No, you don't have to hide from germs. You just have to be diligent!

The flu rears its ugly head every year, tormenting us into spring. Thousands will be hospitalized and/or die every year from flu-related complications. It is important to be prepared and take steps to clean and disinfect properly to keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the flu season.

Regular hand washing. Germs thrive on your hands- You can have up to 50,000 bacteria per square inch of your hands! Let’s fix that. Post reminders in restrooms, cafeterias and kitchens about the importance of proper hand washing. You can download this one to use.  When water is not available- use hand sanitizer!

Disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects regularly. The office telephones, door handles, keyboards, light switches. Viruses and bacteria can remain on hard surfaces for up to 18 hours. Use disinfectants to clean high-touch surfaces often.

It is also important to use cleaning chemicals and disinfectants the correct way. Always read the labels and follow the instruction for use and dilution (if needed). Be sure to have an SDS on hand in case of accidents. The easy way to deal with all of this would be to call AMS. We can do the cleaning for you!

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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.

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!

Preventing Cross Contamination

Cross-contamination is the process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one object to another, with harmful effect. You trust your janitorial crew to be knowledgeable in proper cleaning procedures, but cleaning an entire facility is a lot of work. How can they be sure they didn’t just clean your break room countertops using a restroom sponge?

Color code your cleaning items!  You wouldn’t use the same mop in the kitchen that you just used in the restrooms, would you? No! Microfiber mops and cloths, scrub brushes and even string mops come in different colors: red, yellow, blue, and green (usually).  It’s a good idea to pick a color for each area:

• Red: sanitary appliances, restroom floors, toilets, and urinals
• Yellow: restroom surfaces, including sinks, towel dispensers, hand dryers, soap dispensers, door handles, and walls
• Green: general food and bar cleanup in non-preparatory food areas, such as lunchrooms
• Blue: areas at low risk of contamination, such as hallways and offices.

EXTRA TIP: Clean from top to bottom!   This also helps with making sure everything gets cleaned in a room. First, wipe down all surfaces, then sanitize/disinfect. Keep the floors for last. 

AMS Advanced Maintenance Service will be sure to clean your facility top to bottom! Call us for a quote today! 815-547-7952