Christmas is the most exciting time of the year. There are three things guaranteed over the holidays; chocolates, presents and the clean-up following the festivities. Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists have come up with a few handy tips to see you glide through the Christmas clean up with minimum effort.

1. Pre-Christmas Clean

Before you start thinking about where the ideal spot to place your Christmas tree is, a considerable clean-up is required.

• Oven Clean – Time is spent choosing the perfect turkey for the Christmas dinner. It is important that you spend some time on cleaning the oven, trays, racks and pans. Doing this in advance can save stress and panic on Christmas Day. There are various forms of oven cleaners on the market but baking soda & vinegar can work just as effectively.

• Christmas Decorations – Decorations are only seen for one month of the year. The rest of the year they are stored in an attic or garage accumulating dust. Make your decorations look like new by giving them a quick dust-down using a new paintbrush.

• Most Used Rooms – It is important to manage your cleaning time. The areas where most time will be spent over the holidays, such as the kitchen, hallway, and sitting-room should take priority.

2. Stains & Spills

It is almost guaranteed that stains are going to appear over the festive period, on furniture, carpets and clothes. The key to getting rid of them is determining what type of stain it is. This will allow you to find out the best way to treat the stain.

• Red Wine – For the dreaded red wine stain, salt can be very effective. Soak up the red wine by pouring salt over the affected area. Leave the salt to fully dry before vacuuming the excess away. It is key to react as quickly as possible as the stain will worsen if it is left to dry and can create permanent staining. Pouring white wine on the stain can also help in removing red wine stains.

• Candle Wax – Candle wax can be cause for a post-Christmas cleaning nightmare. To deal with a candle wax spill on carpet or fabric, harden the wax by rubbing an ice cube on it. This hardened piece should be chipped off and then melt the remains with an iron.

• If you’re still having issue with your floor or carpets, Derrycourt can provide you with long term cost effective solutions in floor maintenance. To find out more information, contact us on 01 864 3000.

3. Bins

• On Christmas Day, a good technique to keep the rubbish from getting out of control is to fully utilise your bins. For the discarded wrapping paper and packaging have a bin for paper and one for plastic. This can reduce general waste and increase your recycling which is important as a large amount of waste is gathered over the Christmas period.

4. Kitchen Roll
   

• Christmas is a prime time for spillages and sticky fingers making a mess everywhere. To avoid a big clean up post-Christmas, strategically place kitchen roll around your home. People can soak up any spillages and catch any crumbs from those late-night snacks.

Hopefully these cleaning tips can ensure you’re prepared for the Christmas Holidays, reducing your time cleaning and increasing your relaxation time with family and friends.

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Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists recommend the implementation of the Micro-fibre flat mopping system. These mops consist of a lightweight handle with a very flexible flat rectangular head. A microfibre pad attaches to the mop head with Velcro. These mops are fully colour coded in accordance with all requirements on-site. At the end of the day it all boils down to efficiency and quality of results, the flat mop delivers on both of these measurements.

How The Microfibre Flat Mop Head Works

Microfibre is composed of polyester and polyamide (nylon) fibres. These fibres are approximately 1/16 to 1/100 the thickness of a strand of human hair. It is extremely absorbent and can work effectively, even on the dirtiest floors. In fact, its density allows it to hold 6 times its weight in water. Therefore, it needs less cleaning product and water. All of this means financial savings, becoming more environmentally friendly and overall improvements in sustainable cleaning.

The tiny fibres have the ability to penetrate the microscopic surface pores of most flooring materials. The microfibres are positively charged, which enhances their ability to attract dust (which is negatively charged). The microfibre flat mop head is also great for trapping germs. The microfibers grip the bacteria firmly, and prevent them from spreading out. This makes it an excellent choice for retail environments, office spaces, schools and healthcare premises.

