News from Procter & Gamble: Holiday Treats in the Office; Perfect Storm for Office-Cleaning Crews

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2003--During the holiday season, millions of employees find themselves surrounded by homemade holiday baked goods at work. From cookies and fudge to bunt cakes and hard candy, the workplace becomes a smorgasbord of deserts. But for office-cleaning crews, this behavior brings a more serious challenge than just avoiding the temptation of sweets. It is the time of year they are called to treat a wide of variety spills, stains and sugary smears that, if not properly addressed, can shorten the life of office furnishings and create a fertile breeding ground for bacteria. According to Craig Monsell, who oversees Procter & Gamble's line of commercial cleaning products, here are some things to keep in mind this season to help your office survive the holidays intact. 1. Identify the spot It's easier to remove a spot if you know what it is. Encourage co-workers to leave notes for the professional office cleaners, identifying the type of spot (coffee, ketchup, etc.) so they can use an appropriate treatment. 2. Don't let spots become stains Once soils set or dry it becomes harder to get them out. Treat spills as soon as possible to increase your chances of removing them completely. Your best bet is to not over-wet the spot, work at it from the outside in and absorb as much dirty solution as possible. Also, remember to dab the spot and not rub it. 3. Disinfect as you clean Instead of just wiping up spills with water, use cleaning products that will disinfect the surface at the same time. Bacteria can collect as a result of food stains and smears. 4. Use the right stuff Paper towels from the office bathroom are fine for wet hands, but they aren't designed for cleaning purposes. Using the right tools makes cleaning easier and faster. Products such as Swiffer(TM) sheets grab dust and floor crumbs without just moving them around. 5. Keep the air clean Holiday treats may smell delicious, but after they sit out for a few hours or even days the room may no longer smell so appetizing. Have an air freshener on hand to bring back a fresh, clean scent. 6. Get to trapped odors Odors in the air also can get trapped in fabrics. A fabric refresher like Febreze(R) goes to the source of odors and eliminates them. 7. Keep drains clear Holiday treats washed down the sink can clog drains and create odors. Use a product that breaks down organic soils and grease buildup in drains, traps, and dumpsters. 8. Bring back the shine Surfaces that are wiped down often will eventually lose their luster. Use a furniture polish periodically to make furniture gleam. 9. Plan now for next year's party Most office carpet isn't replaced http://its-africa.co.za/index.php/ - CleaningEquipment - because it's actually worn out; it's replaced solely because it appears worn out. Before cupcakes tumble and cookies crumble next holiday season, apply a carpet/upholstery protectant that resists oil and water-based stains. href='http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20031219005030/en/News-Procter-Gamble-Holiday-Treats-Office-Perfect' - http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20031219005030/en/News-Procter-Gamble-Holiday-Treats-Office-Perfect -