Hand Washing- Everybody's Doing it...Right?!

We'd like to think everyone washes their hands but studies have shown that's just not the case. The CDC says only 31% of men and 65% of women wash their hands after using the restroom. (Oct 2018) They also think only 5% of us are washing our hands long enough to kill germs.

But washing your hands after using the restroom isn't enough- what about before preparing food? After blowing your nose? If you are not using hand sanitizer, you should be washing your hands.

Washing hands is the #1 way to stop the spread of germs and viruses! Click here for your reminder on how to properly clean your hands. Feel free to print and place them in all of your office restrooms! 

Call AMS for a quote on how we can help keep your entire office clean and germ free! AMS can also supply hand cleaners, hand towels and other supplies needed around your office. Call today 815-547-7952

Why You Really Do Need A Commercial Cleaning Service

Think your business is too small to hire a commercial cleaning company? THINK AGAIN.

No, really think about it:

1. A commercial cleaner will be more thorough. They are professionals and know how to really dig in and clean more efficiently. 
2. First impressions are everything!  Poorly maintained buildings will not bring repeat customers. AMS will make sure your building sparkles for your customers and employees.
3. Make your employees more productive...and happy! It's hard to get your work done in a cluttered, unclean office/workspace. And let's be truthful- your employees really don't want to clean the office on top of their regular duties. And they probably are not trained to clean, anyway.  That's where a commercial cleaner shines!

AMS professional cleaners can keep your building maintained to the highest standards. Just give us a call for a walk-thru and quote! 815-547-7952

Extraction Carpet Cleaning

The best way to refresh your carpets and remove stains is to use a carpet extractor. It applies cleaning chemical and vacuums it back up. You can also use a carpet extractor to rinse the carpet with clean water. Reappearing carpet stains can occur when cleaning chemical residue is left in your carpets. This residue attracts the dirt!

1. Vacuum your carpets thoroughly.
2. Wear proper protective equipment. Gather all supplies needed.
3. Mix prespray and extraction cleaner in the appropriate container or machine. (You can   also use your extraction cleaner as a prespray)
4. Place wet floor signs at entrance ways.
5. Spray carpet with prespray solution. Use a carpet rake in heavily soiled areas. Allow to dwell 10 min before extracting.
6. Use the double pass method with the extractor and overlap passes. Use a rinse if necessary. You can also end with a pass of clean water.
7. Allow carpet to dry before introducing traffic.

You can also call AMS Advanced Maintenance Service to keep your carpets looking great and lasting longer!
815-547-7952

Tips On Applying Floor Finish With Ease

1. Try to gather all of the equipment that you will need to refinish the floor (don't forget the Personal Protective Equipment!) before starting.
2.  Line your mop bucket with a garbage liner. This saves on clean-up AND protects the floor finish. 
3. When pouring the floor finish into the bucket, pour onto the mop to help reduce foaming.
4. If you are using a wringer, only wring out the bottom half of the mop to stop it from dripping.
5. Outline a manageable area then work in a figure 8 motion to fill in. On the first coat, leave 6-12 inches away from the walls.
6. When you are finished with the entire coat, leave sit for about 10 minutes. Then you can use a floor fan to speed the dry time. Just be sure the fan is not blowing directly on the floor- this could lead to bubbles and/or uneven drying.
7. Start a new coat when the floor is dry to the touch- 30-45 min depending on temperature, humidity and ventilation.
8. You can use a pencil to make a small mark on one of the coats in a high-traffic area. As the finish wears down from traffic and/or buffing, therefore removing the mark, it can help you gauge how many coats are left.
9. AMS places 100% solids when refinishing a floor. This means if your floor finish has "25% solids" we recommend putting at least 4 coats down. 

Or you could take the easiest route of all and hire AMS to refinish your floors! You'll know the job is done right. 815-547-7952
 

The New Disinfectant That We Love

It's Spartan Chemical's X-EFFECT!

We love the fresh lavender scent- it's like we are bringing summer inside your facility!
It's a great neutral cleaner that is safe for high gloss floors and other non-porous surfaces.

AMS uses X-EFFECT to kill 99.9% of bacteria in 30 seconds! It can even be used for clean-ups per the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.

Contact AMS Advanced Maintenance Service if you'd like your building to be cleaned with this great lavender scented disinfectant 815-547-7952.

Cleaning For Pest Control

If you just tried to smash your screen...I am sorry. I know- It's small, but scary. Just imaging 300 or so of his brothers and sisters joining him in your cafeteria, for lunch...with you.
Spring is a great time to STOP THE INVASION.

