Choosing a Commercial Cleaner

10 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Cleaners

by AdviceJanitorial Services

Whether you’re thinking of switching from your current cleaning service or you’ve never worked with one before, choosing the right company can feel like a big decision. Taking the time to weigh your options and make the right choice can have huge benefits in the long run, including:

  • A better first impression for your business
  • Improved employee productivity
  • A healthier work environment
  • Fewer distractions and less stress for you

It’s all about asking the right questions. When you have one or two commercial cleaners you’re considering, ask them these 10 questions:

1. Do you offer all the cleaning services I need?

bank building portlandDo you need janitorial services, carpet cleaning, and window cleaning? Do you generate a lot of paper recycling you need someone to manage?

Make sure any company you’re considering does everything you need.

(You don’t want to hire 3 different companies when you could hire just one!)

It’s worth double checking each cleaning company’s answers with the services page of their website too.

2. What kind of cleaning products & supplies do you use?

This is a good question to ask, just to make sure the person you’re talking to is knowledgeable about the cleaning process.

It’s especially important if sustainability matters to you. In Portland and the surrounding areas, many businesspeople feel strongly about their impact on the environment. If that sounds like you, it’s worth finding a commercial cleaning service with the same philosophy.

At Cascade Building Services, we always use environmentally safe products without harmful toxins or unpleasant odors.

3. Can you clean at night or on weekends?

Part of the reason for hiring a commercial cleaner is to free up more time and energy for you to focus on business. You can’t do that if your cleaning company is constantly showing up during business hours.

At Cascade Building Services we work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our clients simply tell us the most convenient time for them, and that’s when we show up.

industrial area portland swan island

Photo: ienjoysushi

4. How long have you been in business?

There’s nothing wrong with being a young business — everyone has to start somewhere — but there’s a lot less risk for you when you choose a cleaning company who has a long history of doing quality work.

We’ve been serving the Portland area for more than 50 years. We’ve handled nearly every type of cleaning job out there and we have many good reviews from great clients to back it up… which leads to the next question:

5. Can you provide me with references?

Unless you’re the company’s first client, they should be able to put you in contact with at least one or two clients they’ve worked with in the past (or that they still work with!).

It never hurts to ask for references, even if you don’t actually call all of them. You might learn some valuable information that makes your decision easier.

It’s also a good idea to check each company’s online reviews on Google, Yelp, and their own website.

6. Will your employees clean my facility?

Some companies use day laborers instead of hiring their own employees. There’s not necessarily anything wrong with that, but it’s always nice to know when a company has loyal employees.

One benefit of choosing a company who hires its own employees? At Cascade Building Services, we have a professional staff of employees who wear uniforms and I.D. badges. Many of our employees have worked with us for over a decade! We perform a background check on everyone we hire and provide ongoing training.

janitorial services employee traning

Photo: Sean Mulgrew

7. Do you work with other businesses in my industry?

Does the cleaning company have experience with businesses like yours? Can they handle the ins and outs of cleaning a space like yours?

If they have worked with clients in your industry, can they tell you which business(es)?

8. Will you have an ongoing contact person?

It’s important to have the name and number of a single person you know you can always contact — whether that’s the owner, an employee, or a customer service representative whose job is to make sure you’re getting the service you need.

There’s nothing more frustrating than sealing the deal with a salesperson and then having to climb your way through a phone tree once you’re actually working together.

9. Are they responsive and quick to get back to you?

This is more of a question to ask yourself. Does the company instill confidence that they’ll do what they say they’ll do? Do you trust them? Is it clear that getting back to you and answering your questions are top priorities?

If you answered yes, yes, and yes, that’s a good sign!

phone businessman

10. Can you give me a free quote or estimate?

Free quotes are a sign that a company is not only legitimate but believes in the work they’re doing. It’s also a sign that they respect their clients’ time and money.

My advice is that if a company won’t provide you with a free quote before you start working together, start looking for someone else.

Ready to get started? We’d love to give you a free quote.

Get a free quote from Cascade Building Services, or give us a call at (503) 691-0776 if you have questions.

Your Checklist

Want all these questions in one place? You can print this page and use this checklist of all 10 questions to ask you cleaners:

Cleaning Company Questions Checklist

Name of Cleaning Company: ______________________________________

  • ❑ They offer all the cleaning services you need.
  • ❑ They use safe (and possibly environmentally friendly) cleaning products.
  • ❑ They can clean at a time that’s convenient for you.
  • ❑ They’re experienced with a history of success.
  • ❑ They can provide you with references.
  • ❑ Their own employees will clean your facility (no day laborers).
  • ❑ They have experience working with businesses in your industry.
  • ❑ You will have an ongoing contact person.
  • ❑ They’re responsive and quick to get back to you.
  • ❑ They can provide you with a no-obligation quote or estimate free of charge.

Notes:

 

 

 

 

Is there a problem with your office cleaning service-

Is there a problem with your office cleaning service?

by AdviceJanitorial Services

Choosing a commercial office cleaning service is just the beginning. Once you’ve picked a janitorial service or commercial cleaner, how do you know they’re doing a good job? And what if you’re worried that there’s a problem with how your office is being cleaned?

If any of those questions have run through your mind, keep reading. I’ll help you to make sure your office cleaning service is doing a good job. The more confident you are in their work, the more time you’ll be able to focus on your own business.

Know What You’re Paying For

Review your office cleaning contract

What is your office cleaning service supposed to clean? And how often should they be cleaning your office? No, those aren’t trick questions. You’d be surprised how many people just assume that their office cleaners will be cleaning “everything” and how many don’t know their office cleaners’ schedule.

Unless you know exactly what you’re paying for, how can you know if your office cleaning service is doing a good job?

You can’t.

That’s why it’s so important, before you sign any office cleaning contract, to read through it and understand exactly what is being cleaned, and how often.

Questions that should be answered include:

  • Who will be cleaning my office? What are their qualifications and experience?
  • How often will my office be cleaned? What happens if an appointment is missed?
  • What will be cleaned? What tools, cleaning supplies, and equipment will be used?
  • What won’t be cleaned?

If your cleaning contract doesn’t include answers to those questions, ask your cleaning company for clarification. Once you know the answers to these questions, you’ll be in a much better position to evaluate your office cleaning service’s work.

Check their Work

After your cleaners visit, take the time to review their work. Does it match what’s laid out in your contract? Were some areas missed? Were others given a cursory clean rather than a thorough scrub? Are you finding other problems with their work?

