Guidelines for Healthy, Sanitary Correctional Facility Showers
Showers areas of correctional facilities are of special importance when it comes to keeping a healthy, sanitary house. They see a lot of traffic when many high-contact areas which makes them highly susceptible to colonies of bacteria and viruses. They also tend to stay wet or humid which gives these pathogens a hospitable environment in which to grow. Fungi like ringworm and athlete’s foot are all too common in the showers of jails and prisons. It’s absolutely essential that janitorial crews meticulously clean these areas in order to maintain health. The following are some best practices for cleaning correctional facility showers.
Stock the Right Supplies
Cleaning correctional facility showers starts with having the right tools for the job. You’ll need a good all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant powerful enough to handle all the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that may be proliferating. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution kills 99.9% of bacteria in two minutes, 99.9% of fungi and molds in three minutes, and 99.9% of viruses in four minutes. It also features a 55-second kill-time against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). It’s a powerful, all-purpose solution capable of cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing all in one step.
Know Your Problem Spots
These are going to be your high-touch areas. Fixture handles, railings, any benches, and sinks are just a few examples. All of these areas see a lot of bare skin contact which makes them prime areas for the spread of pathogens. After taking care of these, turn your attention to the biggest high contact area of all: the floor. If possible, blast the floor with high pressure water to loosen any soils. Next, apply your cleaning and disinfectant solution and allow to dwell according to manufacturer’s directions.
A Smarter Way to Clean
Bioesque Solutions was founded on one simple principle: there must be a smarter way! We are a pioneer in the development and distribution of disinfectants and cleaning products. Bioesque Solutions specializes in bringing the benefits of nature to address the demanding and ever-changing needs of commercial customers across various industries, including correctional facilities, public transportation, health care, food service, janitorial, and restoration.
Cleaning to Avoid Outbreaks in Correctional Facilities
Correctional facility populations have exploded over the last four decades, from 500 thousand in 1980 to over 2 million in 2016. As a result, prisons and jails are being pushed to capacity. Compounding the issue is the fact that most inmates come from socioeconomic segments with limited access to healthcare. This means correctional facility populations have higher rates of physical and mental health issues than the general population. With existing health problems and a crowded population, it is essential to make cleaning a top priority to avoid outbreaks in correctional facilities.
Develop and Implement a Cleaning Plan
The nature of correctional facilities makes them a challenge to keep clean. In addition to the crowded population and turnover, facilities are also like cities unto themselves. There are classrooms, offices, infirmaries, kitchens and dining areas, and more. It requires careful planning and organization to make sure each area’s needs are being met in a safe and efficient manner. Many areas of correctional facilities are often cleaned by inmates, many of whom are inexperienced. Consider implementing a training program to make sure each task is done to spec.
Use Quality Supplies and Tools
Make sure supplies closets are stocked with quality supplies. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution kills 99.9% of bacteria in two minutes, 99.9% of fungi and molds in three minutes, and 99.9% of viruses in four minutes. It also features a 55-second kill-time against SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). It’s a powerful, app-purpose solution capable of cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing all in one step. Furthermore, it doesn’t require rinsing or the use of personal protective equipment.
Know the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting
While cleaning surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure to prevent outbreaks in correctional facilities, there is a difference between the two. Cleaning can remove germs but primarily reduces surface dirt and other impurities where germs like to congregate and fester. Disinfecting actually kills the germs on surfaces and objects and this works best after surfaces are properly cleaned.
A Smarter Way to Clean
Bioesque Solutions was founded on one simple principle: there must be a smarter way! We are a pioneer in the development and distribution of disinfectants and cleaning products. Bioesque Solutions specializes in bringing the benefits of nature to address the demanding and ever-changing needs of commercial customers across various industries, including correctional facilities, public transportation, health care, food service, janitorial, and restoration.
