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In years gone by, the average employee thought very little about when their desk was last wiped, or how many people had touched the washroom door handle before them. Then, in March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic struck – and suddenly, specialist cleaners took on a whole new importance.

It can be hard to remember what life was like before lockdowns and Zoom meetings took over. British workers lived under varying degrees of lockdown conditions for around a year and all normal working practices disappeared. For many people, life will never be the same again.

Cleaners’ new importance

As we started a gradual return from home working to our regular workplace, the commercial cleaning companies who had operated seamlessly in the background in the past had become significantly more important.

One of the few positive things to come out of the pandemic is a new appreciation of the essential job cleaners carry out in our offices, retail stores, warehouses, factories and other places of business.

Today, we all have a heightened awareness of the importance of cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting our surroundings.

Staff and customers feel relieved at the sight of cleaners working during the day, rather than behind the scenes overnight. It comforts us to know the same high levels of hygiene are being kept up, even though the lockdowns have gone.

Cleaners provide peace of mind

In the past, office cleaning often took place at weekends or at night, so the cleaners wouldn’t disrupt normal working activities. Today, research shows some companies actually request that cleaners work during the day.

This provides peace of mind for employees and visitors when they know professional cleaners are on hand. It makes them feel safe and lets them know the company cares.

A survey of 1,600 employees at the end of 2021 revealed around 50% were still worried about working in the office because of the threat of another wave of Covid. Seeing professional contract cleaners at work made 62% of employees feel safer.

Deep cleaning protocols

While professional cleaners have always done a thorough job, the additional deep cleaning and sanitising procedures introduced during the pandemic are still important today.

A survey of employees has revealed a massive 89% still believe workplace cleaning protocols are important. In fact, 38% of people said they might look for a new job if proper workplace cleaning wasn’t carried out.

Considering current staff shortages UK-wide, the possibility that employees might quit over inadequate cleaning is especially concerning for employers.

Preventing the spread of illnesses

As well as preventing the spread of Covid, a stringent cleaning and disinfection programme can also help to stop the spread of other illnesses, such as influenza.

It also reduces the risks for employees who have allergies and asthma by removing dust, environmental hazards and allergens in the workplace.

Busy shops, crowded offices and other public buildings benefit from frequent cleaning, with high-touch areas such as door knobs, lifts, escalator rails, bathrooms and desk phones requiring particular attention.

Commercial cleaning companies know the most efficient schedules and procedures to meet companies’ bespoke needs while remaining within their budget.

For commercial cleaning services, get in touch with our team today!

Sources:

How Commercial Cleaning Practices Have Evolved Since COVID-19

https://www.cleanlink.com/news/article/How-The-Pandemic-Has-Elevated-Commercial-Cleaning–28488

https://www.irmi.com/articles/expert-commentary/how-covid-19-changed-the-commercial-cleaning-business

Commercial and domestic cleaners are often lumped together in a single category. However, the truth is that these services are entirely different and concern unique areas of expertise. While a domestic cleaning service specialises in cleaning homes, maintaining areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and ensuring floors are hygienic. A commercial cleaning service focuses on cleaning workplaces, schools, and businesses.

The three main areas that differentiate domestic cleaning from commercial cleaning are cleaning equipment, business experience and industry specialisation. Read on to find out more.

Cleaning equipment

While a domestic cleaning service will typically use off-the-shelf cleaning products and equipment that you can easily buy in a store, a commercial service employs more specialist solutions. Using cutting-edge equipment and the latest cleaning techniques, a commercial service will also use cleaning fluids designed for professional use.

For instance, a domestic cleaner tackling some windows would use a ladder, household spray and cloth, while a commercial cleaning service will likely work on a secure platform and may use a water-fed pole system with specialist attachments for more comprehensive cleaning.

Business experience

Unlike domestic cleaners, commercial cleaning services possess business experience and Health and Safety regulation knowledge. As a result, they understand how to answer the specific requirements of a firm and can work around their operating hours to avoid disruption or loss of productivity. They can also offer ongoing contracts that ensure that organisations can plan their costs in advance while maintaining their premises in perfect condition.

Industry specialisation

Domestic cleaning only covers residential properties, however commercial cleaners have an in-depth understanding of a wide range of different work environments and their individual needs. For example, commercial cleaners can manage complex sites such as factories, warehouses, and construction developments. They can also provide specific hygiene levels required by care homes, schools and enterprises working in the hospitality industry ensuring operations always pass health and safety inspections with flying colours every time. Commercial cleaners include specialist cleaners for things like commercial kitchens or garden maintenance.

