Cleaning employees and staff play a critical role in the ongoing effort to control the spread of germs and pathogens which can often lead to any number of diseases including but not limited to HIV and HBV.  When we receive training and education on bloodborne pathogens, we help guard against the spread of contagions that can result in negative health consequences for anyone who might otherwise be exposed to them. 

As a professional in the janitorial services field, I value the training that I received particularly since I work in medical facilities.  My training has helped me to better understand best practices for the properly handling of trash including a process which is very common that being the compacting of trash within trash liners and how that is a potentially hazardous practice which I will advise my staff not to perform.

My training has also helped me to better understand the most likely sources for the transmission and exposure to bloodborne pathogens, that being that pathogens are most likely to enter our bodies through our mucus membranes and or through cuts to our skin.  I think that most cleaning professionals take the basic precaution of wear gloves but armed with a better understanding of the other ways an infections can occur, I am inclined to resume wearing additional PPE including protective eyewear and a face mask.  

I think our collective relief that the threat posed from COVID 19 has been drastically reduced, got us all a little lax and this training reaffirmed the need for cleaning professionals to be as vigilant now as we were in the not- so-distant past.

Hiring a cleaning person or company that has successfully completed the IJCSA Residential Cleaning Specialist (RCS) Certification provides homeowners with a wide range of benefits that go beyond basic house cleaning. The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) has developed the RCS program to ensure that cleaning professionals are trained in the most effective, efficient, and safe practices for residential settings. This certification is a mark of quality, commitment, and professionalism, helping clients feel confident in the level of care their homes will receive.

One of the key advantages of hiring an IJCSA RCS-certified cleaner is their advanced knowledge of cleaning techniques and safety protocols. Certified professionals understand the proper use of chemicals, tools, and equipment to avoid damage to your home and belongings. They are trained to identify surfaces that require specific care—such as wood floors, marble countertops, or delicate upholstery—and know which cleaning solutions are safe and effective. This ensures that your home is not only clean but also well-preserved and maintained over time.

Health and hygiene are other major reasons to choose an IJCSA RCS-certified cleaner. These professionals are trained in sanitizing high-touch areas, preventing cross-contamination, and eliminating allergens and bacteria from your living spaces. This level of detailed, knowledgeable cleaning is especially important for households with children, elderly family members, or anyone with allergies or weakened immune systems. A certified cleaning expert will follow protocols that support a healthy living environment and reduce the spread of germs and illness.

In addition, IJCSA-certified residential cleaning specialists are trained in customer service and professionalism. This means they understand the importance of punctuality, communication, confidentiality, and respect for your personal space. Homeowners can expect a high standard of accountability and care, which leads to a more satisfying and trustworthy experience. Certification also ensures that cleaners are aware of industry best practices and stay up-to-date with evolving standards through ongoing education.

Lastly, by choosing a cleaner or company listed in the IJCSA Home Cleaning | Maid Service Directory, you are selecting a service provider that has gone the extra mile to demonstrate their dedication to excellence. It provides peace of mind knowing your cleaner is not just experienced, but also recognized and certified by a respected professional organization. In today’s busy world, hiring a certified IJCSA RCS member is a smart investment in your home, your health, and your time.

Are you tired of spending your valuable time scrubbing, dusting, and vacuuming your home? Let a certified professional handle the work while you relax or focus on what matters most. The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) connects homeowners with highly trained, insured, and certified home cleaning experts who specialize in residential cleaning and maid services. Whether you need weekly upkeep, deep spring cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or specialty services like pet odor removal or allergen reduction, IJCSA-certified professionals provide reliable and eco-conscious care.

IJCSA members adhere to the highest standards in the industry, offering home cleaning services that are not only thorough but also safe for your family and pets. Each member listed in our directory has access to ongoing education and certification programs, ensuring your home receives the most modern and efficient cleaning methods available today. Looking for a service near you? Browse our Home Cleaning | Maid Service Directory to find a professional residential cleaning provider in your area.

Choosing a trusted and certified IJCSA cleaning service means peace of mind. You’re not just getting a clean home—you’re getting a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the well-being of your household. Experience the joy of walking into a freshly cleaned home, where every corner sparkles. Visit the IJCSA Directory today and discover a better way to keep your home spotless and stress-free!

One key practice from healthcare cleaning that can be adapted is the use of color-coded microfiber cloths and mops to prevent cross-contamination. In a home or office setting, using separate colors for bathrooms, kitchens, and general surfaces helps ensure bacteria from one area isn’t spread to another. Additionally, understanding the importance of dwell time—how long a disinfectant must remain on a surface to effectively kill pathogens—is critical. Many residential and commercial cleaners may overlook this step, but implementing it as part of the routine can drastically improve disinfection results.

Another important principle of medical cleaning is proper hand hygiene and PPE usage. Residential and commercial cleaning technicians should wear disposable gloves, safety goggles, and masks when dealing with biohazards or chemical disinfectants. Educating staff on pathogen transmission and the correct handling of contaminated materials protects both them and the clients they serve. These enhanced procedures, derived from healthcare environments, show clients a higher level of professionalism and concern for health, which can lead to increased trust and client retention.

By incorporating these healthcare cleaning techniques, certified professionals—like those listed in the IJCSA Janitorial Services Directory—can offer a superior level of service. With growing awareness of health risks in everyday environments, customers are seeking out cleaning services that go beyond the basics. Implementing medical-grade practices not only protects human health but also contributes to global public health efforts by reducing the spread of harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses. It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about creating a cleaner, safer world for everyone.

