Becoming IJCSA green cleaning certified instantly sets your company apart in a competitive industry. It demonstrates your commitment to high standards-not just in cleanliness, but in safety, responsibility, and innovation. Certification shows potential clients that your team is trained in eco-friendly methods, uses non-toxic products, and follows sustainable practices. it's more than a label-it's a promise of quality and care that builds trust and attracts environmentally conscious customers.

More people today are aware of the dangers linked to harsh cleaning chemical especially families with young children, pet owners, allergy sufferers, and those with respiratory conditions. By offering certified green services, you directly address their concerns. Clients will feel safer knowing their homes or offices are being cleaned with product that won't leave behind toxic residues or harmful fumes. This health-first approach not only retains loyal customers but also earns referrals.

Green cleaning certification also shows your dedication to protection the environment. From reducing plastic waste and water use to choosing biodegradable products and low-emission equipment, your company becomes part of the solution to pollution and climate change. Every service your provide becomes a small act of environmental stewardship something customers increasingly value and seek out in the businesses they support.

Ultimately, IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification helps you build a brand rooted in purpose, not just profit. It tells your team and your clients that your mission goes beyond cleaning-it's about contributing to a healthier, safer world for future generations. When your values align with your services, people notice. And in today's market, businesses that care about both people and the planet are the ones that thrive.

The medical cleaning process is essential for healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, pathogens, and viruses. Proper cleaning in these environments is crucial, as it directly impacts patient safety by reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and fostering a clean environment that supports patient recovery.

Additionally, maintaining cleanliness is vital for compliance with strict regulations and for ensuring the health of staff. Contaminated surfaces can harbor harmful pathogens that can easily transmit infections between patients and healthcare workers, making effective cleaning critical for infection control. Regular cleaning of workspaces and common areas protects healthcare staff from exposure to infectious agents, thereby promoting their health and well-being.

A clean environment helps reduce the risk of patients contracting infections during their stay, significantly contributing to overall patient safety. Healthcare facilities must also follow stringent cleaning and disinfection standards set by regulatory bodies to maintain accreditation and legal compliance. Finally, a clean and well-maintained healthcare facility reflects professionalism and can enhance patients' perception of the quality of care provided.

Topps Cleaning Service, along with other members of the International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association, has developed a specialized cleaning method tailored to meet the rigorous hygiene and sanitation standards required for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This method involves thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all areas within a medical facility, including waiting rooms, patient rooms, bathrooms, as well as examination and operating rooms. To find a certified medical cleaning company in your area, please click on the link below.

www.ijcsa.org

William Armstead

Managing Partner

Topps Cleaning Service

www.toppscleaningservice.com

In today’s world, where people are becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware, green cleaning has shifted from being a trend to a necessity. Being a green cleaner or operating a green cleaning company means you’re committed to using products and methods that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. It’s not just about looking eco-friendly—it’s about making choices that reduce harm, support wellness, and promote sustainability. The truth is, traditional cleaning products often contain hazardous chemicals that can lead to long-term health issues and environmental damage. Green cleaners take a stand against that.

One of the biggest benefits of being a green cleaner is protecting your own health and the health of your clients. Many common household and industrial cleaners include ingredients like ammonia, chlorine bleach, phthalates, and butyl cellosolve, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, hormone disruption, and even cancer. These chemicals don’t just disappear—they hang in the air, get absorbed into the skin, and stick to surfaces. In contrast, green cleaning products made with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils clean effectively without those risks. That means fewer headaches, fewer allergic reactions, and a safer environment for everyone.

Environmental responsibility is another major reason green cleaning is the better path. Hazardous cleaners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-biodegradable substances that pollute the air and water supply. These toxins can harm wildlife and contribute to long-term environmental issues like climate change and ecosystem damage. Green cleaning companies, however, choose biodegradable, plant-based ingredients and sustainable packaging. Many also use reusable tools like microfiber cloths and mop heads to reduce waste. This kind of commitment not only protects the planet—it builds a company’s reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking business.

From a business perspective, offering green cleaning services can be a smart move. Consumers are more informed than ever, and many actively seek out companies that use eco-friendly practices. Listing your company in the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory shows clients that you’ve taken the time to train, certify, and commit to green standards. It also sets your company apart in a growing market where people want cleaning services that are safe for their homes, workplaces, and families. Being part of a reputable organization like the IJCSA adds credibility and opens the door to more business opportunities.

