Green Cleaning Procedures for Commercial Facilities

The following section covers Green Cleaning procedures for commercial facilities. This is not a “how to” manual. It will not tell you, for example, how to strip and refinish a floor; but it will address how hard floor care differs in a green cleaning approach. What determines the differences are the underlying health and environmental issues, not just the appearance of the building.

A key issue that cuts across all cleaning procedures is the issue of cleaning frequencies. Cleaning for health or Green Cleaning generally requires the same or higher frequencies. To some extent, you may be able to balance the increased costs with increased efficiencies.

Keep in mind too that these procedures can only serve as a general guideline because commercial buildings vary tremendously. It is virtually impossible to assemble a single, comprehensive and standardized set of Green Cleaning procedures. As you encounter new environments and new situations, you will have to apply the principles of Green Cleaning to develop your own procedures.
     
Identify people with Special Needs
– Identify building occupants with individual needs and sensitivities.
– Develop a plan to address the individual needs.
– Change products/procedures/schedules as necessary to accommodate their individual needs.
– Address ventilation requirements to help mitigate the problems.
– Communicate plans to special needs personnel and all building occupants.
– Continually request feedback from occupants to make appropriate changes.

Entryways
– Roughly 80% of the dirt in a building is tracked in through the entrance.
– The matting system should be 12 -15 feet long. For a main entrance, an ideal system would
include an outside scraper mat, foyer mat and an inside carpet mat.
– Always place caution signs prior to cleaning entryways.
– Mats should be vacuumed at least once a day; vacuum in both directions using upright vacuums
with a beater bar. Be sure to clean under mats as well. Replace dirty mats with clean ones weekly
under normal conditions, more often in wet weather or extremely dirty conditions. Scrub dirty mats
with detergent or carpet solution, rinse them thoroughly and let them dry on a periodic basis.
– Providing trash receptacles and cigarette urns at all entrances will reduce the amount of food,
cigarettes and other trash brought into the building. Ensure they are emptied and cleaned on a
regular basis.
– Sweep exterior sidewalks, entry areas and steps leading into the building on a daily basis.
– Periodically clean sidewalks and entry areas with a high pressure power washer.
– Clean and store equipment after each use.

Hard Floor Care
– Utilize appropriate entryway cleaning systems and maintenance procedures.
– Always place caution signs prior to beginning floor maintenance work.
– Hard floors should be vacuumed daily using a high quality backpack vacuum. It removes more
dirt, improving air quality, it stirs up less dirt and dust up into the air, it is more effective at
removing dirt from grout, corners, edges and under furniture and it improves productivity.
– Establish and monitor a plan for routine, interim and restorative maintenance. Use the Betco Life
Cycle of Floor Care module and Cleaning Task Cards to train personnel.
– Hard floors should also be damp mopped or cleaned with an automatic scrubber to remove dirt
not picked up by the vacuum. Microfiber mops are more effective at removing dirt than
traditional yarn mops.
– Encourage the use of zinc-free floor finishes and environmentally preferable strippers. Always keep
a base of 6-8 coats of finish on floors.
– Encourage the use of a top scrub and recoat procedure versus a total strip-out to limit the amount
of highly alkaline strippers poured down the drain.
– Notify occupants in advance of stripping and recoating operations. Always place caution signs prior
to starting floor maintenance.
– Arrange to have the ventilating system operating in the occupied cycle during and after stripping
and refinishing operations.
– Only use chemical products according to label instructions.
– Always supply and wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
– Dispose of excess solutions properly.
– Clean up spills as soon as possible.
– Clean and store equipment after each use.

