We get it. Cleaning may not be the most glamorous thing, but to us it’s a source of massive pride and as necessary to life as, say, water.

Because you probably don’t obsess about cleaning like we do, we thought we’d take this opportunity to highlight some truly great moments in cleaning that have left their mark on society. Buckle up, this is going to be fun (for us, anyway)!

No. 1 2800 B.C. – Soap Use Becomes Common

According to ancient folklore, soap was first used by Babylonians to clean pots and pans. Not exactly commercial cleaning, but still a big day that helped set the stage for Kleenrite.

No. 2 1797 – The Invention of the Broom

Let’s hear it for the broom! It’s a simple but effective tool that’s been used for centuries to sweep floors and clean up messes. Legend has it that the first broom was invented by a woman who bound together twigs.
God bless her.

No. 3 1800s – The Origins of Spring Cleaning in America

Spring cleaning got its start from having to clean homes because fireplaces and rudimentary heaters would leave them with a layer of soot. We don’t recommend only cleaning your business in the spring, but still a great moment to be recognized.

No. 4 1870s – The Feather Duster is Invented

Rumor has it, an Iowa farmer took some turkey feathers to a factory and requested they make a brush out ofit. We don’t know who this dude is, but what a visionary!

No. 5 Early 1900s – The Discovery of Antibacterial Soap

Scientists discovered the power of antibacterial soap to kill germs and prevent the spread of disease. This breakthrough revolutionized the cleaning industry and paved the way for the development of countless other cleaning products that we use every single day to keep your workplace sparkly clean.

No. 6 1901 – The Invention of the Vacuum Cleaner

Before the invention of the vacuum cleaner, cleaning carpets and floors was a back-breaking task that required a literal crap-ton of time and effort. In 1901, a man named Hubert Booth invented the first powered vacuum cleaner, which made cleaning floors a breeze. Shouldn’t there be a statue of him somewhere?

Cleaning. To you it’s “meh.” To us, it’s life. Thanks to these great moments in cleaning history, we’re inspired to do our very best each time we walk into your workplace. So, next time you pick up a broom or scrub a surface, remember that you, too, are part of a long and proud tradition of cleaning excellence.

Let’s be real. A dirty workspace can become a habitat for new forms of life. Not the kind of life that inspires Disney movies, but rather the kind of life that conjures images of hazmat suits. And who wants to show up for work in a hazmat suit? It’s not a good look.

If office cleanliness isn’t at the top of your priority list, you’re at risk of inviting ants, roaches, and all sorts of other little friends into your space. Before you know it, they’ll be stealing your snacks. Without snacks, you become hangry. And when you’re hangry, you might take it out on your co-workers. You know, kind of a snowball effect.

Listen up, people. Take pride in your workspace and keep it clean. We know peeps who can help. Actually, we ARE peeps who can help.

So, while those little critters living in your office are chewing on your snacks, here’s a little something for you to chew on. Here are the biggest risks from a not-so-clean work environment:

Reduced Productivity

A dirty or cluttered office can be distracting and impact on your team’s focus and productivity. Which can snowball into missed deadlines and a decline in the quality of work. Not cool.

Increased Health Risks

Germs and bacteria are great for science labs. Not so great for your office. When you’re surrounded by all these invisible pests, you have a higher risk for illnesses and, of course, more sick people and decreased morale.

A Damaged Reputation

A filthy workspace can leave a negative impression on clients, visitors, and potential hires. It’s great when people talk about your business – just not in this way. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so do it right.

Increased Costs

If you neglect your office, you could end up with higher maintenance and repair costs because you’ve let things go for too long. For example, an uncleaned spill quickly becomes an unsightly (and sometimes permanent) stain. To put a finer point on it, regular cleaning is good!

Legal Liabilities

Hey, it could happen. If you fail to keep things clean and safe, you’re at risk of an employee getting sick due to unsanitary conditions or being injured because they tripped on a few months’ worth of clutter on their way to the water cooler. You know what that means… better call the lawyer.

Yes, your business has to generate revenue. But that shouldn’t be your only priority. Keep cleanliness in mind and you’ll make a huge difference in your operational efficiency and productivity. Not to mention your bottom line. After all, you probably got over that “dorm room smell” years ago. Let’s not revisit it.

Running a business is tough stuff. So, when you lock the door at the end of the day, would you rather chill? Or clean the joint?

Thought so. In this article, we’re going to throw a few more reasons to hire a professional cleaning service your way to help make the decision easier. Here we go…

No Need To Buy Expensive Supplies And Equipment.

Most cleaning jobs require more than a mop and vacuum. When you hire a commercial cleaning service, you also get their equipment and supplies as part of the deal. Which frees up your storage space for something other than cleaning stuff. At Kleenrite, we invest in our business so we have the right tools for every job. It’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Get A Healthier Workplace.

