Breath of Fresh Air: How Cleaning Keeps us Healthy

When we think of professional cleaning we picture sparkling surfaces and that fresh new clean smell. That’s a big part of what we do, but there’s so much more to it. In fact, it’s why at Jani-King, we adhere to our own green standards and carefully pick the products we use. 

Let’s first take a look at the science at play when we clean – and how it keeps everyone healthy.

Breaking Down the Science

The air we breathe is not just empty space– it's a complex mix of particles and gas that interacts with the human body and our respiratory system. That’s science lingo for there’s a lot going on behind the scenes each time we take a breath.

Here’s why clean air matters:

• Removes Dust Mites and Allergens: The quality of indoor air directly affects our respiratory system. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles can trigger allergies and exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma. Regular cleaning helps to remove these irritants, promoting clearer airways and easier breathing. Thorough cleaning techniques, such as vacuuming with HEPA filters and dusting regularly, can minimize these allergic reactions.
  
• Prevents Mold and Mildew: Damp environments provide a breeding ground for mold and mildew, notorious for causing respiratory issues and allergic reactions. By maintaining cleanliness and controlling moisture levels, we can prevent the growth of these harmful fungi and safeguard our respiratory health.
  
• Enhances Cognitive Function: Believe it or not, air quality can impact our cognitive abilities. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. By ensuring clean air through proper cleaning practices, we can create an environment conducive to productivity and mental clarity.
  
• Controls Odor: Unpleasant odors not only affect our comfort but can also indicate the presence of harmful pollutants or microbial activity. Through thorough cleaning and odor control measures, we can eliminate sources of odor and maintain a fresh, inviting atmosphere.
  

Sounds great in theory, but can you prove it?

The benefits of cleaner air are fundamental to our overall health and well-being:

• Keeps Allergies at Bay: For allergy sufferers, clean air is a lifeline. By reducing allergens and pollutants, regular cleaning helps to minimize allergic reactions and alleviate symptoms, allowing individuals to enjoy a higher quality of life.
  
• Stops the Spread of Sickness: In shared spaces like offices and schools, maintaining clean air is essential for preventing the spread of illnesses. By disinfecting surfaces and improving indoor air quality, cleaning efforts play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of contagious diseases.
  
• Provides a Healthy Environment for Chronic Illness: For individuals with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems, clean air is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. By creating a sterile and hygienic environment, cleaning helps to minimize the risk of infection and supports the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

And there are secondary layers of benefits of clean air – by industry. Better indoor air quality can help employees work more efficiently, patients heal quicker, students retain learning and spectators stay safe

Here's how:

• Boosts Productivity: By promoting a healthy and comfortable environment, cleaning initiatives can enhance employee morale, reduce absenteeism, and boost overall productivity.
  
• Protects Healing in Healthcare: In healthcare facilities, clean air is paramount for patient recovery and infection control. By maintaining stringent cleaning protocols, healthcare providers can create a safe and healing environment conducive to patient well-being.
• Supports Learning in Education: By minimizing distractions and promoting health and well-being, clean air can enhance students' focus, concentration, and academic performance.
• Ensures Safety at Venues: By implementing rigorous cleaning procedures, event organizers can mitigate safety risks and create a positive experience for participants.

The Jani-King Way

The term greenwashing – ironically – is a term used when a business promotes their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices but it’s all talk. For us, it’s the real deal. Our product choices both protect the environment and the people that interact with it. 

Jani-King's green-certified cleaning solutions preserve natural resources and release few if no ozone-depleting volatile organic compounds. Translation – our products don’t harm the environment and maintain their effectiveness, to ensure good indoor air quality.

We also use disinfectants intentionally to help reduce the number of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) entering the atmosphere. By relying heavily on our disinfectant alternatives instead, mainly hydrogen peroxide, we can eliminate the toxins entirely, employing the use of restroom cleaners, neutral cleaners, and all purpose cleaners.

The importance of clean air cannot be overstated. From respiratory health to cognitive function, the benefits of maintaining optimal air quality through commercial cleaning are undeniable. As we celebrate Clean Air Month, we recognize the vital role that cleaning plays in preserving our health and well-being. 

After all, every breath of fresh air deserves to be protected.