San Diego Office Cleaning Tips: Mold Removal

March 9th, 2010

If you’ve discovered mold in your home or office, you are probably wondering how to get rid of it and how to prevent it from coming back.  Your first step should be to consult with your San Diego office cleaning service,  since they will likely have many helpful tips and suggestions, and if they are unable to remove the mold, will also have suggestions for finding a reliable mold remediation company.

Once mold has been identified, there are four important steps that must be taken:

  • Containing the mold
  • Killing the mold
  • Removal of the dead mold
  • Protecting against future mold

It is important to locate all possible sources, or breeding grounds for mold.  These can include, but are not limited to:

  • Water leaks
  • Air conditioners
  • Faulty roofing
  • Carpets and furniture that have been exposed to excessive moisture

Mold can cause a wide-variety of health problems, including aggravation of allergies, asthma, and other conditions.  A mold test kit will be able to tell you whether there are additional, hidden sources of mold in your building, in addition to the visible ones.   A mold removal company will also use several methods, including fluorescent lights, to detect all sources and areas of mold infestation.

Depending on the type of mold that you have, there are a variety of different cleaning products designs to remove it. Most experts recommend using a boric acid solution.

Bleach is also an effective way to remove some types of mold. Make sure to always wear gloves and protective clothing when using this or any type of potentially hazardous substance.   Remember, it is important to contain and remove mold as soon as possible in order to avoid more costly, and health hazardous problems down the road.

Glass Door Cleaning Tips

March 8th, 2010

A glass door, whether it is a sliding glass door or a door with glass panels, can add beauty and depth to any space. When the glass becomes dirty and dingy, however, these doors can make the rest of your office look dirty and dingy as well.

Here are some tips for cleaning glass doors. For more tips, be sure to ask your San Diego janitorial and maintenance company.

The first step is to use either a rag or a very soft-bristled brush to remove any heavy dust and dirt deposits. If you are cleaning a sliding glass door, this is especially important, as is cleaning the door track using a vacuum with a nozzle attachment.

Once you have the surface dirt removed, the net step is to use a cleaning solution and a soft rag or cleaning cloth to further clean the glass and restore its shine.  Using a small spray bottle filled with solution, start at the top of the glass portion of the door, slowly working your way down.

Make sure to spray just enough cleaner to coat, but not thoroughly saturate the surface.  To avoid streaking, turn the cloth constantly, making sure to always wipe the glass with a dry portion of the cloth, and replace it with a new cloth when necessary.

Restaurant Cleaning Tips: Restaurant Recycling

March 4th, 2010

If you own a restaurant, then you know that every penny counts.  Hiring a San Diego restaurant cleaning service is one way to keep your restaurant and kitchen maintained and spotless, and prevent the need for costly repairs and damage due to improper cleaning of appliances down the road.  There are many other ways to save money as well, and the good news is that a restaurant recycling plan not only saves your restaurant money, but it helps to save the environment as well.

In the state of California, and in many other states as well, landfills are becoming increasingly more crowded, and because of this, the costs for waste disposal and landfill storage and expansion continue to increase, and these increased costs are passed directly on to restaurants and other businesses.

If you don’t already have a restaurant recycling program in place, this is the percent time to start one. A few small changes can go a long way.

Here are just a few ideas:

  • Purchase paper and other products made from recycled materials
  • Recycle the cardboard boxes that you receive from shippers
  • Serve soda and other carbonated beverages from a dispenser, rather then by the bottle or the can
  • Use refillable condiment bottles, and buy condiments in bulk
  • Use reusable tablecloths, napkins, flatware, and stemware when possible
  • Use multi-purpose cleaners that can be used on a variety of surfaces, and ask your San Diego restaurant cleaning service to do the same.

Restaurant Cleaning Tips: The Manager’s Walk

March 3rd, 2010

Whether you’re a restaurant manager or a restaurant employee, you are likely familiar with the periodic manager’s inspection known as the “Manager’s Walk” that is a routine in most restaurants.  Maintaining a clean, sanitary, environment is important not only for smooth and successful restaurant operations, but also for the health and safety of your employees and your customers.

Here are some things that managers should be looking for, and additionally, some of the things that the Health Department will be looking for as well during their next inspection.

  • Clean and/or new condiment dispensers and tableware on all tables
  • All surfaces clean and sanitized
  • Proper amount of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
  • Dumpster area clean and grime free
  • Refrigeration and storage areas clean and properly maintained
  • Proper labeling of stored food
  • Observance of employee regulations: These vary by state and generally include hygiene, dress code,  etc.

For more manager walk and health department inspection tips and other San Diego restaurant cleaning advice, be sure to ask your San Diego restaurant cleaning service and check or blog frequently as well.

Restaurant Bathroom Cleaning Tips

March 2nd, 2010

What is one of the most high traffic areas of any restaurant? If you guessed the bathroom, you’d be right. Your San Diego restaurant janitorial and cleaning service will pay close attention to this area for that reason. What can you do to make sure that this important room stays clean in between professional visits?

  • Create an hourly rotation schedule amongst employees. Make sure that someone is responsible for restocking the bathroom with toilet paper, seat covers, and other supplies.
  • Mop and clean on a weekly basis. Even if you have a cleaning service, plan on doing this to make sure that any spills that may occur are promptly cleaned up.
  • Empty trash frequently, on an hourly basis if necessary
  • Sanitize all surfaces on a daily basis, weekly if you have a cleaning servic
  • Make sure that all plumbing and fixtures are working correctly. Check regularly for leaks, cracks, and other potential problems.
  • Ask your restaurant cleaning service for more helpful tips.

