One in 43 long-term care (LTC) residents acquires a healthcare-associated infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This risk makes cleaning LTC facilities a distinct challenge. “It’s a combination of healthcare, hospitality, and interactive residential cleaning,” explained Gosia Baran, president and owner of Elmhurst, Illinois-based Helping Hands Cleaning Services. “Since LTC residents are elderly, we must focus on their health. Quality must be raised because residents with compromised immune systems are vulnerable to diseases that may spread there.” Susceptible residents LTC facilities, unlike schools or offices, are never empty. “We must be very careful when we clean, how we clean, and who is around,” said Dominika Wandachowicz, Helping Hands Cleaning Services’ business development manager. For example, a vacuum cord could pose a hazard for residents in wheelchairs or who are unsteady on their feet. Team members may need to wear face masks in rooms housing residents with low immunity or use specific cleaning solutions around those who cannot tolerate fragrances. Jef Gordon, 4M Building Solutions regional vice president–operations, serves the Northeast, which is 4M’s highest-concentration area for long-term healthcare clients. He agrees that older adults with weakened immune systems are far more susceptible to infection, which means cleaning for health—not just appearance—must be the standard. “All-purpose products and general protocols don’t cut it in long-term care settings,” Gordon explained. “The chemicals, disinfectants, and procedures all need to be matched to a healthcare-level threat environment.” Additionally, teams must be trained to recognize at-risk residents, such as individuals with memory loss or Alzheimer’s, for example, and to handle unexpected situations, such as incontinence, with both skill and sensitivity. “Cleaning staff in these facilities are often in more daily contact with residents than doctors or nurses,” Gordon said. “That level of access carries real responsibility.” Facility complications Stratus Clean also recognizes that LTC facilities face unique challenges in maintenance and cleanliness. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires LTC facilities to have an up-to-date written Infection Prevention & Control Program (IPCP) and a bloodborne pathogens (BBP) exposure control plan. LTC facilities also face budget challenges in maintaining the cleanliness required to ensure compliance with the IPCP and BBP plan. “While creating the plan is easy, execution and regular monitoring of the plan is more difficult,” explained Doug Flaig, Stratus Clean CEO. “This is especially true if the staff is doing the cleaning and there is a high rate of employee turnover.” Gordon finds that government reimbursement structures in many facilities create constant budget pressure. Furthermore, as operating expenses rise, reimbursements rarely keep pace. “These facilities are also among the most heavily regulated environments we work in, with requirements at both the state and federal levels that don’t exist in commercial settings,” he explained. Specific LTC facility requirements can include: Extensive background checks, including tuberculosis testing and vaccination requirements. State-mandated annual training. Rhode Island and Massachusetts, for example, require specific programs covering dementia care and resident-abuse prevention. Annual state survey audits conducted by the local department of health. These unannounced inspections are carried out by healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and social workers. “The result can affect a facility’s ability to take on new residents, so it places pressure on every department, housekeeping included,” Gordon said. Residential living also creates challenges, including an inability to move residents’ furniture for deeper cleaning, cluttered or decorated environments, and resident interference with cleaning staff. As LTC residents can wander throughout the facility, an ill patient can quickly spread illness. Residents can also resist hygiene practices, putting their peers at risk. These conditions necessitate frequent maintenance and disinfection of shared spaces to prevent the spread of pathogens. The most problematic areas are high-touch surfaces, such as doors, light switches, railings, elevator buttons, common area surfaces, therapy devices, chairs and other furniture, and TV remotes. Memory care areas require an even higher level of support and sanitation due to residents not remembering events, for example, if they vomited during the day in their room or had a bodily fluid accident in the shower. An overlooked area for infection is the common kitchen and dining areas. “Ensuring tables are cleaned between resident usage and following the seven principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan will help ensure that the food cycle is not a risk to residents and staff,” Flaig said. With residents frequently spilling liquids and dropping other items, cleaning teams must also constantly monitor floors to avoid slip-and-fall accidents, Baran added. Established protocols 4M Building Solutions starts addressing these challenge areas before cleaning a single room. The building service contractor’s (BSC) transition process includes structured meetings with leadership at every level to establish expectations from day one. Facilities typically see measurable change, including: Standard operating procedures that are documented and followed. Posted work and training schedules. Daily oversight from a dedicated on-site manager. Weekly drop-ins from a regional manager auditing the work. “We maintain accountability through district manager oversight and regular safety audits,” Gordon said. “We also ask clients directly what frequency and level of service they’re looking for, including reporting. Expectations are very reasonable; people just want to know someone is paying attention.” Stratus Clean also addresses the challenges through a strong partnership program with the LTC facility team or primary BSC provider. The BSC builds customizable solutions, including: Porter services to monitor and clean high touch surfaces daily while residents are awake. Alignment with the IPCP and BBP exposure control plan to track and monitor compliance. Advanced communication of regularly scheduled cleaning plans to ensure deep cleaning of resident rooms with the residents’ compliance. Regular inspections of the facility by local management to ensure compliance with the scope of work and sanitation requirements. Training teams that look beyond cleaning to identify other issues that could pose risks. For example, a resident who has many products or extension cords plugged into a single outlet in their room, which could result in an electrical short. Helping Hands Cleaning Service ensures teams follow established protocols through frequent supervision. Additionally, day and
This summer’s World Cup will host millions of visitors across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada for 104 soccer matches. From June 11 to July 19, FIFA projects 6 million in-person attendees, with each host city welcoming approximately 450,000 visitors. Take a moment to consider the sheer magnitude of the cleaning tasks required by this sporting event. Soccer fans attending the competition venues will certainly notice if spaces are clean. But the challenge goes beyond sports arenas. Built environments in the 16 host cities will be at maximum capacity. Jammed airports, train stations, and transportation hubs will welcome visitors from around the world. Bustling hotels and restaurants will attend to the visitors’ comfort. Fans will fill the stadiums, hungry and thirsty, expecting a thrilling game. These fans will probably not be thinking about locker room cleanliness. However, the manufacturers, distributors, and professional cleaners that comprise the Making Safer Choices Community of Practice—led by ISSA, Penn State College of Medicine, and the City of New York School of Medicine—encourage facility service providers to pause and think about the locker rooms, the space where elite athletes last huddle before competitions. The environmental conditions of these spaces will impact athletes’ health and, ultimately, the games. A locker room’s environmental conditions are influenced by a myriad of factors, from the room’s structure and layout and the activities performed there to the cleaning products chosen and practices utilized to clean it. Proper locker room cleaning and disinfection can help protect soccer players from illnesses, skin conditions, and indoor air contaminants that will affect their performance. Team norovirus penalties An estimated 2,500 norovirus outbreaks occur in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infected people shed high viral loads, and crowded conditions encountered in sports competitions foster outbreaks. Norovirus outbreaks can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration severe enough to prevent athletic competition, as happened during the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Norovirus rapidly spreads through direct, person-to-person contact and through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as gym equipment. Thorough hand washing with soap is effective in removing the germs, but the virus is resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Yellow card skin concern Skin injuries, typically abrasions, are common in soccer, with the risk of injuries dependent on factors such as a player’s position and the playing turf. A systematic review published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine revealed 0.8 to 6.1 injuries per 1,000 player hours, potentially resulting in time lost from participation and a need for medical attention. Athletes are also at risk of heat-related rashes due to inflammation, pressure, and friction. When creased skin becomes inflamed, blisters can form and break, resulting in a skin barrier breakdown that increases the risk of secondary infection. Secondary infections occur when microbes infect already-damaged skin. Microbial skin infections are a major concern in contact sports and can be spread by contact in locker rooms, on buses and benches, and during practice and competition, according to a study on athlete skin conditions published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Examples of these infections include bacterial infectious rashes, cellulitis, folliculitis, abscesses, cutaneous fungal infections (tinea), and herpes simplex. This risk of secondary infections demands a rigorous sanitation of locker rooms. However, exposure to harsh volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in some cleaning and disinfecting products can trigger respiratory irritation and asthma. To protect breathing zones, cleaning crews should avoid using spray products. Asthma fouls According to numerous studies, asthma is a chronic health condition common among elite athletes. Research published in the journal Allergy found that 8.3% of U.S. Olympians between 2002 to 2010 had asthma but still competed at the highest levels. A 12-year survey of 659 Italian Olympic athletes published in Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology revealed a 14.7% prevalence of asthma and 49% sensitization to inhalant allergens. An examination of 1,375 athletes before the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, published in Frontiers in Allergy, found an asthma prevalence of 16.5%. Asthma management guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying and avoiding asthma triggers. Indoor triggers include cleaning products encountered as aerosol mists and fumes or as gas vapors. Poor indoor air quality affects athletes in all sports. A study of NFL quarterbacks and MLB pitchers, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, linked environmental particulate air pollution with athletic performance, specifically on errors made by pitchers, interceptions thrown by quarterbacks, and overall quarterback performance when competing in areas with poor air quality. To lower the risk of athletes encountering asthma triggers and air pollution in locker rooms and stadiums, housekeeping teams can choose cleaning products that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Label requirements. Visit epa.gov/saferchoice for a list. Score a healthy hat trick Teams come to the World Cup to win. Fans come to watch epic contests. Although crowds are part of the event’s magic, large groups can increase the spread of germs, leaving athletes vulnerable. Appropriate facility management protocols that prioritize cleaning and disinfection with nontoxic products will be central to U.S. hospitality during this year’s World Cup. Cleaning professionals focused on techniques that help prevent infectious disease outbreaks and other health issues deserve a trophy for keeping everyone’s focus on the games.
