Tips For Cleaning Your Work Desk!

December 13, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : News, Cleaning Advice , add a comment

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!

Key to MRSA is Targeted Cleaning?

December 5, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : News, Cleaning Advice , add a comment

An expert has said that targeted cleaning is the key to reducing hospital infections.  MRSA could be reduced if focus in on objects which people frequently touch rather than on “catch-all blitzes”.

Microbiologist Dr Stephanie Dancer found bed linen, gowns and tables were a common cause for the superbug, appose to floors. 

The MRSA rate has fallen in recent years with just 6,000 new cases in the last 12 months.  However hospital infections have not fallen fast enough for the government’s target to half MRSA rates by next year, according to 2004 figures.

Dr Stephanie Dancer emphasises the need to clean handled objects included Door handles, bed-rails, furniture and taps.  As these are all common causes.

She also claimed that the cleaning did not even need to be done with state-of-the-art cleaning agents, hot soapy water would do.

There we are then, hospitals have absolutely no excuses!

Clean the Eco-Friendly Way

November 19, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : News, Cleaning Advice, environment , add a comment

It’s safe to assume that we could all do a little more to help our environment, so here a few tips to help you be more eco-friendly when you clean:

White vinegar:  Is a natural disinfectant and a stain remover.  It’s a diluted ascetic acid and substitute for more powerful ammonia-based cleaners like window cleaner.  White wine vinegar is ok to use, but white distilled vinegar is less expensive. Do not use malt vinegar!

Sodium Bicarbonate:  When mixed with water it forms a slightly alkaline liquid, which goes through grease and dirt on almost all surface’s.  Used neat it’s slightly abrasive and can be used to scrub problem stains.  Often vinegar and soda are mixed, for max cleaning strength.

Olive Oil:  Is a great alternative to furniture polish. The most basic type of olive oil will work, so don’t worry about the fancy extra-virgin stuff.

Lemons:  The citric acid in lemon juice makes it ideal for bleaching, disinfecting, deodorising and getting rid of grease.  It’s an extremely natural and multi-purpose cleaning poduct, All households should have to hand.

Essential Oil:  Dab some essential oil on a light bulb.  Whilst on, the heat will diffuse the fragrance creating a nice smelling room at a very low cost.  This could save you so much on air-fresheners.

Now you’ve got the tips, search those cupboards for these everyday household items and get cleaning!

Tips to Maintaining a Professional Clean Desk

October 26, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : News, Cleaning Advice , add a comment

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.

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

Clean Office Environment = A Happy Workplace

October 3, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : News, Cleaning Advice , add a comment

Your office can contribute largely to health problems if you are not working in a clean, properly ventilated environment. 

Office spaces are built to keep out noise and pollution, so are sealed tightly to prevent cold air from escaping in the summer and cold air from getting in during the winter. Also the cleaning supplies used, and the furniture located in the area can all contribute to health problems.

The air in any location should be circulated at least ten times each day. If this is not the case then pollutants in the air tend to build up. Check the vents to make sure air is moving through them properly, you should also open windows to help get the air moving, and provide fresh air for yourself and your employees.

Research has indicated that the work or office environment plays a very big role in employee performance and efficiency. 

The use of proper lighting, air-conditioning, and spacious rooms contribute to higher efficiency. Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene at all times can reduce the possibility of employees contracting illness at work, benefiting you the employer. Cleanliness certainly contributes positively to your image, particularly within the workplace. You are likely to do better business if customers and clients are impressed with your office.

Some tips for getting rid of those stale odors, and creating a fresh smelling office: place vanilla or essential oils onto a cotton ball. Place this in a plastic or glass container and let it sit for a while. Alternatively you can use baking soda or vinegar to remove odors naturally without the use of any harsh chemicals.

Remember, “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Cleaning Your PC Monitor

August 7, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : Cleaning Advice, computer cleaning , 1 comment so far

That’s right, its due time that the fingerprints and dead gnats are removed from the computer screen but don’t just wipe it with any cleaner you have under the sink. Monitors are delicate equipment and must be cleaned accordingly. Never spray directly on the screen–the liquid could seep under the edges of the monitor bezel and damage the circuitry within. Instead, lightly spray some suitable cleaner on a folded piece of soft cloth or a soft paper towel, then use that to wipe the glass.

Another option is lint-free wipes, which promise nonabrasive cleaning. Whichever method you use, your monitor should be turned off (better to see the dust and smudges you’re trying to remove), and you shouldn’t turn it on again until the screen is dry.

For LCD screens, steer clear of ammonia-based cleaners. Instead, use a soft lint free cloth dampened with plain water. Just make sure the cloth isn’t too wet, otherwise droplets could seep under the bezel and cause damage.

Monitors should never be opened. Never take the cover off any type of monitor, even if it needs cleaning. Why? Well, your PC’s monitor is one of the two components of your system that carry enough voltage to seriously hurt you (the other being your PC’s power supply). If your monitor needs to be serviced or cleaned on the inside, take it to your local computer shop.

(note CRT monitors are the monitor types that have some very dangerous voltages inside them LCD monitors don’t have the high voltage circuits that CRT’s do)

Housekeeping Tip of the Decade!

