the level of damage, size of the room, your goals, and other individual factors, the process may look slightly different. But for the most part, the tools and materials you’ll need will likely stay the same. Let’s start with the rented items first. Unless you already own them or you have a handy family member or neighbor, you can rent a drum or belt floor sander and an edger sander from your local home improvement store. These are the biggest items you’ll need. From there, you’ll want to gather or go buy:

–A small pry bar for the base molding
–Needle-nosed pliers to remove any nails or staples in the floor
–A hammer to nail down any loose boards
–Painter’s tape and plastic sheets
–Wood filler
–Spackle knife (you may want to buy a few different sizes, but if you already have one and don’t want to buy more, the one you have on hand should work fine)
–Protective goggles or other eyewear and respirator masks
–Sandpaper (40, 60, 80, and 120-grit to fit the different sanders)
–A sanding pole
–A 120-grit sanding screen
–An industrial-level vacuum or shop vac
–Tack cloth
–Denatured alcohol
–A smooth foam roller
–Polyurethane or a similar hardwood floor sealant
–Steel wool pads and rags
–An oil-based stain and stain applicator pads are optional depending on whether or not you are happy with the current color of your hardwood floors.

Corvus Janitorial Services

At Corvus, we are dedicated to health and safety improvements. If you are preparing to strip and refinish your hardwood floors yourself, make sure you have all of the safety equipment you need. If you are renting sanders, buffers, or other equipment, ask the hardware store for guidance on how to use them. You can also find instructional videos on YouTube to watch before you begin. Doing your research before you get started could help you avoid costly mistakes like having to start over or having to hire a professional to fix any damage. For more information on improvements that you can make, the services that we offer, and the proper protocols for cleaning and disinfecting, visit the Corvus blog page.

Environmental Services (EVS) in Health Care: What You Need to Know

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What are Environmental Services in Health Care

Environmental services (EVS) health care personnel are tasked with helping to stop healthcare-associated infections from spreading. They work with colleagues to prioritize areas that pose immediate health risks, following the appropriate guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting along the way. Environmental service personnel, including many of the individuals who work for and with Corvus Janitorial Systems, have an important role to play in the prevention and minimization of healthcare-associated infections. They help keep medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and assistants safe. And they help protect patients, loved ones, and other visitors, as well.

Where Environmental Services are Prioritized

EVS is important in any setting where infections may linger and spread. Among others, this includes:

· Hospitals
· Outpatient clinics
· Surgical centers
· Walk-in treatment centers
· Primary care doctors’ offices
· Senior centers
· Obstetricians’ offices

These are the places where infections collect, and with near-constant traffic, it can be difficult to keep them properly cleaned and sanitized without professional help. Focused on sanitation, EVS team members clean the patients’ rooms, waiting areas, procedural rooms, surgical suites, and other areas where germs may linger and easily spread. Environmental service positions are the primary defense against serious infections that tend to linger on high-touch surfaces throughout different medical facilities.

Other Locations and Areas Where Environmental Services are Useful

Environmental services are particularly useful in health care and medical settings, especially when the world is battling a deadly pandemic. But these incredibly valuable services have been around long before we faced our first shutdown. And they’ve been used successfully in other areas, too. A few other uses for environmental services:

· The hospitality industry
· Schools and daycares
· Office buildings
· Production factories
· Food manufacturers
· Community cleanup
· Disposal services

A career in environmental services offers many different meaningful pathways. But one that focuses on healthcare and improves the lives of medical professionals, first responders, and vulnerable patients may be the most rewarding. And the availability of environmental service hospital jobs is projected to continue increasing for the foreseeable future.

Environmental Services Tasks

Each visit might be different depending on the type of facility and their needs. But many healthcare facilities need the same thing: regular deep cleanings and high-level sanitation. Because many infections spread easily and quickly, healthcare facilities require a higher level of care and greater attention to detail. Some of the most common environmental services tasks in healthcare settings might include:

· Regularly mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping all of the floors
· Washing the windows and dusting the furniture
· Washing and replacing bed linens
· Properly disposing of waste and other hazardous materials
· Emptying trash cans and restocking supplies
· Disinfecting the rooms, equipment, and supplies with high-level sanitizers

During COVID, these services might be more intensive or scheduled more regularly. They might also set limitations that didn’t exist before, like requiring that you come to clean and sanitize the facility at night while patients are sleeping, on the weekends, or on a holiday. Health care doesn’t take days off. While a job in health care environmental services can be challenging, it is also incredibly and uniquely rewarding.

