Coronavirus sanitation blog

Our Approach to Cleaning & Sanitation During Coronavirus

by cascade building servicesJanitorial Services

Here at Cascade Building Services, we are literally on the front lines of the battle against Coronavirus in the Portland area. We are actively helping construction companies, banks, manufacturing facilities, and other essential services remain safely open for business in this challenging and complex time.

 

Be proactive, not reactive

If there was one thing we would tell every business owner in Portland, it would be this:

Don’t wait for a client, customer, or employee to test positive for Coronavirus. Start sanitizing and disinfecting your space now. This proactive approach provides peace of mind to everyone connected to your business.

 

We start with our own team

Our teams of janitorial service providers and commercial cleaners receive continuing education to make sure they are aware of best practices and CDC guidelines. We are proactively monitoring the health of our team for any signs of infection.

When out on a job, all team members are provided with disinfecting wipes to disinfect anything they touch and for their own personal protection. These wipes are returned to our facility and disposed of.

 

Our Coronavirus sanitation process

We tailor our Coronavirus sanitization and disinfection process to our clients’ needs. Each type of building and facility requires a unique approach. For example, we use a food-safe disinfectant when sanitizing anywhere food is present, including:

  • Employee break rooms
  • Coffee bars
  • Cafeterias
  • Lunchrooms

We’re also flexible and can work around your facility’s schedule — our cleaners are available day or night! We use a quick-drying commercial grade disinfectant. Our treatments are fast and your team can get back to work in as little as 30 minutes, even if we disinfect during the day.

 

Keep reading

 

Not all surfaces are equal

Our team is especially aware of the need to thoroughly disinfect key touchpoints like:

  • Doors and door handles
  • Telephones
  • Desktops and tabletops
  • Electrical switches
  • Communal supplies
  • Copiers/printers
  • Railings and handholds
  • Soap/sanitizer dispensers
  • Sink handles, taps, and flush levers

Because there are so many surfaces to clean and because these surfaces are often irregularly shaped with nooks and crannies, a simple cleaning just won’t do. Instead, we use a powerful fogging disinfectant that sanitizes even the most difficult surfaces. In fact, Delta Airlines is using the same fogging approach to disinfect their airliners.

We believe it’s especially important to clean high-touch surfaces as often as possible.

 

Once is not enough — regularly scheduled cleanings are essential

We can’t stress it enough. Disinfecting your commercial space and protecting your team and customers against Coronavirus is an ongoing battle. We are proud to help you fight it.

Based on the size of your building, the size of your team, how many people visit your facility each day, and a number of other factors, we’ll create a custom cleaning schedule to meet your needs.

Call (503) 691-0776 today for your free consultation and no-obligation quote.

 

We do graffiti cleanup, too!

In these challenging times, so many businesses are closing their doors or operating on a more irregular schedule. We’ve heard that there’s been an increase in property crime in the Portland area, including graffiti. As a property owner, you must keep your property free of graffiti.

In addition to Coronavirus cleaning and sanitation, our janitors and contractors can provide graffiti removal and repair of damage caused by vandalism. Call (503) 691-0776 today.

image of tree with text that reads 7 reasons to love your janitors

7 Reasons To Love Your Janitors

by Janitorial Services

Do you love your janitorial service? You should!

No matter the size of your commercial facility, there are certain performance standards you should expect from your cleaning crew. In today’s post, we’ll be reviewing 7 things every great janitorial staff should be doing. Does yours measure up? Keep reading to find out!

 

1. They Get Things Right

You should never have to worry about whether your janitors are doing a good job. You should have confidence in their work and be sure that they’re helping your building shine. You shouldn’t have to worry about what potential tenants or your employees will see when they enter your building.