In the end, choosing to be a green cleaner or run a green cleaning business isn’t just about marketing—it’s about values. It’s about caring for people’s well-being, respecting the environment, and doing work that you can feel proud of. You still get the job done—but in a way that’s cleaner, safer, and smarter. Whether you’re cleaning homes, offices, or large facilities, green cleaning isn’t just the better choice—it’s the right one.

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is extremely important. A healthcare facility is generally a place where people who are sick or have a health problem go to be treated and with that it is essential to properly clean the facility to avoid patients from getting sick. Viruses, bacteria’s and other pathogens are going to enter the facility and disinfecting/cleaning everything correctly can eliminate those pathogens. Healthcare associated infections can make a patient sicker that what they first went into the hospital.

Hospitals are supposed to be one of the cleanest places but in the other hand it also contains a lot of germs from people who are going in sick. In a hospital there is always people who are touching everything from doorknobs to light switches and if this is not properly clean daily the germs and viruses can become a problem.  Proper training will help identify high traffic areas and with that proper cleaning/disinfecting techniques.

Having a trained cleaning crew will be of great benefit it will give you a peace of mind knowing that your crew have the knowledge to clean efficiently a healthcare facility.  IJCSA is a great association that offers trainings and with that you can be certain that you get a great cleaning company. Check out https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices to find a certified company.

Any workplace involving regular exposure to blood and other potentially contaminated bodily fluids need to understand workplace safety and have precautions and procedures set. These work places have a greater risk of bloodborne pathogens so these safety measures are even more important. These risks include exposure to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These cane pose life threatening risks to cleaning employees and yourself. IJCSA offers certifications for employers and employees and OSHA has information about workplace procedures and protocols.

Everyone has to do their part in mitigating these hazards. IJCSA offers many certifications which also come with educational videos for employees to learn about these threats. OSHA also has workplace guidelines and protocols that companies have a legal obligation to follow to protect their employees. Some prevention methods including making sure your employees are certified. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be worn. Hazardous and contaminated materials will be handled and disposed of properly. A company protocol will also be available to all employees free of charge in case of an exposure. 

Not only are we ethically obligated to protect ourselves and our employees. We are legally obligated as well. That's why OSHA has regulations that companies must legally abide by or pay fines. Other than the legal consequences ethical consequences could lead to you or an employee being exposed to bloodborne pathogens which can come with life altering and even life threatening risks. That why its important to take the proactive measures to protect yourself, your business, and your employees.   

It is important for janitorial employees and employers to know about bloodborne pathogens because it is reasonable for them to anticipate occupational exposure. OSHA—the Occupational Safety and Health Administration—requires a bloodborne pathogens standard, which is the standard operating procedure for working with materials potentially contaminated with bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms found in blood and most bodily fluids.Though they can cause disease in humans, cleaning staff who understand exposure, follow protective handling and decontamination practices, and identify symptoms of infection can protect their own well-being and the health of their clients.

Cleaning employees are most likely to come into contact with the bloodborne pathogens HIV and HBV. Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the virus associated with AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Haphazard exposure to this virus can eventually make it difficult for the body to fight off infections. Mismanaged exposure to Hepatitis B Virus, or HBV, can lead to liver inflammation, disease, and even cancer. Cleaning employees know that exposure happens when infected blood and bodily fluids come in contact with the mucus membranes in the nose and mouth. They know exposure can happen by direct contact as well through breaks in the skin like cuts and abrasions, after needle sticks, and human bites. With that in mind, choosing to wear protective equipment in accordance with OSHA's standard is the first step in defending the public against the diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens. For further protection, decontamination and waste disposal must involve following Universal Precautions at all times. This means that all blood or bodily fluids found during occupation must be handled by sanitation staff as if it were infected. Despite following the standards outlined above exposure is still possible. Janitorial workers must also know what to do when an exposure occurs. They know that HIV causes flu-like symptoms while HBV causes jaundice and indigestion—symptoms that may not appear for some time after exposure. To mitigate the spread of serious illness, cleaning employees know to contact their physicians and supervisors immediately after they have identified symptoms or even when exposure is merely suspected.