The Advantages of using the Flat Mopping Micro-Fibre System are:

• Increased Hygiene and cleanliness levels – no cross contamination.
• Ease of use for operatives – lighter and easier to transport and use, leading to increased efficiency and better results.
• Less disruption to patients, staff and visitors – quieter, faster and less intrusive
• Less potential for injury – less water and chemicals leading to a lighter working tool for our operative leading to no repetitive strain. Micro-fibre holds less liquid without dripping and merely leaves a light film of water on the floor, is dried with a different mop ensuring almost dry floors at all times resulting in less opportunity for slips, trips and falls.
• Environmental Accolades – reduction of water and chemicals used.
• Reduced Costs – although initial costs may be higher, the life of a micro-fibre mop-head is on average 10 times longer than the old style ‘kentucky mops’. Reduced water, chemical usage and replacement needs will lead to cost savings in the long run.
• Risk of Infection is reduced – The used mop head is changed after every room and sent for laundering. Because soiled cloths are never returned to the cleaning solution, risk of cross contamination between rooms is eliminated.
• Laundering cost may be reduced (depending on usage) – micro-fibre mops require less space in the washers and dryers than conventional mops, saving on water, detergent and energy.

Floors impact the impression your facilities make on your clients and staff. Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists have spent considerable time reviewing the latest technology in floor maintenance and can provide cost effective long term solutions using the most up to date equipment.

For more information about the floor restoration and maintenance services we provide, visit our website www.derrycourt.ie or call us on 01 864 3000 to arrange a site specific survey.

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Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists understand the importance of being eco-friendly in all facets of our company. The topic of being environmentally friendly is expanding and diversifying. This is an issue of great importance for the Irish government at present. Ireland will have to reduce its carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to 2005 levels between now and 2030 in order to meet binding new targets set by the EU. Industries of all shapes and sizes are actively seeking solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. These solutions can range from the development of eco-friendly cars to the advancement of cloud based computing to reduce carbon footprints. The cleaning sector is no different to this and a major aspect in this sector is providing sustainable environmental services.

A recent article by ISSA has shown that the professional cleaning industry is building on green cleaning and becoming more sustainable. Contract cleaners and in-house service providers are embracing a wide range of strategies to reduce energy, fuel, and water consumption along with waste. In the process, they are also making cleaning and facility operations much more cost-effective and efficient.

Contract Cleaners are driving this change and Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists want to be at the forefront of this change in Ireland. There is a realisation that being more sustainable has a number of cost-saving benefits for both contract cleaners and their clients.

This change to sustainability becoming evident in a number of ways, including:

Equipment selection: When selecting traditional cleaning equipment, many cleaning contractors are no longer just focused on cost or how much the machine or product can improve worker productivity. They also want to know if the product works effectively using less water, chemicals, and energy

Technological innovations: Manufacturers are introducing new types of cleaning equipment that are designed to use less energy, water, and cleaning solution than traditional cleaning options. These are proving to be very effective in both reducing costs and improving worker productivity.

Spot buying: Many cleaning professionals make product purchases as they need them, often in an emergency, referred to as “spot buying”. This is not a cost-effective approach to purchasing nor does it promote sustainability. Buying in bulk will increase the chances of receiving products at a discounted price and will allow for a reduction in packaging materials and fuel.

Workflow: Workflow strategies can be designed so that certain areas of a facility are cleaned first, allowing lights and power to be turned off in those areas when they’re not in use. Hard surface and carpet floor care programmes can be designed so that areas are cleaned based more on need and use and less on set schedules, thus reducing energy and water demands.

Day cleaning: While day cleaning has its pros and cons, it cannot be denied that day cleaning can help a facility reduce its energy consumption. In many cases, day cleaning allows the entire facility to shut down at a certain hour and over the weekend. Reports have shown, day cleaning programs have reduced energy consumption by 6 to 10 percent.

Team cleaning:  Cleaning in teams can help promote sustainability.  When cleaning operatives perform the same tasks again and again, they tend to become more skilled and proficient, making cleaning faster and allowing the facility to be shut down for the day sooner.

What are Derrycourt Doing to Help?

Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists are committed to providing a sustainable and greener Contract Cleaning Service to our clients. We recognise that social, economic and environmental issues are connected so the correct decisions and policies applied have a balanced and harmonious influence on any contract.

