Google’s New Project to Boost Cleaning Industry

As part of another innovative new project by the search mammoth, Google is now offering companies the opportunity to have their establishments displayed on the internet in a similar way as the controversial Google Street View. This could mean more business for local cleaning companies. Despite all the privacy concerns and complaints I find Google […]

MP’s Cleaning & Other Expenses Published

The Telegraph has published an online guide to all MPs expenses including their cleaning claims. 

We reported earlier this month that MP Andrew Mitchell had claimed £19,000 worth of expenses including the cleaning of his swimming pool.

A revelation that has left the public surprised and apalled at our Country’s MPs.

In the next few weeks, the database will be extended to include the uncensored documentation for the claims, including receipts and correspondence with the Parliamentary authorities, of all MPs.

The categories include claims for second homes, cleaning costs, computer equipment and staffing.
 
When Parliament decided to release its own version of the expenses claims, crucial information was censored out.
 
Within the second home claims there will be breakdowns for how much each MP spent on mortgage interest or rent, food, cleaning, gardening, furniture and repairs.

On a lighter note, Total Clean offer bespoke office and contract cleaning services, just in case any MP’s want to try and push their luck.

Chemical Free Cleaning

With the increase of environment awareness and the green wave of environmentally friendly products, cleaning products manufactures are been forced to find “green” alternatives in order to develop chemical free products to meet the demands of an environmentally friendly market.

The German manufacturer of cleaning systems and products Karcher has developed an effective cleaning method 100% chemical free, using nothing but steam.

The Karcher SV 1802 steam vacuum cleaner efficiently removes dust, dirt and grime from all kinds of surface including carpets, PVC, natural stone and tiled floors.

The SV 1802 don’t use a bag to collect the dirt, it uses a water filter instead. An additional water container allows picking up any spilled liquids over all kinds of surfaces and a series of special filters guarantees an environmentally friendly cleaning service.

Other companies are investing their money to develop chemical free cleaning products using renewable, non-toxic, phosphate free and biodegradable ingredients. The idea is to develop cleaning products that are gentle on the planet and on the people.

Floor Cleaning Tips for Your Many Different Floors

It is more than likely your house has at least a few different types of flooring in. So cleaning all of these can be tricky, especially when they tend to need different ways of cleaning.

Here are some tips on how how to clean the most common of flooring:

– Ceramic tiling: Don’t use harsh abrasive cleaners that might scratch the tiles. Instead use a damp-mop on the ceramic tiles with an all-purpose cleaner. Then dry the floor with a soft cloth to avoid streaks.

– Vinyl floors: To wash this type of floor, use an all-purpose cleaning solution. Test any cleaner in a corner before using it on the entire floor. 

– Wood floors: The most effective way of cleaning a wooden floor applying a liquid wood-floor cleaner with a dry wax applicator on a small area at a time. Let it soak for a few minutes, and wipe up the excess. When the floor is dry, buff with a floor polisher.

– Carpet Cleaning: The simplest way to keep your carpets clean is to vacuum regularly. But for an effective deep clean it is best to have your carpet steam cleaned. 

Here at Total Clean Services Ltd we provide bespoke floor cleaning treatments for companies in London, if you would like more information please click here.

Non Toxic Cleaning Tips for Your Kitchen & Bathroom

Avoid using chemicals in your cleaning, with these useful tips:

– For a toilet, use a glass cleaner made with vinegar, water, and Castile soap and scrub inside and out. For deeper stains, use a soft scrub made from baking soda and Castile soap. For good measure, I gave my toilet brush a spray of vinegar before placing back in its holder.

– To clean the bath tub an ethical way, start with vinegar spray to kill red and green molds and other germs, then rinse and move onto a baking soda soft scrub and get out your scrub brush.

– To clean chrome drain covers, tub chains, and mixer valves, use the glass cleaner and scrub with a toothbrush.

– Soak handheld plastic showerheads in baking soda and use your scrub brush or toothbrush in crevices. Soak metal showerheads in vinegar and scrub.

