Flu season is usually at its peak between the months of December and February. Health and safety precautions are always essential to prevent flu transmission in the workplace. Extra caution is advised this time of year, not just because it overlaps with COVID-19 again, but also with lockdowns lifted and business back as usual, there are more opportunities to spread illnesses. 

The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza A or B virus. Covid-19 is also a highly infectious respiratory illness, caused by a new strain of coronavirus. Both of the illnesses have some pretty  severe symptoms in common, such as fever, cough, chills, fatigue, sore throat, muscle pain, and body aches. Covid-19 may also cause loss of taste and smell. 

Both illnesses are transmitted through respiratory droplets produced while coughing or sneezing. Due to similarity of symptoms it’s difficult to tell the two illnesses apart without testing. Fortunately there are vaccines for both Covid-19 and the flu.

What steps should I take to prevent an outbreak in my workplace? 

The safety measures to prevent Covid-19 and the flu are the same. 

• Social distance
• Handwashing 
• Wearing a mask
• Staying at home when sick 

Following these health and safety protocols will help reduce the risk of outbreak.

Advise your employees to get vaccinated. 

Encourage your staff to get flu vaccines. You could offer employees time off to go get vaccinated or even set up onsite vaccination at your own facility. A flu shot takes 2 weeks to be effective and should be done as soon as possible. Of course, it’s not 100% effective, however, It will help make symptoms less severe if one gets sick.

Have a daily screening procedure in place. 

Employers should have a screening protocol in place to prevent employees with symptoms from being at work. If an employee is showing symptoms then it is best to go home and self isolate. Temperature checks are an easy way to know if an employee isn't feeling well. 

Maintain a clean hygienic workplace.

Your workplace must be cleaned thoroughly and frequently to reduce bacteria build up. Desks, copiers, cubicles, bathrooms, and break rooms are a hot spot for germs. Extra attention must be allotted to cleaning shared surfaces like workstations, desks, door handles, and phones. CBS News reported that if a virus is present on a shared surface such as a desk or door handle it can spread between 40% - 60% of the workforce within 2 to 4 hours. Wipe down shared surfaces with disinfectant wipes and make sure other health and safety protocols are being followed, this will help minimize the risk significantly. 

Hire a professional cleaning service.

Commercial cleaning companies offer vital services to businesses. Hiring a reputable cleaning company can help combat illnesses spreading at work. They will disinfect surfaces, common areas, floors, and sanitize the building. If you already have a professional cleaning service in your building, consider having them come more frequently during flu season. 



Dealing with  flu season in the workplace isn't easy. Add the threat of a Covid-19 outbreak on top of it, and it could cause a lot of harm in the workplace. By being proactive your company can prepare and prevent potential impacts to your business and your employees. If your facility needs extra attention during flu season, we are here to help. Call to schedule a free consultation today. 
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In today's business world productivity is everything. If you want your company to succeed and grow then you NEED to have happy and efficient employees. We’re sharing a few tips on how you can help to increase productivity in the workplace. 

Keep the workplace clean 

If a workplace is dirty and cluttered it most likely will hinder the staff's performance. Keep the workplace clean by having regular cleanings done by a professional team. It could be daily, or weekly, it all depends on what fits the needs of your building. This cleaning should include vacuuming, wiping and dusting hard surfaces, emptying trash, and whatever else your space may need. 

Minimize distractions 

It’s more common for employees to become distracted when desks are messy or when they have to sift through drawers of unorganized files. Encourage employees to stay on top of keeping their desks neat and tidy, as well organizing paperwork away in files and cabinets. Have them spend 10-15 minutes at the end of each work day to clean their areas and put away anything they need too, that way they can come in the next morning without any interruptions.

Reduce the risk of getting sick

Sometimes illnesses spreading throughout the workplace is unavoidable, however there are measures you can take that will reduce the risk of your employees getting ill and reducing productivity due to staff being out sick. First of all, if an employee is sick, send them home. Then make sure that employees are washing their hands often, and have them sanitize their work spaces regularly. Phones, door knobs, and all high touch areas should be properly cleaned and sanitized. By taking precautions you can reduce the risk of illness in your facility. 


These are all important steps that managers can take to increase productivity in the workplace. In today's world, cleanliness is so important when it comes to work environments. If you need help with keeping up with the cleanliness and maintenance of your building contact us for a free janitorial consultation.