Keeping Correctional Facility Kitchens Clean and Safe
Keeping correctional facility kitchens clean is important to prevent an outbreak of foodborne illness in the facility’s population. However, solid cleaning practices and protocols can also greatly improve the safety of those working in the kitchen. It starts with quality products, getting organized, having a plan, and getting all workers on the same page. To this end, here are a few easy ideas for improving safety and sanitation in correctional facility kitchens.
Get the Right Supplies for the Job
Keeping a clean kitchen starts with having the right supplies for the job. First, invest in a good all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant that’s safe for food service. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and molds and cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes all in one step. Furthermore, it’s safe for use on food contact surfaces with no rinse required. You’ll also need a good heavy duty degreaser for the tough grease and oil buildup that’s so common in kitchens. Finally, make sure your mops, brooms, and buckets are durable and in good condition, and don’t hesitate to replace them as needed.
Get the Supply Closet Organized
Having a well-lit, well-organized supply closet means everyone can find and will use the right products for the job. Additionally, it will discourage the proliferation of pests. However, take your organization to the next level by color-coding your supplies. For example, red towels and buckets could be for vegetable prep areas while blue would be used for dining area cleanup. The purpose is to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Have a Plan and the Team to Carry It Out
Grills, prep areas, floors, dishes – at the end of the shift, everything needs to be cleaned. As a result, that means every worker needs to chip in. Assign each a task and make sure everyone knows what’s expected of them. This will ensure that nothing gets missed and your kitchen is spotless at the end of every shift.
A Smarter Way to Clean
Bioesque Solutions was founded on one simple principle: there must be a smarter way! We are a pioneer in the development and distribution of disinfectants and cleaning products. Bioesque Solutions specializes in bringing the benefits of nature to address the demanding and ever-changing needs of commercial customers across various industries, including correctional facilities, public transportation, health care, food service, janitorial, and restoration
Property management of multi-family residences is a full-time job. Rent must be collected, repairs made, neighbor disputes resolved…the list is seemingly endless. On top of this, the property manager is often the first contact in the event of a disaster, which is a huge responsibility. In these cases, it’s best to make detailed records when possible and contact the appropriate professionals. However, preventative measures and post-cleanup work fall back to the property manager. Here are some restoration tips to keep your buildings safe and looking brand new.
Water Damage Restoration
Water damage can be an absolute disaster for property managers and owners. Tenants are displaced, causing a loss of revenue, and it can cause permanent structure damage and mold growth if it’s not taken care of quickly and efficiently. The first concern, then, in the case of water damage is to act fast and call trusted professionals. It may be tempting to take on the project yourself in an effort to save on cost. However, for example, that water that seems to be gone from the flooring has most likely seeped in somewhere underneath. Furthermore, it will continue to weaken the structure of your property, threaten the electrical system, and create an environment hospitable to mold growth until it’s properly dried. The dollars you save on the front end could easily multiply in cost down the road.
Mold Remediation and Restoration
Once everything is probably dried, you may want to consider a good mold resistant coating to prevent the proliferation of fungi. Bioesque’s Mold Resistant Coating is available in clear and white finishes and features an EPA-registered fungicide in a 100% acrylic water-based coating to ensure long-term protection. It’s also worth considering as you’re restoring a property in between tenants. Mold can be a health hazard for residents and can cause litigation problems for you down the line. Know the signs of mold, for example dark colored grouting or dark spots on the wall. Be sure to sanitize after a move-out inspection. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution kills 99.9% of mold in just three minutes of dwell-time. Meanwhile, our Mold and Mildew Stain Remover can take care of unsightly spots once the area has been properly disinfected. In the case of a large outbreak, again, it’s best to call in professionals.
