Schools

The Importance of K-12 School Cleaning

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Schools are an essential part of our society, providing education to students of all ages. K-12 schools serve as the foundation of a student’s academic journey. With thousands of students, teachers, and staff members coming in and out of school buildings every day, it is crucial to maintain a clean and safe learning environment. In this article, we discuss the importance of K-12 school cleaning and best practices for achieving a healthy and safe environment.

Importance of K-12 School Cleaning

The primary reason for maintaining a clean and healthy school environment is to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff members. Schools can be breeding grounds for germs, viruses, and bacteria. In a densely populated environment such as a school, these microorganisms can spread rapidly and cause illnesses that can lead to absenteeism and disruption of the learning process. Regular and thorough cleaning can help prevent the spread of illnesses and promote a healthy and safe learning environment.

Additionally, a clean school environment can positively impact the mental and emotional health of students, teachers, and staff members. Studies have shown that a clean and organized environment can improve mental clarity, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity. A well-maintained learning environment can also promote a sense of pride and responsibility in students, which can lead to better academic performance.

Best Practices for K-12 School Cleaning

1. Develop a Comprehensive Cleaning Plan

A comprehensive cleaning plan is essential for maintaining a clean and safe learning environment. The plan should outline specific cleaning tasks, schedules, and responsibilities. It should also include guidelines for cleaning equipment and products to ensure they’re safe and effective use.

2. Train Cleaning Staff and Teachers

Proper training is crucial for cleaning staff and teachers who may be responsible for maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment. Training should include information on cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and the proper use of cleaning equipment and products.

3. Use Appropriate Cleaning Products and Equipment

It is essential to use appropriate cleaning products and equipment to ensure effective cleaning and minimize the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Green cleaning products are a popular option for schools as they are safer for both people and the environment. Additionally, the use of microfiber cleaning cloths and mops can help reduce waste and water usage.

4. Establish Cleaning Schedules

Establishing a regular cleaning schedule can help ensure that all areas of the school are cleaned regularly and thoroughly. High-traffic areas such as classrooms, restrooms, and common areas should be cleaned multiple times a day, while other areas may only require weekly or monthly cleaning.

5. Encourage Personal Responsibility

Encouraging personal responsibility among students, teachers, and staff members can help promote a clean and healthy learning environment. Students can be taught proper hygiene practices such as handwashing and covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing. Teachers and staff members can be encouraged to clean up after themselves and their students and report any cleaning or maintenance issues promptly.

6. Partner with a Professional Cleaning Company

Partnering with a professional cleaning company like Corvus Janitorial Systems can provide schools with a cost-effective and efficient solution for maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment. At Corvus, we have the expertise and equipment necessary to provide thorough cleaning services while adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.

Keep Your School Clean with Corvus Janitorial Systems

Maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment is crucial for the success of K-12 schools. Implementing best practices such as developing a comprehensive cleaning plan, using appropriate cleaning products and equipment, establishing cleaning schedules, encouraging personal responsibility, and partnering with a professional cleaning company can help ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

By prioritizing cleanliness and safety, K-12 schools can provide students, teachers, and staff members with the best possible learning environment. If your school is looking for a professional cleaning services provider, contact Corvus today to get a free quote.

University and College Cleaning Services – What You Should Know

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Universities and colleges are home to thousands of students, faculty members, and staff. With so many people constantly moving through these spaces, maintaining a clean and healthy environment can be a challenging task. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent the spread of germs, reduce the risk of infections, and create a comfortable learning and working environment for everyone. In this post, we discuss some of the key aspects of university and college cleaning, including why it’s important, what challenges cleaning staff face, and how to ensure effective cleaning in your higher education facility.

Why is university and college cleaning important?

Keeping university and college campuses clean is important for several reasons. First, a clean environment reduces the risk of infections and diseases, which can spread quickly in crowded spaces. With so many people living, studying, and working in close proximity, viruses and bacteria can easily spread from person to person, especially in communal areas such as libraries, classrooms, and dining halls. Regular cleaning and disinfection can help to prevent the spread of germs, protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone on campus.