Don’t jump to conclusions and assume that your cleaners are doing a bad job. It may just be a case of confusion. It may take only a call to your cleaning company to clear things up. Explain the problems you’re seeing and how you think they should be resolved. If things aren’t clear, take and email pictures.

A great office cleaning company will work with you to make sure things are being cleaned the way you want. That’s what we do at Cascade Building Services. We’ll work to train our janitorial and office cleaning teams to clean your office according to your specifications.

Are You and Your Employees Satisfied?

Ask your office cleaners questions

Don’t make it a one-person job. As an office manager or business owner, you’ve got too much to do already. It’s not entirely your responsibility to make sure your cleaners are doing a great job.

Ask your co-workers and employees about the cleanliness of the office. Are they satisfied? If not, what could be better? Do they have any specific problems with the cleaning service?

An email survey can be used collect answers anonymously. This will save you time and make it easy for your employees and co-workers to provide their feedback. Take what you learn from their answers and work with your cleaning service to clear up any miscommunications or other issues.

If you’ve never used them before, try Survey Monkey for making free surveys you can share. What a great service! And they’re based out of the Portland area, just like us!

Tips for Choosing a Reliable Janitorial and Office Cleaning Service

If you are having problems that you just can’t solve, it may be time for a change. But searching for a reliable janitorial and office cleaning service can be challenging– especially if you’ve already had a negative experience in the past.

When prospective clients come to us at Cascade Building Services, we do our best to help them make the best choice– even if it’s not us.

We’re honest and up-front about the services we provide, as well as any limitations we may have. We encourage potential clients to fully explain what they’re looking for and do our best to provide an office cleaning package that fits their needs.

If you’re comparing a few office cleaning services and aren’t sure what to do next, here are a few tips that can help you make the right choice:

  • Ask for references. Make sure they’re from similar businesses with similar needs. If you’re a small office, your needs are very different from bigger organizations. Find out if they’re satisfied with the work being done and what, if anything could be done better.
  • Look at online reviews. In addition to references, check out online reviews on sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, and other review sites. At Cascade Building Services, we’re especially proud of our Google+ reviews!
  • Learn about how they work. Ask questions about office cleaning equipment and supplies. What brands do they use? Are they environmentally friendly?
  • Speak with the cleaners themselves. Find out more about them and start building a relationship with the people who will be doing the work. What can you do to make their job easier? Are they available to answer questions?

 

 

 

Looking for a New Office Cleaning Service?

Are you looking for a new cleaning service for your office, hospital, bank, winery, or school? Cascade Building Services is proud to serve these and other industries throughout the Portland area for over 50 years!

Our client’s satisfaction is our top priority. We’ll work with you and go the extra mile to make sure your workplace is cleaned just the way you like it. If you’re not happy with your current cleaning service, let us know. Or give us a call at (503) 691-0776. We’d love to come out, take a look at your space and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote!

Photo Credits: Dan Moyle

darrenAbout the author Darren

Darren is the owner of Cascade Building Services. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at Lewis and Clark University. He used to work in sales for General Mills. In his spare time, you can find him in the great outdoors camping and boating.

Make-Your-Apartment-Building-More-Eco-Friendly

8 Easy Ways to Make Your Multifamily Properties More Eco-Friendly

by AdviceCarpet Cleaningcascade building servicesJanitorial Servicesportland

It’s becoming increasingly important for property managers of apartments, condos, and other multi-family units to emphasize eco-friendly features in their buildings.

Sustainable properties are in high demand among renters throughout the greater Portland area. In fact, according to National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), renters are even willing to pay more money to live in a building that includes sustainability initiatives.

If you are an Oregon multifamily housing property manager, taking steps to promote eco-friendly features in your building and individual units can be very beneficial. Keep reading for 8 easy ways to make your multifamily properties more eco-friendly.

 

Add Energy-Efficient Appliances

One of the most effective ways to introduce more sustainable features into your multifamily property is by adding energy efficient appliances. If you’re not sure where to start, revamp the lighting in your building or replace all shower heads.

Eco-Friendly Lights

Switch out the traditional fluorescent lightbulbs in your condo or apartment building and with LEDs. LEDs contain no hazardous solids, liquids, or gasses and so are safe for the environment. Even better, LEDs require less energy to power, so you will save on electricity costs.

LEDs come in a variety of colors and shades, so you can choose one to match the style, setting, and ambiance of the various rooms and areas in your building.

Low-Flow Shower Heads

Showers account for 17% of residential indoor water use– that’s 1.2 trillion gallons of shower water used every year. By installing low-flow shower heads in your condo or apartment units, you can help residents save a considerable amount of water.

There are many eco-friendly shower heads available. Most renters prefer high-pressure option– this helps decrease overall water flow without taking away from the overall shower experience.

 

Introduce a Recycling Program

You likely already have some sort of recycling program in place at your property, but is it as efficient as it could be? Here in the Rose City, recycling can get a little complicated. Your efforts are worth it though, as Portland has one of highest recycling rates in the US.

Establishing a system that makes it easy for your renters to recycle their items is important. Take time to create an efficient recycling program that meets all necessary requirements. You may also consider partnering with a building services company that specializes in recycling solutions.

 

Provide Garden Space

Providing space to keep a garden is a big draw for many Oregon residents. Not only does gardening space increase your property value by making your grounds more beautiful, it also gives your residents a sense of investment in the property.
Gardens are a great way to help the environment and promote sustainability. Residents can grow flowers, food, or native plants in their garden bed, helping reduce pollution, produce fresh veggies and fruit, and benefit local wildlife.

 

Use Low or Zero VOC Paint

Be careful about the type of paint you use– both on the interior and exterior of your building and units. Many standard paints are filled with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and can be toxic to your health.

Luckily, there are many paint options on the market today that keep these chemicals to a minimum. Paint low in VOCs are easy to find and aren’t as expensive as you might imagine.

Some popular paint options are:

It’s becoming increasingly common for renters to request low-VOC paint in their unit before moving into an apartment or condo.

 

Weatherproof Windows

Old windows contribute to an increase in heating and cooling costs for your building. Adding energy-efficient windows to your building can be as simple or involved as you have the time and money for.

If you’re not up for completely replacing all your units with energy-efficient windows, consider adding window caulking and weatherstripping or storm windows instead.

 

Stay Away From Toxic Cleaning Products

A common misconception is you have to have harsh chemicals in order to clean your multifamily housing building effectively. This just isn’t true!