A great janitorial team does the job right the first time. Does yours? Here’s a few things to look for:

  • Attention to detail. Especially in often overlooked areas.
  • Consistently impressive results. You shouldn’t notice changes in the week-to-week appearance of your space

 

2. They’re Thorough

Your janitorial staff shouldn’t take shortcuts. A great janitorial staff is thorough and does more than just sweep and mop. At Cascade Building Services, our cleaning teams are available to:

  • Maintain floors
  • Clean carpets
  • Wash windows
  • Clean and maintain gutters
  • Paint
  • Manage your recycling program

If your janitors aren’t being thorough and giving your entire space the attention it deserves (and demands), it might be time to start exploring your options!

 

3. They’re Trustworthy & Well-Trained

At Cascade Building Services we take pride in hiring great people and empowering them to do great work! When you’re looking for a janitorial staff you can trust, look for companies who:

  • Perform thorough background checks
  • Provide ongoing training and education
  • Maintain an in-house team instead of contracting the job out

Most of our employees have been with us for years and that’s something we’re really proud of! And it shows in our results, too!

 

Read More From Our Blog

Want to learn more about how to create a great office environment, get the most out of your cleaning staff, or take care of the property you’re managing? Read a few of our most popular blog posts!

If you manage a commercial property, office building, or apartment complex, you need to read this post!

Read more…

Is allowing dogs in your office profitable? You might be surprised. Find out why great employees love office dogs!

Read more…

Don’t fall behind on your office cleaning! Or if you’ve already fallen behind, learn how to get your business back on track.

Read more…

 

4. You Don’t Notice Them

There’s a saying about umpires in baseball: when you don’t notice them, they’re doing their job right!

The same goes for your janitorial staff. When everything is working well, you shouldn’t even notice them! Your building will be clean your employees, clients, customers, and tenants will be happier, and you’ll be able to focus on other projects.

If you’re constantly thinking about your janitors, something’s seriously wrong.

 

5. They Go Above & Beyond

Great janitors do more than just what you ask of them. They look for opportunities to provide exceptional service. For example, your janitorial service can help your office become more eco-friendly by helping you start or improve your recycling program. They may notice recyclables in the garbage or vice versa. They can also identify wasteful uses of energy like excessive after-hours heating or lights being left on.

Your janitors should always be looking out for your best interests and the best interests of your business. At Cascade Building Services we provide our janitorial staff with the ongoing training they need to be the best in the business– and the proof is in the results!

“I have been working with Cascade Building Services for almost four years at two different branch locations. I have always been 100% satisfied with their service. I especially appreciate their follow up and check-ins that they conduct monthly to ensure their services continue to meet all of our needs.”
— Ryan K. Sterling Bank

 

6. They’ll Listen To (And Learn From) Your Feedback

Your janitors don’t know everything! A great janitorial staff should feel like a trusted partner who works with you– not just another vendor you need to manage. You should feel like the feedback you give your janitors is being listened to and followed to the letter. If your staff likes things a certain way, tell your janitors!

And you should only have to tell them once. At Cascade Building Services, our janitorial service clients have a dedicated account manager who’s always available to answer questions and receive feedback on how we can improve our service. They’ll work with your janitors to make sure the job is done right and just how you like it.

 

7. Great Janitors Improve Your Space

When you’re running a business or managing an office space, you need to look for opportunities to invest in services that have a real impact on your bottom line. Your janitors and office cleaners shouldn’t be another cost you pay. Great janitors actually add value to your business and actively work to improve your space.

  • Clean, well-maintained spaces have proven results:
  • Clean offices reduce sick days and absenteeism among employees
  • Clean offices and shops are proven to make employees, clients, and customers happier
  • Being eco-friendly, like taking part in a recycling program, can save your business money

 

Do You Love Your Janitorial Staff? Are You Working With Portland’s Best Janitors?

Are you starting to wonder if your janitorial staff is doing a great job? Are they living up to your expectations and adding value to your business? At Cascade Building Services, we’ve been providing complete building cleaning and commercial janitorial service to the Portland area since 1961.