– For stainless steel and ceramic kitchen sinks, baking soda works as well as conventional bleach powders. Use the vinegar spray or tea tree spray for germs.

– On sink faucets and mirrors, use the vinegar-based glass cleaner.

Ambulance Cleaning to stop the Spread of Superbugs

Reports today have revealed that patients could be exposed to potentially lethal superbugs, because ambulances aren’t being cleaned properly.

Paramedics’ leaders and those working on the frontline are claiming their requests to “deep clean” vehicles after patients have been sick or had diarrhoea have been refused.

They say they aren’t allowed to spend time cleaning ambulances in case they compromise response targets. From April 2009, paramedics will have to answer 75% of life-threatening emergencies within 8 minutes.

A paramedic from West Lothian said: ‘We just don’t have time to clean the vehicle – we’re struggling. It’s getting worse with the pressure of work and calls have gone through the roof.’

’In this day and age, with the amount of infection going about, an ambulance should be deep cleaned at least once a week but that isn’t happening.’

Cleaners on site routinely clean the fleet, work nights and carry out deep-cleans. They also re-stock ambulances with fresh kit so crews do not have to spend their time cleaning and re-stocking.

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: ‘Standards of infection control are very important to us.’

’We require that vehicles should have both a daily and weekly clean, and that the interior of the vehicle is wiped down after each patient.’

Tips For Cleaning Your Work Desk!

So the chances are you are reading this whilst sitting at your wooden work desk… Now have a look, is it looking a bit dusty and a tad dirty, if so these tips are for you!

Wooden desks and other furniture require some special treatment. Take these tips on board to ensure cleaning, doesn’t ruin a good finish. 

To keep your desk dust free it is best to use lambs wool dusters or classic feather dusters.  However if you are unable to get hold of this type of duster then a dry, clean soft towel will be fine.  It is important to clean your wood from dust because it can cause scratches and abrasions. For sticky spots use soap and water, do not use cleaning sprays.

Furniture polish is a very good tool for cleaning wood, it make the surface slippery and less likely to catch dirt and dust. 

However if you choose to wax the surface, there are a lot of good waxes on the market.  Or alternatively a good homemade recipe for giving your wooden desk a deep clean, consists of equal parts olive oil, denatured alcohol, gum turpentine, and strained lemon juice. You should apply this with a soft cloth and gently buff.

Remember a clean desk environment maintains professionalism and makes yourselve and/or your company even more inviting.  So get the elbow grease going!

How Important is to Clean Our Hands ?

It is well known that inadequate hand washing can lead to the spread of germs.  However, as cleaning professionals it is sometimes overlooked how important this is in our industry.

Clean hands thoroughly after using chemicals, cleaning up spills, or emptying bins — even if gloves were worn. At least 20 seconds are needed for the washing to be effective. If soap and water are not available, it is a good idea to keep alcohol based hand sanitizers, gels or antibacterial wipes around as an alternative.

Surveys show that proper training is beneficial in getting employees to pay attention to their hand cleaning habits. When training your employees make sure to include this vital information about keeping their hands clean.

Desk Organisation Tips: Tips to Maintaining a Professional Clean Desk

Ever feel like your snowed under with paper and clutter on your desk? If this sounds familiar check out our tips for keeping a clean organised desk.

• When you receive any mail or important documents, make sure you file them appropriately as soon as you get them. So that you remain organised and they are accessible, for when you need them. 
• Ensure to prioritise your documents as you receive them, this will help you not to feel too overwhelmed and help you get things done faster. 
• Organise your desk in a way that all your resources are within reaching distance (if this is possible), for example stationary and filing cabinet. Ideally your desk chair should have wheels so you can move around quickly and easily.
• Always ensure you give your desk a wipe down and clean of any rubbish, as this will maintain professionalism if any clients are expected and help you feel more relaxed and focused.

After all having an organised, tidy desk can help you to keep control of the work you are doing and help to alleviate stress!