As a matter of course in the profession, maintaining a healthy and safe environment is paramount. Unlike previous expectations that knowledge about bloodborne pathogens is only relevant to healthcare workers, it is recognized that janitorial staff across industries must be informed as well. Whether cleaning spills, handling soiled laundry, or discarding waste, they are responsible for containing possibly harmful materials. If a cleaning employee knows how exposure occurs, the effects of exposure, and the proper prevention procedures, they will be prepared to mitigate the spread of potentially fatal infections. Pathogenic microorganisms like HIV and HBV would cause serious damage were it not for OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard. 

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the silent efforts of janitors and janitorial staff often go unnoticed. Yet, these dedicated professionals play a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness, hygiene, and overall functionality of the environments we rely on — from schools and hospitals to office buildings and public transit systems. Without their tireless work, workplaces would be unsanitary, classrooms would be chaotic, and healthcare facilities would become breeding grounds for illness. Janitorial services are not simply about sweeping floors or emptying trash; they are vital components of public health and safety.

The commercial cleaning industry has become even more essential in the post-pandemic world. The need for disinfecting high-touch surfaces, deep cleaning restrooms, and sanitizing communal spaces has placed janitorial staff on the front lines of health defense. Their responsibilities extend far beyond basic cleaning — they help prevent the spread of viruses, allergens, and harmful bacteria, making our everyday environments safer for all. From carpet cleaning to window washing and restroom sanitization, janitorial professionals perform specialized tasks that enhance comfort, prolong facility lifespan, and promote productivity in workspaces.

For businesses and organizations seeking reputable janitorial services, resources like the Janitorial Directory are invaluable. This platform connects users with trusted commercial cleaning companies across the country, ensuring high-quality service and reliable partnerships. Whether you’re a facility manager, a business owner, or simply someone who appreciates clean spaces, recognizing the value of janitors and janitorial staff is crucial. Their contributions may often be behind the scenes, but their impact is front and center in every clean surface we touch and every safe space we enter.

Cleaning an individuals house, a store, a school, or a medical facility it is important to understand that diseases and germs can be on any service  and spread super easy. But some germs are not your simple cold or flu that you heal and recover. Some can make you really sick, cause life long health issues, or death. 

Educating staff and employees on bloodborne pathogens is important to help prevent serious health consequences. When you train your employees properly you prevent the spread of those diseases like hep b and C and HIV in the facility or place you are cleaning then you also protect your staff.

Proper training helps staff and employees to recognize and learn the risk and minimize exposure and transmission. And created a safer work enviroment. 

Medical cleaning practices are known for being some of the most strict and detail focused standards in the cleaning industry. In hospitals and clinics, infection control is a top priority, and the cleaning routines are designed to protect patients, staff, and visitors from harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses. These same principles can be applied outside of healthcare facilities, bringing better protection to residential homes, office buildings, schools, and other public spaces. By adopting healthcare cleaning methods in everyday cleaning, we can reduce the spread of illness and make environments safer for everyone.

One way to bring medical cleaning practices into other settings is by focusing on high touch surface disinfection. Healthcare cleaning professionals know that germs spread fastest through door handles, light switches, desks, and shared equipment. Using EPA registered disinfectants, following proper dwell times, and training staff to consistently clean these surfaces can dramatically lower the risk of outbreaks in offices and schools. In residential cleaning, wiping down remotes, phones, and kitchen handles with the same careful approach used in medical cleaning can keep families healthier year round.

Another key practice is adopting universal precautions in all cleaning situations. In healthcare, this means treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious, but the same logic applies in other environments. Wearing gloves, using proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and handling trash or spills carefully protects cleaning staff and building occupants alike. In commercial cleaning, this approach shows clients that safety and infection control are taken seriously. In homes, it gives peace of mind that cleaning is more than just surface clean, it is about real protection.

The value of bringing medical cleaning practices into wider use is simple: healthier people and safer spaces. With new viruses and germs always a concern, applying healthcare cleaning standards to homes, offices, and public buildings is a smart way to protect the population. At IJCSA, our members are trained and committed to using these best practices in all kinds of environments, not just hospitals. To find professionals who can provide this higher level of cleaning service, visit the IJCSA Janitorial Service Directory and connect with experts near you. Together, by raising the standards of cleaning, we can help protect our communities and the world from harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses.