Don’t throw that in the trash!

I’m sure all of us have been chastised by an environmentally concerned friend, relative or co-worker to not throw something in the trash can. Many items can be recycled and more of our clients are adding recycling programs all the time.

We are always happy to help by keeping trash and recyclables separate. Please contact us if you want us to help you with recycling.

 There is one more thing we would like to see our clients keep out of the trash can – liquids. It is very common for us to find drink cups, bottles and cans in the trash cans with large amounts of liquids still inside. This can present several problems:

•  Sweet drinks can and often do attract ants and other insects. An extra visit from the pest control people is never a good thing.
•  Some of our accounts are only cleaned weekly and even less often. Which means an old drink could start molding and smelling bad by the time we arrive.
   
• Remember too that trash can liners can leak, which would lead to a very messy, sticky trash can which will be more difficult to clean.
   
• When emptying the trash cans the liquids can unexpectedly spill out onto the floors and carpets. This creates the need for carpet cleaning.
   
• Drinks with lots of sugar and food colorings will stain carpets, in some cases permanently. Even repeated carpet cleanings might not remove these kinds of stains. 

Here’s the simple solution. If you’re done with your drink before its empty, take the container to the nearest sink and pour the liquid down the drain. Then put it in the trash can. Or better yet, recycle the container.

Your small effort will be rewarded – you will have a cleaner workplace and planet.

Little Known Hazards of Cleaning

Having been in the janitorial business for many years, I have heard some wild stories about bad reactions to chemicals and odors in the workplace. Some of these stories are almost humorous while others have highlighted the hazards associated with using potentially dangerous chemicals. The following is one of the most sensational cases I have ever heard.

The Associated Press reported recently that an AT&T call center employee cleaning a refrigerator full of rotten food created a smell so noxious it sent seven co-workers to the hospital and made 28 others ill. Apparently the mixture of old lunches and disinfectant was so strong smelling it caused people to have nausea and even vomiting.

This is a good example of why these kinds of cleaning projects should be left to properly trained cleaning professionals-who are doing these tasks after workers have gone home for the evening. Floor care should also be performed after hours because of strong odors given off by floor cleaners and finishes, not to mention the risk of slip and fall incidents.

Here are a couple of helpful hints for you do it yourself types. Never mix chemicals when cleaning-especially bleach and amonia. These two chemicals are present in nearly every household, but when combined give off chlorine gas which is deadly. Always wear latex gloves and eye protection and always work in well ventilated areas. Also, if you have an old refrigerator that is empty and unplugged, leave the door propped slightly ajar. An airtight, warm refrigerator will very quickly grow tremendous amounts of mold and mildew. That would create a cleaning job that even that AT&T employee would probably pass on.

Our First Post

Welcome!

 

You are reading the first ever posting on the Padre Janitorial Service, Inc. blog. It is out intention to use this blog as a forum to discuss the latest issues affecting us and our customers. Discussion will include a wide variety of topics that apply to the janitorial industry, business in general, the economy or items of general interest. The topics will usually be very broad in focus and the blog will never be used to complain about any customer and anyone else close to us. We are certain that we can be informative and/or entertaining without ever resorting to mudslinging.

 

Let’s take a moment to introduce the two people that will be contributing to this blog.

 

Brad Stinton

 

Brad is the president and CEO of Padre Janitorial Service, Inc. To say that he was born into the cleaning business would not be much of an exaggeration. The company was founded by Brad’s father Frank in 1967. Brad began helping out however he could a few years later. Except for brief periods Brad has live in San Diego his entire life. He graduated from Patrick Henry high school in 1982, from Grossmont College in 1987 and earned a bachelors degree in business administration from National University in 1989. After exploring a few different careers including sales and teaching Brad joined Padre Janitorial Service, Inc. full time in 1991 and purchased the business in 2003.

 

He lives in La Mesa with Sandra, his wife of 13 years, and their cat Sweetpea. In his spare time he enjoys playing softball and golf and going on an occasional wine tasting trip.

 

Sandra Stinton

 

Sandra is the vice president and CFO of Padre Janitorial Service, Inc. Sandra is a native San Diegan. She graduated from Mount Miguel high school in 1978. Her first career was in the credit union industry. Sandra spent over 20 years working for credit union software companies until she retired in 2004 to work with Brad. Sandra primarily handles all office functions; however it is not uncommon for her to work side by side with Brad on various customer jobs.

 

In her spare time she enjoys reading and going on an occasional wine tasting trip with Brad.