Carpet Care
– Utilize appropriate entryway systems and maintenance procedures.
– Always place caution signs prior to beginning carpet maintenance work.
– Vacuum carpet in lobbies, elevators and high traffic areas thoroughly every day. Use high
efficiency vacuum cleaners with microfiltration bags. Replace vacuum bags when they are half full
to minimize emissions. Clean or replace filters regularly.
– Establish and monitor a plan for routine, interim and restorative maintenance. Use the Betco Life
Cycle of Carpet module and Cleaning Task Cards to train personnel.
– Clean up spills on carpet as quickly as possible. Create a spill cart with a spotting kit and
portable spotting machine.
– Maximize the amount of water extracted from the carpet to minimize moisture and potential for
mold, mildew and bacterial growth. Make sure the vacuum pickup is working properly.
– Increase ventilation to dry carpets fully within 24 hours or less to minimize the potential for
microbial growth. Use floor fans or carpet dryers.
– Notify occupants in advance when extraction operations are scheduled.
– Arrange to have the ventilating system operating in the occupied cycle during and after the
extraction procedure.
– Only use chemical products according to label instructions.
– Always supply and wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
– Dispose of excess solutions properly.
– Clean and store equipment after each use.

Dust Mopping – vacuuming is preferred to dust mopping
– Use the widest micro fiber dust mops appropriate for the area to be cleaned.
– If using a dust mop treatment, follow label instructions. A water based product is preferable.
– Launder mops on a regular basis.
– Use a continuous motion, without lifting the mop from the floor to limit particulates in the air.
– Use Betco Cleaning Task Cards to insure proper training.
– Clean and store equipment after each use.

Dusting
– Use microfiber dust cloths to capture and remove dust.
– Replace soiled cloths with clean ones. Always use folded clothes and refold soiled area to
maximize the use of the dust cloth.
– Use vacuum attachments or backpacks for high dusting.
– Avoid feather dusters and other methods that stir up dust.
– Avoid dust cloth treatments which can leave residues and emit VOCs.
– Spray dust treatment onto the cloth versus spraying product directly onto the surface.
– Use Betco Cleaning Task Cards to insure proper training.

Restrooms
– Establish and monitor a plan for routine, interim and restorative maintenance. Use the Betco
Restroom Cleaning module and Cleaning Task Cards to train personnel.
– Always place caution signs and close the restroom prior to starting the cleaning process.
– Frequently clean surfaces that hands come in contact with to eliminate the spread of germs door
knobs, light switches and fixture handles.
– Eliminate moisture, keep floors dry to eliminate slip/fall accidents and the build up of bacteria,
mold and mildew.
– Ensure trash receptacles are cleaned and emptied daily.
– Restroom floor drains have a very high potential for biocontamination and should be disinfected
regularly. Ensure drains are operating properly.
– Recommend the installation of no touch towel dispensers to the facility manager if restrooms are
not equipped with these.
– Arrange to have the ventilating system operating in the occupied cycle during and after the
cleaning procedure.
– Only use chemical products according to label instructions.
– Always supply and wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
– Dispose of excess solutions properly.
– Clean and store equipment after each use.

Food Areas
– Clean and sanitize floors, tables, counters and other surfaces.
– Separate recyclables from trash as needed.
– Remove trash daily.
– Remove recyclables as needed.
– Ensure floor drains are operating properly.

Odor Control
– Be aware of excessive odors in all areas of the building.
– Many odors can be oxidized with Peroxide Cleaners or Liquid bacteria digesters.

Spills
– Clean spills up as soon as possible. Place cautions signs if appropriate.
– Use appropriate cleaning solutions and follow label directions.
– Make sure occupants know the person to contact in case of spills.
– Always supply and wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
– Dispose of excess solutions properly.
– Clean and store equipment after each use.

Handling Chemicals and Dilution of Concentrated Chemicals
– Using concentrated chemicals reduces the overall environmental impact from packaging and
transportation and usually reduces costs.
– Train all workers in the safe handling and use of cleaning chemicals.
– Use appropriate protective equipment when mixing concentrated cleaning products.
– Follow manufacture’s dilution directions or use properly functioning chemical management dispensers.
– Put appropriate labels on secondary containers such as spray bottles.
– Never mix different cleaning products together.
– Ensure that chemicals are stored properly.
– Apply product onto a cloth versus spraying it onto the surface to reduce VOCs and possible slip
and fall issues.