Hiring commercial cleaners for your workplace

If you require commercial cleaning for an ongoing contract or as a one-off service, at Associated Cleaning Contracts, we can help. Get in touch with our experienced team today to discuss your requirements and explore the services that we offer.

A clean environment can do wonders for your productivity. It boosts your staff’s morale and makes it easier for them to be organised and efficient. That said, maintaining a clean environment can be difficult, which is why we recommend hiring commercial cleaners.

Commercial cleaning teams are trained to handle various environments. They also have state-of-the-art cleaning equipment to deliver outstanding results. This blog post explores the scope of commercial cleaning to help you understand the value of your investment.

What does a commercial clean include?

There are two types of commercial cleaning services; general cleaning and routine cleaning. General or deep cleaning is more extensive than regular cleaning. It pays attention to all the hard-to-reach areas for improved sanitation of the space.

Regular cleaning, on the other hand, is more about maintenance. It involves sweeping floors, vacuuming carpets, disinfecting surfaces, emptying bins, dusting to remove cobwebs, etc. Besides regular and deep cleaning, you can request specialist cleaners. Special cleaning services with the biggest impact on your business include:

1. Hard floor care and carpet cleaning

Carpet cleaning is crucial for commercial spaces because carpets can harbour dirt, dust, and allergens leading to respiratory problems. Additionally, while cleaning floors with a broom and mop is easy, they need periodic scrubbing and waxing to maintain their glamour. Commercial cleaning teams are able to clean your floors on time without paralysing your operations. If you’re in the food or manufacturing industry, aim to clean your floors once every quarter to maintain a clean and safe space.

2. Commercial window cleaning

Dirty and cloudy windows send a bad impression of your business. Therefore, schedule cleaning at least twice every month, depending on your locale’s weather. Commercial cleaners have the tools, products, and expertise to properly clean your windows – even those hard to reach ones, so invest in professional window cleaning services.

3. Restroom cleaning

Toilets are an integral part of any commercial space. Without a strict cleaning regimen, you risk jeopardising the health of your staff and customers. If an outbreak occurs, your reputation could suffer irreversible damage, so always include bathroom cleaning in your cleaning budget.

If you’re looking for a commercial cleaning company, look no further than ACC. We have the experience, skills, and specialist equipment for any job. Get in touch with us today for a free quote.

If you’re the owner of a commercial building, whatever the business, you might be wondering what the benefits are of hiring a contract cleaner. Whilst cutting back on cleaning services is a tempting way to save money for your business, there are plenty of reasons you should invest in a professional team to keep your workplace clean. These points will make you less likely to skip on the essential services you could be missing out on.

It improves mood

You will find that the mindset and morale of your employees improve drastically in a clean workplace. This, in turn, positively influences their productivity, meaning you will achieve more as a team.

A clean environment is better respected by the people who work there, as it communicates a sense of professional care given to the space. It also helps them get into the “blank slate” headspace and come to their job feeling rejuvenated and stress-free.

It improves concentration

Having a cluttered space where items do not have set places is not only distracting but can give some workers a sense of claustrophobia – particularly those who have an excessive need for tidiness and order.

Having plenty of bins around and enforcing disposal of rubbish is a good way to keep the mess levels down. A cleaner who is educated on where your items are stored can help to clean up too, picking up anything that has been missed amid the hustle and bustle of a busy day’s work.

It improves overall health

Having a clean workspace is vital to keeping your employees from becoming unwell. A dirty environment can boost the chances of contracting bacterial and viral illnesses that can grow on unwashed surfaces or be transmitted through unsanitary conditions. As your workers are spending the majority of their week on your premises, you will find that they call off sick less in a clean environment, which is never something to dismiss. It also bolsters emotional and mental health too.

If you think your workplace could benefit from a commercial cleaner, contact one of our friendly team members at ACC today.

Keeping an office space clean can reap many benefits as employees thrive in tidy working environments. But what are these benefits and why should you hire a specialist cleaner to keep your office looking brand new? Read on to find out.

Improve retention and productivity

A clean office space equals a clear mind, and a tidy work environment can help to increase productivity in the workplace. By getting a cleaner, employees are more likely to be satisfied in an environment that is free of clutter, dust and dirt and will in turn feel more content and focused when getting on with their day’s tasks.

A clean office is a healthy office

Taking care of your employees in terms of their health should always be a priority and making sure the office space is clean and free of germs is a great way to look after your staff. For example, regularly sanitising surfaces will help to limit the spread of viruses and harmful bacteria.