Chemicals found in traditional commercial building cleaning products are bad for the environment and toxic for your health, too. Carpet cleaning solutions are especially harmful. Thankfully, there are many sustainably cleaning options to choose from.

Make sure you hire a commercial cleaning company that understands the importance of using eco-friendly cleaning products. From your building’s general janitorial work, to carpet cleaning or window cleaning— always use green, biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning solutions.

 

Offer Bicycle Amenities

Here in the Portland area, biking is a high priority. In fact, Portland has the highest percentage of bike commuters for any large American city. Even in more residential areas like Hillsboro, Tualatin, and Beaverton, renters want the ability to use their bike.

Providing bike storage areas in your building is a great benefit to renters and helps encourage an eco-friendly environment. These biking amenities could include indoor bicycle storage racks, bike lockers, or even bike repair areas.

 

Hire A Sustainable Building Services Company

If you’re having trouble promoting sustainability or don’t have the time to do it yourself, consider partnering with a trusted building services company. This ensures you and your staff can completely focus on ensuring the smooth operation of your condo, apartment building, or other multifamily housing.

At Cascade Building Services, we’ve been providing full-service building maintenance to the greater portland area for the past 50 years. We offer service 24 hours a day 365 days per year and are committed to using environmentally friendly practices and products.

We can help you promote a clean, safe work environment while minimizing the carbon footprint of your multifamily housing building. Contact us today to learn more.

do sustainable cleaning products work

Do Sustainable Cleaning Products Really Work?

by AdviceCarpet Cleaning

When people talk about cleaning products, there’s a common misconception that harsher chemicals clean more effectively. That’s not true; good sustainable cleaning products are extremely effective.

But if both sustainable and traditional cleaning products will clean your workplace effectively, why should you bother with the sustainable ones?

Because the chemicals found in most cleaning products aren’t just bad for the environment, they’re dangerous for your health too.

Ask yourself: Are toxic chemicals that put you at risk any better than dirt? Not if you ask us! Luckily you don’t have to choose one or the other. There are many sustainable cleaning options that are safe for your health and will get your business sparkling clean.

Why Are Traditional Cleaning Products Dangerous?

Traditional cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals can be dangerous for two main reasons:

droplets fountain water birdThey’re bad for the environment.

Toxic cleaning products don’t just sit around in your office. They frequently end up in the waste stream. From there, they can leach into our soil and drinking water.

That means we drink water with small amounts of nasty chemicals like perchloroethylene, ammonium hydroxide, and butyloxy ethanol — not to mention good old fashioned bleach! (Don’t worry, I’ll explain what all those chemicals are in the next section.)

They’re bad for you.

You know the chemical smell you’ve probably noticed after your space gets cleaned? The smell of a new car? The scent of a recently cleaned bathroom? That dry cleaning smell?

Those smells are the result of chemicals from cleaning products being released into the air and into your body. Eventually, the smell goes away, but until then, people in the area are breathing in potentially dangerous fumes with negative health side effects.

What Chemicals Are in Traditional Cleaning Products?

A few of the most important chemicals you’ll find in many cleaning products are:

Believe it or not, all those chemicals are found in common carpet cleaners. Carpet cleaners are some of the most important cleaning products to be wary of, because they often contain a lot of harsh chemicals.

walking on clean carpet

Traditional cleaners will kill germs and dirt in your carpet, but they may also do damage your body in the process.

What Are the Sustainable Cleaning Alternatives?

Most sustainable cleaning products are made of plant-based ingredients, less harmful chemicals, and plain old water!

essential oils natural sustainable cleaningA few things you might see on the ingredients list are:

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Low concentration hydrogen peroxide
  • Essential oils
  • Castile soap

Not only are these solutions safer for you and better for the environment, they’re also extremely effective cleaners!

Let’s see why.

How Do Sustainable Cleaning Products Work?

At Cascade Building Services, we use sustainable cleaning products to clean carpets, windows, and just about everything else in your workplace. We use eco-friendly, citrus-based cleaners with no toxic chemicals or irritants.

One of the most common questions we get is:

“How is it possible to clean a carpet with a citrus-based cleaner?”

Good question! Carpets can be hard to clean, especially if it’s been a while. When you hire a professional carpet cleaner, you want to make sure you’re getting a thorough cleaning without dirt, moisture, or cleaning residue left behind. Here’s how it works:

Our proprietary process uses something called ion-exchange to separate and remove microscopic particles of dirt and other gross stuff from your carpet. The citrus-based cleaning solution we use for this process is completely biodegradable, nontoxic, and leaves behind absolutely no residue! Plus it won’t smell like chemicals when you come into work the next day.

grey luxury carpet silver

You should know: Some cleaning services will say they offer “steam cleaning” — a method which shoots water into the carpet and can take up to a few days to dry. That’s why we prefer our ion-exchange method. It dries in only a few hours, so you can get your carpet cleaned on a weeknight and come into work the next day!

The Cascade Building Services Promise

Eco-friendliness and sustainability are important to us. So is the health of our clients. At Cascade Building Services, we’ve made a commitment to using only products that:

  • Deliver exceptional results
  • Ensure a sustainable workplace
  • Are free from harmful odors and toxins
  • Improve indoor air quality
  • Help us provide the cleanest, safest work environment while minimizing our carbon footprint

Our goal is to improve air quality, recycle as much as possible, and reduce waste without sacrificing cleanliness and sanitation.

If you’re interested in an effective and sustainable cleaning solution for your workplace, contact us for a free quote!

Essential oils photo: Abi Porter

Cleaning-Maintenance-Guide-for-Property-Managers

Cleaning & Maintenance Guide for Property Managers

by AdviceCarpet Cleaningcascade building servicesJanitorial ServicesportlandWindow Washing

Managing all of the units in an apartment complex or office building can be a logistical nightmare. With so many units occupied by so many different tenants with varying needs and reliability, it can be a lot to manage.

Luckily, we’ve put together this guide to help you manage your condo complex or office building so it is always in tip-top shape.

 

Evaluate the Individual Units Between Tenants

Good maintenance of office and apartment complexes starts with proper care of the individual units. While you can try as hard as possible to make sure a new tenant will take proper care of the space, the most you can do is make sure it is properly maintained between tenants. Not only will this help the space be more attractive to new tenants, it will encourage the new tenant to take good care of the unit.

