Tips & Trends

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

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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.

The Benefits of Cleaning with a Microfiber Cloth

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You don’t need to be a cleaning fanatic in the cleaning business, but it helps.
You may start each job by grabbing chemicals, a towel, and something to hold water, then attacking the dirty areas with vigor. All you can do is hope you killed the hidden bacteria and filth our eyes can’t see. The air around you smells clean, and the area you scrubbed looks clean. Task accomplished.

Enter the microfiber cloth.

Why Is Microfiber so Special?

Microfiber is a polyester-nylon blend consisting of more than 200,000 fibers per square inch. The nylon carries a positive electrical charge, which attracts dust, dirt, and microorganisms. Each fiber can clean and pull up particles, so almost everything seen and unseen gets removed from the cleaning surface.

They are Better for the Environment

Microfiber towels and mops reduce the amount of water and chemicals used per cleaning. In most cases, water will suffice for standard cleaning routines, and if water is needed, it is much less than that used by cotton products.

The University of California Davis Medical Center (UCDMC) found that a microfiber mop only needed five gallons of water per one hundred rooms. In comparison, a cotton mop required 105 gallons of water. The same study found that microfiber mops only used .5 ounces of chemicals, compared to the cotton mop’s 10.5 ounces.

Microfiber cloths save water, reduce the number of chemicals we release into the environment, and provide healthier conditions for your clients.

Cleaning Versus Disinfecting

Cleaning is very different from disinfecting. You wash your dishes by hand to remove the leftover particles before placing them into the dishwasher to be disinfected. It’s the same for all other surfaces.

Cleaning removes the grit and bacteria from the surface, but some viruses will remain. The only way to eliminate them totally is through the use of chemicals.

Chemicals applied to surfaces help kill viruses and bacteria, but they also help with tough-to-remove stains, such as hard water. Using the chemical is just the first step. You must then wait for the dwell time to elapse before wiping away the product.

Microfiber cloths require a smaller quantity of chemical products to do the same job as cotton cloths. Still, it is best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution ratios. Microfiber not only kills the microbes but the food they require to thrive.

Microfiber Is a Complete Cleaning Package

Microfiber uses its static charge to trap small particles, bacteria, and dust. That helps in more ways than just cleaning counters and mopping floors. It also absorbs water and chemicals better, dispersing them on surfaces as needed. Here are a few cleaning tasks microfiber excels at:

• Disinfecting
• Dry-dusting
• Polishing
• Dry and wet scrubbing

Microfiber replaces cotton, knit, and polishing cloths, as well as lint-free and disposable rags. Microfiber should be your go-to cloth for all your cleaning needs.

Cleaning your Microfiber Cloths

Cleaning your microfiber cloths is simple, here are a few steps to ensure you wash correctly.
• Shake them out before washing them
• Use detergent without any additives, such as softeners or fragrance
• Consider hand-washing, if only lightly soiled
• Line dry if possible
• Dry on a low heat setting, without other items

Corvus Janitorial Systems

Corvus Janitorial Systems believes in making lives better (and easier), not just for our clients but also for those creating a cleaner, healthier environment every day. We offer a full range of cleaning services to our clients, including disinfecting and sanitizing services.

If you are a professional in the cleaning world and want to grow your business into something special, contact us to learn about our franchise opportunity.

Restroom Cleaning 101

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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.

Mold vs. Mildew

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Mold and mildew are often referred to together as if they are interchangeable. However, mold and mildew are two species of fungus that pose different threats. If your environment is affected by mold or mildew, understanding their differences will enable you to take the proper course of action.

Mold and Mildew: Defined

Mold and mildew are both fungi that grow in moist, confined spaces. Both strains form in a wide variety of environments and quickly spread to various locations by releasing microscopic spores into the air, searching for the right conditions.

Mold is the result of larger infestations and can take on a variety of appearances. When it grows on any substance, these fungi develop in the form of filaments that look like little hair, called hyphae. The color of mold can vary depending on where it is growing. Hence, a green mold can often appear as black, orange, pink, or even purple. If untreated, mold poses serious health hazards that can result in prolonged damage. Some strains of mold are toxic, making it all the more important to take immediate action when an infestation occurs.

Mildew is a type of mold defined at its earliest stage. It grows on top of surfaces and, when identified, is easy to control. It appears white or grey in the early stages but can eventually turn brown and is shaped like small, flat dots. Mildew is common in bathrooms, particularly on shower walls. Other common areas include washing machines and damp basements.

Effects of Mold and Mildew on Human Health

Both mold and mildew present a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. They release spores, which humans then inhale.

Exposure to such toxic air can cause headaches, nausea, nasal congestion, itchy and irritated eyes, and more. Although molds and mildews do not attack people directly, their spores are allergens, making those with asthma and weak immune systems especially vulnerable.

How to Eliminate Mold and Mildew from Your Workplace

Completely removing mold and mildew is the most effective approach to protect health and prevent permanent damage in buildings as soon as it’s identified.

Before you begin, ensure you have the following tools: a mask, goggles, gloves, a good cleaning product, a spray bottle, and a few sponges. Masks will protect you from breathing in spores, and goggles will ensure they do not get into your eyes.

Bleach, water, white vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide are everyday household items you can use to remove mold and mildew effectively. Create a solution of one part bleach to three parts water in your spray bottle. Apply the solution to the affected area and allow it to dwell between 10-20 minutes. Then, remove the mold or mildew using your scrubbing brush. Repeat this process as you find it necessary. Once removed, create a mixture of half white vinegar and half hydrogen peroxide in a separate spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the cleaned area and let it air dry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the easiest way to distinguish between mold and mildew is by how they look. Mold is darker and often fuzzy. Mildew has lighter hues, is always flat, and appears as small dots. Keeping your space clean, increasing ventilation by opening windows or installing fans, and using dehumidifiers are some measures one can take to prevent mold and mildew from forming in the first place. If the issue becomes too much to bear, consider hiring professional cleaners to handle it. The cleaning crews at Corvus Janitorial Systems are highly-trained professionals committed to giving your workspace the high-quality service it deserves. More information on the commercial cleaning services we provide can be found right here.