Reducing dust and dirt will create cleaner air, making it a fresh and inviting environment where people can really enjoy getting their work done and feel good whilst doing it. For people suffering from allergies, creating a clean environment can also help them to feel their best and a specialist cleaner will be able to physically and chemically remove any microorganisms that may be sticking to your office surfaces.

Remain professional

Having a clean office space is an important part of good customer service and creates a positive impression of your business from the second someone steps foot through its office doors.

Customers, as well as employees, will be impressed by the cleanliness of your office space and see it as a sign of professionalism, reliability and good management, all key qualities that a successful business needs to run smoothly.

Get in touch

If you’re in need of a specialist cleaner for your office space within Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Wigan or Manchester, we can help. Our expert staff are professionals trained in all the latest cleaning methods and will ensure your office looks brand new in no time.

Get in touch today for a free quote.

Businesses looking to save money often skimp on cleaning their windows. Common tactics to keep costs down include getting staff members to wash them, getting them cleaned infrequently and, in some instances, leaving them to collect layers of grime. All these options add up to a false economy that instead of saving firms money can cost them dearly. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how companies can profit when they hire professional contract cleaners to wash the windows of their premises.

Appearance and wellbeing

A commercial window cleaning team will use cutting-edge equipment and cleaning solutions designed to provide a professional finish. As a result, businesses can make sure their base looks more attractive from the outside, with any dirt that has built up over time removed from the exterior. Firms will find that their premises will appear more appealing to potential clients and customers when visiting. Clean windows can also improve the mental well-being and productivity of employees when they arrive each day to see their place of work looking bright and shiny.

Saving and making money

Windows are expensive to fix and replace when they become damaged. By maintaining windows effectively by hiring professional cleaners who carry out a thorough job, they’ll last far longer and be less likely to need replacement or repairs. Consequently, companies can save money. Cleaner windows can also bring in money to a business when customers and clients are won over by the attractive company image presented to them.

Health and safety

Finally, there are also hygiene and safety benefits. Windows that are faulty or older and poorly maintained are far more likely to break. As a result, any customers or staff members nearby could be injured by broken glass. Furthermore, dirty windows will often be exploited by pests. If windows are not professionally cleaned, they may be breached by insect life and other unwanted inhabitants. Employing commercial window cleaners is a wiser move for businesses to ensure customers and staff remain healthy and safe.

If your premises requires professional window cleaning services, we can help. Our highly trained personnel have extensive experience and access to the latest equipment, products, and cleaning methods to guarantee the right result every time. Get in touch with our dedicated team today for a free quote.

Office receptions are often the initial point of contact where companies introduce their business to customers. As a result, creating the correct first impression in this area is essential. However, receptions are busy hubs for most firms and need constant attention to ensure they always look their best. In this blog, we’ll look at four steps that companies can take to make sure their reception remains in great shape and is ready to welcome new clients.

Decluttering the reception area

When reception areas are cluttered they can soon look untidy and make visitors feel uneasy. Removing unwanted items can add space to smaller receptions and create a professional appearance. It is understood that receptions must sometimes store filing and stationery, but make sure that such items are neatly tucked out of sight.

Magazines and company literature can keep waiting visitors occupied and informed but can quickly end up in a disarray. To avoid this, keep options offered up to date and at a minimum. A less cluttered reception is also far easier to clean, promoting higher levels of hygiene.

Attend to your floors

Reception floors typically see the most action in offices. While a high volume of traffic may be good for business it also leads to increased wear on floor coverings, whether you have carpeting or ceramic tiles. From sweeping and mopping to vacuuming, routine floor cleaning is essential to keep receptions looking smart. Door mats can also be ideal for mitigating the spread of outdoor dirt.

Keep your air fresh

Unpleasant odours are not the ideal way to welcome visitors. To stop unwanted smells like leftover lunch and stale coffee, forbid drinking and eating in your reception and don’t position a waste bin in this area. Scent diffusers and oil burners can both be useful to keep the air smelling fresh and welcoming in your reception.

Hiring professional cleaners

All these tips can help enhance your overall visitor experience, but the best option to keep your reception tiptop is to enlist a professional cleaning service. Experienced, and equipped with the latest cleaning solutions tools, professional contract cleaners can take your reception’s appearance to the next level. Get in touch with our dedicated team today to discuss your needs.

Over the past two years, when many employees worked from home, loneliness has been a common theme – and yet there is some real reluctance now that returning to the office is becoming more normal. So how can you encourage your workers to return to the office? We look at simple steps all employees can take.

