Did They Clean Your Desk with a Toilet Rag?
An Unpleasant Example of Cross-Contamination
After reading this article, you won’t be able to unlearn what you are about to discover. So proceed with caution. Here’s the startling truth: unless your cleaning company employs a standard process for cleaning, combined with a high-quality training program, the rags used to clean the bathrooms may also be used to clean your desk.
How can this happen? How could anyone violate the fundamental rule of cross-contamination? This can occur quite easily. The cleaner pushes a janitor’s cart around, with rags and chemicals stored in the tray. As they move through the building, they select the necessary chemicals, grab a rag, and begin cleaning. If your office is cleaned after a bathroom, and there’s no system for rag usage in place, then your desk may get cleaned with the same rag recently used to wipe down a urinal. Gross, right?
How can this be prevented?
What systems need to be in place to avert this cross-contamination issue?
Your cleaning vendor should implement the following three processes:
Cleaning Routes/Carts
If more than one person is needed to clean your facility, it often makes sense for one person to handle offices while another takes care of restrooms, breakrooms, and other common areas.
Even with a single cleaner, there should be a clear distinction in the cleaning route between the restrooms and the other areas.
Ideally, there should be a separate cart used for restrooms and breakrooms. While this doesn’t eliminate the cross-contamination issue, it certainly is a step in the right direction.
Segmented Cleaning Towels
A cleaning company should have a system for towel usage where specific towels are designated for certain tasks. For instance, some companies use color-coded microfiber towels. For example, towels of a particular color (red) are only used in restroom fixtures.
Other towels are assigned to offices, breakrooms, and common areas. Some companies might use paper towels or disposable cloths in restroom areas to prevent cross-contamination. The methods may vary, but the goal should be consistent: specific rags for specific areas.
Cleaning Technician Training
Lastly, a janitorial company should have a comprehensive training process, ensuring new cleaners understand the methods to prevent cross-contamination.
Cleaning routes, separate carts, and a system for towel usage are ineffective without a cleaner who can correctly implement them. Training is crucial, especially during the first few weeks on the job.
Ensure your cleaning vendor provides a blend of new-hire orientation, on-the-job training, and supervisor follow-up. A robust training program and efficient cross-contamination systems will prevent the unpleasant scenario.