We’re always available to visit your office and provide a custom no-obligation quote. Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more.

how-to-recycle-in-portland

A Guide to Recycling In Portland

by AdviceJanitorial ServicesUncategorized

Whether you just moved here, or are a native Portlander, knowing how to recycle in the Rose City can get confusing. Portland has one of the highest recycling rates in the country, keeping 70% of its waste out of local landfills.

If you want to do your part for the environment, and do it correctly, this article will help clear up those gray areas surrounding recycling regulations in Portland.

We’ll tell you what you can put into each roll cart, as well as how to find your collection schedule and roll cart weight limitations. Then we’ll look at how to start composting  in Portland, as well as commercial recycling basics. You can also contact Cascade Building Services if you want to speak with a recycling expert today.

Basic Tips For Recycling At The Curb

To rinse or not to rinse, that is the question. The need to rinse depends on the recycling provider in your area, but here are some general rules to follow:

  • Empty is better: Make sure the containers are clean (or at least empty) when you recycle them. Dirty containers attract vermin and excess debris in your recycling bin requires extra energy to dispose of and clean.
  • Rinsing: Paper and cardboard are particularly sensitive to residue, so it’s important to dump out all liquids from containers to help keep the paper goods recyclable.
  • Conserve water when rinsing: Removing (or composting) food before rinsing is greener than keeping the water faucet running. You can also fill a bowl with water to use and reuse if you have several containers to clean out.

More Rules To Follow:

  • Don’t pack any of your roll carts too tightly. Contents must fall out easily.
  • Be sure to remove your roll cart within 24 hours of pickup.
  • Weight limits vary depending on the size of your roll cart. Find a guide here.
  • Keep your bin lid securely closed. Store your garbage out of direct sunlight.
  • To deter insects and avoid odors, you can sprinkle baking soda in your garbage can.
  • For an extra $5 fee, you can set out an extra garbage container or bag on your collection day.

What Goes Into Which Bin?

In Portland, not only do we have blue and green recycling bins; we have a black garbage bin and yellow recycling bin. What does it all mean? What goes into which? Here’s a helpful infographic showing basic guidelines. We’ve also put together a list below:
8396593103_5f87b3ae0a_b
Photo credit: cogdogblog via VisualHunt.com / CC BY

Blue Roll Cart

  • Paper: scrap paper and junk mail, small cardboard boxes, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books, cartons of milk/juice/soup, etc.
  • Metal: aluminum, foil, tin and steel food cans, empty and dry metal paint cans, empty aerosol cans, scrap metal smaller than two inches
  • Plastic: 6 oz or larger bottles with smaller neck than base, 6 oz or larger tubs, plant pots, buckets

Yellow Glass Bin

  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Mixing colors and keeping labels on is okay

Black Garbage Bin

  • Paper: used paper plates, coffee cups, take out containers, facial tissue
  • Plastic: wrappers, styrofoam, plastic bags, rigid plastics such as tupperware and rubbermaid, plastic containers labeled “compostable”, toys
  • Other: painted or stained wood, and plywood, incandescent light bulbs, windows
  • In sealed container: kitchen fats, cooking oil and grease
  • Must be bagged: pet waste and cat litter, diapers and feminine hygiene products, ashes and sawdust, packaging peanuts, broken glass

What You Can’t Recycle (At The Curb) Might Surprise You

  • Electronics
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastic bags
  • Rigid plastics (tupperware)
  • Books
  • Light bulbs
  • Coffee cups

To easily find out if certain objects are recyclable, donatable, or reusable and where to do it use this handy tool.

How to Reduce Your Landfill Waste By 33%: Composting

There are many benefits to composting: reducing your waste, having a healthier garden, and conserving resources such as water, energy, and fuel. And luckily for us in Portland, composting is made easier as Portlanders are provided a green roll cart for composting purposes.

green-waste-486011_1280

To easily integrate composting into your routine we recommend getting a kitchen compost container and placing it in a convenient location in your kitchen. This way you can collect your small compost items and then empty your kitchen compost container into your green compost bin as frequently as you like. Remember to use approved liners with your kitchen compost container, available at most supermarkets.

