Cleaning employees and staff are often on the frontline of workplace safety and hygiene, encountering situations where exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials is possible. Understanding bloodborne pathogens—such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV—is crucial for their well-being and for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in various environments, including schools, offices, hospitals, and public facilities. Knowledge of bloodborne pathogens equips staff with the ability to recognize hazards, respond appropriately, and minimize risks.

Comprehensive training on bloodborne pathogens helps staff to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), safely handle and dispose of contaminated materials, and follow correct decontamination procedures. Without proper knowledge and training, cleaning personnel may inadvertently expose themselves or others to infectious agents, leading not only to personal health risks but also to potential outbreaks in the wider community. Knowing the correct steps to take in the event of a spill or exposure incident ensures a swift and effective response, minimizing potential harm.

Furthermore, employers are legally required in many regions to provide bloodborne pathogen training under workplace safety laws such as OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. By investing in education and cultivating a culture of safety, organizations demonstrate their commitment to employee welfare and public health. Ultimately, well-informed cleaning staff are essential guardians of sanitation, helping to maintain safe environments and reinforcing the overall effectiveness of workplace safety program.

Hiring a cleaning professional isn't just about having a tidy home; it's about bringing in someone who understands health, hygiene, and safety and the science behind proper cleaning. The IJCSA Residential Cleaning Specialist RCS Certification separates the trained knowledgeable cleaners from "anyone with a mop." IJCSA-certified professionals are taught how chemicals actually work, how surfaces react, and how cleaning methods protect the home and the people inside. When you hire someone with RCS training, you're hiring a cleaner who treats your home like a specialized environment, not a guessing game.

One major advantage of this is the science-based way of disinfecting and sanitizing, especially during cold and flu season. RCS-trained cleaners study how long viruses survive on different surfaces, the correct "dwell time" disinfectants need to actually kill bacteria, and why certain cleaners work better on porous versus non-porous materials. They also learn the chemistry behind dangerous reactions-like why bleach must never be mixed with acids or ammonia, and how improper bleach use can damage lungs, eyes, and even fabrics and surfaces. This kind of knowledge directly translates into a safer, healthier home, especially for families with kids, the elderly, or anyone with asthma or allergies.

Another benefit is that IJCSA-certified cleaners are trained to handle chemical safety, PPE, and Safety Data Sheets-all things most untrained cleaners have never even looked at. They know how to read SDS sheets, what PPE to use with different chemicals, and how to handle eye or skin exposure in an emergency. That means when they're cleaning your bathroom, disinfecting your kitchen, or dealing with mold or urine odor with enzyme cleaners, they're doing it with the correct gloves, techniques, ventilation, and safety precautions. They also understand how to use products like enzymes, steam, surfactants, and degreasers properly-based on temperature, pH, and material compatibility-which results in a better clean and extends the life of surfaces in your home.

This certification also places a strong focus on professional ethics, customer privacy, and responsible conduct within the private residences of the client. These certified cleaners learn to never discuss the valuables in a customer's home; never give out your address or schedule to outsiders; and to consider everything found in the home-even loose change-to be the legal property of the homeowner. They learn respectful habits, such as the making of beds with hospital corners, properly handling linens, straightening the décor after dusting, and using techniques such as the three-cloth system to prevent cross-contamination between bathrooms, kitchens, and living quarters. These standards ensure the home is not only cleaned well but treated with integrity.

Finally, hiring an IJCSA RCS-certified professional means hiring someone who brings skill, structure, and consistency to every cleaning task-from cleaning a refrigerator properly to understanding how to groom carpets for a "clean for show" finish, to using the right microfiber textures for the job. They know how to reduce water in toilet bowls using a plunger before cleaning, how to use enzyme cleaners to break down urine crystals at the molecular level, and how to avoid chemical residue in areas like refrigerators or children’s rooms. RCS-certified cleaners use cleaning science and professional technique to deliver predictable, high-quality results that protect your home, your belongings, and your family’s health. When you hire an IJCSA RCS-Certified Cleaner, you're not just getting somebody who knows how to clean-you're getting someone who understands why things must be cleaned a certain way, and how to do it safely, scientifically, and professionally. This certification turns cleaning into a true skilled trade, giving homeowners peace of mind that the job is being done correctly, ethically, and with a level of care that only trained professionals can provide.

