Closet Chaos No More! Tips on Reclaiming Your Cleaning Closet 8 Apr 2025, 11:41 am

A well-organized cleaning closet is essential for maintaining efficiency in any janitorial operation. Whether setting up a new space or optimizing an existing one, strategic storage solutions make daily tasks smoother and more productive.

Determining Your Space Needs

The size of your janitorial closet should accommodate essential tools, chemicals, and equipment while remaining accessible and clutter-free.

• Bulk Storage – Large supplies such as mop buckets, vacuums, and floor scrubbers require ample space for easy access.
• Daily Essentials – Smaller closets can be highly functional with proper shelving, hooks, and designated sections for frequently used items.

Thoughtful planning ensures an efficient, clutter-free storage area that enhances productivity.

Shelving Solutions for Optimal Storage

Shelving plays a key role in maintaining an organized and accessible closet. Consider these factors when selecting your setup:

• Material Choice – Metal shelves are durable and easy to clean, while plastic shelving resists moisture and chemicals.
• Weight Capacity – Shelving must support the weight of bulk cleaning supplies without risk of sagging.
• Adjustability – Adjustable shelves allow for storage customization as supply needs change.
• Depth & Spacing – Ensure deep shelves provide ample storage while maintaining accessibility.
• Wall-mounted vs. Freestanding – Wall-mounted shelves save floor space, whereas freestanding units offer mobility for reconfiguration.

Choosing the right shelving ensures a functional and efficient storage system.

Optimizing Equipment & Supply Organization

An effectively arranged closet prevents clutter and streamlines workflow. Here’s how to maximize storage space:

• Vertical Storage – Install tiered shelving to maximize space for smaller supplies while keeping larger equipment accessible.
• Hooks & Racks – Hanging mops, brooms, and dustpans frees up valuable storage areas.
• Chemical Safety – Store cleaning chemicals properly, following OSHA guidelines, ideally in ventilated areas or locked cabinets.
• Accessibility – Frequently used items should be within easy reach, while backups or seasonal supplies can be stored higher or further back.
• Labels & Bins – Organize supplies in clearly labeled bins to simplify retrieval and prevent clutter.

Maintaining a Clean & Efficient Storage System

An organized storage space supports efficiency and ensures proper inventory management. Follow these best practices to maintain functionality:

Decluttering & Inventory Management

• Regularly remove expired or unnecessary items.
• Keep an updated checklist to monitor essential tools and cleaning products.

Smart Storage Solutions

• Categorize supplies using labeled shelves and bins.
• Use wall hooks for tools to maximize floor space.
• Store frequently used supplies on mobile carts for easy access during cleaning rounds.

Safety Considerations

• Follow OSHA regulations for proper chemical storage and handling.
• Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent strong fumes.
• Make PPE (gloves, masks, etc.) accessible to all.

Routine Maintenance & Stock Management

• Conduct regular inventory checks to replenish supplies and discard unnecessary items.
• Inspect equipment frequently to ensure functionality and prevent disruptions

Encouraging Consistency

• Be sure that all who use the closet are updated on proper storage practices to maintain organization.
• Reinforce a return policy where all items are placed in designated areas after use.

By implementing the right shelving solutions, optimizing storage space, and maintaining a structured system, your cleaning team can work efficiently while keeping supplies neatly organized. I hope this helps you to create or update the perfect space for your cleaning needs. Check our our previous post to learn what type of cleaning solutions you need to get the job done.

Cleaning Solutions – Abrasives, Acids, Degreasers, Detergents 26 Mar 2025, 12:57 pm

Navigating the world of cleaning solutions can get pretty messy — especially when you’re unsure which product to use. Knowing what to reach for and when can make your cleaning tasks a breeze! Let’s break down the four main types of cleaning solutions:

The Four Types of Cleaning Solutions

ABRASIVES

Abrasives are materials designed to scrub away dirt, grime, and debris from surfaces.