Floors collect all the debris that moves through a building. Dust, moisture, spills, and soil carried in from foot traffic generally end up there. How well cleaning crews manage debris removal depends on the flooring itself, its associated underlays, and the facility’s cleaning protocols. In high-traffic environments like schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and hospitality venues, debris build-up happens very quickly. And what settles on the floor may not stay there for long. Movement can spread settled materials further into the building or redistribute them into the air. Floors affect the environment As the link between the indoor environment and human health is better understood, facilities are paying closer attention to how flooring impacts the environment and how it responds to everyday cleaning. In this context, “clean” is not just about appearance. It relates to how effectively flooring and floor cleaning practices manage dust, allergens, fine particulate matter, pollen, and other particles that can accumulate and enter the breathing zone. Flooring materials can contribute to the build up of pollutants through the following factors: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Many flooring products, including their adhesives and chemical treatments, can release VOCs into the air. Exposure to elevated levels of these compounds may cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and more severe health risks over time. Allergen traps: Textile flooring such as carpet can trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold, all of which can become airborne when disturbed. If not regularly and thoroughly cleaned, these allergens can accumulate and negatively affect indoor air quality (IAQ). Moisture and mold growth: Certain flooring materials can absorb moisture, promoting mold and mildew growth, especially in humid environments. Mold spores are a major concern for individuals with allergies and asthma, as they can easily become airborne and trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms. Dust and particulate matter: Dust and other particulate matter often settle on flooring surfaces, then foot traffic or other activity can stir these particles back into the air. Routine cleaning is essential to keep these particles from impacting IAQ. None of these floor care challenges is new. What is changing, however, is how facility managers are considering these factors when making decisions about flooring, largely due to growing knowledge of IAQ and its impact on human health. “We know that our environments impact our health,” said Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Limited. “A person tasked with procurement is not a surgeon or a nurse, but when they choose what flooring to use, they have a big role in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining our built environments, which in turn has a big impact on our health outcomes.” Move beyond carpet versus hard floor Traditionally, facilities often reduced flooring choices to a simple comparison. Hard surfaces were seen as easier to maintain, and soft surfaces were viewed as more likely to hold dust. Day-to-day experience and advances in technology (both in materials and in cleaning techniques) tell a more nuanced story. Hard floors can collect fine dust, which is easily disturbed and redistributed due to inconsistent cleaning. Grout lines and joints can hold soil. Some textile flooring systems, on the other hand, can retain particles until they are removed through effective vacuuming. In most commercial settings, the flooring category matters less than flooring performance. Consider the following questions: How easily can you remove soil, dust, allergens, and fine particulate matter from the flooring? How does the flooring respond to routine cleaning? Does cleaning remove contaminants from the flooring or spread them? Examine allergen management One of the more recent developments in flooring is the introduction of technologies designed to manage allergen burden within the flooring system itself. These developments include surface treatments intended to reduce how easily dirt adheres to flooring, as well as technologies aimed at breaking down certain organic residues over time. A recent addendum to the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® textile flooring standard establishes a framework for assessing allergen-related claims in flooring with a focus on measurable outcomes. To meet the criteria, a flooring system must demonstrate a reduction in extractable allergen levels under defined conditions while microbial levels and overall IAQ remain within acceptable limits during normal floor use and