Once the previous tenant has moved out, evaluate it for:

  • Damage to walls
  • Stains on carpets
  • Damage to large appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers
  • Cracked or dirty windows
  • Pest infestations
  • Mold

Fix the issues you find immediately. It will be significantly harder to fill the space if you don’t fix these problems. Potential new tenants will want to see a finished unit before signing a lease. Every day the unit is not occupied you are losing money.

After a tenant moves out, consider:

  • Repainting the walls
  • Replacing any damaged carpet or flooring
  • Changing the locks on the unit
  • Properly cleaning the unit

 

Ongoing Cleaning and Maintenance

People don’t want to live or work in an unclean environment. If you are managing a large apartment building or condo complex, there is a lot of space to clean. Managing this much cleaning, from floors to bathrooms, can be exhausting. Filthy surfaces completely filled waste baskets, and dirty bathrooms are unacceptable for a reputable space.

While your tenants will always have to perform some basic cleaning themselves, you are going to be expected to carry a lot of the heavy lifting, particularly in an office environment.

In addition to more basic janitorial services like cleaning bathrooms and emptying waste bins, there are other, more involved services to think about. Below, we’ve put some you will have to perform.

Floor and Carpet Cleaning

Walking on sticky, stained carpet or flooring is never an inviting prospect. It reflects poorly on a business’s image, and people do not want to see it when walking into their apartment building. Unfortunately, dirty floors are unavoidable.

Floors

Dirty floors reflect poorly on your business. Also, continuously unclean floors will have to be replaced much sooner, costing you more money in the long run to maintain.

For well-kept floors, you will need to do the following:

  • Seal and wax
  • Polish
  • Remove stains

Most floor cleaning companies will be able to handle everything from concrete to ceramic tile.

Don’t ruin your floors or leave a bad first impression with dirty floors!

Carpets

Often property managers think they need to replace their carpets when really all they need to do is properly maintain and clean them.

We recommend having your carpets cleaned twice a year to keep them looking great and not degrading. They will look nice, and last longer than uncleaned carpets.

Waste and Recycling Management

Waste management will be something you need to be on top of to ensure the cleanliness of your building. Trash build up will lead to unsanitary conditions on your property. The last thing you want to deal with are pests infiltrating your apartment building or office.

To keep costs down, pay particular attention to the management of recycling in your building. Good recycling management will lessen your building’s trash bill. Make sure to properly sign your recycling and empty the bins as much as possible to ensure your tenants participate in your recycling program.

Window Cleaning

Nobody likes looking out a window and seeing a smudgy, dirty view. While it may be relatively easy to properly clean the inside of your windows, ensuring the cleanliness of the outside can be a tricky task.

Window exteriors should be cleaned twice a year, and professionals should be hired for the task. It is dangerous to try to perform yourself, particularly on windows of buildings over a story high!

A Note On Cleaning Supplies

Tenants hate living in filth. They do not want to work and live in a dirty space. They also hate the constant smell of chemicals and feeling like they are breathing in dangerous fumes.

To ensure tenants and guests don’t feel like they are breathing in noxious fumes, make sure to use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Not only will this make your tenants feel better, it will be safer and better for the environment.

 

Common Rooms

Common areas are an often overlooked area of apartment buildings. Since no one tenant is responsible for taking care of the space, clutter and trash can build up in the room. It is also one of the main spaces guests and potential new tenants see when they enter the building, so it is particularly important to keep it clean. Make sure that the room is checked regularly for dirty dishes, left out items, and trash.

 

Landscaping

It doesn’t matter if you are managing an apartment building or office, there will be landscaping to be done. Landscaping projects an image for your building and is the first thing greeting your tenants or their guests when they are approaching your building. Make this space look beautiful!

A couple landscaping features needing maintenance:

  • Lawn or grassy areas
  • Bushes and hedges
  • Plants and flowers
  • Gutter cleaning

 

Trusted Cleaning and Maintenance Service Providers

While some property managers may be able to have employees on staff to help them clean and maintain their building, most do not. Property managers have a lot of tasks and need to be focused on managing the building, not maintaining it.

This makes hiring good people to clean and maintain your space crucial for a well-run building. Think about hiring companies for:

Since time is tight as a property manager, we recommend finding a company that can perform as many of these tasks as possible.

 

Let’s Talk!

Cascade Building Services can help with your janitorial and maintenance service needs.

Call Cascade Building Services today at (503) 691-0776 for a free, no-obligation quote. If you’re located in the Portland or Vancouver metro areas, we’d love to show how we can help with all your office or apartment building cleaning needs.

how-to-clean-your-office

7 Ways to Make Your Office Shine

by Advice

Can a cleaner office make you happier, healthier, and more productive? You better believe it!

The appearance of your office makes a lasting impression on both clients and visitors, but don’t overlook the fact that you’re the one who spends the most time there. You and your employees will be the ones who benefit most from a clean office environment.

This post will tell you how to whip your workplace into shape. But first, let’s look at why cleaner really is better.

Why Keep the Office Clean?

Most of us have a nagging feeling we should be keeping things cleaner, but don’t know why.

According to research from Princeton University and UCLA, we get that feeling for a reason. Clutter not only reduces our ability to focus, it also makes us feel frustrated, guilty, and stressed out.

Would you believe that 82% of the workforce feels they would work harder in a cleaner office? And that 60% of work-related illnesses result from dirty office equipment? It’s true!

Ready to make your office shine? Whether you work in a one-person office or a multi-floor building, these 7 tips will help you get your office clean and keep it that way.

1. Declutter & Organize

desk organizer

It’s hard to give any space a thorough cleaning without clear surfaces. Getting rid of clutter is step one.

When it comes to clutter, desks are usually the biggest culprits. Here are some tips for organizing your office’s most-used surfaces:

  • Start by throwing away anything you don’t need. Be ruthless!
  • Get desk or drawer organizers for things like papers, unread pieces of mail, sticky notes paperclips, and pens. Here are some creative ideas to get you started.
  • Designate a junk drawer for the miscellaneous items you aren’t ready to throw away just yet.
  • Consider a traditional filing cabinet if you have a lot of papers and enough floor space to fit one.
  • If you’re environmentally conscious and you’re up for a bigger project, go paperless. Start scanning documents for long term digital storage. A bonus is that depending on the scanner you use, your documents may become searchable too!

2. Rearrange the Furniture

office furniture arrangement

Photo: Loozrboy

A good furniture arrangement won’t actually make your office cleaner, but it can make your office feel cleaner.