Additionally, a clean and well-maintained environment is essential for creating a comfortable and conducive learning and working environment. A cluttered, dirty, or disorganized space can be distracting and uncomfortable, making it difficult for students and faculty members to focus and perform their best. By keeping campuses clean and tidy, universities and colleges can create a welcoming and positive environment that supports academic success.

Finally, a clean environment is essential for maintaining the physical infrastructure of the campus. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent wear and tear on buildings and equipment, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements in the long run. This can save universities and colleges money, allowing them to invest more in academic programs and resources.

What challenges do cleaning staff face?

Cleaning university and college campuses can be a challenging task for several reasons. Firstly, these spaces are often very large, with multiple buildings, floors, and rooms to clean. This can make it difficult for cleaning staff to cover all areas thoroughly and efficiently, especially during peak periods when many people are using the facilities.

Secondly, university and college campuses are often very busy, with people moving in and out of buildings throughout the day. This can make it difficult for cleaning staff to work without disrupting the normal operations of the campus. For example, cleaning staff may need to work around lectures, meetings, and other events, which can limit the time available for cleaning and maintenance.

Thirdly, cleaning university and college campuses requires specialized skills and equipment. For example, cleaning staff may need to be trained in the use of specialized cleaning equipment, such as floor scrubbers and carpet cleaners, to ensure that these surfaces are cleaned effectively. Additionally, they may need to use cleaning products and disinfectants that are safe for use in educational environments while complying with relevant health and safety regulations.

How to ensure effective university and college cleaning?

To ensure that university and college campuses are kept clean and healthy, it’s important to develop a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance plan. This plan should cover all areas of the campus, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, dining halls, and dormitories. It should also consider the specific needs and challenges of the campus, such as peak periods of usage and specific health and safety concerns.

In addition to a cleaning and maintenance plan, universities and colleges should invest in the right cleaning equipment and supplies. This may include floor scrubbers, vacuum cleaners, disinfectants, and specialized cleaning products that are safe and effective for use in educational environments. It’s also important to ensure that cleaning staff are properly trained in the use of all equipment and supplies to ensure that they are used effectively and safely.

Finally, regular monitoring and feedback are essential to ensure that cleaning and maintenance standards are being met. This includes conducting regular inspections where cleaning professionals collect feedback from students, faculty, and staff. As a leading commercial cleaning services provider, Corvus understands that universities and colleges have high standards and expectations of their cleaning professionals, and we strive to provide the most efficient and comprehensive cleaning programs to meet these expectations.

Contact Corvus to Clean Your College Campus

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is crucial for universities and colleges. It reduces the risk of infections, creates a comfortable and conducive learning and working environment, and helps maintain the physical infrastructure of the campus. However, cleaning and maintenance can be challenging due to the large size of these facilities, their busy schedules, and the need for specialized skills and equipment.

Developing a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance plan, investing in the right equipment and supplies, and providing proper training to cleaning staff can help ensure effective cleaning. At Corvus, we know the importance of effective university and college cleaning and we aim to provide the best customized cleaning programs to meet the high standards and expectations of these institutions. Contact us today to receive a free cleaning quote for your higher education facility.

Top 3 Reasons Your School Should Hire a Professional Cleaning Service

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Of all the investments schools make, hiring a janitorial service is one of the most effective. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people go through schools every day, and keeping surfaces clean does much to improve staff and students’ health and well-being. Here, we’ll list a few reasons for schools to hire professional cleaning services.

Increasing Productivity

When a person’s surroundings are clean and uncluttered, their mind will be as well. It’s been proven that a neat, tidy, and sanitary workplace encourages productivity. In schools, the philosophy applies everywhere, from cafeterias and assembly halls to classrooms and gymnasiums. While clutter and dirt can be distracting, a clean and neat school environment allows teachers and students to work productively all day long.

Supporting Health and Improving Hygiene

From stomach bugs to the coronavirus, it’s easy to spread infection in a school. Regular school cleaning services bring numerous benefits, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection.

1. Cleaning removes dirt, impurities, and germs from hard and soft surfaces. It works by using detergent and water to strip contaminants from surfaces. While the process doesn’t always kill germs, it does reduce their numbers and lower the risk of infection.