When it comes to inviting a cleaning company into your home, your family deserves more than a service that simply “looks” clean. IJCSA members are trained, tested, and verified professionals who go far beyond surface-level cleaning. Through the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association, these companies receive ongoing education in safe, science-based cleaning practices — skills that make a real difference in the health and comfort of your home. Whether you need recurring housekeeping or a deep seasonal clean, you can find a trusted, certified professional near you using the official Home Cleaning | Maid Service Directory:
https://www.ijcsa.org/House-Cleaning-Services

One of the biggest advantages of choosing an IJCSA-certified cleaner is their training in proper disinfection during flu season. With children bringing home germs from school and families constantly exposed to public spaces, correct disinfection techniques matter more than ever. IJCSA members learn how long viruses can survive on surfaces, how to apply disinfectants with the proper contact time, and how to avoid chemical misuse. They are also trained to read Safety Data Sheets, ensuring every product is used safely, effectively, and in a way that protects your family, pets, and indoor air quality.

IJCSA members also master the details that make a home truly sanitary. For example, they learn how to clean toilets using enzyme-based cleaners, which break down organic matter at the molecular level so stains, odors, and buildup are removed naturally and safely. They’re taught to use disposable paper towels for high-risk areas like toilets to prevent cross-contamination. They even learn professional tips such as using a plunger before cleaning the toilet, which lowers the water level so the bowl’s surfaces are more exposed — allowing cleaners and disinfectants to reach further and work more effectively. These small but important steps reflect the level of care and training IJCSA members bring to every home.

What truly sets IJCSA-affiliated companies apart is their commitment to learning and doing what is best for the family, the home, and the environment — not just what is fastest or cheapest. They complete required courses, stay informed about the newest cleaning science, and follow ethical guidelines that put clients first. When you hire an IJCSA member, you’re choosing a professional who cleans correctly, safely, and with genuine care.

If you want a cleaning company you can trust with your home and your family’s health, start with the professionals who are trained to the highest standards.
Find your certified cleaner here: https://www.ijcsa.org/House-Cleaning-Services

Brie’s Breezy Clean, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is proud to announce that we are now officially IJCSA Master Green Cleaning Certified. Completing this certification opened our eyes even more to how deeply cleaning impacts human health and the environment. One of the most powerful lessons was understanding how much everyday plastic waste—especially from cleaning products—contributes to environmental disasters like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. I was also surprised to learn how many products marketed as “green” or “natural” still contain petrochemical-based surfactants, synthetic fragrances, or other questionable ingredients. This reinforced something I’ve practiced for years: the safest and most transparent cleaning solutions are often the simple, homemade ones—just like our grandparents used, but supported today by real science.

The certification also deepened my technical knowledge. I learned the actual science behind natural cleaning—what truly combats microorganisms, how long viruses like influenza can survive on different surfaces, and why certain natural disinfectants work so well. For example, flu viruses can survive 8–12 hours on fabrics and bedding and up to 24 hours on hard surfaces, which is why laundering bedding and avoiding shaking fabrics is so important. I also gained a deeper understanding of tools like steam cleaners, which use nothing but high-temperature water vapor to kill up to 99.9% of common bacteria and dust mites without chemicals. And yes—proper safety matters: wearing eye protection when pouring or mixing vinegar is a smart precaution because acetic acid can irritate eyes, and accidental mixing with bleach can release chlorine gas. I also learned how chlorine bleach can create irritating byproducts and why it’s best reserved for very specific situations rather than everyday cleaning.

One of my favorite discoveries during the course was how different microfiber textures are engineered for different cleaning tasks. Smooth, tight-weave microfiber is perfect for glass and stainless steel; plush microfiber captures dust beautifully; and textured or waffle-weave microfiber is ideal for kitchen grease and tougher grime. These small details elevate cleaning from “getting it done” to using the right tools with expert intention.

Becoming Master Green Cleaning Certified confirms what I’ve believed for decades: that cleaning should protect homes, families, pets, indoor air, the environment—and also the person doing the work. As the sole cleaner at Brie’s Breezy Clean, with more than 30 years of experience, I bring an even deeper, scientifically grounded approach to every home I enter. This certification gives clients confidence that their cleaning service is not only effective but also safe, sustainable, and rooted in real knowledge—not greenwashing. I’m excited to continue educating families in Minneapolis on how to create healthier, happier homes through thoughtful, science-backed green cleaning.