Implementation On-site:

• Purchasing eco-range products that are environmentally friendly and supplied in quantities that minimise the amount of packaging and container waste generated
• Automated chemical dilution system leading to a reduction of water and chemical waste
• Using environmentally friendly cleaning equipment where practical including the use reusable cleaning cloths or microfibre technology in lieu of paper products
• Specialised initial crew of cleaning operatives with a contracted Industrial Manager to deliver the best possible service in a quick timeframe.
• Implementation of a strict maintenance procedure, ensuring all equipment is maintained in good order so that it functions effectively
• Segregation and recycling of waste

Implementation in Head Office:

• Implementation of a strict maintenance procedure, ensuring all equipment is maintained in good order so that it functions effectively
• Segregation and recycling of waste
• New fleet of vehicles reducing carbon emissions including electric cars
• Using energy efficient products and equipment, and renewable energy
• Implementation of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
• Our ‘Green Team’ meet on a regular basis to discuss our carbon footprint as a company try to implement changes and is dedicated to ensuring that Derrycourt minimise their impact on climate change.

For further information on our services or if you would like to talk to somebody in relation to Sustainable Cleaning, please contact us on 01 864 3000 or alternatively email info@derrycourt.ie

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A classroom can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria so it is vital that it is cleaned properly so that bacteria that may cause sickness such as coughs and colds are killed properly. When you think about it, the surfaces and furniture in a school are touched by children every day, so daily cleaning is essential.

The following has been taken from an article written by ISSA on school cleaning but tailored to relate to schools in Ireland. To help prevent the spread of disease at school, we offer three tips for keeping schools clean and students healthy year-round

1. Clean and disinfect all surface areas
It is important to implement an ongoing cleaning and disinfection program for all surface areas throughout the school. These surfaces include door handles, light switches, computer keyboards, desks, supplies and common play areas or tables.

When cleaning these high-touch areas, make sure to use separate microfiber mops and towels between zones to remove germs and reduce cross contamination.

2. Mid-term cleaning
It is important that schools stay clean through the school term. However, it is equally as important to clean the school during holidays and mid-term breaks. Dirt and dust continues to build even when nobody is in the school.

To ensure that the classrooms and offices are clean after a break, you should;
Wipe down hard surfaces in the classroom with a damp cloth or dry microfiber cloth.
Wash any fabric items during holiday time as they collect dust, dust mites, and can harbour germs.
Avoid using cleaning or disinfecting sprays even when children are not in your classroom as aerosols stay in the air long after they are used and can be dangerous to a child with asthma.

3. Reinforce importance of hand-washing
Hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to avoid sickness and reduce the spread of bacteria. Washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way to reduce the number of microbes and germs on hands, so it is important to teach students and staff proper hand-washing procedures.

To complement a hand-washing program, schools should also consider installing infection prevention tools such as hands-free towel dispensers and hand sanitiser stations. A recent study showed that the use of an alcohol-based gel hand sanitiser in the classroom can reduce absenteeism due to illness by nearly 20 percent.

As the school year begins, ensuring schools are clean and bacteria free is critical to the success of students and staff.

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• There are 21,000 germs per square inch existing on your mouse, keyboard and chair
• A Typical Desk has up to 10 Million Bacteria
• 100 times more germs than the average kitchen table
• 400 times more germs than a Toilet Seat
• 27% of people eat breakfast at their desk
• 62% eat lunch at their desk
• 50% of people snack at their desk
• The flu virus can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces

Issue: Desk Cleaning – Cleaning staff are not allowed to move items from your desk in order to clean it. If there are things left on your desk, cleaning staff will not be able to clean it.
Solution: Implement a clear desk policy at least once a week – this is where your staff removes all items from all desks on a weekly basis – allowing cleaning staff to clean the desk. This could rotate across all departments so that the cleaning staff can ensure all desks are cleaned.