What you can compost:

  • Food scraps: meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, bones, eggs, cheese, dairy products, bread, pasta, rice, beans, coffee grounds, filters, tea bags (for a comprehensive list go here)
  • Table scraps: plate scrapings, leftovers, spoiled food
  • Paper products: paper napkins,towels, and pizza boxes
  • Yard debris: weeds, leaves, vines, grass, small branches, flowers, house plants, plant clippings, pumpkins

What’s my Pickup Schedule?

  • Blue roll cart: once a week, but only when full
  • Yellow glass bin: once a week, but only when full
  • Green composting cart: every week, even if it is not full
  • Black garbage bin: every other week

set-out
Photo: City of Portland

If the standard garbage service pickup schedule doesn’t work for you and your family you can always increase or decrease the size of your garbage container or sign up for every four week pickup.

You can also check to see exact dates of garbage and recycling pickups through The City of Portland’s website. Pro tip: there’s an option to sign up for weekly email reminders so that you’ll never forget your pickup day again!

Commercial Recycling

Sustainability at work is increasingly becoming a focus for businesses, and various metro areas and counties in and around Portland require businesses to meet certain recycling requirements. Check out our guide to commercial recycling, or read on for the basics.

  • Give employees the opportunity to recycle
  • Recycle paper and containers
  • Sort and separate recyclables correctly
  • Set out materials for recycling collection

Cascade Building Services has 50+ years of experience helping Portland recycle. We’re proud to offer office recycling services to handle all of your paper recycling needs, as well as custom-tailor office recycling solutions. We’ll make sure your recycling program is simple and convenient, maximizing recycling and helping you comply with local regulations.

Learn how we can help with your commercial recycling services now by getting in touch. We’re happy to answer any questions, as well as provide a free quote.

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.

Why You Need Professional Window

Why You Need Professional Window Cleaning

by Janitorial ServicesWindow Washing

Why Clean Your Windows?

No matter what business you’re in, appearances matter. The way your business presents itself says a lot to your current customers and prospective clients. You keep your place of business organized and you don’t make sloppy mistakes in your work. You should show the same level of dedication to keeping your building clean, especially your windows.

Dirty Glass DoorDirty windows with streaks and smears stand out. In a bad way. You don’t want your customers to see them. And you also don’t want your team members to work while looking at smudgy windows. Your employees will feel less valued if they’re working in an unclean space (and they can even get sick from it).

Show your dedication to and respect for your customers and your employees. Keep your windows clean!

Keep reading and we’ll talk about how how professional window cleaners work, guidelines for how often your windows should be cleaned, and how you can pick the right professional window cleaner for you.

How Professionals Clean Windows

You’ve cleaned your windows at home. Windows are windows right? What does a professional window cleaner do differently

They’re experienced! A professional window cleaner cleans more windows in a week than most people will clean in their lifetime! They know how to work quickly and efficiently. You’ll be amazed at how fast professional window cleaners work while still making sure your windows are spotless.

Professional window cleaners have access to tools and equipment that most people don’t. They’ll have extra-long-handled brushes and cleaning supplies that are needed for cleaning the tall windows found in many office buildings, hospitals, banks and other commercial spaces. They’ll also know just the right tools and supplies to use when cleaning your windows.

At Cascade Building Services, for example, we use an eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning solution! We’re always looking out for the environment!

How Often to Clean Windows?

How often to enlist the help of professional window cleaners is a tricky question and the answer is, “it depends.” One factor to consider is the number of windows you have. The more windows, the more noticeable dirty windows will be and the more frequently you’ll need to have them cleaned.

Also consider the climate. Rainy weather in Portland doesn’t actually clean your windows! In fact, it can make them more dirty by leaving behind tiny particles of dirt that build up over time. And during the spring, the Northwest is known for its pollen, which can accumulate on all exterior windows.

If your building is near a major road or highway, you’ll need to clean more frequently, as car exhaust and other particulates in the air can build up a layer of grime on your windows.