2. Disinfection kills viruses and bacteria on objects and surfaces. Here, team members use special chemicals that, when applied properly, eliminate germs. Disinfection doesn’t always remove contaminants or clean surfaces, but it further reduces the risk of dangerous infection.

3. Sanitizing reduces the number of bacteria and viruses on surfaces to a level deemed acceptable by public health agencies. The process works by disinfecting or cleaning surfaces, thereby reducing infection risk.

Because children’s immune systems aren’t as well developed as those of adults, it’s more important than ever to maintain a sanitized environment. While working in a school comes with certain challenges, our team of cleaning specialists will use industrial-strength cleaning solutions to maintain the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and health for staff and students.

Janitors Can Clean Almost Anything

Schools typically have standard disinfection and cleaning procedures. In most cases, it involves the sanitizing of high-touch surfaces such as toys, phones, bathroom fixtures, computer keyboards, musical instruments, countertops, and desks. In high-transmission areas, daily disinfection may be required.

Not only do our crew members provide routine cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection services, but we can also step in on an as-needed basis. Our on-call janitors will immediately clean visibly soiled objects and surfaces while following safe handling requirements for biohazardous materials such as blood and bodily fluids. We’ll remove spills, disinfect areas, and clean surfaces, and restore them to their former usability.

When they clean the same buildings and surfaces each day, in-house cleaning crews often overlook certain things. School superintendents, principals, teachers, and students can count on us to make buildings look clean and neat while creating a warm and welcoming environment for all.

Bonus Benefit #1: Custom Options

Professional cleaning services work with teachers and principals to determine the safest and best cleaning options for their schools. By working together, these two groups can create cleaning schedules for locker rooms, cafeterias, classrooms, gyms, hallways, and other areas. With the right plan in place, it’s possible to save time and money while ensuring that everyone has a healthy and positive school year.

Bonus Benefit #2: Saving Time, Money, Stress, and Hassle

Hiring a cleaning service allows principals and supervisors to create a schedule and free up time for other, more important duties. Simply choose the areas to be cleaned—and how often it should be done—and we’ll take care of the rest. When teachers and administrators have less to worry about, they have more time to focus on their students.

School cleaning is an investment that brings long-term financial advantages. While it seems costly in the beginning, professional cleaning eliminates the need to buy cleaning tools and supplies—which decreases spending. Scheduled cleanings keep schools healthy and clean, reducing student absences and educator sick days.

There’s almost nothing more frustrating than running out of something important. It can be difficult to keep track of soap, toilet tissue, paper towels, and other janitorial supplies, along with all the other responsibilities associated with working in a school. When all these duties are left up to a few people, the to-do list can seem almost impossible to finish. With comprehensive cleaning services, it’s easy to ensure a consistent supply of janitorial aids.

Bonus Benefit #3: A Better Educational Experience

A student’s environment has a significant effect on how well they learn, and it’s no surprise that a clean school will always outperform an unclean one. It’s been proven that students get higher grades in cleaner surroundings, and that graduation rates for clean schools exceed those of unkempt campuses. By providing a clean environment, administrators can improve students’ well-being and, by extension, their performance.

Bonus Benefit #4: Positive Parental Involvement

Keeping a school clean helps parents get involved in a positive way. When they realize that their kids are well cared for at a clean, sanitary school, they’re more likely to participate in parent-teacher association meetings and extracurricular activities. As administrations make a commitment to their schools, it may encourage more parents to do the same.

Make a Better Impression With School Cleaning Services

We’ve all been told not to judge books by their covers, but it’s only natural to make assumptions about a school’s safety and quality based on its appearance. Making a good first impression is important in all industries, including education. For visitors, staff members, and students, coming to a warm, welcoming, and clean environment is the best way to start the day. Clean windows, neat classrooms, uncluttered hallways, and sanitary surfaces show respect for the learning institution and all those who enter it.

Don’t let recent changes in the school environment be a distraction—hire a professional cleaning service you can count on. With help from the team at Corvus Janitorial Systems, administrators can keep staff, parents, and students safe, happy, and in good health. Contact us or call today to receive a customized 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.”