Functionality is priority number one. Make sure there’s enough open floor space for you and everyone else to move around without getting in each other’s space or squeezing between furniture. A good layout looks looks balanced when viewed from the doorway.

Simply leaving enough space between desks and office equipment can make the room look bigger and more organized. If you really want to switch it up, try one of these creative tips or experiment with feng shui.

3. Get Some Indoor Plants

office potted plant

Flowers and potted plants can make a bigger difference than you might think. Not only do they look nice, plants purify the air, contributing to a healthier, more refreshing office space. Believe it or not, plants have even been shown to make people happier.

Tip: Researchers found that flowers in particular can increase productivity and creativity, so bring on the bouquets!

4. Let in Some Natural Light

windows natural light office

A little sunlight can really brighten an office. Throw back the curtains or open the blinds to make your space more inviting.

The benefits aren’t just aesthetic. A 2012 study showed that employees who were exposed to natural light during work hours slept better at night and came back to work less tired and more refreshed, which made them more productive workers.

5. Get rid of Gross Smells

garbage trash bag

Photo: theilr

Some of the biggest office turn-offs are things you can’t see. Even the best looking office will feel dirty if it smells bad. How can you eliminate unpleasant odors?

If the weather’s nice, crack a window. The fresh air will make you feel more energized and awake.

  • Buy a trash bin with a tight-fitting lid and empty it regularly.
  • Keep old food off your desk and clean all dirty dishes before you leave the office for the day.
  • Go through the office fridge periodically to make sure there are no forgotten lunches lurking in the dark corners.

Some unpleasant odors will stick around even after you’ve done everything you can to get rid of them. If that happens to you, our professionals can help you get rid of lingering bad smells. We don’t use toxic chemicals, which can leave a different kind of unpleasant and unwanted smell behind.

6. Disinfect Surfaces and Things You Touch

clean computer keyboard mouse and phone

Germs accumulate everywhere in offices. Think about how many hours you spend in the office each week. Then multiply that by the number of coworkers you have. That’s a lot of opportunity for germs to be spread around and to be transferred from person to person.

And it’s not just the bathroom that should be cleaned regularly. Grab some disinfectant and wipe down your desk, computer, keyboard, mouse, and phone. Phones get especially dirty if more than one person in your office uses the same one.

You’ll also probably want to do a thorough cleaning of the kitchen area regularly.

7. Make a Cleaning a Regular Activity

pen calendar to do checklist

Now that your office is sparkling clean, you probably want to keep it that way. Try creating a chore chart with the tasks you want to accomplish each week, including cleaning the bathroom, taking out the trash, and wiping down dirty surfaces.

Keeping an office clean can feel like a full time job — especially if you have a bathroom and kitchen to deal with. If cleaning is taking too much time away from your work, it might be time to hire a professional janitorial service.

Ready to get your office sparkling clean? Contact us for a free estimate! If you prefer, we can even clean your office at night when you’re not there.

darrenAbout the author Darren

Darren is the owner of Cascade Building Services. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at Lewis and Clark University. He used to work in sales for General Mills. In his spare time, you can find him in the great outdoors camping and boating.

how to create a dog friendly office

How To: Create a Dog-Friendly Workplace

by Advicecascade building servicesJanitorial Servicesportland

In the Portland area, attracting and retaining top talent can be a challenge for any company. Great people have great options. What can you do to make your company stand out?

Surprisingly, it’s often the little things that make a big difference in employee satisfaction and happiness.

A growing trend among some of the fastest growing businesses in the Portland area is offering employees the opportunity to bring their furry friends to work. In today’s post, we’ll talk about best practices for creating a dog-friendly office environment.

 

How Does a Dog-Friendly Office Improve The Bottom Line?

Recent research suggests that having a dog-friendly workplace is more than just a nice perk. It can also:

Your employees will be happier, more productive, and more engaged with their work!

 

Remember: It’s Not Just About The Dogs

If you’re thinking about allowing dogs into your office, remember that your first concern should be for the happiness and safety of all your employees– not just those who have dogs. Consider an anonymous survey to determine if any employees are strongly against the idea before making it a policy.

 

Job Interviews & Private Offices Aren’t Just For People

Just like you wouldn’t let any person work in your office, not every dog will be a good fit either. If an employee wants to bring his or her dog into work, schedule a “doggie interview” where your team can judge the dog’s temperament and behavior.

Use an objective grading system to determine whether a particular pooch is a good fit for your office. Questions to ask may include:

  • Does the dog bark?
  • Does the dog obey commands?
  • Is the dog-friendly around other dogs?
  • How does the dog interact with other humans?
  • Does the dog require excessive attention?
  • Can the dog handle being in the office all day?

Consider a probationary period with all new office dogs before making them “permanent staff.” In fact, many offices do a “test run” of the dog-friendly policy to see how it works out and before making lasting changes to their office policies.

Your human employees often need a quiet place to meet or think when working on a difficult project. Similarly, even the best behaved office dogs may need a space of their own to relax in when they get overwhelmed.

 

Set Boundaries

Remember, the dogs don’t make the rules: you do! Any successful dog-friendly office policy will include plenty of boundaries. You may want to:

  • Only allow dogs above a certain age– not rambunctious puppies, no matter how cute!
  • Prohibit feeding dogs human food in the office, it can be a slippery slope to bad behavior!
  • Allow dogs only on certain days of the week.
  • Prohibit dogs on some days– like when clients are visiting the office.
  • Only allow dogs in certain rooms or offices. Maybe make the break room a dog free space, for example.

 

Provide Toys, Treats & Supplies

Like you best human workers, office dogs need stimulation to be happy! Consider investing in quiet toys they can play with, treats they can eat, and other supplies that the dogs might need.

 

Share Chores & Responsibilities

Some dog-friendly workplaces encourage workers to share chores. Others may require each owner to be responsible for only his or her own puppy. You need to decide what will work best for your office and your team. A few jobs to assign might include:

  • Making sure there’s fresh water
  • Cleaning up after “accidents”
  • Walking the dogs

 

Brag On Social Media!

The interns are very excited about Donut Wednesday 🍩 At least one of them is, per usual

A post shared by Shortcake (@theladyshortcake) on

When talented people are looking for a new job, they have plenty of options and often look for a relaxed, fun work environment.