Anyone can grab a duster and give surfaces a once-over. When you work with pros, you get regular monitoring and dusting of hard-to-reach places to get rid of those pesky allergens that cause breathing issues for so many folks. Oh, and that sponge you’d be using to swab bathroom surfaces? It probably has more bacteria than a toilet. We keep things nice and sanitary to give you a cleaner, healthier workplace.

Save A Ton Of Time.

Instead of spending your time after hours doing all the vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing, leave it to the pros. You’ll have more time to do what you’re supposed to do at work. And when you’re not at work, you can spend time hanging with the family. They’ll love you for it.

Get A More Thorough Clean.

Cleaning seems easy, right? All you have to do is grab a mop, vacuum, and a few rags. Then you do a little decluttering and you’re done. Not so fast, bucko. Are you going to take the time to really do it right? We have the know-how to clean your place from top to bottom while slaying all the germs that stand in the way.

Impress Your Customers.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. When a customer walks in and sees a tidy workplace, you build instant trust. If you care enough to have a clean office, it sends a statement about your attention to detail in other areas.

Let’s Get Cleaning.

Now that you know why you should leave cleaning to the professionals, reach out and we’ll come in, take a look around, and leave you with an estimate and plenty of peace of mind. We’re Kleenrite. And we clean right! Just like the name says.

Either you love ‘em or you love to hate ‘em. But no matter what side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying it’s officially Office Potluck Season.

Never mind the absurdity of this inexplicable phenomenon where, in offices all across town, everyone brings a dish from his or her respective kitchen to share with the masses as a gesture of community and goodwill. Potlucks can be downright gross. Not to mention super-spreaders of Ptomaine poisoning.

But hey, never fear. As people pull out their slow cookers and dust off their holiday-themed serving dishes, keep Kleenrite in mind to help whip your office back into shape after the crumbs have settled. Consider these nasty scenarios:

• Bev, the cat lady from HR, is bringing a tray of mystery meat sandwiches loaded with too much drippy mayonnaise.
• Crazy Steve from accounting is whipping up his “famous” 14-layer salad, at least 7 of which will end up in the carpet.
• Roommates (and bachelors who don’t cook) Eddie and Derek from marketing will show up with pickled herring, steamed Brussels sprouts, or other fragrant sides.
• And, let’s not forget the nifty blend of odors that’s sure to linger after the lids get removed from the nine crock pots lining the conference room table.

We hope we didn’t trigger any PTSD you might have regarding this subject, but consider this a reminder that we’ll remove any evidence of a potluck you may encounter this holiday season. Cleaning is our thing. But we’re not touching Jenny’s leftover cocktail weenies that were mistakenly left at the office over the weekend in an uncovered 6-quart Cuisinart. That one’s on you.

It stands to reason that floors can be disgusting. You walk on them. Spill on them. And they probably see more wear and tear than any other part of your business.

At Kleenrite, we take immense pride in making floors sparkle with cleanliness. Like anything, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Here’s a little glimpse into the magic that is floor cleaning.

The first consideration is the type of floor you have. Is your business carpeted? Does it have ceramic tile? Vinyl? Is it waxable? Non-waxable? Or maybe a combination? Here’s a quick glimpse into a few of the most common flooring surfaces.

CARPET

Carpet can take a real beating with all sorts of unmentionable things getting ground into it on a daily basis. So, we use a super-duper power vacuum to lift anything and everything out of the fibers. Come deep cleaning time, we give it a good pre-treatment, then rev up a heavy-duty carpet cleaning machine, which cleans and rinses, while sucking up as much of the filthy water as possible so it dries quicker.

CERAMIC

Ceramic floors are durable but they need regular cleaning to keep debris from scratching both the tile and grout. We start by sweeping or vacuuming to get rid of dirt and debris. Then we use a high-pressure spinner called a Turbo Jet to make it all sparkly. Hey, just because ceramic tile doesn’t support the same level of microbial madness as carpeting doesn’t mean your time floors are safe from germs.

CONCRETE

Concrete isn’t just for highways. When properly sealed, concrete can be a solid non-porous and stain-resistant flooring for certain types of businesses as well. To keep them clean, we remove debris with a broom or vacuum. Then, we give it a good mop job with a special solution and rinse.

LAMINATE

To keep laminate floors looking great, we run a vacuum over it to remove any dirt and debris from the cracks and crevices. Periodically, we give it a good damp-mop treatment for a good deep cleaning. We avoid using polish or wax as well as any abrasive cleaners for fear they might damage the protective finish or scratch the floor.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, folks. If you want to know more about floor cleaning, call us and ask for Tim. The guy knows more about cleaning floors than you could ever imagine. But once you get him going on the topic, he can geek out about it for hours. Consider yourself warned.

