Cleaning Industry Terms
Understanding terms used in the cleaning industry helps to ensure you are receiving the right service and are providing a cleaner, safer building for your employees and visitors. We hope these terms make it an easier
Terms and explanation
- Antibacterial: Antibacterial products are a substance that kills bacteria or stops them from growing and causing disease. While antibacterial and disinfect sound similar, one is used on the skin (antibacterial) and the others on surfaces (disinfectant). Many customers use antibacterial soap in their washrooms to kill germs on their hands.
- Disinfectant: With disinfecting, you cleanse by destroying, inactivating, or significantly reducing the concentration of pathogenic agents. To disinfect the solution must remain wet on the surface for 30 seconds to 1 minute. During COVID and during those winter months, disinfecting is important in reduce the spread of viruses and the flu.
- HEPA: HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters are used in vacuums, air purifiers and other cleaning equipment to capture tiny particles including dust, pollen and pet dander. This is important for people with allergies and or respiratory problems as they help to improve indoor air quality. Allcare began transitioning to HEPA vacuums almost 20 years ago.
- Microfiber: Microfibers are made of a synthetic material commonly used in cleaning cloths and mops. They are made up of ultra fine fibers much smaller than human hair are weaves together. Check out of Blog post on Microfibers for further information on their benefits. We also use a colour coded system which prevents cross contamination. There are 4 main reasons Allcare has transitioned to Microfibers. Click here for more info.
- Cleaning Equipment: When cleaning, Allcare uses many tools and machines to clean surfaces. Cleaning equipment can include vacuums, mops, brooms, scrubbers, microfibers, squeegees and dust mops. Having the proper cleaning equipment is essential to providing quality cleaning services.
- Wax: Customers have their VCT floors waxed as a way to protect, polish, and add shine to their surfaces. Wax can be applied as a high gloss or matte finish.
Types of Cleaning
- Cleaning: Cleaning is the action of making something clean. Removing dirt or something undesirable from surfaces. Having a commercial cleaning company provide professional services, ensures its done right.
- Deep Cleaning: A very complete cleaning process that includes all parts of something, not just surfaces or places where dirt can be seen. Cleaning hard to reach areas. Deep cleaning is often done once a month or in the Spring to refresh your workplace.
- Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning is also known as Hot Water extraction cleaning. The process involves injecting hot water into your carpet with high pressure, then extracting the dirt and water out. Carpets are pre-treated to aid in stain removal. Keeping your carpets looking fresh helps in maintaining the life of the carpet and your investment.
- Green Cleaning: Refers to the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices. Products are designed to minimize their impact on the environment and human health. Green cleaning products are typically made from natural or plant-based ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals. At Allcare we use the Enviro-Care line by Rochester Midland Canada to clean your building.
- Window Cleaning: We work with qualified windows cleaners to clean you interior and exterior windows. We recommend twice a year to keep them look great. This involve the use of poles, squeegees and ladders when needed.
If there are questions or comments regarding the above terms, please don’t hesitate in contacting us and we would be happy to help you out.