So make sure you post about your dog-friendly culture on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook! Update your company’s About Page to included pictures of your favorite CCOs (Chief Canine Officers)! It’s a great way to build your brand and attract the best available talent when hiring.

I mean just check out #officedog on Instagram! How cute is that!?

 

Plan Outdoor Adventures!

Photo Credit: Michael Lin on Flickr

In Portland, we’re never too far away from a great park! Let your dogs (and employees) take a trip into the great outdoors by visiting one of Portland’s amazing dog parks! They’re located all over town– and many have off-leash areas just for dogs!

 

Keep Your Office Sparkling Clean!

If you’re investing in your employees by creating a dog-friendly office, make sure you don’t neglect the cleanup!

Let’s be honest: even the best-behaved dogs make messes and leave smells behind. Hair, fur, drool, muddy paws, and just that “wet dog” smell are all too common in dog-friendly offices that aren’t committed to staying clean.

A dirty, smelly office isn’t just one that’s no fun to work in, it can also make your employees sick and reduce their productivity!

At Cascade Building Services, we can help! Our experienced janitorial staff can visit your office as often as needed and handle:

  • Floor & Carpet Cleaning
  • Window Cleaning
  • Trash & Recycling
  • And much more!

Our teams use eco-friendly green cleaning solutions that are safe for both people and pets! There are no harsh fumes or toxic by-products left behind.

 

More Tips For Creating Your Dog-Friendly Office Policy

Making your office dog-friendly is a big step and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important to protect yourself and your business as well. Many businesses require employees to sign a waiver to protect the business from liability.

We recommend you work with your business lawyer to draft an agreement that meets your needs. You’ll also want to check and make sure that your business insurance policy (or office lease) allows dogs in your workplace.

 

Further Reading:

If you’re excited about making your office more dog-friendly, check out a few of our favorite articles and get inspired!

 

Need Help Cleaning Your Dog-Friendly Office?

Cascade Building Services is here to help! We clean offices throughout the Portland metro area and specialize in large office buildings. Give us a call at (503) 691-0776 or contact us online. We’ll visit your office and create a custom cleaning package just for you!

paper in garbage recycle

How to Encourage Recycling at Work

by Advice

Want to get on track with recycling at your business?

Various metro areas and counties in and around Portland require businesses to meet certain recycling requirements. But following those requirements isn’t always easy for people who are busy helping customers and running their business.

Even the best-intentioned office recycling initiatives sometimes fail.

If you want to meet your area’s recycling requirements and do your part to help the environment, this post can help. We’ll look at the main reasons why many recycling plans fail. Then I’ll tell you how to set up a recycling system that will work for your business.

What Are Your Recycling Requirements?

Each area has its own recycling regulations for businesses. For example, the Portland metro area explains it’s recycling requirements here. And you’ll find Washington County’s similar recycling requirements here. A quick Google search should turn up results for other areas.

Here’s a helpful guide showing what to recycle and how. It’s for Portland, but it’s a helpful resource for pretty much any Greater Portland area business.

Most areas that have business recycling requirements expect businesses to:

recycling-bin-office

    1. Give employees the opportunity to recycle
    2. Recycle paper and containers (i.e. metal cans, plastic bottles and tubs, and glass bottles and jars)
    3. Sort and separate recyclables correctly (glass is almost always collected separately from other recyclables)
    4. Set out materials for recycling collection

If that sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. Almost every city and county lists a help number on its website, where you can get your questions answered. I’ll also give you a list of more resources to help you at the end of this post.

Sometimes, it’s easier and more cost effective to hire a company that offers commercial recycling services to manage your recycling program. For example, at Cascade Building Services, we know all the regulations and can keep everything running efficiently.

Contact us to learn more, or keep reading for our tips on how to manage your recycling program on your own.

Getting Started: the Logistics

It’s important to know where you’re starting from. Especially if you’re a large or medium-sized company, getting everyone on track can require a bit more planning and coordination. Before you start a recycling plan, find out…

  1. How much is the business currently wasting?
  2. How much of that is paper? Plastic? Metal? Glass? (For most businesses, paper is by far the biggest culprit.)
  3. How much of that waste do you think you can realistically expect to recycle over the next year (or whatever timeframe makes sense for your business)?

Answering those questions will help you figure out what resources you need to make your recycling plan work. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your janitorial service. They probably have a good sense for your recycling needs already.

You’ll also probably need to contract with a recycling hauler in your area to arrange regular pickups.

recycling-pick-up

Photo: atramos

Encourage Your Employees to Recycle

Why is it so hard to get people to recycle?

Despite the fact that recycling can reduce your trash bill and help the environment, businesses still send over 100,000 tons of recyclable paper and containers into landfills in an average year. Why is that?

People usually turn to the trash can when…

  1. There’s no recycling box nearby
  2. They aren’t sure what can be recycled and what can’t

That’s why it’s not enough to just convince people that recycling is important. You have to make recycling easy — so easy there’s no reason not to do it.

Once recycling is easy, it becomes a habit instead of a chore.

Have Enough Recycling Receptacles

The goal is to make it just as easy to recycle as to throw something away. That means making recycling boxes as easily accessible as your garbage cans. Depending on how much paper recycling your company generates, that might mean having a recycling box next to every garbage can. If you work in Portland, you can order free recycling boxes here.

Make sure you have paper recycling containers:

  • Near printers and copy machines
  • Near areas with a lot of desks

Consider putting aluminum and plastic recycling containers:

  • In the lunchroom
  • Close to vending machines

Show What Can Be Recycled and Where

recycling containers psu portland

Photo: Samuel Mann

When it’s not clear whether something is recyclable or not, many people’s first instinct is to toss it in the trash.

Make it easier for your employees by placing posters above recycling receptacles that show what should go in each one and what shouldn’t.

Lead by Example

If you and other company leaders make a point to recycle, it makes it easier for everyone else to follow your example. That’s why it’s so important for larger companies to get leaders from each department on board to make sure the recycling process is running smoothly in each department.

Make it Fun

There are some pretty mind-blowing statistics about recycling out there. Hearing them can make recycling fun. It also helps people see exactly where they are making a difference when they throw those papers in the recycling instead of the trash.

Here are a few:

  • Recycling one ton of paper saves about 17 trees.
  • You could power a computer for  three hours with the energy you save from recycling one aluminum can.
  • Recycling aluminum requires 95% less energy than processing new aluminum.
  • Recycling one plastic bottle can save enough energy to light a 60W bulb for up to six hours.