The Best Window Washing Tips

March 1st, 2010

Window washing can be a time consuming task, but it is important to keep the windows in your office space clean, both for aesthetic and visibility purposes.  Your San Diego janitorial and maintenance service will likely include regular window cleaning as part of their routine, but in between cleaning visits, here are some window washing tips from the professionals.

First of all, it is important to start at the top of the window and work your way down. Otherwise, you will be constantly dripping cleaning solution on to the section of the window that you just cleaned.  This will lead to extra work, not to mention streaky windows.

Many professionals recommend using a vinegar-based solution, or simply vinegar mixed with water, for window washing. There are many different types of commercial window cleaning products available that are effective when used correctly, including many eco-friendly products. When in doubt, ask your San Diego cleaning service which types of cleansers they use.

Use a clean, absorbent rag and be sure to have several on hand, since reusing the same wet rag just spreads the dirt and germs to the next window, and using a rag that is too damp can also lead to streaking.  Avoid using paper towels, since these can leave tiny fibers behind once the window dries.

Regardless of the cleaning solution that you use, make sure that you fill a small plastic spray bottle with solution and spray as you go, as opposed to using a bucket filled with cleanser. There are two reasons for this. First, constantly dipping your cleaning rags and cloths into a bucket spreads germs and dirt and second, the cleaning solution will become contaminated by the dirt, water, and germs from the rags.

Follow these tips, and you will have streak-free, beautifully cleaned windows.

Three Reasons To Hire A San Diego Construction Clean Up Service

February 25th, 2010

Construction projects, large and small, generate a lot of debris. Once the project is completed, this debris and waste material needs to be removed before the structure, addition, or other improvement can be used.  When the construction project involves demolition, there will be even more waste and debris generated, and it is crucial to remove it safely and quickly, in order to proceed with the next phase.

Hiring a San Diego construction clean-up service has many benefits, including:

Safety: A professional construction clean-up service will have the equipment, expertise, and permits necessary to remove waste and debris from your construction site.

Sanitation: What about trash and bio-waste? Removing trash can be time consuming, and removing bio-hazardous materials is something that should be left to the professionals. Even if your construction crew is skilled and experienced, it is very likely that they are not experienced in the removal of these materials, and even more likely that they wouldn’t consider this part of their job description.

Time: We’ve already mentioned that construction sites need to be cleaned and cleared of debris and salvageable building materials before they can be used. Hiring a professional San Diego construction clean-up service to take care of these tasks will save you time, and will guarantee that the job is done quickly.

Visit www.ascc.biz/specialtyservices.html to learn more about the construction cleanup services that we offer.

San Diego Construction Cleanup Service Hiring Checklist

February 23rd, 2010

Preparing a new building or structural addition for use is not as simple as it sounds.  Once construction is complete, there is the additional task of removing debris, waste, salvageable building materials, and more, as well as cleaning the interior.

When considering a San Diego construction cleanup service, keep the following things in mind:

Is the construction cleaning service bonded and insured? Make sure that they are before you allow their employees to work on your site. Otherwise, you could be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur.

Find out what is included.  Construction cleanup can encompass many things, included, but not limited to:

  • Trash and debris removal
  • Hazardous waste removal
  • Tree stump and plant removal
  • Interior cleaning
  • Sanitization of interior
  • Construction window cleaning

Does the company screen their employees? Are employees required to have a certain amount of experience before they are hired?

Does the construction clean-up service provide all necessary materials and products for the job? Are there any extra charges for materials included?

These are just some of the questions that you should plan on asking in order to ensure that you choose the right San Diego construction cleanup service.  Visit our site www.ascc.biz to learn more.

Construction Window Cleaning

February 22nd, 2010

One important component of construction cleanup that your San Diego construction cleanup service should include is construction window cleaning. This process is designed to remove plaster, mortar, taping mud, stickers, silicone, and other debris from glass window surfaces safely, without leaving scratches behind.

The right tools, chemicals, and cleaning products are necessary in order to achieve the desired results. For this reason, it is recommended that you hire a professional service. Trying to remove construction debris yourself can lead to not only scratches, but severe damage to the windows as well.

When you consult with a construction cleanup company, they will likely want to inspect the windows first, in order to make sure that they have the experience to do the job and to take note of any existing scratches.  You should also take before photos.

For more tips on hiring a construction cleanup service, please check back often, and be sure to visit our main site

Hiring A San Diego Day Porter Service

February 18th, 2010

Many different types of facilities in San Diego and other cities across the country employee day porter services, from offices to apartments, nursing home facilities, and more.  Day porter services are a great way to add a touch of professionalism to any business, and provide many of the same services that a regular janitorial service provides, in addition to several specialized services.

Day Porters:

  • Provide monitoring of restrooms and common areas, ensuring that they are kept clean and well stocked with supplies
  • Remove trash and debris from the exterior and interior of the building
  • Clean public elevators
  • Vacuum carpets as needed
  • Clean and sanitize residential rooms
  • Sweep, mop, and wax floors
  • Provide restroom attendant services
  • Assist with moving of furniture and other items
  • Clean cafeterias, patios, and common areas