Issue: Cleaning staff will not lift boxes, large items stored on the floor during the regular cleaning process. Dust builds up behind the boxes; the area does not get vacuumed and can pose a Health and Safety risk.
Solution: remove all boxes from floor and store appropriately to allow cleaning staff to vacuum the floor areas.

Issue: Computers and Keyboards- Computer screens and keyboards being left on. Cleaning staff are not able to clean as they are afraid of deleting files from computer.
Solution:  Implement a green policy to switch off all computers. This ensures that your computer receives regular cleaning and also it is environmentally friendly.

Issue: Personal belongings left on top of lockers, shoes thrown on the floor. Cleaning staff are not allowed to remove personal belongings from an area. This results in locker rooms not being cleaned to a high standard and high dusting not being complete.
Solution: Ensure Personal Belongings are stored in lockers. This will allow the cleaning staff to regularly clean the area.

Issue: Food and Delph left on desks: studies show more and more people are eating breakfast, lunch and snacks at their desks.  Microbiology tests have shown that there desk areas are 400 times dirtier than a toilet seat. Time spent removing Delph and cutlery from desks is time taken away from cleaning duties.
Solution: Implement a no eating policy at desks and/or a clean as you go policy in canteen and office areas. Use a cup – place it in the dishwasher after use.

Issue: Washrooms can be another area that can cause issues for contract cleaners, Hand Towels thrown carelessly to the floors instead of the bin.
Solution: Implement a clean as you go policy, ensure bins provided are large enough for the volume of waste produced and are placed in the right location to make disposal easy or alternatively, provide a hand dryer.

Issue: Using Sellotape to stick notices on the wall – this can often discolour over time and leave marks on walls/surfaces which is time consuming to remove and until removed is an eye sore.
Solution: Use Blutack or alternatively, use a notice board.

These solutions are areas which can assist clients in receiving the most from their contract cleaning company. They are real life issues that Derrycourt cleaning Specialists Cleaning staff has come across over the years. They are suggested solutions to help you achieve an effective and efficient cleaning solution.

Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists provide contract cleaning support across all industry sectors. They have achieved numerous awards across Ireland and UK include winning Cleaner of the Year, Cleanest Healthcare site in Ireland and the UK, Cleanest hospitality site in Ireland and the UK, and Best Company to work for in Ireland and the UK – Golden Service Awards.

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The devil is in the detail and detail equals quality of service delivery. Often people do not realise the importance of cleaning services until the day the cleaner does not show up for work. The detail to the untrained eye will go unnoticed for weeks, however, over time it becomes evident that the detail is missing and cleaning standards are dropping.

So what are the indicators to look out for?

• Low level cleaning: Check to see if there is a build-up of dust, dirt etc on your skirting boards, corners and edges of floors? If the answer is yes – you need to find out when these were last done or if they are to be cleaned – is it part of your cleaning specification.
• Radiators: areas around the radiator, skirting around radiators – there are often a build-up of dust in areas such as radiator as these are often forgotten about. A build-up of dust often occurs here due to static from the heat.
• Touch Points: such as Walls, temperature controls, light switches and electrical points. These are areas where hands regularly touch and a build-up of dirt can occur.
• Blinds: Build-up of dust can occur on the blinds. These should receive regular dusting.
• Cleaning Equipment: How clean is the cleaning equipment that is being used? Bristles of vacuum cleaner? Mops and mop buckets? What cleaning products/chemicals are used?

It is essential when you are hiring a contract cleaning company that you have controls in place to ensure that your cleaning partner is delivering what is being promised. So as the client of the cleaning company what controls should you request?