Electrostatic Spraying in Health Care Settings

One high-level sanitation method that is particularly useful in health care environments is electrostatic spraying. This powerful disinfecting technique is often used to promote health and safety in sensitive or high-traffic spaces, like hospitals and airports. Electrostatic spraying works by applying a positive electric charge to a liquid disinfectant. The resulting spray reaches its target almost instantly and sticks to it. This type of treatment is highly useful in risky and highly populated settings because it offers a deeper and more efficient and effective clean.

And because it is a fine spray instead of a concentrated wipe or a cloth, it makes it easier to target hard-to-reach or otherwise difficult spaces, like the tiles tucked in the back corners of bathrooms, high supply closet shelves, and various other surfaces. An environmental services provider with electrostatic spraying equipment can achieve 360-degree coverage of any area they need to treat. So not only are the high-touch surfaces better targeted and disinfected, but the corners, nooks, and hard-to-reach crannies won’t be missed either.

Requirements for EVS Personnel in Health Care Settings

During and after COVID, the operators of health care facilities might be stricter with their guidelines for how environmental services are performed. For example, they might require that anyone in the building wear sanitary clothing or disposable isolation gowns, masks, goggles, or face shields, gloves, and other protective gear. EVS is, essentially, the first defense against infection control. As such, they’ll have stricter guidelines to adhere to than janitorial service providers in other settings might.

As a general rule, environmental service providers in health care facilities might also be required to sanitize their hands both when they enter and leave exam rooms. When patients are discharged or moved to different rooms, EVS health care providers will clean and sanitize each surface to prepare for the next patient. As the patients are moved around, there might be some overlap, and EVS providers should remember to respect the patients’ privacy. It is an EVS provider’s job to help patients feel safe when they are at their most vulnerable. Be compassionate, respectful, and kind if you do interact with any of the patients during your work.

Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you are a professional looking to start your career in environmental services or you’re an owner or operator of a health care facility, reach out today to see how we can help. For our franchisees, we offer training, support, and numerous other business-building advantages. For our clients, we provide high-level and reliable cleaning and sanitizing services. We offer peace of mind where and when you need it most.

Our high-quality services, proven systems, and dedicated teams are all here to ensure that we contribute positively to the lives of our clients, their employees, patients, and loved ones, and the community at large. Contact us today to request a free quote.

Corvus Janitorial Systems Commercial Cleaning Customer Reviews

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Reviews from Corvus Janitorial Customers:

Corvus of Charlotte:

“We started working with Corvus in July 2015 and to date, have had a great experience with them. They had some local management changes a couple of years ago and that went well with no change in service (which can happen!). When we ask for something, the response is quick and efficient. We had a COVID-19 potential exposure in our office and they were able to come out the next day and do a thorough sanitizing of our office suite. All of their folks have been great but Jodean climbs to the top of the list – she is there for us! We thank you, Corvus!”

Corvus of Chicago:

“Corvus has been servicing our Elk Grove facility for over a year and we are pleased with the quality of service and their communication. Regular visits from a local Manager are a welcome addition and provide a platform for us to submit specific feedback regarding the scheduled service, special requests and explore additional services that we may require.”

Corvus of Cincinnati:

“Very detail oriented. I requested specific things. The first time the crew came they missed something. I made a phone call to Christine one time and they went above and beyond my expectations. Fantastic crew!!!”

Corvus of Columbus:

“It takes the hard work out of finding good help. Great communication, excellent value and good people to work with.”

Corvus of Denver:

“This company has been great to work with. They went above and beyond when we needed them the most during COVID. Michael and his team are very responsive and accommodating. I highly recommend them for your cleaning and sanitizing needs.”

Corvus of Indianapolis:

“Corvus has been a phenomenal resource for my business! The team is responsive, timely and professional. Their team of professionals check in consistently to make sure that the work performed is up to standard. Highly recommended!”

Corvus of Jacksonville:

“I have worked in child care for years, never satisfied with any of our janitorial companies until now. Charles is amazing at what he does and very responsive. They provide a log book for daily communication and quarterly evaluations, asking us what they can improve on. Spencer, the supervisor, is very easy to speak with and always checking in. Not only do they provide great cleaning services, they are now offering electrostatic disinfecting – which we did today in our classrooms. I am very satisfied with Corvus services and would recommend them to anyone!”

Corvus of Lexington:

“The company I work for has used Corvus for a number of years and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the team on the ground to management, we were taken care of on every aspect. If there was ever a question or an extra request, the team was always accommodating.”

Corvus of Little Rock:

“Top notch service. Shayna and Jennifer are great. You can count on them to always follow up to ensure that you are pleased with the service. Had a couple of “emergency” cleans come up over the last couple of years and they have always gone out of their way to cover my poor planning and made me come out looking like a star when visitors arrived.. Would recommend to anyone. A+++”

Corvus of Louisville:

“So glad to know David Villafana and Corvus! They use green products, well trained employees, and methodical cleaning.”