Below, you’ll find my general recommendations for how often you should have your windows professionally cleaned. If you’ve got questions, get in touch, I’d love to tell you more.

Hospitals

Hospital Building

Depending on the size of your hospital or clinic, you’ll need professional window cleaning services about once a month. Windows on the ground floor, or those in an exam room, or a patient’s room might need cleaning a bit more often to keep them spotless.

Banks

Modern bank buildings tend to have lots of windows. That means there’s a lot of surface area that can get dirty and need cleaning. That’s why I think that most banks need to have their windows cleaned at least twice a year. Depending on climate and other factors, you may need to have some windows cleaned more frequently than others.

Office buildings

Office Window with a view

A good rule of thumb is that an office’s windows should be thoroughly cleaned twice a year. However, monthly touch-ups, especially for your lobby, conference rooms, and other areas that clients spend lots of time in, are a good idea.

RestaurantsRestaurant

Restaurant windows get dirty fast! They’ll need to be cleaned every two weeks, both inside and out! Grimy, streaky, dirty windows are sure to make your customers want to eat someplace else. Take a look around on Yelp reviews for local restaurants. You’ll be amazed how often dirty windows are mentioned.

Retail stores

Retail storeJust like restaurants, clean windows are a surprisingly big part of customer satisfaction. They’re also key to making your store seem clean and inviting.

I recommend a monthly cleaning of all windows in your retail store, especially those that face the street where there’s lots of foot traffic.

Choosing a Professional Window Cleaner

Pro Window Washer

If you’re thinking about having your office, warehouse, store, condominium building, hospital, or bank’s windows cleaned, you’ve got a big decision to make. You need a window cleaning company that you can trust. Here’s what you should look for:

Satisfied Customers

Look on Yelp, Angie’s List, or at a company’s Google Plus and Facebook page’s for reviews and testimonials. The most recent reviews will give you the best idea about how a window cleaning company is doing.

Look for Experience

You want a window cleaner who’s been in the business for years, not months! Less established companies may not be able to provide the best prices, or worse, they may go out of business, leaving you searching for a new window cleaner at an inconvenient time.

And less-experienced window cleaners might not know all the tricks of the trade and might make mistakes when it comes to cleaning your windows.

At Cascade Building Services, we’ve been cleaning windows since 1961! We’ve seen it all and cleaned it all!

Talk to the Companies You’re Considering

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few local window washing companies, give them a call. Ask them to come out and look at your windows. Here are a few questions you can ask to help you learn more about whether they’re the right choice for you:

  • What tools do they use?
  • Do they clean only windows or can they provide other cleaning services, too?
  • When cleaning windows do they also clean the sills, ledges, and tracks?
  • Can they provide you with references?
  • Do they clean at night or only during the day?
  • Do they work weekends?
  • How long will it take to clean your windows?
  • What areas do they service?

And of course, get their offer or quote in writing.

Conclusion

Your windows say a lot about your business. That’s why it’s so important to keep them clean. And there’s no better way to keep your windows clean, than to set up regular cleanings with an experienced, professional window cleaner.

Do you need commercial window cleaning services in the Portland, Oregon area? We’d love to get to know you! Contact us today.

Or you can always see if this little guy is available:


Photo Credits: Lynn Willis, Jaysin Trevino, Roger W, Doc Searls, Random Retail, Mike Mozart, Chucka_nc,

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.

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.

6 places germs hide in your office

6 Surprising Places Germs Are Hiding in Your Office

by Janitorial Services

Some contact with germs is inevitable, but most people don’t realize just how many germs can hide in a workplace environment. Your office may seem clean. Maybe the floors are swept, desks wiped down, bathrooms cleaned, and door handles disinfected. But germs often hide in unexpected places in your office.

Fact: 80% of infections spread via contact with contaminated surfaces (not coughing and sneezing).