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.

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is crucial to maintaining a safe and sanitary environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Healthcare environments are highly susceptible to the spread of infectious diseases due to the constant exposure to pathogens, bloodborne contaminants, and bodily fluids. Without consistent and effective cleaning protocols, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can rapidly spread, endangering vulnerable populations. Trained cleaning professionals understand the importance of using EPA-approved disinfectants, following universal precautions, and adhering to strict sanitation procedures. These practices not only reduce the risk of cross-contamination but also uphold the trust and safety expectations of patients receiving care.

In addition to infection control, proper healthcare cleaning supports regulatory compliance and helps facilities meet the high standards required by agencies such as OSHA, CDC, and The Joint Commission. Regular cleaning and disinfection of patient rooms, operating theaters, exam areas, and waiting rooms ensure that surfaces are free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and understanding chemical hazards is essential for janitorial staff working in medical environments. Being IJCSA Medical Cleaning Certified ensures that cleaning professionals have the knowledge and skills to handle these demanding tasks safely and effectively.

At the end of the day, healthcare cleaning is more than just cleanliness — it’s a matter of health and safety. A professional and knowledgeable cleaning staff can make the difference between a healthy environment and one where diseases thrive. To find trusted, certified cleaning professionals who understand the unique demands of medical facility cleaning, visit the IJCSA Janitorial Services Directory. There, you can locate experienced providers who are trained in healthcare cleaning, chemical safety, and bloodborne pathogen handling — ensuring a safer future for all.

Cleaning workers are a vital resource essential to carry out health and safety functions. They are responsible for carrying out the assigned tasks to remove organic and inorganic dirt and other contaminants safely and effectively. This leads to great results in improving health and reducing disease through the elimination and prevention of the spread of germs and viruses. In addition, they improve the image and aesthetics of our homes and workplaces, which causes a better emotional and physical state, greater productivity and quality in our lives and the environment.

It is of utmost importance that employees have the knowledge of the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms through blood, not only because the law requires it, but for the good and safety of all, since we are all prone and at risk of contracting health problems such as hepatitis B and C viruses and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to lack of knowledge of how to proceed when you run the corresponding cleaning tasks correctly. The correct use of personal protective equipment and informative training and its consistency is relevant to eliminating any dangerous risk of exposure. There is no doubt that it is the safest way to prevent exposure and counteract the risk that cleaning workers carry every day.

More than a responsibility, a commitment when it comes to implementing rules and procedures, a commitment to us and to society. The health and safety of everyone is the highest priority on the part of the appropriate authorities and on the part of us as cleaning workers. In the same way, we play an important role in the work structure since we are responsible for providing all the necessary equipment so that our employees have the confidence and security that they are protected when carrying out their work. Providing them with all the necessary information for them to develop their activities and be able to feel safe and capable that they are doing so.

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.

Looking for a cleaning service that’s effective, trustworthy, and eco-conscious? You’re in the right place. IJCSA Members who are Green Cleaning Certified are trained to deliver sparkling clean spaces using safe, non-toxic, and environmentally responsible methods. Whether you need residential or commercial cleaning, our members understand the importance of reducing harsh chemical exposure while still getting the job done right. When you choose green cleaning, you’re not just investing in a clean home or office—you’re also helping protect your health, your loved ones, and the planet.

Many traditional cleaning products contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, trigger allergies, or pollute the air inside your home or workplace. Our IJCSA Green Cleaning professionals use biodegradable products and sustainable practices that meet industry standards without compromising on quality. From schools and offices to medical buildings and homes, our members are committed to greener, safer solutions. It's cleaning you can feel good about—inside and out.

Ready to take the next step toward a healthier environment? Visit the IJCSA Green Cleaning Service Directory to find a certified provider near you. Experience the difference of working with professionals who care about your space and the world we share. Make the green choice today—you’ll be glad you did.

As an IJCSA Master Green Cleaning Certified professional, I am proud to promote my commitment to health, sustainability, and environmental responsibility in every service I provide. Completing the IJCSA Master Green Cleaning Certification was a transformative experience that has not only enhanced my knowledge of eco-friendly cleaning practices but also deepened my understanding of the environmental and health impacts of traditional cleaning chemicals. This certification reinforces my company’s mission to provide top-tier cleaning services that are both effective and safe for our clients, their families, pets, and the planet.

Throughout the course, I learned about harmful ingredients found in common household cleaners such as phthalates, sodium hydroxide, and butyl cellosolve—chemicals linked to health problems like respiratory irritation, hormonal disruptions, and even long-term chronic illnesses. What I found especially interesting was how many “green” products on store shelves still contain toxic ingredients, despite clever marketing. The course helped me better understand the concept of greenwashing, and now I’m more equipped to select truly safe, biodegradable, and non-toxic cleaning agents, as well as educate my clients on what makes a product genuinely green.

Being Master Certified by IJCSA means I have reached a high level of expertise and training in green cleaning standards, techniques, and product knowledge. I now implement green protocols in every job, from using microfiber cloths that reduce waste and chemical use, to applying homemade solutions with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils that effectively clean without introducing harmful toxins. This certification also strengthens my place in the industry, giving clients peace of mind that they are hiring a professional who truly values their health and the environment. I proudly display my certification and promote my listing in the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory as a trusted resource for eco-conscious cleaning solutions.