ANTS
The most common pest problem in America- ants. The best thing to do is keep counters and floors clear of food. Keep kitchen surfaces wiped down and take the trash out frequently. You can also mix a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar to repel them. Spray door and window frames and wherever you've seen them lingering. Anything strong smelling will work- lavender, garlic.

SPIDERS
Spiders like dark places to hide. Reduce clutter where you can. Try not to store things in boxes- use plastic containers with sealing lids instead. Spiders can enter through cracks in the walls and gaps in windows and doors. Seal those cracks and crevices!

COCKROACHES
The warmer temps and humidity make spring the best environment for roaches! Be sure to check under appliances for signs of an infestation. The warmth of your computer tower can also make a great home. For prevention, vacuum and clean these areas regularly. Be sure leaky pipes and faucets are repaired. Empty trash receptacles frequently and keep kitchen surfaces wiped down. Roaches are nocturnal and generally like to move in darkness. Beware- if you see them scurrying across your counter or floor during the day, you probably have an infestation.

AMS Advanced Maintenance Service ensures your building is clean to best prevent any pest problem.  Call us today for a quote! 815-547-7952 or email sales@2hdi.com.

Keep Drains Clear and Free of Odor

Spartan's Consume is excellent for keeping those drains under control!
Consume is made up of natural digesters that actually 'eat' the organic material that cause odors. It's great vanilla fragrance gives immediate relief while the digesters do the real work.

As a Drain Maintainer: To prevent clogging, use Consume 2-4 times a week. Simply pour in your drain- 4oz for every 2" inside diameter of pipe. For best results, use at the end of the day or when water flow is at it's lowest.

TIP: Consume can also be used in your mop water for the restroom to control urine smell!

Call AMS with questions about the Consume line of products!  815-547-7952

Window Cleaning Made Easy

It will be Spring before we know it. As the snow melts and the sunshine returns...wait- you haven't cleaned your windows yet and can't exactly see outside?? We can help you with this tedious job. Presenting the Visa Versa:

The Visa Versa from Unger is a squeegee and washer in ONE TOOL! Simply wash your windows, flip it over and squeegee them dry. Save time without changing tools!
Washer sleeve and squeegees are also removable and replaceable. Available in 10", 14" and 18".
Call AMS for more information or to order 815-547-7952 or see them online HERE.

Cleaning Spots on Carpets

1. Start by placing wet floor signs and putting on personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses.
2. Remove any excess liquid and/or solids.



3. Apply water, then the proper chemical to the spot.
4. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.



5. Using the blunt edge of a scraping tool, gently agitate moving towards the center of the spot.



6. Either blot with a clean white towel or extract with a hand extractor. Do not rub the spot! (Repeat steps 3-6 if necessary)



7. It is always a good idea to rinse the area with clean water when complete. This will help stop re-staining from chemical residue.



8. Use a hand extractor to pull remaining liquid from the carpet. You can also use a clean, dry white towel to blot as much liquid up from the carpet as possible.



AMS Advanced Maintenance Service Inc is always here to help. If your carpets or hard floors are looking grungy- Call AMS for a quote. We will have them looking like new in no time! 815-547-7952 or sales@2hdi.com.
You can also submit a request on our website amscleaningandsupplies.com.

Kill The Germy Spots in Your Office

Your desk phone. The actual desk. That printer down the hall everyone uses. All harboring lots of germs. What do I mean by 'lots', you ask? About 400 times more germs than on a toilet seat!

Be Sure to Disinfect: Be sure you are using a disinfectant on all hard surface, 'high touch' areas. A disinfectant actually kills the bacteria that causes illness. Sanitizers only reduce the amount/growth of bacteria.
Using a disinfecting with a disposable wipe is best. The area needs to stay wet for at least 5-10 minutes for a complete kill (see chemical bottle for exact times). For areas not easily reached, try an aerosol disinfectant spray such as Spartan's Sparsan Q Disinfectant Deodorant.
Don't forget these 'high touch' areas-

• Office equipment- copier/printer, postage meter, timeclock, fax
• Watercooler
• Coffeemaker
• Vending machines
• Refrigerator and microwave door handles 
• Door handles
• Your desk phone, keyboard and desktop
• Elevator buttons

Wash Your Hands...Please: Something that cannot be stressed enough! You should lather your hands with soap (does not have to be antibacterial) and wash for at least 20 seconds!

Contact AMS Advanced Maintenance Service Inc for all your office cleaning needs! 815-547-7952
You can also submit a request on our website: amscleaningandsupplies.com!