cleaning. Flooring standards are assessed against defined performance criteria and do not represent a general recommendation of any flooring type. This approach reflects a move toward performance-based evaluation rather than broad assumptions about flooring types. It also helps keep expectations realistic, reinforcing the need for regular cleaning. Performance still depends on how the facility staff maintains the flooring over time. Look to established flooring systems While treated flooring systems are relatively new, several well-established flooring characteristics already support cleaner, healthier indoor environments. Low-VOC and low-formaldehyde-/acetaldehyde-emitting materials: Because flooring covers a large surface area, emissions can influence indoor air conditions, particularly after installation. Products emitting lower emissions help reduce that load, which is especially important in spaces occupied soon after installation. Design for cleanability: A flooring’s surface profile, fiber type, pile height, backing, and seams all affect cleanability. The extent of soil retention by the flooring can, in turn, affect how easily cleaning crews can remove the soil. Hybrid textile-resilient systems: Some flooring systems combine the characteristics of soft and resilient surfaces. They are designed to provide the comfort of textile flooring with the cleanability and moisture resistance typically associated with resilient materials. Features such as low pile height, impermeable backing, and sealed seams can support more effective removal of dust, allergens, and fine particulate matter, while also helping to limit moisture penetration. Modular systems: Modular flooring is widely used in commercial environments. It allows teams to replace heavily worn or soiled sections without disturbing the full installation. From a maintenance perspective, that flexibility makes it easier to keep spaces in good condition. Focus on maintenance No flooring system performs well without an effective, dependable, repeatable maintenance plan. The fundamentals remain the same: Control what comes into the building. Walk off matting helps reduce the amount of dirt and moisture entering a space. Remove dry soil regularly. For both textile and hard
What has the cleaning industry learned as it transitioned from the first pandemic year to the second? In this episode of BioTalk, a GBACtv production, learn the details about what went well and what didn't in 2021, and what we as an industry need to know right now. Infection prevention experts Patty Olinger, the executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, and Dr. Paul Meechan, the former head of safety with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and who now serves on the GBAC scientific advisory board, discuss these topics with ISSA Media Director Jeff Cross. This webcast also digs into the science and the layered support when it comes to cleaning, disinfection, and air purification, and how the omicron variant shouldn’t be considered just another type of “cold”. Olinger and Meechan also discuss the possibility of the end of the pandemic. This webcast is brought to you by our sponsor Breezy.
A new Howdy consumer sentiment survey on artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among Americans found trends of reluctant adoption and an overarching feeling it’s not good for them: 96% have tried AI, and 86% use it currently. 51% said AI is overhyped. 77% said it makes people lazier, and 57% said it weakens critical thinking. For the people who use it, the day-to-day experience is overwhelmingly positive—98% find AI useful, 86% said it improves their lives, and 75% said it makes them more productive. Americans also trust AI more than social media, government agencies, search engines, journalists, and employers. For example, one in five (20%) trust AI more than government agencies, and 14% trust it more than journalists. Still, only about a quarter (26%) of users currently pay for AI, and 54% said they would stop using it entirely if it required payment. Given the choice between investing in AI and investing in manpower, 68% would rather invest in people. Furthermore, only 18% of users said AI makes them money. When Americans reach for AI, they overwhelmingly reach for it as a search tool. Search habits are clearly in flux, but traditional search still holds the line—for now. When asked how they prefer to look things up: 51% choose traditional Google search. 25% prefer Google's AI Mode/AI Overviews. 15% use a non-Google AI tool. 9% opt for a non-Google search engine. Add it up and roughly four in 10 Americans now prefer some form of AI-driven answer over the classic blue links.