Fire Damage Restoration
Fire is another nightmare when it comes to property management. The structural damage, the water damage that follows, and soot residue are all costly and disrupt lives. Like water damage restoration, the best thing you can do is act quickly and leave the work of rebuilding to trusted professionals. However, even after the pros leave, you may be left with units that continue to smell like smoke. The Bioesque Smoke & Odor Encapsulant is a water based protective coating that can be used to paint over existing fire and smoke damage on most surfaces to eliminate odors and block stains. Our advanced odor encapsulants treat malodors at the source and prevent them from ever returning.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are very effective, but come with an added cost: they’re harsh, toxic, and terrible for the environment. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power of these chemicals. With a formula that is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals, Bioesque’s full range of cleaning products is a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings.
Handling the transition from old tenants to new ones can be one of the toughest and most time-consuming jobs a property manager faces. Even with years of experience managing multi-family residences, a change in tenancy always seems to bring new challenges. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a checklist for property management between tenants.
Show Up for the Move-Out Inspection
Being there in person for a tenant’s move-out inspection can save on hassles and headaches down the road. This can minimize haggling with property damage disputes and help you to avoid paying for repairs you weren’t responsible for. And remember to pick up all sets of keys!
Take Plenty of Pics
Along with being present for the move-out inspection, this is your best way to defend yourself against damage disputes. It’s also a good way to keep track of the appearance of your property over time and see how things are trending.
Double Check the Utilities
Assuming that residents closed their utility accounts can be a problem for you down the road. Make it part of the move-out process to receive proof of closed accounts or consider retaining control of utilities and charging tenants with their rent.
Take Care of the Walls
Walls are bare when a new tenant moves in so dings and scuffs leap out at them and look terrible. Patching and painting walls are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of keeping a unit looking fresh and increasing its appeal to potential residents.
Give the Plumbing a Once Over and Respond Accordingly
This is possibly the single most important step you can take to ensure your property’s wellbeing and save on costs in the future. Make sure you check the plumbing in each unit thoroughly and make all necessary repairs. Leaks and floods can turn into disasters for multiple units in a short period of time.
Stay on Top of the Landscaping
This should be routine but it’s important enough to mention here. The property’s landscaping is the first impression for prospective tenants, so regularly scheduled visits from a professional landscaping company are a good investment. It will also keep you in line with local ordinances and help you avoid violations and fines.
Make a Decision on Carpeting
After tenants move out, it’s time to either replace the carpets or clean them. If you opt for the latter, Bioesque Carpet Cleaners feature an eco-friendly deep cleaning formula that effectively removes tough spots and stains while simultaneously deodorizing.
The Deep Clean
Make sure you have a detailed checklist covering the entire process to make sure nothing gets missed. Do a walkthrough, clean, and then do another and clean again, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is an all-purpose formula capable of cleaning and disinfecting in one step without the use of personal protective equipment.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are very effective, but come with an added cost: they’re harsh, toxic, and terrible for the environment. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power of these chemicals. With a formula that is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals, Bioesque’s full range of cleaning products is a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings.
Guidelines for Choosing the Right Cleaning and Disinfecting Products
A few months into the Coronavirus pandemic, the America Public Transportation Association issued guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and facilities to combat the spread of COVID-19. As companies became more efficient in carrying out these various tasks, and as public awareness about the spread of germs increased, many of these practices became the new normal. As we move into a post-COVID era, customers still want to know that companies are doing everything they can to keep them safe. This article will go over some of the highlights of the aforementioned cleaning and disinfecting products guidelines to ensure your riders and employees are healthy and happy.
Cleaning Products
The APTA recommends that cleaning products be “non-toxic and selected with the intent of cleaning away all dirt, grime and debris from surfaces ahead of the disinfection process”. Cleaning and disinfection are actually a two-part process. Cleaning away the debris prior to disinfection clears away those areas in which pathogens tend to congregate and fester. Once this is done, disinfection becomes more efficient. The APTA also discourages the use of dry cleaning methods as sweepers and vacuums cause infectious particles to become airborne.