Why not put together a list of fun recycling facts and turn it into a company-wide email or even a bathroom poster?

You might even call attention to certain recyclable items you know people use a lot. Did you know you can recycle a Starbucks cup, lid and all?

recycle starbucks cup garbage bin

Photo: Krystian Olszanski

Resources to Encourage Recycling

Putting together a successful recycling plan can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. As promised, here are a few resources you can use to learn more about recycling regulations in your area and how you can encourage recycling at work in an easy, cost-effective way:

  • Recycle at Work — Find all kinds of tips and resources, and arrange for a specialist to come to your business for free to help you get started.
  • Free printable posters — Portland businesses can print these and place them near recycling receptacles to help employees out (available in Spanish and other languages).
  • How Do I Recycle? Common Recyclables – Not sure how to recycle weird materials like batteries, used oil, or light bulbs? Check out this resource from the EPA.

I hope this post helps you encourage more recycling at your business! If you’d like to know more about how we can manage your recycling program, or just have more questions, get in touch!

 

Photos: Sebastien Wiertz, Kai Hendry

how to choose office plants

How To Choose Office Plants

by Advicecascade building servicesJanitorial Servicesoffice plants

Indoor plants can beautify any office space. They even purify the air, creating a cleaner, healthier environment. Believe it or not, there’s evidence that indoor plants can actually make you happier too.

Unfortunately, some plants require more upkeep than others, and not every plant is suited to every office environment. How do you know which plants are right your office? It really depends on 3 factors:

  1. How much sunlight they’ll be exposed to (if any)
  2. How much maintenance you want to take on
  3. Whether you care about air purification or just appearance

Based on your unique situation and office conditions, let’s look at a few great options for office plants.

Best Plants for Offices with Little or No Natural Light

Office spaces without much natural light can really benefit from a little greenery! In fact, those offices may be the ones that need indoor plants the most. These lovely green plants thrive in darker conditions:

English Ivy

Photo: Derek Ramsey

Hedera helix (a.k.a. English Ivy) is easy to grow in almost any environment. It thrives in full shade but doesn’t mind some sunlight either. It purifies the air too. Studies have shown that it reduces mold, which helps everyone breathe easier — especially anyone with allergies.

English ivy looks great hanging in baskets or climbing up a trellis or pole. English ivy grows well in moist conditions, but it doesn’t like to sit in standing water or overly wet soil either, so be careful not to over-water.

Snake Plant

The snake plant may just be the perfect indoor plant. Sansevieria is one of the toughest and most tolerant plants you’ll ever find. It usually won’t wither even after being neglected for weeks at a time. It also doesn’t need much light or water.

Snake plants are also one of your best bets for air purification. They’re great for getting rid of toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.

Photo: Rhonda Fleming Hayes

Lemon Balm

Photo: color line

Lemon balm, or melissa officinalis, is a very versatile plant. It will grow in almost any soil and, though it prefers some sunlight, can survive happily in shade too. It’s very low maintenance, and experts recommend you don’t fertilize your lemon balm plant. Don’t forget to water it though!

As a bonus, lemon balm leaves produce a sweet lemon scent that will help freshen up your office in no time.

Spider Plant

Photo: David B. Gleason

Can you see why chlorophytum comosum has been nicknamed “the spider plant”?

This is another versatile option if you need a tough plant for a dark office. The spider plant does like some indirect light, but full-on bright sunlight isn’t necessary. These plants are easy to grow and hard to kill. Just make sure to let them dry out a bit between waterings.

They look great in a pot or hanging in a basket.

Best Indoor Plants for Sunny Spots

If you have a nice spot by the window for your plant, you might want something that thrives in natural light. Luckily, sun-loving plants are easy to find! Here are a few to consider:

Succulents and Cacti

Cacti and other succulents are great because they require sunlight and not much else. They aren’t your best option for air filtration, but you only need to water them a tiny bit about once a week. There are many different kinds of cacti and succulents available. Jade is one of the most beautiful and most resilient.

Rubber Tree Plant

Photo: Maja Dumat

Rubber tree plants (ficus elastica) are great for removing indoor air pollutants, but they do require the right conditions. Indoor rubber tree plants need bright, and indirect light that isn’t too hot. You might want to place it near a window with sheer curtains, for example.

Experts also recommend you water your rubber tree plant more during growing season and less during the dormant season.

Great Indoor Plants for Reducing Pollutants

Several of the plants we’ve already covered are great for air filtration: English ivy, snake plants, spider plants, and rubber tree plants. Here are a few more:

Peace Lily

Photo: Tahmid Munaz

Chances are you’ve seen the peace lily in office buildings, waiting rooms, and hotel lobbies. That’s because spathiphyllum is beautiful, extremely resilient, and doesn’t need much water or direct light. To make sure it thrives, keep it in loose, rich soil and water every few days as necessary.

Did you know the peace lily is also one of the best plants for ridding your office of toxic agents like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia? It’s truly one of the best air-filtering plants out there.

Philodendron

Photo: Cliff

This leafy green plant is extremely resilient and one of the best options for removing carbon dioxide and formaldehyde from the air. Studies show it can improve your cognitive function and focus at work.

Dracaena

Dracaena plants are another great option for cleaning your office’s air of pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more.

Just make sure you look into the different varieties of dracaena before you make a purchase — some types are small and others can grow quite large.

Photo: Maja Dumat

Best Indoor Plants for Very Small Spaces

When space is an issue, you need plants that don’t take up too much room and won’t grow out of control. Or maybe people want small plants for individual desks, cubicles, or offices.

Air Plants

Photo: amy gizienski

Air plants are the ultimate low maintenance plant. They don’t need soil to grow, and you don’t need to water them — just mist them a few times per week! You can display them on rocks in jars, wine glasses, or terrariums (like the one above). They do need to be open to the air, though. The tillandsia is a great, durable option.

Water Lettuce

Photo: Scot Nelson

Pistia stratiotes, commonly called water lettuce, is another small plant that doesn’t need soil. As you might have guessed from its name, this plant loves water. It’s easy to grow floating in a vase or even in an open bowl with some decorative accessories.

African Violet

Photo: Wildfeuer

African violets (saintpaulia) are small, cute, and colorful — a wonderful option if you don’t have much space. They do need to be exposed to light and moisture to grow. To make sure your African violet gets the right amount of water, you might consider a self-watering planter pot.