Corvus of Nashville:

“Switched over to Corvus at our site several months ago. Their service and attention to detail has been great. 10/10 would recommend.”

Corvus of New Orleans:

“Corvus has provided us excellent services in day to day general cleaning and floor care for nearly 10 years. Any issues are addressed immediately and handled with urgency and customer satisfaction in mind.”

Corvus of Northwest Arkansas:

“Corvus Janitorial provides excellent service! It is hard to find a cleaning company that is honest, professional, AND does a good job! I would highly recommend Corvus Janitorial for anyone needing a top notch cleaning company for their business, small or large.”

Corvus of Orlando:

“Corvus does a great job! John and Vivian are super professional and provide outstanding service! Our office is always in great condition, they are very easy to communicate with and to get in touch with when needed. We highly recommend using Corvus to any business!”

Corvus of Raleigh-Durham:

“I’ve had my franchise for almost 3 years now and I really can’t complain about anything that has happened within. Everything and everyone is straightforward and willing to help. Plenty of opportunity to grow your franchise. The main thing I like is how easy it is to contact the partners at the office or corporate and how knowledgeable they are when it comes to different types of problems that may occur! Thank You!!!”

Corvus of St. Louis:

“Zion Lutheran School has been with Corvus since 2000. I love the communication we have with Corvus. They are so responsive to our cleaning needs at school. It is nice to have cleaning issues taken care of, and not have to deal with that during a busy school year. Corvus has been a great partner in our school growth.”

Corvus Janitorial Systems of St. Louis Customer Reviews

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At Corvus Janitorial Systems of St. Louis, we take pride in providing our customers with top-notch service and support. We believe that reliability, consistency, and communication are the foundation of our relationship with our customer-partners. It is our goal to keep your facility clean, sanitary, and safe for your employees, customer, and other stakeholders. Don’t just take our word for it; read on to see what our fantastic customers have to say about their experience with Corvus of St. Louis!

Corvus of St. Louis Customer Reviews –

“We use Corvus Janitorial for our cleaning services for three shifts and they are one of the better companies we’ve used. They are always professional, cover absences well and never miss a beat.”

“Stacy is AMAZING! From the very beginning, communication has been excellent, expectations are met- and exceeded, and the price is well worth the services. We have high standards and have worked with several companies over the last 8 years for our clinic and have been dissatisfied with the previous service, communication, and integrity until we began with Corvus. If you are looking for high quality, professional cleaning, I would recommend Corvus.”

“We just started with Corvus after having another company for several years. Corvus Janitorial are doing a great job. They are also quick to respond to any questions you may have about other work they offer.”

“I am extremely happy with Corvus Janitorial. Any issues or extra services, they are more than helpful. And dealing with Louis Kline is great!”

“We started using Corvus here at St. Joseph’s School this school year and Carlos and Cortez have been great. Louis stops by frequently to check progress. It’s a welcomed change. I would highly recommend Corvus.”

“Corvus Janitorial has served my company for the last 2 years with exemplary performance. The few issues we’ve had have been taken care of immediately and were not repeated. Very good experience with them!”

“We have used Corvus for about two years now. The service has been very good – my guy is TJ and he has always been responsive and available to come in for spot cleaning or after a large event – we will continue to use Corvus here at Mercedes-Benz of St Louis.”

“The team that cleans my building are always professional. The group at the main office and the account manager have never been too busy to resolve an issue or audit my building to see that what has been promised is being completed.”

“We are extremely happy with the customer service from Corvus. They go above and beyond and take full initiative to keep everything clean. Our custodian calls and checks in on a weekly basis for feedback, as well as makes notes for us in a feedback log in the front office. Keep us the great work and thank you so much!”

“We have been a client of Corvus for over a decade now. They provide a very reliable cleaning service. Any time we need to meet with them or discuss our needs, they are very prompt to answer us and make any necessary adjustments. They truly are committed to customer service.”

“We have been using Corvus for several years now to clean our two-story private elementary school with an early childhood department, which requires cleaning and sanitizing nightly. Their area manager has been quick to respond to the few problems we have had over the years. Our current custodian is very thorough, flexible and is willing to go above and beyond to help us with “extra” things we need done that are not part of his routine. Corvus can handle any job, no matter how big or small. I would effeminately recommend them!”

“We have used Corvus weekly since August 2013 and they have been excellent!! The people are friendly, the services are great, and the communication is outstanding!! I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking cleaning services for their business!!”