What to Think About Before Going Back to School

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Disinfection is an important step in your back-to-school checklist, but it isn’t enough on its own. If other precautions, like wearing masks, physically distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene aren’t followed, it won’t do much. Educators and leaders in the public health space are diligently working to put together programs that’ll help schools across the country reopen safely and responsibly. While they develop these programs and guidelines, here are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready to reopen your school:

Implementing general safety measures is key

As we all adjust to new rules and ways of living, establishing, and maintaining effective communication is crucial. Over the coming months, guidelines and best practices may change to adapt to new needs. Continuing to communicate with important local officials and other educational institutions in the area can help you stay on top of these changes and keep everyone healthy and safe. Make sure to put a plan in place for handling future closures in the case of a new outbreak.

With cold weather coming, many health officials have speculated that COVID-19 cases will increase as flu season hits. As schools and businesses begin to reopen across the country around the same time, additional cases are inevitable. Have a comprehensive plan in place for everyone to follow. It’s also important to develop a separate plan for at-risk students. Students with pre-existing health conditions should be provided with resources that’ll help them succeed at home instead of on-site.

Promoting healthy hygiene practices can help stop the spread

Healthy amounts of proper handwashing may be our best defense against the spread of COVID. This is an easy and effective way to remove germs and protect against infection. Another important hygiene practice is to avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Ensure everyone is covering all sneezes and coughs. We’ve heard a lot about this throughout the year, but this isn’t always something that comes naturally to students, especially young ones.

Take the time to educate your students on proper healthy hygiene practices before you reopen, and keep educating them after they arrive. Spend extra time on this with your younger students. Put up signs in the hallways, bathrooms, classrooms, and common areas. If you can, encourage students and employees to wear face masks or cloth coverings.

Checking for COVID symptoms will help keep everyone safe

Be sure to put screening procedures in place for anyone entering your school, including all students and staff. If you operate a small enough school, forehead scanners drastically cut down the amount of time you need to take everyone’s temperature. But in most schools, this won’t work. Instead, asking each person if they’ve had any COVID symptoms, and having them fill out a check-in form, is more practical.

In the case of potential exposure, keep clear records. Encourage anyone feeling COVID symptoms or anyone that has been in contact with a COVID-positive person to stay home. Sometimes, COVID symptoms can sneak up on you. Keep a separate room or area to isolate anyone who shows COVID symptoms unexpectedly during the school day. Once they’ve been tested, you’ll either be clear to open the space back up (if they’re negative) or you’ll have to close off areas they’ve used (if they’re positive) and clean and disinfect these spaces before others can use them again.

Educating students, employees, and families will get everyone on the same page

While you may be on top of updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), local health officials and educators in your area, your students and their families may not have all of the information that you do. Inform students and families of enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures, guidelines for safe social distancing, the requirements around face masks, your preferred screening procedures, and your plan for symptom identification. You can do this in a variety of ways:

• Post updates on your school’s website

• Send regular email updates to your students and their parents

• Create a social media page dedicated to reopening and staying healthy throughout the school year

• Develop webinars for students, families, and employees

• Send home flyers

Whether you choose to do one or several of these things, you’re not only helping to maintain a safe school environment. You are encouraging a safe environment at home, too.

You’ll need to intensify your regular cleaning and disinfecting procedures

While it’s difficult to monitor or control the actions of all of your students and employees, it’s easy to exercise control over the environment. By the time your school reopens, it should be effectively cleaned and disinfected. But it shouldn’t end there. Intensified cleaning and disinfecting procedures should be implemented after you reopen, too. While cleaning gets rid of the dirt, dust, some germs, and other materials that collect on surfaces, it won’t necessarily kill harmful bacteria or viruses. For that, you need disinfection, which does kill bacteria and viruses.

Focusing on high-touch surfaces doorknobs, desks, light switches, sinks, water fountains, and cafeteria trays can help drastically reduce the chance of these bacteria and viruses spreading. Keeping a surplus of supplies on hand and closing shared spaces like fountains and cafeterias can also help. If these areas can’t be restricted, increased cleaning and disinfecting can help here, too.

