Category: Technology

In many buildings, cleaning schedules are built on assumptions. For example, restrooms get checked every few hours, and conference rooms get cleaned every night, whether anyone used them or not. Smart building sensors offer another way: clean based on how people actually use the building.

Here is how sensor data can help, and what to keep in mind before you invest.

What Smart Building Sensors Measure

Smart building sensors collect data about a space. For example, occupancy sensors count people or detect movement. Similarly, people counters at entrances and restrooms track traffic. Other sensors measure conditions such as temperature, humidity or carbon dioxide. In some buildings, dispensers can even report when supplies run low.

How Smart Building Sensors Can Guide Cleaning

  • Clean where people are. Traffic data shows which restrooms, lobbies and break rooms need more attention.
  • Skip unused rooms. Empty rooms may not need a full clean every night.
  • Restock before supplies run out. Usage counts help crews plan restroom checks.
  • Adjust over time. Trends help you right size staffing and frequencies.

As a result, effort goes where it matters most.

Supporting Healthier Spaces

In addition, some sensors track indoor conditions. For instance, rising carbon dioxide levels can suggest that a room needs more ventilation. Cleaning crews cannot fix ventilation themselves. However, they can work with the building team when data points to a problem. For more, read about air quality and productivity.

What Smart Building Sensors Cannot Do

Of course, sensors tell you how people use a space, but they do not clean it. In addition, data only helps if someone reviews it and changes the plan. Therefore, the value depends on the process behind the technology. Above all, trained people still need to notice the leak, the stain or the broken dispenser that no sensor reports.

Questions to Ask Before You Invest

  1. What problem are you trying to solve, such as complaints, costs or staffing?
  2. Who will review the data, and how often?
  3. How will the cleaning scope change based on what you learn?
  4. How will you measure whether it worked?

To learn more about where technology helps, read our articles on AI in janitorial services and cleaning technology.

How WOW! Uses Data

At WOW! Facility Services, data supports our people rather than replacing them. Every program starts with a facility assessment. 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. As a result, you can see what our team inspected and how it resolved issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do smart building sensors replace cleaning staff?
No. Sensors show how people use spaces. However, trained people still do the cleaning and catch the problems sensors cannot see.

What is the main benefit of using sensor data for cleaning?
It helps match cleaning to real use, so busy areas get more attention and unused spaces do not take time away from them.

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.

Clean Based on How People Use Your Building

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.

Disinfection takes time and product, and both cost money. So the goal is not to disinfect everything constantly. Instead, efficient disinfection means targeting the right surfaces with the right product and method, and then doing it correctly every time.

Here is how to get better results with less waste.

Efficient Disinfection Starts With Cleaning

First, clean before you disinfect. The CDC notes that cleaning removes dirt and most germs, and that dirt can keep disinfectants from working well. Skipping this step wastes product and time.

Target the Right Surfaces

Not every surface needs the same attention. Therefore, focus disinfection on high touch surfaces such as door handles, faucets, railings, elevator buttons and shared equipment. Meanwhile, low touch surfaces usually need regular cleaning only. For more, read about restroom high touch surfaces.

Follow the Label

Every EPA registered disinfectant has directions on its label. In particular, the label lists the contact time, which is how long the surface must stay wet for the product to work. If the surface dries too soon, the product may not do its job. In addition, measured dispensing keeps dilution accurate.

Choose the Right Method

Wiping with microfiber works well for most high touch surfaces. However, large spaces with many touch points may call for other methods. For example, electrostatic sprayers can help cover complex areas when the product label allows it. Learn more in our guide to electrostatic disinfection.

Train the People Doing the Work

Efficient disinfection depends on people. Crews need to know which surfaces to target, how long to leave products wet and how to handle chemicals safely. Similarly, they need to keep tools separate by area to avoid cross contamination.

Check Your Efficient Disinfection Results

Finally, inspections show whether disinfection is happening as planned. For instance, an inspector can confirm that high touch surfaces were covered and that crews are using the correct products and tools. As a result, you can fix gaps before they become complaints. See also our article on cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

How WOW! Delivers Efficient Disinfection

WOW! Facility Services trains team members on cleaning methods, equipment handling and chemical usage. In addition, our Elevated Clean program includes integrated disinfection and high touch surface programs, and we use a color coded system to keep tools in the right zones. Every program starts with a facility assessment. 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

What makes disinfection efficient?
Cleaning first, targeting high touch surfaces, following the label’s contact time and using measured dilution.

Do all surfaces need to be disinfected?
No. Most surfaces need regular cleaning. Disinfection is best focused on high touch surfaces and areas with a higher risk of germs.

What is contact time?
Contact time is how long a surface must stay wet with a disinfectant for the product to work, as listed on the product 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.

Make Every Disinfection Count

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.

Electrostatic sprayers became popular in many facilities in recent years. They can help crews cover large or complex areas with disinfectant. However, electrostatic disinfection only works when it is part of a proper cleaning process and the product is approved for that use.