In this post, I’ll explain some of the most germ-infested office items and places to avoid. The best and easiest way is to make sure your office has a top-notch janitorial service, but there are other things you can do on your own to keep yourself and your space clean and healthy.

Grab your hand sanitizer and get ready. Let’s get started.

What Are Germs, Anyway?

The technical definition of germs isn’t very specific. Basically, a germ is a very small living thing that causes disease. Fungi and viruses are types of germs, as are bacteria like E.coli.

Not all germs are bad. In fact, without certain healthy bacteria, our bodies couldn’t function. Unfortunately, not all the germs that hide in offices are healthy, and the bad ones are all mixed in with the harmless ones.

Here are a few places they tend to hide:

Coffee Mugs

office coffee mug

Did you know 1 in 5 office coffee mugs is tainted with fecal bacteria? When mugs don’t get thoroughly washed after every use, those bacteria can get passed on from person to person.

You might consider bringing your own designated mug and washing it every time you use it.

Your Desk

Statistically, your desk is probably dirtier than the office toilet — 400 times dirtier, to be exact. Your keyboard alone most likely harbors about 16 million microbes! Think about how often you…

  • Eat at your desk
  • Touch your desk after touching other potentially germ-infested items
  • Clean your desk (including your keyboard and mouse)

It’s a good idea to wipe your desk down every day with a disinfecting wipe.

The Phone

office phone germs

Photo: Martin Cathrae

Phones are even worse than desks. We’ve all heard how dirty our cellphones can get, but it turns out your office phone has the same problem.

Most office phones never (or very rarely) get cleaned, even though we touch them all the time. We handle them, press them up to our ears and hair, and even breathe on them. It’s even grosser if you’re not the only one that uses it.

Next time you wipe down your desk, don’t forget the phone.

The Water Cooler

Most people don’t imagine the water cooler getting dirty, but the truth is, most water cooler nozzles never get cleaned. Stationary water is a perfect breeding environment for germs, and they can live there for a long time.

Here’s the easiest way to clean the water cooler in your office.

The Copy Machine

If your office has a copy machine, it may be the single best place to share germs with everyone in your office.

Offices should keep hand sanitizer by the copy machine for employees to use when they’re done using it. If that’s not an option, try to wash your hands after you use the copy machine, or at least keep your own hand sanitizer at your desk.

PowerPoint Remotes and Other Shared Items

Conference rooms and everything in them tend to carry a lot of germs. Shared computers, PowerPoint remotes, and other communal items are likely to be harboring germs from throughout the office.

It’s a good idea to wipe these items down every day. If you can’t, then wash or sanitize your hands after using them.

wash your hands

Photo: Arlington County

How to Kill Office Germs Effectively

If you’re feeling grossed out — and maybe a little paranoid — I don’t blame you. Ease your mind by remembering that it’s impossible to avoid 100% of germs. All you can do is do your best to be sanitary and healthy at work.

Here are a few tips for avoiding germs in the office:

Wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom, after using communal items and spaces, before and after a meal, and every time you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.

Carry hand sanitizer for those times you aren’t able to wash your hands.

Wipe down surfaces regularly with disinfecting wipes. You can also use a disinfecting spray, but don’t wipe it off. You need to let it dry for it to be effective.

Bring your own water bottle and mugs and wash them regularly.

Stay home from work if you’re sick. It’s almost impossible to avoid spreading germs, even if you try. Did you know that, on average, one person with a virus will infect 50% of all equipment and employees in their vicinity within 4 hours?

Avoid stair and escalator handrails if possible. You might be touching food, E.coli, urine, mucus, feces, or even blood, according to University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba.

Don’t bother with antibacterial soap. It’s not any more effective than regular soap. In fact, overuse of antibacterial products contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a serious concern worldwide. Traditional soap will do the job just fine.

At Cascade Building Services, we use environmentally safe, eco-friendly cleaning products that are free from harmful odors and toxins. To learn more about how Cascade Building Services can help keep your office clean, safe, and healthy, contact us online or give us a call at (503) 850-0710.

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!