Being a green cleaner—or running a fully Green Cleaning Certified company—creates a level of pride and purpose that traditional hazardous-chemical cleaning simply cannot match. When you choose natural cleaning methods, you know you’re doing the best for your clients, their families, their pets, and your own health. There is a special joy in walking into a home and knowing that the air will remain fresh, safe, and free of toxic fumes long after you’re gone. Instead of contributing to indoor air pollution, asthma triggers, and chemical residue, green cleaning helps create healthier spaces that support a child’s development, protect elderly clients, and allow everyone in the home to breathe freely.

Green cleaning also reduces reliance on large companies producing harsh and unnecessary petrochemical-based cleaners. Learning how to clean effectively with simple, biodegradable ingredients—like vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, essential oils, and steam—not only cuts through grime but also makes cleaning itself more enjoyable. The science behind natural cleaning becomes empowering: instead of falling for marketing tricks or “miracle toxic sprays,” you understand how each ingredient works, why it’s safer, and what it can replace. For many green cleaners, using fewer, multi-purpose products is not only easier but also more efficient, making each job smoother and faster.

Choosing green cleaning helps protect the planet in ways that go far beyond a single home. When you use fewer plastic bottles, safer ingredients, and reusable tools like microfiber (used responsibly), you help reduce waste headed for landfills—and keep plastic out of our oceans. Every decision you make prevents more toxins from entering waterways, affecting marine life, and accumulating through the food chain. Green cleaning companies truly contribute to a healthier ecosystem, proving that small daily decisions can have a powerful collective impact.

There are also major long-term health benefits. Many traditional cleaning chemicals are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and chronic skin irritation. Green cleaners dramatically lower those risks. Children grow up in healthier homes, adults maintain better indoor air quality, and cleaners protect their lungs, skin, and nervous system from years of exposure. Even your clients notice the difference—homes that have been cleaned naturally for years become far easier to maintain because they don’t have layers of chemical buildup on showers, tubs, counters, and floors. Tools like steam cleaners make deep cleaning easier and more effective than scrubbing with harsh products ever could.

Ultimately, being a Green Cleaning Certified company means being part of something bigger—an international community committed to safer practices, environmental responsibility, and better outcomes for everyone involved. Through the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory (https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services), customers can find cleaners who care about sustainability, health, and high-quality results. By choosing natural ingredients, reducing waste, and educating clients on green home habits, green cleaners not only do their job—they help build a safer, cleaner, more joyful world for every living creature on Earth.

Green cleaning isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it’s a responsibility we all share, because the products we use inside our homes eventually impact the world outside them. Traditional cleaners contain toxic chemicals, VOCs, and petroleum-based ingredients that pollute our indoor air, increase asthma symptoms, and put young children and pets, who are far more sensitive, at risk. Choosing eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable cleaners protects the health of every person who lives or works in the space, helping reduce respiratory issues, skin irritation, and the long-term chemical exposure that many scientists believe contributes to chronic illness. Green cleaning reminds us that our homes should feel like sanctuaries, not chemical storage units.

Every bottle we use and toss out contributes to the growing crisis of environmental pollution. The world is already facing massive ecological damage, including the Great Pacific Landfill, where plastic waste harms sea turtles, birds, and countless marine animals. These creatures often ingest microplastics, which then enter the food chain and ultimately circle back to us. Harsh chemicals also end up in waterways, damaging ecosystems and poisoning wildlife. By switching to natural, plant-based products, reusable containers, and steam cleaning, we reduce our plastic footprint, limit hazardous chemical runoff, and take real action to protect the biodiversity that keeps the planet in balance.

Green cleaning is one of the simplest ways for ordinary people to participate in global healing. Every time we replace bleach, ammonia, or synthetic fragrances with safer alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, steam, or hydrogen peroxide, we help reduce indoor air pollution, prevent accidental poisoning, and support a healthier planet for future generations. When illness spreads through homes or offices, green disinfecting solutions, used correctly and safely, help stop chains of infection without exposing people to harmful toxins. For those seeking professionals who share these values, organizations like the IJCSA Green Cleaning Service Directory offer certified, environmentally conscious cleaning providers committed to healthier homes, workplaces, and ecosystems. Find a green cleaner near you at: https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services.