• Cleaning Specifications: Ask your contract cleaning partner what cleaning specifications have they put in place? – I hear you say – what is a cleaning specification? Cleaning specifications are the agreed outlined tasks that you required to be completed and the overall result to be achieved after the completion of cleaning e.g. area should be free of dust, dirt and debris.
• Cleaning Schedule: This is a time table of how regularly particular areas require cleaning. Often high traffic area’s such as reception areas, canteens and high traffic areas would require daily cleaning. Other location’s may only require weekly cleans.
• Management of the account: Do you have a site manager or an area manager? How often do you met with them? Depending on the site, the agreed hours, you should see your Area Manager at least once a month. This is an opportunity for you, the client, to discuss any issues you may have, to review the work that is being carried out. For the Area Manager, it is an opportunity to review the work of the cleaning operative, look at the equipment that is on site, to deal with any on site issues and ensure equipment, cleaning product etc. have arrived.
• Staff training programme: What training has been put in place for the staff? Have they obtained official training or is this on-site training only.
• Holiday/Sick Cover: what happens when the cleaning staff are out sick or on holidays – what support is in place? Is there holiday cover or short cover?

Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists are an Irish Contract Cleaning, Facilities Management Company.  We provide multi-award winning nationwide services and were established in 1992 by Ann and Martin O’Hanlon. Our awards include “the Cleanest Healthcare Premises in Ireland & UK”, “Best Company to Work for 2015 in Ireland & UK” and “Overall Cleaner of the Year 2015” Derrycourt offers both routine cleaning and site specific decontamination protocols and are the sole contractor for the Health Services Executive Clinical Decontamination Service in the event of an outbreak. www.derrycourt.ie

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Crime Scene Cleaning by Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists

The cleaning of Biohazards and Trauma incidents is a tricky business. It is not as simple as just wiping with a cloth, using bleach or disinfectant and away you go. There are a number of things that need to be considered, this includes a risk analysis of the work to be carried out, there are legal requirements in how one must dispose of the waste and highly trained staff and equipment which must be considered.

What are Biohazardous?
Biohazardous are Biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of humans. This can include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can affect human health and includes the removal of blood related waste or spillages, used or unwanted needles, disinfection communicable diseases.

Risks to be considered when cleaning up Biohazards

• Contacting of blood borne deadly viruses
• Obtaining a Needle stick injury
• Risk that is posed to others if this works are not carried out properly
• How to dispose of the clinical waste

Cleaning of Biohazards:

This includes the cleaning of bodily fluids includes blood, faeces and vomit. Blood borne viruses such as HEP B; HIV and other such blood related diseases can live on surfaces for as long as eight weeks. Many people are not aware of this and often feel sufficiently qualified to carry out such works themselves without analysing the risks.

The types of cleaning products and equipment that should be used to clean up after such spillages are often very expensive and require specialised training to ensure that the cleaning is carried out appropriately. This is essential to ensure that an area is sanitised using the appropriate measures, reducing the risk to you and your premises.

Needle Sweeps:
The world we live in today has become very disposable and has resulted with the discarding of unpleasant items such as needles inappropriately. This can often occur in places such as derelict buildings, building sites, car parks and on public transport. It is also not unusual to find such items outside schools and public buildings. It is essential that nobody picks these items up without the correct protective equipment and the required training. Needles are classified as clinical waste and the appropriate steps are required to dispose of these.

Crime Scenes:
Crime scene cleaning is a service provided to victims of crimes who may have suffered damage to their premises or property. This type of cleaning often occurs once the Gardaí/Police have completed their own on-scene investigation. Those providing such a service require staff:

• that are trained to deal with difficult situations,
• who are respectful/ sensitive to the situation that has just occurred
• who are trained in infection control
• and can be discreet as possible

The type of cleaning that can occur here can often involve the removal of blood and other bodily fluids; it can also involve the cleaning of finger print dusting or after an unfortunate passing of a person.

• When selecting or requesting a company to provide such a service it is essential that you vet the company and ask the right questions to ensure that you are receiving the service that you require.
• Will a risk assessment be conducted?
• What work will be carried out? – receive a clear work specification
• What happens to the debris/ clinical waste – how will it be disposed of?
• What qualification has the operative who will be performing the task?
• Will there be a supervisor on site?
• What safety equipment will be used on site?
• Are the staff garda vetted?
• Do you provide an on-call service
• Are they available 24/7 -365 days per year.
• The delivery of such services should be carried out by a professional team of cleaning operatives who are qualified to carry out such works and have health and safety measures in place which includes insurance and disposing of clinical waste through the exact environmental legal requirements.

Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists provide a wide variety of cleaning services throughout Ireland and have won a multitude of awards for their contract cleaning services including their crime scene cleaning. All 1350 staff are garda vetted. Each staff member receives the specific training required for their specific roles. Our Biohazard and Trauma Cleaning teams receive regular training and are available on call and 24/7 -365 days per year.

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In the Contract Cleaning Arena, Infection Prevention and Control begins with the methodology of standard cleaning practices which are over seen by BICS [British Institute of Cleaning Science] cleaning practices. BICSc Cleaning Standards has put measures in place to prevent the transmission of infectious agents on a day-to-day basis and are not only relevant in the healthcare sector.

Good Hygiene practices within the healthcare sector will not prevent Healthcare Associated Infections but they reduce the incidents of such bugs spreading across all patients and visitors on site.

Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists, work very closely with its Healthcare clients to assist with developing new hygiene controls for Infection Prevention and Control. Additionally, we have put measures in place to ensure that that our healthcare clients are always audit ready in the event of Healthcare Authority Quality Audit.

Within the Healthcare Environment the use of Hydrogen Peroxide is regularly used to prevent the spread of infectious Superbugs. The use of Hydrogen Peroxide Fogging extends beyond the containment of traditional Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI). It is also used in an area that is contaminated with Mould or Yeast spores. These spores are often the result of a leak or water damage.

CASE STUDY
Recently, Derrycourt received a call from a local acute Hospital who had an issue with eradicating persistent mould build up in the family area of the hospital. After much tribulation with their cleaning partners, who had tried various abrasive cleaning which included sanitisers and disinfectants. They were at their wits ends as they had an impending HIQA audit.

Upon receiving the call from the client, our decontamination team were deployed to the site. An evaluation of the site occurred which included a thorough microbiological analysis of the area. The results shows that the area was contaminated 5 more than the norm.

Our hydrogen peroxide fogging process was undertaken along with a post decontamination analysis of the area. The results from this test illustrated that the Hydrogen Peroxide Fogging decontaminated the area and illustrated microorganisms present were significantly reduced. The hospitals own microbiology team tested the area 3 weeks later, they found the readings were still well below the minimum thresholds. This was the lowest they had ever experienced and did not need to treat the area again.

Not only did our client see these rooms as aesthetically pleasing but also from test results we provided the client was confident they had been decontaminated with this method also actively and effectively counteracting regermination of these unwanted microorganisms.

There are many benefits to using Hydrogen Peroxide Fogging one of which includes that it is environmentally friendly. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, where it harmlessly returns to the eco-system

ABOUT DERRYCOURT
Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists are an Irish Contract Cleaning, Facilities Management Company.  We provide multi-award winning nationwide services and were established in 1992 by Ann and Martin O’Hanlon. Our awards include “the Cleanest Healthcare Premises in Ireland & UK”, “Best Company to Work for 2015 in Ireland & UK” and “Overall Cleaner of the Year 2015” Derrycourt offers both routine cleaning and site specific decontamination protocols and are the sole contractor for the Health Services Executive Clinical Decontamination Service in the event of an outbreak. www.derrycourt.ie

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Customer Opinions regarding Cleanliness

The cleanliness of an organisation can impact perception and need or want to do business in the future with a company, restaurant, shop,etc. Recent surveys carried out by P & G in 2010 with a variety of US Fast Food / Quick Serve Restaurant chains in the US revealed that cleanliness was one of the most important drivers for customer satisfaction. The Survey also revealed that most people found the following to be the most annoying:

• Cleanliness affected the frequency in which customers chose a particular restaurant to eat in.
• The most annoying aspects to QSR customers are also found to be dirty most often: Dining room table and chairs, bathroom toilets, litter on tables and floors and floors in bathrooms and dining rooms.
• In the Dining Room, sticky tables, chairs and floors are the biggest obstacles to cleanliness.
• Bathrooms: unpleasant odours, clogged toilets, soiled floors and sticky floor.