For everything from deep corners to high-touch surfaces, Corvus Janitorial has your cleaning and disinfecting needs covered. We use high-level techniques and tools along with COVID-approved chemicals to give you the best cleaning and disinfecting services available. Reach out to us today for a free quote for your cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing needs.

Restroom Odor Busting Techniques for Educational Facilities

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Corvus of Chicago Janitorial Franchisee Marquette Dewitt and Corvus of Chicago Director of Operations Mario Rodriguez collaborated to provide perspective and tips on some of the most challenging and important aspects of providing outsourced janitorial services to schools, daycares and education oriented facilities.

To address restroom odor, Start with the floor

No facility, regardless of its mission, wants any type of odor within their four walls and certainly not in the restroom areas. Yet as it relates to pre-schools, day care facilities, or schools at large, odors in restrooms can foul the feel of the entire institution, impacting students, and teachers, as well as prospective students and their families. According to Mario and Marquette, a major obstacle to ensuring an odorless restroom is connected to the technique used in addressing flooring in those areas.

Because of high traffic and the need for a strong material to manage traffic patterns and heavy use, most school restroom floors are comprised of ceramic tile and grout. The trouble is that waste, liquid and other odor generating materials seep into porous grout, taking up permanent residence. In such cases, typical damp mopping won’t do the trick, nor will wet mopping.

The key to reducing, if not eliminating, ongoing restroom odor has more to do with four essential cleaning techniques:

Time
Product
Agitation
Pick Up

What is meant by this?

Proper Cleaning Technique Matters

  1. “In order for a cleaning product to be effective, you’ve got to let it interact with the soiled area and material”, remarked Mr. Dewitt, “most people dunk their mops in their buckets, run the fibers over the area and call it a day…but that doesn’t really take care of sanitizing or killing the odor”. Instead, janitorial contractors need to apply the chemical – in an appropriately diluted manner – and let it sit, engaging the target, for 3 – 5 minutes. “With my accounts and my team, I’ll make and apply the diluted cleaning product to areas around toilets or commodes, then address trash, mirrors, dusting or surface areas, giving the chemical time to attack the soiled area”, Marquette said.
  2. It’s critical to use the proper cleaning chemicals when eliminating odors. According to Mario, “a typical floor cleaner or even specialty sanitizer won’t do the trick. That’s because, in most cases, urine is the culprit of odors in restrooms…and to be honest and frank, it’s usually the gent’s restroom that causes problems. ” Employing a product with an enzyme that consumes any type of “organic” material is the key to destroying odors produced by those materials. “We tend to use Spartan products like ‘Digester’ or ‘Nature’s Way’, as we’ve used the line for years and have a great relationship with our supplier, Seaway, but all the other major brands carry a similar type of product,” offered Mr. Rodriguez.
  3. “You have to get in there and deck brush the area,” stated Marquette. Manually agitating the area to ensure the enzyme mixes and consumes the organic matter is critical. In fact, without forcing the interaction, the product remains on the top surface of the soiled area, and does not seep into the porous areas. Especially as it relates to grout floor material, or any material with any degree of permeability, one has to agitate, which in turn can be done with a deck brush, smaller hand-held brush or a more robust slow speed floor machine.
  4. Clean Water and Chemicals for Clean Floors The last step to successfully eliminating odor is a thorough “pick up process”. Janitorial contractors have to change out mop water and chemicals, filling a new bucket with the clean solution. They must “pick up” and rinse water, mopping the area to absorb the chemicals and the now reduced organic material. “Ideally one can wet or “flood mop” then either use a wet-dry vac to pick up the soiled waste water or squeegee excess liquid into the drain which ought to be available in the restroom environment. With my franchise, that’s the method we use for picking up, but occasionally the time frame or window for cleaning won’t allow for that method”, offered Marquette.

 

While many other methods and techniques exist to help battle urine odors and restroom odors in general, those four keys will significantly help bust restroom odor! Time, Enzyme/Chemical, Agitation, Pick Up.
Thanks to Corvus of Chicago Janitorial Franchisee, Marquette Dewitt and Director of Operations, Mario Rodriguez!

Corvus of Chicago – 773-276-2227