Best Used For:

• Removing stubborn grime, grease, rust, or stains that resist normal cleaning.
  • Kitchen: Pots, pans, ovens, and sinks.
  • Bathroom: Tiles, bathtubs, and fixtures.
  • Outdoors: Stains on patios, grills, or concrete.

Abrasives can come in various forms:

• Natural Minerals: Calcite, feldspar, silica, and more.
• Household Substances: Salt, baking soda, and powdered borax.

Be sure to patch test to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.

Abrasives can be chemicals, materials, or minerals like calcite, feldspar, silica, and more. They can also be substances like salt, baking soda, and powdered borax. 

ACIDS

Acidic cleaning solutions have a pH of six or lower and are powerful against certain types of buildup. This acid causes a chemical reaction and breaks down the build-up.

Best Used For:

• Rust removal from metals like aluminum, brass, bronze, and copper.
• Descaling mineral deposits from kettles and coffee pots.
• Cutting grease (e.g., with lemon juice).
• Removing hard water stains and soap scum from tiles and tubs.
• Polishing metal faucets in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Breaking down protein-based stains like blood or animal fats from fabric

Always handle acids carefully and read directions for use, as they can be corrosive.

DEGREASERS

Degreasers are your go-to for removing oils, grease, and other stubborn contaminants by dissolving or emulsifying them.

Best Used For:

• Kitchens: Grease on stoves, ovens, hoods, and grills.
• Automotive: Cleaning engines, tools, and garage floors.
• Industrial: Degreasing machinery and factory equipment.
• DIY Projects: Prepping surfaces for painting by removing wax or oils.

Degreasers can be a key component in cleaning solutions for tackling tough stains on carpets, especially in high-traffic areas like entrances or parking lot-adjacent spaces, as they often accumulate stubborn residues like oil, grease, tar, and even gum.

DETERGENTS

Detergents reduce water’s surface tension, making it easier for cleaning solutions to spread over surfaces and fabrics.

Best Used For:

• Industrial Applications: Cleaning machinery, vehicles, or workspaces.
• Specialized Cleaning: Electronics, delicate fabrics, or medical equipment.
• Everyday Cleaning: Wiping countertops, mopping floors, washing dishes, and doing laundry.

For tougher stains or grease, opt for heavy-duty detergents, especially in industrial or kitchen settings.

Safety

Cleaning chemicals can be strong and harmful so be sure to always follow safety steps

Read the Label: Follow instructions carefully.

Wear Gloves And Other PPE: Protect your hands, eyes, and lungs, especially when handling strong solvents.

Ensure Ventilation: Avoid inhaling fumes, particularly in enclosed spaces.

Don’t Mix Cleaners: Combining products like bleach and ammonia can create dangerous reactions. If you don’t know the ingredients of a ready-mix cleaner, find out to avoid accidents.

What’s the difference?

Ready-Mix Cleaners: Pre-diluted cleaning solutions that are ready to use straight from the container. They are typically more expensive but safer, as no handling of concentrated chemicals is required.

Industrial Cleaners: Concentrated cleaning agents that require dilution before use, allowing you to customize the strength based on the task. They can be more cost-effective in the long run but require proper storage and PPE.

Disposal of Cleaning Products

When it’s time to dispose of cleaning products, always follow local guidelines, as some are considered hazardous waste. Unless the label explicitly states it is safe, avoid disposing of cleaning products down sinks or toilets, as they can harm the environment.

Whether your mess is big or small, there’s a cleaning product perfectly suited for the job. Hopefully, this guide makes it easier for you to find the right solution and tackle your cleaning tasks like a pro! If the job is too big to handle on your own, or requires industrial grade cleaners that you’re not comfortable with, contact our office by phone, email or text today we would be happy to help!

Your VCT Floor’s First Scrub 11 Mar 2025, 2:29 pm

Carpet Extraction vs. Bonnet Buffing: The Basics 25 Feb 2025, 3:04 pm

Has the winter taken its toll on your office carpet? Has an odor triggered your allergies? Getting a carpet cleaning is a great way to address these issues.

Carpets are the most used upholstery in a workplace. It needs some attention to be its best! But not all carpet cleaning is the same.

Do you need a deep clean to get out the winter grime? Or perhaps a quick scrub of the main high-traffic areas? Perhaps the entryway needs a quit refresh? Here is a rundown of the differences between carpet extraction and bonnet buffing so you can choose the right method for your office.

What is the difference?

Carpet extraction, sometimes called ‘steam cleaning’ is a deep cleaning. Hot water and cleaning solution are jetted deep into the carpet to break down dirt buildup and grime. Then a vacuum system sucks out the dirt, water and cleaning solution to leave carpets stain and odor-free. Carpet extraction is the deepest clean you can get.

Bonnet buffing is a surface clean. A machine spins circular cleaning pads, called ‘bonnets,’ to scrub the surface of the carpet, gently removing the surface dirt. This approach is good for light soiling in high-traffic areas. It is also gentle on well-worn carpets. This is often used to maintain carpets between deep cleans. With a dry time of about 30-40 minutes, it can even be done during the day in your busy office.

Which one do I need?

During spring we suggest scheduling an appointment for carpet extraction. It will get rid of the winter residue and salt, leaving your carpets ready for the year. On the other hand, a mid-year bonnet buffing may be all you need to keep your reception area looking and smelling fresh.

We do suggest that carpets get extracted twice a year to keep their longevity, however. Bonnet buffing can over time wear on the look of the carpet, giving it a ‘shaggy’ look. Carpet extraction doesn’t involve scrubbing the fibers at all.

The choice is based on if you need maintenance a deep cleaning. It doesn’t have to be at a specific time of year. Examine your carpet’s condition, a we can work with you to set up a time to get it done. Call or text our office today to get a quote or learn more about our different carpet cleaning services.

Check out our previous blog post to see more on hard floor care too!

A Fresh Start – Spring Cleaning 10 Feb 2025, 2:55 pm

Spring is around the corner, and it’s the perfect time for an office deep cleaning. Discover the best way to declutter and take advantage of commercial cleaning services, and why its important.

Look out for a handy checklist from our industry professionals. Spring cleaning will do wonders for your workspace refresh!

Why Schedule Spring Cleaning?

Keeps Employees Healthy

As cold and flu season winds down, no one wants to catch an illness at work. Sanitizing surfaces helps limit the spread of disease. Coming into a clean space after the grunge from winter thaw is motivating! A little foresight can keep employees motivated and happy.

Additionally, a thorough spring cleaning may identify any damage left over from winter. Catching that early means cheaper fixes.

Keeps Employees Happy

Are you looking for a morale boost? In addition to feeling good about the space, spring cleaning presents an opportunity to declutter. Spring is busy; don’t underestimate what professional cleaning services can do for your mental wellness!

Gets Rid Winter Grime

In colder climates, ice melting compounds like salt or urea mixtures are tracked inside, leaving residue on your floors and in your carpets. You may even notice stains or scratches from the salt granules. Throughout the winter, your cleaner is working hard to keep the residue under control and your floor clean. But spring is the best time to whisk it all away and avoid further damage to floors. Check out our floor maintenance blog post to see the difference professional floor cleaning can make.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

• Disinfect (not just clean) surfaces, doorhandles, light switches , high-touch areas
• Deep clean desks and furniture in offices
• Deep clean kitchen/lunchroom cabinets and appliances
• Deep clean all bathrooms
• Spot-clean walls and baseboards
• Strip and wax VCT tile
• Scrub planking
• Clean and extract all carpets
• Clean stairwells or other areas

Are you ready to revitalize your office? We know you’re busy this spring, so let us handle your spring cleaning. High Gloss can tailor a deep clean plan to fit your needs. In some cases, periodic deep cleaning services are included in specs. We are happy to set this up as an additional appointment. Call or text the office to get started!

Bigger Than The Bin 28 Jan 2025, 2:50 pm

Someone shattered a glass coffee mug on the lunchroom floor? Is it finally time to toss that sofa with the torn upholstery? Did an employee… get sick in the carpeted showroom? Who’re you going to call?

(GHOST BUS — ok I’ll stop)

Lets discuss how to safely handle unusual, but not unheard-of, waste disposal situations and some best practices for each one. Spoilers, hazmat suits required for one:

• Broken Glass
• Needles and Sharps
• Large, Heavy or Awkward Items
• Rodents and Pests
• Blood and Body Fluids

Broken Glass

Broken glass is sharper than a scalpel and scatters over a wide area. Be careful when entering the room where the glass broke! If you’re close by when the incident happened, DON’T MOVE RIGHT AWAY! Calmly survey the extent of the situation, and if someone was hurt. They may not have noticed, since clean cuts often hurt less. Of course, get the appropriate medical attention right away for any injuries and inform the appropriate personnel.

Once you’ve taken stock of the situation and everyone is taken care of. Either carefully get a cardboard box, a garbage bag, a stiff bristle broom and dust pan or get someone to bring them – check the janitorial closet. If you must pick up any pieces with your hands, wear work gloves. We recommend taping the edges of large, cracked pieces to prevent further breakage. Once the room is swept and the pieces are in the cardboard box, label it “Broken Glass”.

Let your cleaner know where it happened so they can ensure their cleaning is done safely, too.

Needles and Sharps

If your office uses needles and medical equipment, we don’t need to remind you about the sharps disposal container. They are designed to prevent punctures or leaks. You can remove needles from the syringe and disposed of separately to save on space, too. Your cleaner may leave your bin if they believe a needle or sharp implement in it, however.

Large, Heavy, or Awkward Items

Some large or awkward items are just plane difficult to get rid of! Many times, they wont qualify to go out with the trash, but maybe, if you ask really nicely, your cleaner may take care of them. Items heaver than 50 Lb. and/or requiring 2 people to lift may require a garbage disposal company’s assistance. If you’re not sure, give use a call and we’ll be happy to discuss it.

Rodents and Pests

Pests normally show up seasonally. Your regular cleaner isn’t equipped or trained to clean up after them. Its best to consult the professionals to safely deal with them and prevent future problems.

Your cleaner may have the appropriate training to clean up the feces, but can’t remove the pests. Best call a specialist, especially for fleas, ticks, bedbugs and rodents. We can recommend some great pest control companies in the area!

Blood and Body Fluids

The worst kind of clean-up, in our opinion. Blood, vomit and other body fluids and waste carry a plethora of harmful pathogens including STI’s, Cholera, and Norovirus – which can all become airborne. Lovely! We strongly recommend everyone stay clear of contaminated areas until safe decontamination can be arranged.

Health and safety procedures include:

• Proper PPE
• Proper sterilizing equipment and sanitizing solutions
• Physically removing the waste
• Scrubbing and sanitizing contaminated areas
• Deodorizing

We can assist in finding a company to deal with this if you’re unfortunate enough to need it.

Related: Is It Regular Garbage?

This is not an exhaustive list of everything that may call for specialty services to clean up. All kinds of things can happen in the office, ranging from annoying to extreme. Have a specific question? We are happy to see what we can do to help. Call, email or text our office today.

Is It Regular Garbage? 14 Jan 2025, 1:48 pm

Sometimes there are larger items to get rid of from your office; something that doesn’t fit in your bin, or recycling. Will your cleaner remove it for you?

It can be hard to determine what falls under your cleaner’s job description.

Regular cleaners not hired to take care of the following:

• Large or unusual items – furniture, appliances

• Drywall dust or construction debris

• Stains from urine, feces or other bodily fluids

• Upholstery cleaning – chairs, cubicle partitions

• Exterior windows

• Buff/scrub/wax floors, or shampoo carpets

Follow this guide to learn why these are not covered by your regular cleaner and what you can do instead.