Sounds like secret code from a Bond movie, doesn’t it? Actually, we’re peeling back the onion a bit and giving you a sneak peek into the wonderful world of cleaning supplies that we use every day at Kleenrite.

So, what is AF79? It’s a concentrated, non-acid disinfectant that works absolute wonders to clean and deodorize hard surfaces in restrooms. Bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal, this stuff is proven to be effective against a potpourri of disgusting pathogens and odors.

AF79 is non-abrasive AF and is super-kind to plumbing, porcelain and fixtures. And guess what? It even has a pleasant Ocean Breeze fragrance baked in. So, think about the last time you were visiting the coast and you inhaled deeply to take in the splendor of an ocean sunrise or sunset. Yep, that’s pretty much what your restrooms will smell like after we’re done with them. Well, sort of, anyway.

Thank you for indulging us cleaning nerds as we go on about AF79. We love the stuff. We swear by the stuff. And it’s just one of the many tools in our arsenal (a.k.a. cleaning cart) of supplies.

Dirty restrooms are a thing. If your company’s restrooms are among the dirty, it can have a serious impact on how well your business performs and how it’s perceived.

 Number 1 (sorry, we had to do it), customers see the quality of your restrooms as a reflection of the quality of your business. If one part of your business leaves a bad impression, people will question the entire operation. Not cool.

 Number 2 (we can’t resist bathroom humor), dirty restrooms can be a health hazard as they become gathering places for all kinds of germs. If restrooms are not kept clean, these germs will linger around and cause all sorts of problems for both customers and employees. As far as employees go, that could mean more sick time. Again, not cool.

 At Kleenrite, we’re mighty damn proud of the way we clean restrooms. We train our team on a multi-step process so nothing gets missed. We also use different colored microfiber cloths to clean everything from mirrors and stainless steel to toilets, sinks, partitions, and walls. We do this to prevent cross-contamination.

 We even pay attention to non-surface things like floor drains, which can become a source for odors when they become dried out.

 Okay, you’re never going to host a picnic in your restrooms. But making sure they’re clean can and will have an impact on your image. Count on Kleenrite to take those rooms very seriously. Because a clean restroom means a happy company.

In 1989, NASA conducted an experiment and found that indoor plants actually scrub the air of cancer-causing compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. They also determined that microorganisms in the soil of potted plants also contribute to cleaner indoor air.

That said, if you have plants around your workspace, they’re actually acting like natural air purifiers. The bigger and leafier the plant, the better. And don’t worry about blanketing your space like a wall-to-wall jungle. Even having two plants per 100 square feet will help you reap the benefits.

Some of the best plants to de-toxify your air are:

English Ivy. It can be a bit fussy because it grows best in a moist environment, but it rids the air of a lot of bad stuff.

Peace Lily. It’s actually hard to kill this plant as it enjoys medium to low light and is very drought tolerant. In fact, when it starts to droop, it’s telling you it needs a drink.

Weeping Fig (Ficus). This might be one of the most popular indoor trees. It needs indirect light and prefers drier soil.

Spider Plant. Another very easy-to-grow plant. This air purifier makes a nice hanging plant for a drab corner of a room.

There you have it. Imagine a one-two punch of Kleenrite and plants. Your surfaces will be clean. Your air will be clean. And everyone lives happily ever after.

A happy office is a productive office. And considering it’s like a second home for those who work in it, it’s important to keep it clean.

But doing so can be time consuming if you do it yourself. Yet some businesses are reluctant to hire a commercial cleaning company due to a variety of misperceptions. We’re here to come clean (pun intended) about why these myths should be put to rest.

MYTH #1 | LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM

We suppose there are a few commercial cleaners that aren’t the most professional. But really, you’ll find that most take their work very seriously. Look for companies who have long-term, solid business standing in the community. At Kleenrite, we run a tight ship and we’ve been doing so since 1973.

Myth #2 | NOT SO GREAT SERVICE

A good cleaning company stands behind its work. Look for a company that has clear, transparent pricing so you know exactly what you’re going to get. Also make sure there’s a clear path for escalating any issues that come up. If there’s ever a problem, just tell us and we’ll make it right.

MYTH #3 | TOO MUCH TURNOVER

Hey, we get it. You want longevity and we work hard to deliver. The way we see it, people are the heart and soul of what we do. We take pride in having a turnover rate that’s far lower than what is standard in our industry. It must mean we’re doing something right.

MYTH #4 | NOT VERY RELIABLE

Be sure to look for a company that’s reputable in terms of work experience and offers transparent pricing. They’re out there (we’re one of them!), but you just have to dig a little deeper to find them.