Disinfecting Products
The guidelines state that “transit agencies use disinfectant pesticides registered with the EPA and specifically formulated to mitigate against virus transmission”. They also go on to mention the EPA’s List N as a resource. The EPA expects these registered products to “kill all strains and variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to label directions”. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution, included on List N, is a ready-to-use all-purpose solution. It is capable of cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing in one step. Furthermore, it is botanically derived, free of bleach and other harsh chemicals. This makes it a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings
A Safer Way to Clean
Bioesque Solutions was founded on one simple principle: there must be a safer way! Little did we know when we first started this journey that safer could also be better. We are a pioneer in the development and distribution of our naturally occurring, botanically based disinfectant and other cleaning products. Bioesque Solutions specializes in bringing the benefits of nature to address the demanding and ever-changing needs of commercial customers across various industries, including public transportation, health care, food service, janitorial, and restoration.
When we think of public transit, we immediately think of the vehicles. However, we also need to take into account our facilities: the buses and train stations, ticketing areas, restrooms, waiting areas, restaurants and concession areas, and so on. With so many passengers coming in and out every day, any one of these places can become a hotspot for pathogens. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to have everyone on the same page, pitching in, and moving forward together to ensure the safety of riders and employees. Here are some best practices for disinfecting public transit systems.
Create a Daily Checklist
To tackle such a large area, companies and organizations should perform a detailed walkthrough of every facility and vehicle that receives traffic, either by passenger or employee. Make special note of those areas that are high-touch surfaces. These will include countertops, door handles, railing, seats, restroom fixtures, and more. Be sure that these areas are disinfected several times a day, including at the end of each shift, and that each gets checked off.
All Hands On Deck and On the Same Page
The size of public transit operations means that everyone has to be aware of the goals and doing their part to reach them. Even the best janitorial staffs can only do so much. If everyone is pitching in, this will free them up to handle the bigger and more difficult jobs more efficiently.
Choosing the Right Disinfecting Products
There are hundreds of disinfecting products on the market. How can someone be sure they’re choosing the right one for the job? One resource is the EPA’s List N. Quoted from the EPA’s website, the “EPA expects all products on List N to kill all strains and variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to label directions.” Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is included on the list and features a 55-second kill time against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). It also kills 99.9% of bacteria in two minutes, 99.9% of fungi and molds in three minutes, and 99.9% of viruses in four minutes.
A Safer Way for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Transit Systems
Bioesque Solutions was founded on one simple principle: there must be a safer way! Little did we know when we first started this journey that safer could also be better. We are a pioneer in the development and distribution of our naturally occurring, botanically based disinfectant and other cleaning products. Bioesque Solutions specializes in bringing the benefits of nature to address the demanding and ever-changing needs of commercial customers across various industries, including public transportation, health care, food service, janitorial, and restoration.
The Public Transportation Industry and Sustainability
The public transportation industry is often at or near the center of discussions about sustainability. The bottom line is that public transit systems reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This saves fuel and it saves on emissions. For example, compare the emissions of one bus with 50 passengers versus those same passengers driving 50 separate cars. The reduced emissions have a tremendous effect on the air quality of our cities.
A move toward public transportation, then, is already a move toward sustainability. However, the question that the managers and operators of public transportation systems should be asking is, how can we improve further? These can be big problems and solutions or small ones. For example, partnering with cities to implement programs to decrease congestion and promote ridership. On the other hand, actively searching for ways to reduce or recycle waste is a simple and efficient way to help an operation’s bottom line. Below are a few ideas to improve sustainability in the public transportation industry.
Reduce Barriers and Encourage Ridership
Getting more people to use public transportation should be priority number one. Look for ways to increase access to public transportation and incentivize its use.
Lower-Flow Plumbing Fixtures in Facilities
With the sheer number of passengers moving through bus and train stations, public transportation systems can use a tremendous amount of water. By switching to low-flow fixtures in sinks and toilets, public transit systems can reduce water usage by 30%.
LED Lighting
LED lighting fixtures are eight times more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting, with bulbs that last eight times longer. LED lighting is also three times more efficient than fluorescents.