OSHA Blood-borne Pathogen Standard
– Use the Betco OSHA Blood-borne Pathogen module to train employees.
– Use safety cones or other means to make sure that occupants do not come in contact with spills.
– Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
– Use an OSHA approved disinfectant diluted per label directions. Betco pH 7 Q, pH 7 Q Ultra, Quat
Stat, Quat Stat SC, Fight Bac, TB 94 and TB Plus all meet EPA requirements for clean up of
bodily fluids.
– Dispose of all materials properly in a biohazard bag.

OSHA Right to Know Standard
– Use the Betco OSHA Right To Know module to train employees.
– Constantly update MSDS sheets for chemicals used in the facility.

Trash Removal
– Pull trash daily so as not to attract insects and other pests.
– Cover trash cans that contain food waste.
– Make sure that dumpsters or other outside trash receptacles are emptied regularly.
– Make sure that trash and recyclables are being separated properly.
– Use Betco Cleaning Task Cards to insure proper employee training.

Indoor Plants
– Educate occupants on appropriate care guidelines for indoor plants. Monitor use of fertilizers or
pesticides so as not to adversely affect the indoor air quality.
– Ensure that plants are not in direct contact with carpets and ventilation units.
– Clean up any spills of soil or moisture as soon as possible.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
– Establish, monitor and communicate the IPM program to employees and building occupants.
– Improve sanitation through thorough cleaning and by removing food sources.
– Manage waste, cover trash containers and remove waste frequently.
– Maintain the building structure, seal cracks, fix leaks, etc.
– Install physical barriers to pest entry.
– Notify employees and occupants of treatment times and their role in the IPM program.

Recycling Programs
– Recycling reduces the amount of solid waste and lessens the burden on solid waste disposal
sites, such as landfills and incinerators.
– Insure that collection meets guidelines of the recycling hauler and recycling facility.
– Locate bins throughout the facility, ease of access increases participation.
– Educate occupants as to what can be recycled and how it should be separated.
– Educate occupants to rinse food and drink containers before placing them in bins.
– Put signs on or near trash cans to remind occupants to recycle.
– Track recycling results.
– Monitor recycling collection bins to see if they are attracting cockroaches and other pests.

Garage Maintenance
– Collect and remove trash daily.
– Sweep the parking surface and stairwells weekly.
– Wash the parking surface at least twice a year.
– Inspect floor drains and lighting fixtures periodically.
– Make sure floor drains, basins and traps are kept free of trash and debris to prevent clogging
and standing water.
– Inspect doors to insure they are sealed properly to prevent exhaust from entering the building.

Roof Maintenance
– Perform routine roof inspections monthly.
– Keep roofs clean and free of debris.
– Keep drainage systems clear.
– Keep roof access limited to authorized personnel to minimize foot traffic.
– Insure fans and vents are clean and operating properly.

Maintaining HVAC Systems
– Keep mechanical rooms clean and free of rodents and other pests.
– Cleaning and disinfecting air conditioner drip pans monthly.
– Replace the biocide pack for air conditioner drip pans monthly.
– Clean or replace filters on HVAC systems based on manufacturer’s recommendations.
– Clean or replace filters on humidifiers according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Fabric Cleaning – partitions, wall fabrics, furniture, drapery
– Vacuum regularly.
– Deep clean periodically.
– Treat spots immediately.

Basements
– Examine basement areas for dirt, evidence of insects and other pests and excessive moisture.
– Insure drains are operating properly.

Stairs and Elevators
– Look for dirt and excessive moisture.
– Inspect and clean on a regular basis.

Cleaning Closets
– They should be clean, dry and adequately ventilated.
– Check drains and wash basins to see if they are free of bacteria, odors and operating properly.
– Insure chemical management systems are operating properly.

Building Exterior
– Look for excessive dirt, standing water and damage in parking lots.
– Examine the building’s exterior and report any damage.
– Look for drainage problems around the building.
– Insure drains are operating properly.

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