A further study by Zogby International show more than 80% of Consumers would avoid a restaurant with a dirty washroom.

It is very obvious to all that bathrooms and washrooms are breeding ground for bacteria the University of Colorado conducted a study which examined the microbial biogeography of public restrooms surfaces. It identified 19 bacterial Phyla. The study revealed that the obvious areas such as toilet seat and floors had bacterial spores. It also revealed areas  we are more at risk at coming into contact with these bacteria when we wash our hands. Dispensers such as soap dispensers, towels. In actually fact the soap dispensers contained more bacteria than a toilet seat!

Consumers are developing greater awareness of how to limit their exposure to germs and heightened sensitivity to coming in contact with public surfaces resulting with the growth in popularity with sensor taps, soaps hand towels.

INC.com states that cleanliness can contribute to the profitability of any organisation. It believes that cleanliness is built into a culture of an organisation. The 5 S process can help drive this culture. The S’s stand for:

• Sort: Remove all unneeded things or move what is not needed now so it is out of the way.
• Set in Order: A place for every thing and everything in its place.- Good labelling system can significantly reduce time wasted looking for things.
• Shine: Clean and inspect – Cleanliness enhances customer confidence and makes it easier for employees to thank pride in their work.
• Standardise: A standard method for the first 3 S’s, so that it becomes part of every day life. look for methods to improve and reduce the work load.
• Sustain: Make it part of the culture – means neat, clean and organised is part of who we are and how we behave

Retail Cleaning

In September 2014, the Food Safety Authority served nine closure orders on Businesses in June and Seven closure orders in July. Bearing this in mind, it is essential for food retail stores to ensure that hygiene standards are an essential element to the customer experience.  Additionally, good hygiene standards reduces the risk of pests such as mice and other unwanted guests.

Chain Store Age, a magazine for retail executives, reviewed store atmospherics. The survey carried out a review of customers views . Cleanliness was one of the most important elements to the shopping experience.  The atmospherics into three tiers.

1. Basic condition of the store – such as cleanliness
2. Passive atmospherics – lighting and temperature
3. Active atmospherics – music, product demonstration and in store – TV

If retailers who are able to achieve all 3 tiers in a deliberate, strategic way will create significant competitive advantage. If the store is not clean, it will receive little credit for passive characteristics. This is in particularly important for food stores.

Health and Safety

Poor hygiene standard is a contributor to health and safety risks. 30% of washroom injuries result with head and neck damage. Wet floors are one of the key contributors to such injuries.

Benefits to the organisation by ensure to embed cleanliness into the ethos of the organisation:

1. Increase profits and buy in brand loyalty
2. By investing in your organisation, enhancing the facilities you could save money but also, receive cost savings through the use of energy efficient dryers and taps which uses less water.
3. Reduction in slip and fall, on-site injuries
4. Getting the buy in from your suppliers such as the facilities management to enhance the service provided
5. increase productivity from staff and customers

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On the 8th September 2013, the Sunday Independent printed an article citing that recent research had shown since the down turn Presenteeism was becoming an issue for Irish Businesses. Aviva Workplace Healthcare Index  research showed that employees are showing up to work although they’re not in a fit condition. This research showed that productivity was reduced by 1/3. The cost implication for employers is 3 times the cost of an absent employee.

In the USA, Employers are currently experiencing a total loss of $150-250 billion per annum due to Presenteeism. Presenteeism can contribute to 60% of the total cost of illness.

In 2004, a Study carried out by Tufts  – New England Medical Centre in Boston, was printed in the Havard Business Review.  The study assessed the impact of 28 medical conditions on employees productivity. Lockheed Martin Corporation, the participating company, found allergies, headaches, lower back pain, arthritis, colds and flu set the company back about $34 Million per annum. They also found that sinus trouble and allergies impact businesses most with absenteeism. It should be noted that some of the attributing factors for allergies include:  house dust, pollen, mould, animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, and foods. Others such as medicines and chemicals can also cause allergic symptoms.

