Blog

---

Updated 10/11/2023:

Cleaning your home or work is a necessary task that keeps your space looking and feeling fresh. However, it can also be a source of unexpected injuries if you're not careful. From strained muscles to slip and fall accidents, cleaning-related injuries can happen when you least expect them. Fortunately, with a little precaution and awareness, you can keep your space sparkling clean without putting your health at risk. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid injuries while cleaning.

1. Warm-Up Before You Clean:

• Cleaning can be physically demanding, especially if you're tackling deep cleaning tasks or large areas. Just like any other physical activity, it's essential to warm up your muscles before you start. Spend a few minutes stretching your arms, legs, and back to prepare your body for the work ahead. This simple step can help prevent muscle strains and injuries.

2. Use the Right Tools and Equipment:

• Using the appropriate cleaning tools and equipment can significantly reduce the risk of injury. For example, invest in a mop with an ergonomic handle to avoid back strain, and use a lightweight vacuum cleaner if possible. Make sure your broom and mop handles are at the right height for you to avoid bending or reaching too much.

3. Take Breaks:

• Don't try to tackle your entire cleaning list in one go. Pacing yourself is crucial to avoid overexertion and fatigue. Take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest and rehydrate. This can help prevent muscle and joint injuries caused by repetitive motions.

4. Use Proper Lifting Techniques:

• When lifting heavy objects like furniture or buckets filled with water and cleaning supplies, use proper lifting techniques. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs to lift, rather than your back. This will help prevent back strains and injuries.

5. Be Mindful of Slip and Fall Hazards:

• Wet floors are a common risk while cleaning. To avoid slip and fall accidents, make sure to mark wet areas with warning signs, use non-slip mats, and wear appropriate footwear with good traction. Clean up spills immediately and be cautious when moving from wet to dry areas.

6. Avoid Overreaching:

• Overreaching to clean high or low areas can strain your muscles and lead to accidents. Use a stable step stool or ladder when necessary, and always maintain your balance while reaching to clean high shelves or ceilings.

7. Organize and Declutter:

• A cluttered and disorganized cleaning area can increase the risk of tripping and falling. Before you start cleaning, make sure your space is organized and free of obstacles. This will create a safer environment for you to work in.

8. Know Your Limitations:

• Don't attempt tasks that you're not physically capable of handling. If a cleaning task seems too strenuous or risky, consider seeking help from a friend, family member, or professional cleaner (hint hint!). Your safety should always come first!

In conclusion, cleaning injuries are preventable with some basic precautions and mindfulness. By following these tips, you can keep your home or workplace clean and safe, without the risk of injury. Remember that a clean home/office is a healthy home/office, but your well-being should be your top priority. Happy cleaning!

When the question is "What's the best cleaning company in Dayton, Ohio?"

The answer is Joanne & Co!

Updated 04/11/2023:  

That is a great question! It's going to depend on what you are cleaning and there are several choices. Below are a few of my top picks:

• Terry cloth - The old favorite and about the only thing that became available unless you ripped up a towel or a t-shirt LOL! Years ago, this type of cloth was my go-to, but things have changed a bit in the cleaning industry. The terry is absorbent for cleaning up spills and can be wrung out to continue absorbing water. It can be used on nearly any surface and can help you successfully clean anything from glass to grease, and anything in between. The downside is depending on the thickness (I am seeing very thin terry cloths in stores now), they sadly deteriorate very quickly compared to what used to be available. I am sure you can find a thicker version somewhere. However, I personally have not looked as they stain easily, look dingy after just a few uses and, when laundered, further deteriorate with a high amount of lint lost and left on your surfaces as you clean.
• Microfiber cloth - The new cloth of choice! It's versatile, fairly-economical, and works on every surface. These are mainly used dry through spraying surfaces then wiping clean and streak-free. However, it is fine to get wet if you’re cleaning sinks, etc. These can be used on glass and mirrors, however they are not the best for this application as a wet microfiber cloth leaves a film, streaks, and tiny microfibers behind. Sadly, I heard years ago, that because they are becoming so popular, they could be a problem in our water supply... YIKES! If a microfiber cloth is new and unwashed, it is very absorbent. Some window cleaners only use these cloths once because they feel, once wet, it has lost its potential. I do not feel that way in the cleaning businesses. To clean microfiber cloths, I simply launder, sanitize, and hang to air dry. Never put microfiber cloths in the dryer; over time, they hold up fairly well, but will eventually wear down like anything else. However, this takes many uses. Be sure when washing to not add fabric softener as you want them to dry “thirsty”. The brand I have recently purchased seems to be holding up very well; you can check out here with this link, 150 Pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloths. Stains usually wash out well, depending on what you've used them for. Do not add bleach as it will discolor them. If you are concerned to make sure they are sanitized, You can use Lysol Sanitizing Liquid, as it leaves things smelling fresh as well. This is what I use as a bleach alternative for my laundry, towels etc.
• Something else I found that's fairly economical is these reusable fleece refills for Swiffer Hand Dusters; there are 5 to a pack and they work great, give them a try. And I love that I am helping the environment by not constantly using the disposable ones on the everyday, regular cleans! They do pick up the dust very nicely and since they come in colors, you can see when you need to change for a clean one. Personally, I think they last longer than the disposable dusters, not because they are washable, but rather because i can clean longer with the same duster before having to swap for a fresh one. There's also reusable dusters for the Swiffer Floor Handle.
• Flour sack tea towels - You may be thinking, WHAT? LOL! Well, hear me out, they are great for dish towels, because that is what they are claimed to be, however, for me I love them for cleaning glass, mirrors, and chrome. They are large so one cloth will take you a while to be ready to put in the wash. They leave no streaks, no lint, and I find everything is extra shiny when I use them. they're made of 100% cotton and launder great. With age they will stain and look dingy, but they still do the job! These are the ones I use.

Good luck and I hope you find this helpful in finding what works best for you!

When the question is "What's the best cleaning company in Dayton, Ohio?"

The answer is Joanne & Co!

Updated 10/26/2021:

Welcome to my first blog! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, I hope that you will leave with a better understanding of the importance of keeping our personal spaces and workspaces clean, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of this writing, the CDC’s guidance, with respect to COVID-19, is for us to wash our hands and stay 6 feet apart (regardless of vaccine status). However, as a cleaning professional who has seen how sickness can take hold over a whole environment, there’s more we can do to keep our work and personal spaces clean.

In your own space at work, in your home, or in your vehicle, you should:

• Try to keep some sort of cleaning wipes on hand, or a disinfecting cleaner and paper towels. You may not realize that the average desk carries more germs than a public toilet seat! I bet you didn’t know that. Handling of coffee, using methods of payment, typing on a keyboard, operating a vehicle, and touching door handles can all bring germs into your space. Wiping those surfaces down regularly can improve the cleanliness of your space and help prevent sickness from affecting your environment! According to the CDC, COVID-19 can live on surfaces far longer than floating in the air, that’s why wiping down your surfaces regularly can help keep you and your officemates healthy and keep your workspaces clean!
• Subscribe to a routine professional cleaning service to keep more than just your simple surfaces clean. At Joanne & Co., LLC Cleaning Service, we offer comprehensive professional cleaning services, tailored to the needs of your workspace. Use this link for a free estimate or use the “Contact” button at the top of our page.

Please remember to keep your cell phones and steering wheels clean. Stay safe, stay clean, and thanks for stopping by! 

When the question is "What's the best cleaning company in Dayton, Ohio?"

The answer is Joanne & Co!