Why?

It is normal to expect cleaners to take out the garbage (that’s their job). When it comes to large or unusual items, they can be too heavy or hazardous for the cleaner to move alone. If they can get injured or sick from the items, they are required to handle them. It could be, however, that with the correct PPE or with an additional person they will be able to remove them.

Some tasks are specialized and require specific experience, products and equipment. For example, your cleaner’s usual vacuum may not be designed to collect water from wet entry rugs, or construction debris from renovations.

Your cleaner wants to keep your space looking its best. The level of cleaning they are hired to maintain suffers if they must care for large or extreme issues that are outside of the site specs. In these situations, what’s the solution?

What You Can Do

How can you get rid of that awkward piece of furniture or hazardous chemical? Check out what city services are available in your area. A local recycling program may be able to help.

Another option is hiring a trash removal service or specialized cleaner such as a window cleaning company. Be aware, though, that these specialty services can be pricy.  

Schedule a Clean-Up!

For jobs like floor waxing and upholstery cleaning, High Gloss is happy to help. We can arrange a clean-up tailored to your needs. This is a great cost-effective option.

Communicate With Your Cleaning Provider

Still not sure if it’s regular garbage? Contact our office. We can give you specific insights into what is covered and what additional services are available.

Why Didn’t You Wipe My Desk? 4 Sep 2024, 5:45 pm

Your office cleaners hired, the walkthrough is done, the contract signed; last night they were scheduled to come in to wave their magic duster and poof your office should be perfectly clean! But there are still coffee rings on your desk. What’s going on?! You’re paying good money for this cleaner! You have a good point. Why would a cleaner not wipe your desk? The answers may be surprising.

Here are five reasons your office cleaner may not complete a certain area:

1. Liability Issues

To start with, your cleaners genuinely want to do a good job and keep you happy as their client. They also take great pride in their work! However, if there is paper on your desk, they will not move them. Why not? What if you had them laid out in a specific order for a project? What if there’s a private note you flipped over, or a few cheques? What if while moving things, something fell into the garbage unnoticed?

We understand you have your daily work to do, and that we as cleaners are not privy to what that is, so we will not risk disrupting your flow. It is far better to work around papers on your desk, or skip your desk completely, before wiping the finger marks.

2. Hazardous Waste Materials

All site specs cover kitchen and bathroom cleaning for the safety of your staff. But did you know there are a few things we are not able to ask our cleaners to do?

They require specific equipment and sanitization not kept on site for normal cleaning. If your cleaner may get sick, hurt or potentially damage your property from cleaning up, we do not ask them to clean up without proper gear. This includes the presence of bodily fluids, dead vermin, needles or broken glass in garbage bins, as well as drywall dust from renovations on furniture and carpets. They are to let you know using the log book, as well as contact the office.

Bathrooms and showers may also be in a condition where our cleaners are in danger of getting sick from handling feces or blood.

Drywall dust may seem weird to include, we know. But it can cause some damage. If not cleaned up properly it can cake into upholstery and carpets, compounding the problem.

We can certainly schedule clean-ups for any of these, with the correct equipment, cleaning products and PPE to ensure your office is once again safe and clean.

3. No-Access Areas

Again, your cleaner is proud of the work they do. They do their best to get to every area in the specs. If a space is blocked off, perhaps accidentally left locked, your cleaner will not go in. They will assume you have requested no access for them that evening.

This goes for garbage bins inside cupboards or under sinks as well. If the door is too hard to open, the cleaner will not risk damaging your property.

4. Difficult-to-Reach Areas

Unless you have booked a deep-clean, cleaners will not crawl under tables and over obstacles to get that one staple. They are not asked to risk a twisted back or an awkward fall while on the job.

They want to continue cleaning for you. If they get hurt on the job they’d need time off, a fill-in who is likely unfamiliar with your offices specs, and which means cleaning quality would suffer.

