Cleaning chemicals do their job well when people use them correctly. However, small mistakes can create real hazards, from toxic fumes to damaged surfaces. Good cleaning chemical safety protects your crews, your occupants and your building.
Here are the most common mistakes, and the simple habits that prevent them.
Mistake 1: Mixing Products
Mixing cleaners might seem like a way to make them stronger. In fact, it can be dangerous. According to the Washington State Department of Health, mixing bleach with ammonia produces toxic gases called chloramines, while mixing bleach with an acid gives off chlorine gas. Likewise, the CDC advises never mixing products or chemicals with each other.
Mistake 2: Poor Ventilation
Many cleaning products release fumes. For this reason, the CDC recommends good ventilation during cleaning and disinfection, such as opening windows and doors or using fans and HVAC settings to increase air circulation. This matters most in small spaces such as restrooms and janitor’s closets.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Label
The label tells you how much product to use, which surfaces it suits, what protective equipment to wear and how long to leave it on. Therefore, crews should read and follow the label every time. Using more than the label calls for does not clean better. Instead, it wastes product and can leave residue.
Mistake 4: Unsafe Storage
Store chemicals in their original, labeled containers, in a secure area. In addition, keep incompatible products apart and follow any temperature guidance on the label. The CDC also advises keeping chemicals out of reach of children.
Cleaning Chemical Safety Starts With Training
Above all, cleaning chemical safety depends on people. Every crew member should know the products they use, how to dilute them, what protective equipment to wear and what to do in a spill. Equally important, Safety Data Sheets should be easy to find.
Build Cleaning Chemical Safety Into Your Program
In short, a strong cleaning chemical safety program keeps the product list short, uses measured dilution and trains every crew. As a result, it is safer and more consistent. For more on safe practices, see our guide to writing a health and safety policy.
How WOW! Approaches Cleaning Chemical Safety
WOW! Facility Services trains every team member on safety protocols, equipment handling and chemical usage. Our green cleaning standards include products certified under Green Seal GS-37 and training on proper dilution. Every program starts with a facility assessment, and then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cleaning chemicals should never be mixed?
Bleach should never be mixed with ammonia or with acids. More broadly, the CDC advises never mixing cleaning products or chemicals with each other.
Where should cleaning chemicals be stored?
Keep them in original, labeled containers in a secure area, keep incompatible products apart and follow any temperature guidance on the label.
Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.
Which areas does WOW! serve?
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, including Westchester County, Fairfield County, Rockland County and New York City.
Keep Your Building and Crews Safe
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Book a facility assessment at no cost and with no obligation, or call 1-866-780-9966. Want a quick benchmark first? Then grade your current service with the Facility Assessment Scorecard.