Tips for Placing Plants

Where your place your plants can be just as important as which plants you choose. For example, if air purification is one of your goals, your best bet is to place several plants throughout the office. Back in the 80s, NASA did a study on air-filtering plants as a way to help keep the air in space stations clean. They found that efficient air cleaning is best accomplished with at least one plant per 100 square feet of space.

A few other tips to keep in mind:

  • Airflow is important for most plants. Give your plants plenty of “breathing room.”
  • Most plants prefer higher humidity than you’ll find in most offices. Keep them away from heaters and radiators.
  • If you turn down the heat or air conditioner on weekends, your plant may require a little extra care on Fridays before you leave.

Soon your office’s air will be as fresh as the outdoors! But what about the rest of your space? Get in touch with Cascade Building Services for janitorial and other commercial cleaning services in Portland. We’ll even use eco-friendly products so your plants stay healthy!

Clean Office

How To Create a Cleaning Schedule for Your Office

by AdviceUncategorized

When you’re running a business, it’s easy to forget office cleaning duties. While you’re busy hustling through projects, dust is accumulating on your desk, dishes are stacking up in the sink, and crumbs are gathering on the floor.

An unclean office is not only unsightly, it’s unhealthy. Your employees are less productive and your business isn’t making a good impression. Not to mention the safety and sanitary concerns!

The best way to combat workplace uncleanliness is to create a cleaning schedule for your office. It may sound like a daunting task, but creating a cleaning schedule is simply about managing your needs and making a plan.

There’s a lot to consider in creating an office cleaning schedule. Here are a few tips to get your started from the professionals at Cascade Building Services.

What Type of Cleaning Services Do You Need?

Every business is different. Office cleaning needs vary by business too. The first step is to figure out what kind of cleaning services you need and how often. For example, janitorial services are often performed nightly, while carpet cleaning may only happen occasionally.

Here are a few common cleaning services for office buildings:

  • Janitorial Services
  • Carpet Cleaning
  • Floor Maintenance
  • Property Maintenance
  • Recycling
  • Window Cleaning

Janitorial Services

When many business owners think of cleaning services, they think of janitorial services. Janitorial services include cleaning floors, windows, desks, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. Most janitorial services also include basic property maintenance, like light bulb replacement or limited plumbing work.

Carpet Cleaning

Most business owners view carpet cleaning as a hassle, but experts say it should be done twice a year. Make sure your cleaning provider uses a non-toxic cleaning agent and a low-moisture system. With this approach, your carpet can be dry in as little as two hours. You can even schedule your carpet cleaning on a weeknight without missing a beat.

Floor Maintenance

Floor maintenance is about more than mopping or sweeping. Proper floor maintenance can boost your company’s image and help you avoid costly flooring replacements. Floor maintenance providers not only remove dirt buildup from your floor, but also restore and protect your floors from future damage.

Property Maintenance

If you’re a hands-on business owner, you might not mind getting your hands dirty. That doesn’t mean you should! When it comes to property maintenance, it’s best to leave the dirty work to the professionals. Grounds maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, and more can be outsourced so you can focus on your business.

Recycling

Just because your area or building doesn’t offer recycling pickup, doesn’t mean your business is out of luck. Commercial recycling services make it easy for your business to go green. Especially for companies with a lot of paper needs, recycling is a great way to reduce your trash bill and help the environment. Plus, your cleaning provider can help you comply with local regulations.

Window Cleaning

Is it dark outside or do your windows need cleaning? Professional window cleaning removes grime from office windows without leaving streaks or smears. Window sills, tracks, and ledges need to be cleaned too.

Cleaning Schedule Considerations

There are a few specific considerations you should make before you create an office cleaning schedule.

Company Size

How big is your company? Both small and large companies need cleaning services, but their needs and schedules will look different based on size. It’s likely that a business with only a handful of employees will need a less ambitious cleaning schedule than a larger company.

Typical Output

In addition to the amount of cleaning required, it’s also important to identify the type of output that requires cleaning. Does your office generate a lot of paper? Cardboard boxes? Food waste? Be sure to take your output into consideration when scheduling a cleaning service.

Seasonal or Quarterly Events

Some offices hold occasional events that can affect the cleaning services needed. Such events could include meetings, parties, workshops, networking events, and more. Any event that brings in more people than usual will typically create the need for more cleaning than usual.

Consider whether the events you hold are sporadic one-time events, or more regularly scheduled. Be sure to adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly and let your service provider know in advance.

Safety & Sustainability

Not all cleaning products are created equal. For your safety and the safety of your employees, we recommend using non-toxic cleaners. Harsh chemicals can be harmful to you and the environment. Make sure your cleaners are using safe, healthy products that are free of allergens too.

What Areas of Your Office Need Cleaning?

Most business owners don’t realize just how much space they have that needs cleaning. Office cleaning goes far beyond tidying desks and taking out the trash!

All of these common office areas need regular cleaning:

  • Private Offices
  • Employee Workstations
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens, Lunchrooms or Breakrooms
  • Reception & Customer- or Client-Facing Areas
  • Conference Room

Pay special attention to customer- or client-facing areas. Nothing blows a first impression quite like a dirty workspace. Also, don’t forget areas like kitchen and bathrooms require extra care for health and safety.

How Often Should You Schedule Office Cleaning?

As you can see, your office cleaning schedule is determined by a variety of factors. Take your own circumstances into consideration to create a cleaning schedule that’s right for your business.

Offices commonly schedule cleaning at these frequencies:

  • Nightly
  • Weekly
  • Biweekly
  • Monthly
  • One-time visit

Large office buildings likely need nightly cleaning services, while smaller business might be able to get away with scheduling cleaning as needed. Work with your cleaning service provider to come up with a schedule that suits your needs.

What Time Should You Schedule Office Cleaning?

It’s not common for a cleaning company to work during business hours. The last thing you need is the sound of vacuums while you’re trying to work! That’s why cleaning companies hold flexible hours.

For example, Cascade Building Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Typically office cleaning is done during the evening, night, and weekends. It’s really about what’s most convenient for you and your business.

Take The Next Step: Get A Quote

No matter how you create a cleaning schedule for your office, the first step towards making it happen is to get a quote.

You can get a free, no-obligation quote from Cascade Building Services today. If you’re located in the Portland or Vancouver metro areas, we’d love to show you how we can help with all your office cleaning needs.

If you have any questions about creating a cleaning schedule for your Pacific Northwest business, give Cascade Building Services a call at (503) 850-0710. We’re here to help!