Just when you thought it was safe to touch that light switch....

Everyone comes down with it sooner or later. The horrible stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting seem to come out of nowhere. People are forced to miss work. Parents are forced to stay home with sick children. Hours and hours of workplace productivity are lost each year to norovirus. It is common knowledge that 2013 has brought about one of the worst flu seasons yet. What you may not know is that flu season is still here! Although spring is on the way and the flu is not foremost on our minds, it is still all too easy to contract this dreaded illness!
The stomach flu that has recently made it’s way around the globe is a new strain of norovirus. This strain was first detected in Australia in 2012. From September 2012 to December 2012, it was the leading cause of outbreaks of the disease in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus is commonly transmitted via inadequate hand washing by infected individuals. The virus is found in vomit and stool, and without proper hygiene will easily transfer to surfaces such as door handles, sinks and faucets, light switches, etc. The virus will survive on surfaces for a long time, infecting individuals that are unfortunate enough to come in contact with contaminated surfaces.

What can be done to prevent the spread of norovirus?

Proper hand washing is key in preventing the spread of norovirus. EFFECTIVE hand washing is not just a quick splash under the faucet and a shake off on the run. It involves soap, lather and proper technique. Mom was right! Done correctly, hand washing should take a minimum of 20 seconds! That may not seem like a long time, but try to time yourself the next time you wash up!
Cleaning professionals can play an important role in protecting the health of building occupants. The CDC advises cleaning nonporous and high-touch surfaces (e.g., door knobs, light switches, etc.) with a chlorine bleach solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons to each gallon of water. There are also many other commercial disinfectants registered as being effective against norovirus by the EPA. Make sure you read the labels and follow manufacturers instructions when using commercially available disinfectants!

Have a happy, norovirus free spring!

While nothing can completely prevent the spread of the stomach flu, effective hygienic hand washing and proper disinfecting can slow the transfer of the virus from one person to another! If you suspect an outbreak of norovirus (or any other illness) in your facility, contact your cleaning service provider and let them know! Metro Cleaning Service is always happy to partner with our clients to help protect the health and safety of building occupants!

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Just when you thought it was safe to turn off the lights….

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Keep Calm and Call Metro Cleaning Service!

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Metro Cleaning Service Calm

How important is reliability? Reliability is the act of doing exactly what we say we are going to do. When we are reliable, others can count on us.
Reliability is the foundation of teamwork and business relationships. It allows everyone to work together in harmony, with each team member doing their part.
At Metro Cleaning Service, our company mission is to provide honest, reliable and thorough janitorial service at a fair price to the local business community while being an invaluable part of our customers’ success.

Make Metro Cleaning Service a part of your team!  (505) 275-8226  http://www.facebook.com/MetroCleaningServiceAlbuquerque

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How To Choose a Cleaning Service

How To Choose A Cleaning Service

In order to choose a cleaning service that will meet the needs of your facility, there are many factors to consider in addition to cost. First, start by getting three estimates. It is often helpful to call a variety of companies, one small company, one large company, and a third company of your choice. Also, one can ask neighboring businesses or business associates which company they use to clean their office.

Next, GET REFERENCES! A reputable company will gladly provide a potential customer with several references. When checking a company’s references, ask how long one has used a particular cleaning service, whether or not the cleaning service is responsive to needs, and if they are reliable and show up at scheduled times. One could also ask if the cleaning service is trustworthy when it comes to locking doors, setting alarms, etc.

You may want to Google potential companies, just to make sure the company you’re considering doesn’t have lawsuits or complaints against them.

Lastly, choose the company that seems to be able to meet your needs. Look for friendliness and enthusiasm! One should choose a company that seems eager, positive, and attentive to individual needs! Most people don’t want to have to spend hours of their time each week just to remind their cleaning service to get the job done right!

Not all cleaning services are created equal. One should consider the overall value of the service, and not just base their decision to use a particular service on price alone. A good cleaning service is an investment in the appearance of your facility, and in the health of building occupants. Always remember, most companies price according to their worth!

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How To Choose a Cleaning Service

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Secretly Dirty Places

1.Credit Cards
These essential pieces of plastic get handled often by many different people. In addition, cards are swiped through various credit card terminals. Give cards an occasional wipe down with rubbing alcohol, paying attention to the crevices around raised numbers!

2. Women’s Handbags
To clean finished leather purses, use a product specifically designed for leather. And, if you place your purse on the floor in a restaurant or even worse, in the ladies’ room, never put it on your kitchen table or countertop.

3. Toothbrush Holder
Soak the holder in a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water and rinse. Then air dry upside down. Or simply wash on the top rack of your dishwasher on the “air dry” cycle!

4. Doorknobs, Locks, and Handles
Yes, these can be very dirty places. They are often overlooked during routine cleaning. An occasional wipe down with a disinfecting wipe will help keep germs under control.

5. Trash Cans
Trash cans of all types tend to be breeding grounds for ick and germs. In warm weather, most cans can be taken outside and hosed down. In colder weather, consider cleaning your can in your bathtub or shower. (Be sure to disinfect the sink and shower afterwards). Thoroughly spray the trash can with a cleaner that contains bleach and let it stand for 10 minutes. Rinse clean and dry. Before adding a new garbage bag, be sure the can is completely dry.
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Secretly Dirty Places

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