5. A Miscommunication

With any new job there is a learning curve. The walk-through should cover many of the things we might miss, and we follow the credentials agreed on, but something will be missed. But please say something! You can note it in the provided log book, or email our office and we can have our field supervisor do another walk-through to ensure all those little details are noted. The cleaner will appreciate it as well.

So there are 5 possible reasons your garbage bin was missed last night, or those coffee stains are still there on the boardroom table. We promise, the cleaner is not intentionally trying to upset anyone. Contact us and we’ll address the problem! Leave your cleaner a note! You can even text our office. We want a job well-done as much as you.

What’s the Best Cleaning Schedule for You? 3 Sep 2024, 2:01 pm

Keeping your office clean is essential. But how often should it be done? We’re glad you asked. It depends on your office size, amount of employees, and your type of business. Here’s a run-down:

Size of your office

Our first concern is the size of your office. How many work stations, walkways, bathrooms, and the flooring type will influence how much dirt and wear you get. If there are many workstations and bathrooms these will require more frequent attention.

What type of business is it?

Health-related care offices, like clinics and dental offices, will obviously require more frequent cleaning. We strongly suggest a cleaning schedule of Monday to Friday to ensure your clientele always has the safest conditions to be treated in!

Construction-related companies also require more frequent cleaning as the industry itself tends to be messy. It can feel like a losing battle to get a clean workspace, but a cleaning schedule of at least two days a week is often all you’ll need.

How big is your team?

We’re working to reduce grime and germs! The more people there are the more we have to handle.

Yearly servicing

Some services should be done annually. For example, your carpets and floors. To keep them in the best condition for the longest time it is essential to have your floors and carpets cleaned once a year, minimum.

We suggest this be done at least in spring to get rid of salt and muck from winter. Having it done in preparation for autumn is also a great idea to head into the winter with protected VCT and no stubborn stains in your carpets.

We can even defuse the costs of yearly services into your regular monthly pay, which gives you priority booking. We’re happy to do a walk-through and discuss your office’s needs for cleaning and maintenance.

How A Regular Cleaning Service Saves You Money 3 Sep 2024, 2:00 pm

Maintaining a clean workspace is more than keeping appearances; it’s a key factor in keeping high operational efficiency. Curious to know how? Here are three ways a regular cleaning schedule saves you money.

• Reducing Long-Term Costs

We all know regular car maintenance reduces overhead; the same applies to your office. Regular weekly cleaning, and scheduled yearly deep-cleans, keeps wear and tear to a minimum. Flooring or carpets hold up better; and well-maintained furniture lasts longer. An added bonus is that when changing up your assets later on, your used furniture can sell for more.

• Controls Allergens and Pathogens

A healthy team is a productive one. Clean spaces are essential to that.

How long are your employees in office? Breathing the same air? Touching the same surfaces? Not washing their hands because they’re in a hurry? All in a perfectly climate-controlled space? Lets face it, an office is the perfect environment for spreading ‘the ick.’

Sorry to gross you out. But regular weekly cleaning schedules take care of the surfaces and high-touch areas in your space, disrupting the spread of disease.

Allergens are also a big topic now. They range from flora to fauna, to chemicals and just plain environmental factors. Reducing allergens in the workplace ensures your staff can focus on work when at work, not allergy symptoms.

• Customized To Your Space

There are many variables to consider when scheduling regular cleaning. How many employees do you have? Guests? How often? How big is the space? Is your location prone to pests or dust? Bathrooms? Kitchen? Showrooms? Renovations even?

We know it can be hard to know where to start. We’d be happy to walk through with you and discuss your needs. With over 30 years experience in this industry, we’re happy to talk over whatever your needs are.

It may feel easy to cut overhead by cutting cleaning costs, but in the long run that mentality will cost you more. A new floor is expensive. New office furniture is expensive. Sick days are expensive. How much better to prevent these by simply having a clean space.