Why are restrooms still your biggest complaint source? Restrooms are among the most visible—and most complained-about—areas in any facility. Odors, staining, supply issues, and heavy traffic can quickly impact user perception. On the positive end, clean, well-stocked, and inclusively designed restrooms can create faster experiences for users, more efficient routines for custodians, and highly reliable and economical solutions for facility managers. Registrants for Solutions to Top Restroom Challenges, a free webinar from Cleaning & Maintenance Management on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m. CT, will learn tips for keeping restrooms in prime condition while meeting users’ needs. In this webinar, we’ll walk through proven strategies to stay ahead of restroom challenges through smarter routines, better product selection, and technology-driven monitoring to deliver consistent, high-quality results. You'll learn how to: Eliminate persistent odors with targeted cleaning strategies. Prevent and remove staining across high-use restroom surfaces. Manage supply levels with smarter, more efficient systems such as sensor-enabled tools. Improve cleanliness scores and reduce user complaints. Implement solutions that improve hygiene outcomes for every user. Control cost per restroom visit without sacrificing quality. Moderated by CMM Editor Elizabeth Christenson, the webinar features a panel of restroom care experts: Alec Fomin, Director of Member Experience, Sage Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity Isaac Johnson, Vice President, Aramark Healthcare+ In addition, the webinar will include a dedicated Q&A session. Bring your most challenging questions and get ready for real answers. Click here to register for CMM’s free webinar today.
Though large areas of Las Vegas Boulevard are private property, Clark County, where Las Vegas resides, hires contractors for custodian services on pedestrian bridges, elevators, escalators, bollards, and sidewalks in addition to wheelchair ramps, curb line/gutter/drop inlet grates, and newsstands along the Strip, a local news affiliate reported. According to Clark County Commission documents, a current contract appropriates US$13,400 a month for evening shift cleaning on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. To mandate nightly cleanings including holidays, an amended contract would raise costs to $21,000 a month. The funds would come from “dedicated resort corridor maintenance funds,” used for the sole purpose of Strip maintenance, the county said. The amended contract item will be presented soon to the county’s board of commissioners. “We are focused on ‘heads in beds’ and making sure that we have midweek business here,” Michael Naft, Clark County Commission chair told FOX5. “I need our trash cans emptied on every day of the week. I need our elevators cleaned and maintained and swept and our escalators, our sidewalks, and our bridges to be cared for every single day of the week—so making sure that that contract is accountable, has strong oversight, is something that I think is critically important to the overall maintenance of Las Vegas Boulevard.” According to a recent CMM report, Las Vegas was also found to be one of the lowest-ranked North American destinations for hotel cleanliness.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) researchers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have been awarded a US$3-million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to investigate whether exposure to toxic mold byproducts affects the symptom severity and immune system in patients diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a debilitating illness that affects as many as 3.3 million Americans. The project, funded by the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke through April 2031, will examine how environmental exposure to mycotoxins, harmful compounds produced by certain molds, may contribute to immune dysfunction in people with ME/CFS. By investigating the potential link, researchers aim to improve understanding of the disease, leading to earlier diagnosis, more personalized treatment approaches, and new insights into factors that may contribute to its development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 836,000 and 3.3 million Americans are living with ME/CFS, and an estimated 90% remain undiagnosed. The complex chronic illness affects multiple body systems and can cause extreme fatigue, brain fog, post-exertion malaise, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and other debilitating symptoms. Despite its impact, ME/CFS has no diagnostic test and few effective treatment options. “ME/CFS is a systemic disease,” said Lubov Nathanson, Ph.D., associate professor at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, genomics group director for NSU’s Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, and the study’s principal investigator. “It affects many parts of the body, including the gut and the brain. For many patients, symptoms begin after exposure to viruses or other environmental factors, but we still don’t fully understand what causes the disease to start.” Previous surveys have shown that some ME/CFS patients report symptom onset following exposure to mold-contaminated environments. To better understand this potential connection, researchers will collect biological samples from over 200 study participants and measure their exposure to mycotoxins. Using advanced techniques, researchers will evaluate whether specific environmental exposures are associated with biological changes linked to ME/CFS. “For decades, patients with ME/CFS have faced delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and significant uncertainty about the causes of their illness,” said Dr. Nancy G. Klimas, co-investigator on the project and director of NSU’s Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. “Understanding how environmental factors influence disease development could help identify biomarkers; improve diagnosis; and, ultimately, lead to more targeted treatments.” Nathanson’s co-investigators include Klimas, Irina Rozenfeld, D.N.P., M.S.H.S., A.P.R.N., ANP-BC; Violetta Renesca, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., NP-C, IFMCP; and David Quesada Saliba, M.S., Ph.D.