Create a better working space

Offices used to be closed-off and separated, but now your space is much more likely to be light, bright and open plan. This can feel like a lot of change for employees who have become used to working in their dining rooms. So make sure the office is appealing. This means keeping windows clean and clear, providing ergonomic furniture, and introducing green plants, which can create a sense of being in touch with nature and brighten even darker corners.

Don’t reduce your cleaning

If there are fewer people in the office space, it can be tempting to slow down on your cleaning regime. This is actually the last thing you should do. Employing contract cleaners to provide office cleaning will keep the office looking attractive, and assuage the doubts of employees who are worried about their health in shared spaces.

Keep checking in

If you have employees who aren’t ready to come back to the office and can work from home, keep checking in with them to see if they would perhaps like to integrate into the office environment slowly. This could be popping in for a cup of tea, working on-site or a couple of hours, or just visiting to see how appealing the office can really be!

With these tips, you can create an office environment that your employees feel more comfortable in. Whether this is a part time proposition or they will be working hybrid for now, keeping the office clean and ready is vital.

Get in touch with Associated Cleaning Contractors to make sure that your office is sparkling clean for everyone – we offer the professional cleaning Manchester-based businesses trust, including window cleaning. Let us know how we can help you create a space your employees want to come back to.

Thinking about hiring a professional cleaner to help with your commercial property? There are many benefits of doing this, including freeing up time for more important jobs or removing the need for an in-house cleaner.

Here are 4 reasons that professional cleaning really is worth the money.

Your property will always impress

If you are in charge of a commercial premises, like an office, school or restaurant, you will be responsible for making sure that it is always spotless. As well as ensuring that visitors are happy with the cleanliness, there are also health and safety regulations like food hygiene ratings that need to be met.

Our professional team of cleaners are trained to the highest standard so that you can rest assured your workplace always meets every standard.

Cleaners can be flexible

Need someone to come and clean on a Saturday? Or perhaps you want to arrange for cleaning out of your working hours?

One of the great things about hiring a cleaning company is that it is flexible to suit your individual needs. Our cleaners can come to your premises at a convenient time to guarantee minimal disruption to you and your employees.

It’s cost-effective

You may think that commercial cleaning is expensive but it really doesn’t have to be.

We offer a wide range of packages to suit every budget, whether you’re looking for daily visits or something less frequent, like fortnightly or monthly cleans.

ACC works hard to make sure that you don’t pay more than you need to and still get a reliable, professional service.

It saves you time

As a manager or business owner, you probably have much more important things to be doing than cleaning.

It is still an important job that needs to be done, but is it worthwhile for you or one of your employees to be doing it?

Our commercial cleaning service is a hassle-free way to maintain the tidiness and cleanliness of your property while saving you hours of valuable time. So, leave the cleaning to us (it’s what we do after all!)

If you would like to discuss the needs of your North West business, we would be more than happy to help. Get in touch with us by calling 01204 495 222 or emailing us at info@acc.uk.com.

What is the dirtiest place in the office?

Recent research by Furniture@work suggests that the office door handle can have 30 times more bacteria than the toilet seat while the staff kitchen harbours many of the most germ-laden areas in the workplace.

The study showed that the sink, microwave door and kettle accounted for three of the top five places for bacteria counts. The fridge fared little better with more germs and other contaminants than keyboards and desk phones – items staff touch repeatedly all day long.

Interestingly, the kitchen table barely had any bacteria, suggesting this might be one place we’d more likely to clean above other places in the staffroom. Elsewhere, an earlier study by sanitary product manufacturer Kimberley Clark noted that the staff kitchen tap was the object with the highest bacteria count.

Why is the staff kitchen often so dirty?

If you work in an an office that has a staff break room with cooking facilities you’re probably familiar with notices that are put up from time. “Please wash up after yourself” and “If you spill it wipe it up” signs rarely seem to work, while attempts to catch the attention of users such as “Your mother doesn’t work here” might be noticed for a few days before normal sloppy service is resumed.

The truth is probably that staff who pop into make a coffee and raid the fridge for a snack, ping their lunch in the microwave and take five minutes to gobble down their lunch are often too preoccupied to make staff kitchen cleaning a priority.

Office kitchens almost seem to bring out the worst in many of us. We wouldn’t make such a mess at home but the workplace remains fair game.

Contact Associated Cleaning Contractors now

If this sounds like your workplace, then perhaps it’s time to engage the services of a commercial cleaning company. After all, hygiene has never been so important, as the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic have taught us. Associated Cleaning Contractors can help. And best of all, all of the staff in our contract cleaning north west teams actually love tackling kitchens – no doubt a whole lot more than the rest of your workforce.