A Greener Option for Clean
Cleaning products are often full of harsh, toxic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and chlorine. However, environmentally friendly options are available that are botanically derived without losing any cleaning effectiveness. It’s a sustainable move that can also increase your indoor air quality.
A Safer Way to Clean for Sustainability
Bioesque Solutions was founded on one simple principle: there must be a safer way! Little did we know when we first started this journey, safer could also be better. We are a pioneer in the development and distribution of disinfectants and cleaning products. Bioesque Solutions specializes in bringing the benefits of nature to address the demanding and ever-changing needs of commercial customers across various industries, including public transportation, health care, food service, janitorial, and restoration.
The appearance of mold in a car’s interior can be a real problem. Left unchecked, it can begin to profligate and creep into unseen and hard-to-reach areas like the air-conditioning ducts. Fortunately, mold cleanup can be much easier than most people think. This article will detail how to remove small spots of mold from your car’s interior. However, if the mold is widespread, or is near air ducts, we recommend taking your vehicle for professional ozone and dehumidifier treatment for the reasons stated above.
Cleaning with an All-Purpose Solution
The first step is to clean the affected and surrounding areas with a good all-purpose cleaner. Bieosque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is a ready-to-use, all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant capable of cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing in just one step. It also kills 99.9% of molds within three minutes. Begin by spraying the area and let the solution dwell for the full three minutes. This will ensure the mold is dead at the source and will prevent future outbreaks. Once appropriate dwell time is reached, simply wipe the area dry. The Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution is a no-rinse formula. However, mold can sometimes leave unsightly stains. In this case, we recommend using our Carpet Cleaner with a steam extractor machine to get rid of those tough stains. It’s important to remember, though, that the Carpet Cleaner will not kill the mold, so make sure this is the second step after disinfecting.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are very effective, but come with an added cost: they’re harsh, toxic, and terrible for the environment. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power of these chemicals. With a formula that is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals, Bioesque’s full range of cleaning products is a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings.
We all do what we can to keep our cars looking their very best. However, accidents do happen. Furthermore, a simple coffee stain can leave a previously pristine vehicle looking pretty unsightly pretty quickly. Fortunately, there are ways of taking care of that stain without resorting to buying a brand new cushion. This blog will go over how to remove stains from your car seats using an extractor machine.
Bioesque Carpet Cleaner to Clean Seat Stains
The first step is to vacuum all around the area of the stain to prepare it for soaping. You’ll want to use a soap that’s been designed specifically for steam and extractor machines. Bioesque’s Carpet Cleaner is formulated for use with these machines, delivering an environmentally friendly deep clean while deodorizing with a refreshing lemon-mint fragrance. It’s highly concentrated, with one gallon making up to 35 gallons of cleaning solution, with a formula that will break down the dirt and grime in the car’s seat surface. You’ll want to dilute the solution according to your needs. For light-duty cleaning, use 2 oz. per gallon of water. For medium, use 3 oz. and for heavy-duty cleaning, use 4 oz. per gallon of water.
Using an Extractor Machine
Extractor machines work by warming the solution to a high degree, injecting it into the fabric, and immediately vacuuming back into the recovery tank. First, when using Bioesque’s Carpet Cleaner in your extractor machine, make one pass with the machine, overlapping strokes between one to two inches. Next, allow the seat to dry for approximately four hours depending upon temperature, humidity, and airflow. Additionally, depending upon the severity of the stain, you may want to pre-treat the area with the solution first, working the cleaner in with a utility brush or a steamer.
Creating a Safer, Better Way to Clean
Bioesque® Solutions was founded on one simple principle: There must be a safer way! Little did we know when we first started this journey that SAFER could also be BETTER. The harsh, toxic, chemicals used in most commercial settings are individually tested and approved for use. However, the effects of use once all chemicals are used together may be extremely harmful. Every Bioesque® Solutions product is designed to work together, harmoniously like in nature. We are bringing the future of disinfecting and cleaning to our customers today.