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It's always a good idea to recruit a professional cleaning company to maintain the cleanliness of a commercial facility. The only issue with having a night crew come in and clean after hours, is what goes on the rest of the day. That is where a day porter comes in handy. A day porter is a janitorial crew member who will help your building stay clean night AND day. No more waiting until closing time to have a clean workspace again.

A day porter is most beneficial to high occupancy facilities. This could be a multi tenant office space, a school, or retail and groceries stores. Buildings that have constant foot traffic, or a large number of employees often need a little extra time put into their daily cleaning ritual. Day porters are trained professionals who perform cleaning tasks far beyond what a regular janitorial team could do. They have the time to go above and beyond your cleaning expectations.

Having a consistently clean building sets the standard for your company. Day porters can focus on the areas that your customers or visitors will see the most, such as the lobby or the bathrooms. Sometimes there are cleaning duties that simply cannot wait until the end of the day. If the bathroom is out of paper towels or there is a spill on the floor, an employee then is taking time to fulfill these duties, instead of getting their job done. Round the cock cleaning will also help maintain building safety and hazards. If there's a spill, or rain and snow are being tracked in, then these areas can be cleaned up immediately and possibly prevent an accident from happening. Facility managers and associates have enough responsibilities, having a day-porter will allow them to focus on their roles and the tasks that matter most to the business. 
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Family Owned and Operated 

In 1984 Mark Skoda created a commercial carpet cleaning and janitorial business. Over the next decade the company would grow into what it is today. Mark’s Cleaning Service became a full-service cleaning company, providing a number of services for residential and commercial clients. In 1998 our 5,000 square foot facility, located in Medina, Ohio, was purchased, and our in-house rug cleaning service was added. Now Mark’s proudly employs over a hundred staff members who provide an array of services all across Northeast Ohio. 

Our Cleaning Method 

At Mark’s Cleaning Service we offer only the most professional services to meet your expectations of clean, spotless, dirt-free carpet. Our carpet cleaning method goes above and beyond what most cleaners do. We use state of the art truck mounted vacuums and up to date cleaning systems that give the best results. The machine injects waters and emulsifies cleaning detergents deep into the carpets fibers. Then it proceeds to extract the detergents and hot water from the carpet to remove the deepest layer of dirt. 

We Hire Only The Best Technicians

Our carpet cleaning technicians are friendly, professional, and trained to provide you a thorough cleaning each and every time. Having well trained technicians is our top priority. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, all our staff are trained in-house by our knowledgeable Carpet Cleaning Division Manager.  Our technicians are educated to ensure that everything is used in a safe and efficient way. 

Scheduling 

If you decide that you would like to schedule MCS to clean your business’s carpet there are two ways to contact us. You can call us at our office at (330) 725-5702 and speak to one of our staff members. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. You can also visit our website www.markscleaning.com and submit a request to receive a free consultation for your carpet cleaning service. One of our friendly staff member will give you a call to answer any questions and schedule your estimate. Estimates are always free, no commitment, no hidden fees. You'll know exactly what your paying for before our technicians even arrive. We'll decide the best cleaning method for you and can create a customized cleaning maintenance plan to keep your floors clean all year!

We want to help you provide a cleaner, healthier work environment! 


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When we think of spring cleaning we’re often referring to the work that needs done at home, but it’s just as important to take the time every year to declutter and spring clean at work too. Cleaning your entire workspace can be a daunting task, so we’re challenging you to focus on just one area - your desk.

Just like your home deserves a good cleaning after a long winter, so does your workspace! Whether that's in the office, or at home, give your space the TLC it needs! Here's some tips on cleaning and organizing your desk this spring.

1. Get Rid of Old Papers
It’s amazing how many old documents we hold onto. Keeping boxes upon boxes of old papers is not unnecessary in this digital age, its also inefficient. Are you actually able to easily find what you're looking for? Go through your files and determine what you really need physical copies of. Scan the ones you need, neatly file them away, and shred the rest.

2. Clear & Clean Off Your Desk 
 Studies show that a clear and clean desk can actually improve your productivity. Keep on your desk only the things you need and use most often. The extra boxes of pens, stacks of paper, and old coffee mugs can go. Leave only the essentials, most likely this is your keyboard, computer monitor, phone, a couple pens, etc. Once you're done clearing it off, use a multi-purpose cleaner  to wipe down everything you can. 

3. Organize Your Drawers
This is a task many of us want to ignore. When your cleaning off your desk don't just throw the extra stuff in one of your drawers. Purchase some drawer organizers (you can find some good ones on Amazon for under $20) this will help you have separate compartments for your stuff. Get rid of whatever you don't need and organize the rest! 