1. House Dust  – is not just relevant to the house.  The composition varies from location to location.  You might find textile fibers, decomposing insect parts, pet dander, human and animal hair, food leftovers, pollen grains, mold spores, bacteria, skin flakes, insulation, sand, and the most likely offender, the dust mite and its faecal material.
2. Pollen –  There are a number of contributors that produce pollen grains. These include Trees, weeds, flowers, and grasses produce pollen grains which become airborne as the wind blows. Approximately a quarter of a million plants use the wind for transporting pollen grains. Insects such as bees play a role in the distribution of pollen from plant to plant.
3. Mold – This is  everywhere, indoors and out, in every type of climate, and in every social and economic condition. They grow in places we would not expect. They are elusive and will be more prevalent at different times of the day or night depending on the type of mold. A single mold can germinate and produce hundreds of thousands of airborne spores in 4-9 days. Mold and Pollen numbers reach highs during the same times of year and it is thought that mold impacts Hay Fever rather than pollen.
4. Animal Dander  -  is not the hair or fur of the animal, but is old skin scales which are constantly shed. Older animals produce more dander than young ones because their skin is drier. Animal dander is extremely light weight and tiny in size, (approx. 2.5 microns) and can stay airborne for hours. (1 micron = 1/25,000 in.)
5. Dust mites  – Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that commonly live in house dust. Signs of dust mite allergy include sneezing and runny nose. Many people with dust mite allergy also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. Dust mites, close relatives of ticks and spiders, are too small to see without a microscope. Dust mites eat skin cells shed by people, and they thrive in warm, humid environments.

There are a number of items that an employer can do to assist with Presenteeism. Particularly with regard to Allergies, colds and flu’s however; the most cost effective approach is to look at the in house cleaning practices.

• Review your cleaning staff’s practices
• How often are area’s of high traffic cleaned
• Are skirting’s and walls dusted and cleaned regularly
• What equipment is currently used? how often are cloths and mops changed?
• What chemicals are used?
• How often are carpets and soft furnishing such as textile chairs cleaned – vacuum and washed?
• Is there a carpet cleaning program in place?
• What paper work is in place to ensure that cleaning practices are carried out?
• Window ledges – this is a likely area for mould to grow
• Window cleaning as dust particles stick to windows and glass
• Office presses, cupboards and light switches, radiators – how often are these area’s cleaned
• Ensuring that your cleaning equipment is well maintained and clean
• Computers and Desks – Is there a cleaning program in place
• Ensuring that a weekly desk cleaning program is in place.
• If using a contract cleaning company that staff are being managed properly and dust levels are monitored appropriately
• Appropriate steps are taken to ensure air conditioning is managed and regularly monitored to ensure filters are regularly cleaned.
• Ensuring high touch areas are regularly cleaned such as door handles, water fountains, taps, elevator buttons, stair banisters
• Education to staff on proper hand hygiene – Proper methods to wash hands
• What quality assurance and audits does your cleaning company provide you with
• Is your equipment Allergy Friendly

Once all of these elements are put in place your staff should see a reduction with allergies that Employees are suffering from. A good contract cleaning partner should be able to point these elements to you an build this into its cleaning program. Another method employers could take is to become an allergy free building.

The spread of cold and flu’s can be managed through good cleaning methods as mentioned above and with in our article Office cleaning is much more that a rub of a cloth.

About Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists

Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists has provided a multi-award winning nationwide contract cleaning service since 1992. Awards include “the Cleanest Healthcare Premises in Ireland & UK”.
Their varied experience includes a wide variety of different Industry Sectors including:Healthcare,  Retail, Office, Educational, Manufacturing, Hospitalityand Industrial. We work with organisations of all sizes and budgets.

Derrycourt’s reputation is one that has grown from strength to strength and is built on the delivery of a seamless, reliable and professional service for all clients. Our long standing relationships with many of our clients, is proof of the benefits we realise for our clients, “We don’t cut corners – we clean them!”

Derrycourt employ over 1,300 fully trained staff nationwide. Their training is accredited by BICSc (British Institute of Cleaning Science).

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