How to Prevent Germs and Allergies With Regular Cleaning

As the seasons change, allergens love to find their way into our homes and workplaces. The changing seasons also see a spike in illness-causing viruses and bacteria.

The occasional wipe-down of surfaces is not always enough to prevent them from entering the home or office, or fully remove them once they settle. Regular cleaning, including deep cleaning, will help eliminate existing issues and reduce the risk of their recurrence.

What are allergens?

Pollen, dust, and animal dander can all trigger an allergic reaction. They enter your airways and irritate them, causing sneezing, watery and itchy eyes.

Allergens are airborne particles, so they float around and attach to things that get in their way, such as people out for a walk. These particles settle on surfaces during your daily activities. Most allergens are small enough that they cannot be seen, which makes it harder to know if you have them on you.

Often mistaken for a cold or other viral infection, it can make the people around you uncomfortable. Regular cleaning will remove them and reduce their numbers and the risk of severe reactions.

What are germs?

Microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are often referred to as germs. They can cause different illnesses, and once one person gets sick, they spread like wildfire and infect many others as fast as possible.

Regular cleaning does help to reduce their severity. Still, surface sanitization is the best line of defence, as many antibacterial cleaners with germ-cleaning power kill bacteria before they become a problem.

Regular Cleaning

There are many different techniques for cleaning, and all of these are designed to remove dirt and grime, as well as allergens, and to kill germs. The first thing to consider is the products and equipment you can use.

• • Hot Water: Nothing kills more germs and helps to lift stubborn dirt than old-fashioned hot water.                                                                                                                                         
  • Bleach: Commonly used, it kills germs and destroys surface allergens                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  • Commercial Cleaning Products: These products not only perform well when removing dirt and grime from any surface, but they also contain germ-killing agents, sterilizing surfaces as they go.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  • Microfibre Cloths: The design of these cloths is perfect for catching as much dirt and grime as possible. They are reusable, wash well and keep going, reducing the need for frequent replacements.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  • Squeegee: These slim handheld tools allow you to remove water and finger marks from flat surfaces. They remove streaks from windows, and you can see the dirt lift off right before your eyes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
  • Mops, Brooms, and Vacuums: Common items you use at home are also used at work. They remove dust and allergens from floors, carpets, and vinyl surfaces and trap them so you can dispose of them in the garbage.                                                                                                          

This list is not fully inclusive, as many options exist.

Once you have chosen and purchased your equipment, the next thing to consider is what to clean. Put simply, everything.

High-Traffic Areas

Reception areas, staff common rooms, bathrooms, boardrooms, and hallways regularly see high volumes of people, either walking through or gathering during breaks.

Desk Space

Anywhere people work needs to be cleaned. With regular contact on keyboards, phones, drawers, and all surfaces. They need to be wiped down and cleaned almost daily.

Bathrooms

Due to the nature of the room, all toilets, counters, sinks, and floors need to be cleaned and sterilized to prevent the spread of germs and allergens.

Fans and AC Units

While fans blow air around, they can gather a buildup of dirt, which you can visibly see fluttering when the fan is on. AC units will have filters that must be changed or cleaned regularly, as allergens will build up quickly.

The Benefits of Regular Cleaning

Any surface can harbour allergens and germs; they are not picky. By getting into a routine of regular cleaning, you can help these surfaces become free and clear of allergens and germs, leading to a healthier environment.

Improved Air-Quality

Airborne particles settle on surfaces as they float down and are easily inhaled by breathing normally. This can be particularly irritating for people with compromised conditions such as asthma.

These particles enter through your nose or mouth completely undetected and then wreak havoc once inside the lungs if they don't begin to irritate on the way down.

HEPA filters in air conditioning or humidifiers reduce the amount of particles floating around and therefore improve the overall air quality. Regular cleaning helps remove particles from surfaces so they are not disturbed and swirl up into the air repeatedly.

Welcoming Environment

A clean and tidy environment is always welcoming, but it also shows pride and the importance of the staff and customer welfare while on the premises.

The fresh scent of lemons and bleach is not the only thing that invites people. When they see the cleanliness, it also, subconsciously, promotes the sense that there is no fear of coming in contact with anything that will make them sick, promoting a better experience while in the store or a person's home.

Potential customers are happier to do business with you, and friends and relatives enjoy visiting.

Why RBC Clean Is Toronto’s Top Choice for Germ and Allergen Control

RBC Clean has cared for residents and professionals in Toronto and the GTA for 70 years.

There is no germ or allergen that we cannot tackle and remove. Through green products, commercial products, and having all the right equipment for your business on hand and used by trained professionals, RBC Clean will take care of your allergen and germ problem quickly and with regular janitorial services, keep it away.

Help your business remove dirt and germs today. Call 1-855-493-9259 or reach out online to learn about the wide range of cleaning services that can be tailored to your commercial needs.