Here is what electrostatic disinfection is, when it helps and how to do it right.

What Electrostatic Disinfection Is

An electrostatic sprayer gives disinfectant droplets an electrical charge as they leave the nozzle. As a result, the charged droplets are drawn to surfaces and can help reach the sides and undersides of objects. In practice, this can make it easier to treat areas with many surfaces, such as classrooms, gyms or seating areas.

Electrostatic Disinfection Starts With the Label

Not every disinfectant can be used in an electrostatic sprayer. According to the EPA, if a product’s label does not include directions for electrostatic spraying, the agency has not reviewed data on its safety and effectiveness for that use. Therefore, use only products whose labels include electrostatic directions, and follow them exactly.

Clean Before You Disinfect

No sprayer replaces cleaning. The CDC advises cleaning surfaces before you disinfect, because dirt can keep disinfectants from working well. For more on the steps, see our guide to sanitizing and disinfecting.

Electrostatic Disinfection and Contact Time

Disinfectants need time to work. In addition, the surface should stay wet for the full contact time on the label. Electrostatic disinfection still has to meet that requirement.

Protect the Crew and the Occupants

Crews should wear the protective equipment the label requires. Likewise, schedule spraying when spaces are empty, and follow label directions on when people can return.

When Electrostatic Disinfection Makes Sense

Electrostatic disinfection is a tool, not a routine for every surface. For example, it can help after an illness outbreak or in large areas with many touch points. Meanwhile, everyday high touch surfaces are often best handled with regular cleaning and wiping.

How WOW! Approaches Disinfection

WOW! Facility Services trains every team member on cleaning methods, equipment handling and chemical usage. Our Elevated Clean program includes integrated disinfection and high touch surface programs. 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

Can any disinfectant be used in an electrostatic sprayer?
No. Use only products whose labels include directions for electrostatic application, and follow those directions exactly.

Does electrostatic disinfection replace cleaning?
No. Surfaces still need cleaning first, because dirt can keep disinfectants from working well.

When is electrostatic disinfection most useful?
Generally, it helps most in large areas with many surfaces, or after an illness outbreak, using a product labeled for electrostatic application.

Who should operate electrostatic sprayers?
Trained crews who know the product label, the required protective equipment and when people can safely return to the space.

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.

Disinfect the Right Way

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.

Every door handle, faucet and check in screen in your building is touched by dozens of people a day. Touchless technology reduces some of those shared touch points. In addition, it can make entry and visitor management smoother and more secure.

Here is where touchless technology helps, where it does not, and how to make it part of a healthy, secure facility.

Where Touchless Technology Helps

Touchless options are now common in commercial buildings. For example:

  • Restroom fixtures. Sensor faucets, soap dispensers, towel dispensers and flush valves.
  • Doors. Automatic doors and push free entrances in high traffic areas.
  • Access control. Contactless credentials and mobile entry instead of keypads.
  • Visitor management. Digital check in and video intercoms at the front desk.

Touchless Technology and Hygiene

Fewer shared touch points mean fewer places for germs to pass from hand to hand. However, touchless technology does not replace cleaning. Sensor fixtures, dispensers and door hardware still get touched, splashed and dirty. Therefore, they still need regular cleaning and disinfection, just like other high touch surfaces.

In practice, the best results come from combining touchless technology with a solid cleaning program. For more on that, see our guide to cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

Touchless Technology and Security

Contactless entry and digital visitor management can also strengthen security. For example, they make it easier to control who enters, verify visitors and keep a record of access. As a result, front desk teams can focus on people rather than paperwork.

Keep Touchless Systems Working

A touchless dispenser that is empty or a sensor that fails can frustrate people quickly. So build these systems into your routine:

  1. Check and refill dispensers on a set schedule, especially in busy restrooms.
  2. Clean sensors and fixtures so they work reliably.
  3. Report failures quickly to the team that maintains them.
  4. Train front desk and security staff on access and visitor systems.

How WOW! Supports Hygiene and Security

WOW! Facility Services provides janitorial, day porter and security services. Our security professionals support access control, visitor screening and credential verification, while our cleaning teams keep high touch surfaces clean and restrooms stocked.

Every program starts with a facility assessment. 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

Does touchless technology mean less cleaning?
No. Touchless fixtures still get dirty and still need regular cleaning. However, they reduce some shared touch points.

Which touchless fixtures are most common in commercial restrooms?
Sensor faucets, soap dispensers, towel dispensers and flush valves are among the most common.

Who should maintain touchless systems?
Usually, the cleaning team checks and refills dispensers, while the maintenance team or the equipment vendor repairs sensors and access hardware.

Does WOW! provide security services?
Yes. WOW! security professionals support access control, visitor screening and credential verification, along with lobby presence and patrol coverage.

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.

Build a Healthier, More Secure Facility

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.