It is important for cleaning employees to be aware of bloodborne pathogens and the risks that come from them. But first we need to understand what they are. Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms in human blood which include HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

It's essential for employers to have knowledge on the procedures that are used to be cautious to help prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens. One way could be by taking special training classes to increase their knowledge on precautions they can take. Without these training classes the employees could be at risk of getting infected if the proper measures aren't taken.

In conclusion lmk following the right steps when dealing with body fluids/ blood could prevent life threatening diseases in the workplace. 

Germs and viruses are far more common in the workplace than many people realize, especially in high-traffic and shared environments like offices, hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. Surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, telephones, elevator buttons, break room appliances, and bathroom fixtures can harbor bacteria and viruses for hours—or even days—if not properly cleaned and disinfected. In healthcare environments, the risk is even more pronounced. Bloodborne pathogens, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces contribute to the spread of illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, MRSA, and norovirus. Without strict healthcare cleaning protocols, these pathogens can compromise the health and safety of both patients and staff.

Proper medical facility cleaning, performed by trained and IJCSA-certified professionals, is critical to minimizing the spread of these infectious agents. Regular disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, proper handling of biohazard materials, and thorough sanitation of patient rooms and common areas are key components of healthcare cleaning. Professional cleaners must understand chemical hazards and use EPA-approved disinfectants that are proven to kill dangerous microorganisms. Training in bloodborne pathogen safety and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to ensure that cleaning staff are protected while creating a safer environment for everyone in the facility.

Employers and healthcare administrators looking to safeguard their environments should consider hiring certified professionals listed in the IJCSA Janitorial Services Directory. These service providers specialize in healthcare cleaning, ensuring compliance with OSHA, CDC, and other regulatory bodies. By implementing a structured and effective cleaning routine with trained staff, the workplace becomes not only more sanitary, but also more productive and safer for all occupants. Germs and viruses may be invisible, but with the right cleaning program, their impact can be drastically reduced.

Bloodborne Pathogens awareness is essential to all. Hepetitis B, Hepititis C and HIV are infectious Bloodborne Pathogens that put individuals at risk of serious illness if come in contact. It is crucial to make sure anyone working in any industry known for possible risk receives adequate training on how to: prevent exposure, minimize risk and to properly clean and dispose of bodily functions. Understanding the risk is to know that not only the persons involved in exposure but also to the persons handling the waste and even persons who use the exposed area following an incident. Employers must keep record in the OSHA data sheets following any bodily function exposure as symptoms may not show for a couple years after exposure.

Any persons involved in the cleanup of bodily fluids must resort to the proper exposure cleaning kit and utilize the appropriate PPE. It is important to understand the correct way to cleanup using approved cleaning solutions and dispose of waste to prevent further exposures. Using the bio Hazard bags and sharps containers play a key role in how the waste is handled. 

It is very important to be aware of how to properly dispose of waste but using the correct protocols in removing PPE is just as essential in preventing exposure. Cleaners should start from head to toe in removing PPE and taking gloves off last making sure to flip inside out when removing to minimize contact. 

In today's Cleaning industry, it is essential that all cleaning company owners, particularly, members of IJCSA, have made themselves aware of the environmental situation on hand, as it relates to how the harsh chemicals and cleaning solutions being used for decades have proven to be a serious hazard to every living creature on the face of the earth. It incumbent of us to be a part of changing the mindset of the populous.

It is proven by most if not all of us, that "Going Green" is the best and safest option- in all aspects of our lives. We need to remove harmful chemicals and replace them by using all eco-friendly products.

A large percentage of consumers are in synch with this safer, cleaner way of living and therefore have an expectation of us "cleaning company owners", to ensure we have acquired a similar mindset; and are capable to deliver 100% Green Cleaning services using bio-degradeable products. 

IJCSA provides a superb educational website for its members, whereby any consumer can use its resources in Finding a Certified Green Cleaning Janitorial company in your area. International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association  online resource provides consumers with a peace of mind and satisfaction that companies listed are reputable.

IJCSA provides a broad array of training/certification courses to equip all members with the necessary knowledge to keep us current in the industry. It is important as members that we utilize the great resources provided to us. These certifications will enhance our company image whereby we showcase that we have raised the bar in the industry, setting us apart from the other "cleaning companies".

Be sure to sign up to all available certification courses offered by IJCSA by clicking on the following link:  https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Certification-Course

Green Clean Home Care Services are 100% eco-friendly and chemical free cleaning company and we are ensuring we keep informed on IJSCA' member discussion forums and are embracing the relevant training courses.