July 23, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : Cleaning Advice, Funny , add a comment

One of my collegues sent me this.

cleaning tips

Always keep several get well cards on the mantel….. so if unexpected guests arrive, they will think you’ve been sick and unable to clean.

 

Pathway Card clearing the way for improved office cleaning staff recruitment and retention

June 13, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : Cleaning Advice, training , add a comment

Since its launch last year, the Pathway Card has generated a great deal of interest not only within the cleaning sector, but also within facilities management circles. The initial take up and interest in the card means the original target of 50,000 cards issued by the end of 2006 is well on its way to being achieved.

The pathway card securely holds on-line a clear record of achievement and competence, and one of the attractions for FM and cleaning companies is that it recognises day to day training which is undertaken on the job, as well as more formal academic qualifications. The cost savings to a firm can be significant, helping to prevent duplication of training being undertaken by new recruits. For employees who have historically moved around jobs on a frequent basis, the advantage of the card is that information on their career history, and experience and achievements are held in one convenient place. They can then define a career path, building and developing on training undertaken to enhance their existing roles or to specialise within other working environments.

Richard Beamish, Chief Executive Asset Skills believes

“the infrastructure is now in place and Pathway Card is set to provide a cost effective, meaningful and motivating record of achievement and experience for all staff”

More info can be found at the asset skills site the the Sector Skills Council that covers cleaning and at the main pathway card site

The Pathway Card was developed by Asset Skills, British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA), and is supported by the British Cleaning Council (BCC).

5 office cleaning tips

May 10, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : Cleaning Advice , add a comment

Office Cleaning Tip # 1 - Sort Your Papers

Computers were supposed to reduce the amount of paper we use and create a clutter-free work environment!  so how come My waste paperbins  are over-flowing.  Often when you decide have to do something about the mess, you wind up moving papers from one pile to the other. It may look a little neater after you’re done, but the problem is not solved.  The solution is ORGANIZATION! To get started, grab another piece of paper …. and write down five broad categories of subjects you usually address in your office. Try to limit the list to five topics. Perhaps you will start with “Personal,” then “Finances,” then “Medical,” etc. Begin sorting through your papers and placing similar subjects in one pile, following your list.. Buy a box of manila folders, label according to subject, then place the papers in the appropriate file, according to your categories.

Office Cleaning Tip # 2 - Set Aside Time

It’s a good idea  to set aside a specific time each day/week/month to handle the housekeeping and tidying that every office needs.

Office Cleaning Tip # 3 - Delete The Junk

It may take some time to go through those precious papers but, as you do, it will be easier for you to see how much is duplication, unnecessary, out-of-date, and just plain trash. Throw out the stuff you no longer need. If there’s personal information, financial or other, on some of those sheets you are discarding, be sure to shed them! If you don’t have a shredder, buy one.

Office Cleaning Tip # 4 - Assign Priority

You may have five or six piles of papers now. Some of these you will want to access frequently, some not as much. Decide which are your priorities and put the categories that you use most often closer to you. Use file caddies to keep the files upright on your desk rather than laying the folders flat. It’s easier to see the file labels when they are upright.
File Your Documents

There are many options available for storing your important data. Browse through an office supply store; visualize the various filing systems as if you had them in your office. If you opt for fie cabinets, consider using color coded folders. Coding helps reduce the chance that papers will be filed in the wrong place (i.e. - green: financial records; blue: medical records, etc.). Storage systems come in many sizes, shapes and composition. Old standbys are the metal filing cabinets with Manila folders but the cabinets now come in modern colors and finishes with smooth glide drawers. There are also attractive plastic stacking boxes, a variety of desk and drawer organizers, and the old standby, corrugated bank storage boxes.

Office Cleaning Tip # 5 Hire a Cleaning Service

Sometimes we just get too busy doing the important stuff to worry about being neat! It doesn’t take long for the clutter to stack up and all of a sudden, it’s out of control. This is the time for you to consider hiring a cleaning service. You can request a one-time visit to help you get organized and give the office a good dusting and vacuuming, or you can ask for ongoing, routine cleaning to help keep your office organized and clean.

Contact Total Clean services  for more office cleaning information

Top 10 Spring Cleaning tips

April 17, 2007 Posted by Administrator in : Cleaning Advice , add a comment

As spring now appears (touch wood) to have finally sprung here are our top10 tops for giving your home or office a spring clean.

1.  Start your spring clean at the top of the house and work your way down, working from room to room and not moving onto the next until the last is complete.
2.  Choose some good music to get you in the mood and to keep yourself motivated.
3.  Clear out all of the old clutter that you don’t need anymore and be firm; if it’s clothes you haven’t worn in the last 12 months you probably won’t wear them again.
4. Tackle the dusting before moving onto the vacuuming or mopping, it will save you going over things twice.
5. Take time to clean your windows and lights, this will help light to come in and brighten up your home.
6. Leave no stone unturned, don’t avoid big pieces of furniture such as sofas and wardrobes.
7.  Change the look of your home by re-arranging some furniture, a change is as good as a new look and will help your home look refreshed.
8. Introduce some bright accessories, simple touches such as cushions, throws and candles can make a huge difference.
9.  Keep all those odds and ends tidied away with some innovative storage solutions - you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
10. Offices need a spring clean and total clean services can help with one off or regular office cleaning.