4. Clean Your Computer
Even if your desk is clean and tidy, you may still feel overwhelmed by the clutter on your computer. Is your desktop filled with documents and images? Delete the ones you no longer need. Organize what you do still need into folders, and create a filing system on your desktop that will be easy for you to use and find what you need.

Virtually every business in the U.S. has been financially impacted by COVID-19. Many businesses were forced to shut their doors, some for months at a time. Businesses had to invest in new PPE to protect the safety of their staff and patrons. Now a year later, even the most successful businesses are looking for ways to reduce their operating costs. As vaccination is underway and cases continue to drop, lock downs in most states are easing up. Businesses have reopened their doors and people are leaving their homes more often. Company's are faced with finding ways to return to business as usual and staying open.

The importance of hygiene has been a topic on everyone's mind for the last year. Wash your hands. Don't touch your face. It has started to sound like a broken record, but the importance cannot be overstated. Enhanced hygiene measures will help improve the health and safety of a buildings occupants. A focus on hygiene and cleanliness will help businesses stay open long term, however many businesses have been faced with big losses this year in profitability. We've compiled a few tips that could help improve hygiene in your facility while also saving money.

Change Consumables

Foam dispensers for example will reduce usage and waste. They wont drip and drizzle like other liquid dispensers do. Also paper towels are cost effective and more hygienic then hand dryers. Paper towels are best to remove residue, and the brown paper towels usually cost less than white, but perform just as well.

Install Automated Dispensers

Paper towels are the most hygienic option, but what is not hygienic is an unwrapped roll or stack of paper towels sitting on the sink. Automatic fixtures will also control flow of water reduces water usage and waste.  They also control the size and amount of product being used, reducing waste and usage. Making these changes to automatic dispensers will reduce the risk of cross contamination. Having smart restroom technology is a good solution for any facility looking to enhance hygiene and reduce operational costs.

Proper Training

Having the right tools is critical, but if your staff is not trained properly it wont be as beneficial to occupants. Training helps facilities make most of their investment and reap the benefits of these hygienic solutions. Having a well trained custodial staff that is up to date with cleaning tools and methods will make the cleanliness in your facility more effective.

Find the Right Distributor

Having the right distributors  can go a long way in helping facilities have the right information and tools to deliver a safe and clean environment without breaking the bank. It is also sometimes smart to buy items in bulk which usually is less expensive for the consumer. Buying in bulk is also better for the environment and can save you space in your storage closet


With over 35 years of experience in the cleaning industry, at Mark's Cleaning Service we know the importance of cleanliness in your facility. We understand the needs and goals of our clients, and we keep your company's best interests in mind to help you achieve them. 

Developing a cleaning plan for your workplace is the best way to ensure you are keeping a safe and healthy work environment. Having a regular routine, and a schedule with cleaning and disinfecting is more important now than ever, so you can keep your employees healthy and your facility operational. Returning to work in a COVID-19 world we find ourselves looking differently at the surfaces and equipment around us. On top of having a regular cleaning by either staff or an outside cleaning company, what exactly should your 2021 cleaning plan entail?

• Disinfecting

Disinfection is the process to kills germs by means of a chemical process. The CDC recommends to disinfect when there is a risk that someone who has been working in, or visiting the facility, is carrying a contagious illness. 

• High Touch Point Areas

Make note of all the high touch areas in your building. Some examples would be hand railings, door knobs, countertops, light stiches, printers, etc. Make sure that these surfaces are being sanitized regularly throughout the work day.

• Have a Deep Cleaning Schedule

Windows, upholstered furniture, and carpet are cleaning tasks that are often set aside, but germs and bacteria live on these surfaces as well, don't disregard them.

• Get Employees Involved

Encourage your employees to keep a clean workspace. Provide them with cleaning supplies they can use to wipe down their desks, keyboards, and phones. Also supply them with hand sanitizers they can keep with them at their work station and place sanitizer at high traffic areas throughout the building.

• Switch To Touchless Devices in the Kitchen and Bathrooms 

Touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and towels will keep these spaces cleaner and reduce contamination from germs. 

Providing a worry free and clean environment in your facility is manageable with the right plan of attack. Implementing a solid cleaning plan will keep employees safe and businesses open. Please contact us if your would like to learn more about having your facility thoroughly cleaned.