From Your Toilet to Your Desk?

Stop Cross-Contamination with the Right Cleaning Practices

Picture this: the rag used to wipe down your desk was the same one used to clean the restroom just moments before. GROSS!!!

This disturbing example of cross-contamination could easily occur without strict cleaning protocols in place. Unfortunately, not all janitorial companies have the necessary safeguards to prevent this from happening. 

Here’s how cross-contamination happens—and what your cleaning company should be doing to prevent it.

Understanding Cross-Contamination in Office Cleaning

Cross-contamination occurs when the same cleaning tools are used in different areas without adequate care, leading to germs spreading from one place to another. For instance, if a cleaning crew doesn’t have a structured system for separating rags and cleaning products, they might inadvertently use a restroom rag to clean office desks. 

It’s easy to see how this happens: a janitor pushes their cleaning cart around, stocked with chemicals and rags. Without clear processes, they could grab the same rag used on a bathroom surface to clean an office area, spreading germs to workspaces.

Essential Systems to Prevent Cross-Contamination

To avoid this problem, your janitorial provider should follow these three critical practices:

1. Distinct Cleaning Routes and Tools

A simple yet effective step is to assign different cleaning personnel to different parts of your building. For example, one person might handle only offices while another takes care of restrooms, breakrooms, and other shared areas. When only one cleaner is available, it’s still important to separate cleaning routes between the bathroom and office areas. Using separate cleaning carts for different areas—one designated for bathrooms and one for offices—can greatly reduce the chance of cross-contamination.

2. Specialized Rags for Specific Areas

One of the most important measures a cleaning company can implement is the use of specific rags for designated areas. Many companies use color-coded rags, where, for example, red cloths are only used for restrooms, and other colors are assigned to offices or breakrooms. Some companies go a step further by using disposable towels or single-use rags in the restroom. These practices prevent the same rag from being used across different parts of the building, helping ensure that no bacteria is transferred from one surface to another.

3. Proper Training for New Cleaners

Even the best cleaning systems are only effective if cleaners understand and follow them. A professional cleaning service should provide new cleaners with thorough training that covers all aspects of their cleaning protocols. This training should include orientation, hands-on practice, and supervisor follow-up. By training cleaners to implement safe cleaning routes and use specific rags for designated areas, your cleaning vendor can help prevent cross-contamination.

Closing Thoughts

Not all janitorial companies are alike; some may lack these essential cross-contamination prevention measures. When choosing a cleaning provider, it’s important to ask about their protocols for separating cleaning routes, rags, and tools. Making sure your janitorial service takes these steps can give you peace of mind, knowing that your work environment is hygienic and safe.

Cross-contamination prevention is crucial to maintaining a healthy workplace. By choosing a cleaning service with the right systems and training in place, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and rest assured that your office space is being properly cleaned.

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