MYTH #5 | POOR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Communication is the key to a relationship with your commercial cleaning provider. At Kleenrite, you’ll always get a prompt, professional response to ensure the things that matter to you don’t get delayed.

There you have it. Many commercial cleaning companies have grown their business over the years because they’ve been able to move past these myths. These are the companies worth doing business with because you know they’ll deliver on what they promise. Every single time.

When someone is placed in a position of power or authority over others, it can sometimes lead to treating those beneath them with disrespect. Think about the people who clean your place of business. Whether it’s our people or someone else, they cannot function properly if they are not treated with dignity or respect.

This post is not in response to any particular situation we’ve encountered. It’s just a friendly reminder to think about basic human dignity in all that you do. Being praised and feeling appreciated is a basic human need. When this is lacking, it’s natural to feel dejected and demotivated.

So, treat others exactly the way you’d want to be treated.

Show respect.
You cannot be disrespectful to your cleaning people and expect them to give you their best. For them to give you the respect you think you deserve, by polite and respectful to them. Use a friendly tone when talking to them. Call them by name. If you don’t know it, find out.

Be kind.
Kindness goes a long way in creating goodwill between people. Being kind to your cleaning people will ensure they stay motivated and treat you with equal kindness. If you feel they’re not doing their work properly, by all means tell them. But do it without yelling or being angry.

Smile and say hello.
Even though your cleaners are often invisible because they do their work after you go home, pausing to say hello if you see them can honor their humanity. It may seem trivial, but it can go a long way.

Respect should not be informed by status or labels. See a person for their potential and treat them with the kindness they deserve as a human being. With that, we’ve got some cleaning to do so. And we’ll do it with kindness and respect. Thanks for listening.

If you work in an office or other commercial space, you might not notice the dust and grime that tends to slowly and silently build up over time. But your customers do.

And since first impressions are so crucial, a not-so-clean workspace could convince prospects to not do business with you. After all, a dirty workplace could telegraph that you don’t exactly care about the little details.

So, instead of turning people off before you even start your sales pitch, maybe a crack team of office cleaners is the ticket.

Show your professionalism.

Keeping a tidy shop or office is part of providing professional services to customers. Plus, a clean workspace gives the impression that your entire business is just as well organized. Not only that, an office that is cleaned regularly is good for your employees. It makes them more chipper. It improves morale. And it makes your place more positive overall. Think rainbows and puppy dogs. And glitter. No, wait. Skip the glitter… we’ll just have to clean it up.

Why Kleenrite?

Do you really want to do your own cleaning? Be honest. Your people are far too busy doing their jobs to do any kind of deep cleaning. We can efficiently clean your space without disrupting the customers or employees who use it. We come in after hours and work like little elves so when you show up the next morning, everything is all sparkly.

Your office, your schedule.

You set your cleaning schedule and we’ll make it happen. Customers (and you!) will notice your place is always spotless. No matter the size of your business, leave the dirty work to us. You’ll make a great first impression every time.

One more thing: Cleaning is our passion. We’re thorough. We’re passionate. And we’d love to talk about how we can make a difference for you.

First impressions are everything. Think about it. The first time you walk into a business – be it a restaurant, retail store, or factory – sets the tone for how you think about that particular business.

Now think about your own business. Are there times that you cringe when customers walk through your door? As a commercial cleaner, we’re in the business of making first impressions. Think of it as an investment in your brand.

But are you a good candidate for the services we provide? We sat down and analyzed our very best customers and found some common threads that tie them together. Here we go…

Do you value partnership?

If you want your cleaning company to understand what makes you tick and work in partnership to help you tick even better from a first impression standpoint, we’re your peeps. The way we see it, the more we know about you, the better we perform.

Do you value communication?

Cleaning is a two-way street. If something isn’t meeting your standards, talk to us and we’ll make it better. We love it when our customers give our work the white glove test and tell us we’re meeting their expectations or give us suggestions on how to improve.

Are you looking for consistent cleaning?

Come on, what is this… college? Back then, your once-a-semester cleaning ritual was probably sufficient. If you just want us to come in for cleaning only once in a while, we’ll politely tell you “no.” You’re going to judge us on how well we do. And unless we can make your place spiffy on a regular basis, you won’t be happy. Once a week? Five days a week? Somewhere in between? It’s your call. Just make it more than once or twice a year.

There you have it. It’s a pretty simple checklist, but if you answered “yes” to all the above, we’re going to be a great fit. So, stock up on some white gloves and give us a call. As Masters of the First Impression, we’ll save you from the embarrassment of those unexpected customer visits and leave you with a spiffed-up workplace that your mom would be proud of.