While you won’t find us abseiling from the Eureka Tower, our skilled team of professionals do service internal and external windows under 40 metres high of high-rise body corporates, offices and apartments across Melbourne.

Read more below to find out how we keep your high-rise windows pristine and how you too can keep them mark-free between visits.

The GT Method

Our team utilise high quality, specialised window-cleaning accessories and licensed equipment to clean your windows both quickly and effectively, including:

1. Boom Lift

As our team specialise in external window cleaning under 40 metres, we use boom-lifts or ‘scissor-lifts’ to reach your external windows with ease. Our professional cleaning team also includes qualified boom-lift operators  who are well versed in the safety measures and procedures associated with operating a boom-lift safely and effectively.

Our cleaners work systematically from the top windows down to ensure no spillage or dirt falls on already cleaned windows.

2. WaterFed Poles

To clean external windows, our team use WaterFed poles – a long extendable broom pole that dispenses purified water through the brush head. WaterFed poles can range from 10-20 metres long and are generally made of fibre glass or carbon fibres.

3. Purified Water

Purified water is optimal for window cleaning as the purification process removes all dissolved water solids, allowing the water to quickly evaporate without leaving nasty streaks or residue spots. Click here to see how it’s done!

4. Squeegees & Scrapers

For internal windows, our professionals utilise more traditional window cleaning methods, including eco-friendly window detergent, squeegees and scrapers to achieve a flawless, glistening finish.

Tips & Tricks

Want to give window cleaning a try? Check out our favourite window cleaning tips and tricks below you can use in your home, office or apartment.

1. Keep an eye on the weather

When it comes to cleaning your windows, cloudy days are your best friend! Cleaning windows when the sun is beaming can often result in the cleaning solution sticking to the glass, leaving residue marks and streaks, so keep this in mind and plan ahead of time.

2. Choose the right cleaning solution

When there are thousands of commercial and homemade cleaning solutions out there to choose from, finding the right product can be a daunting task.

While it may seem basic, Palmolive is a great inexpensive detergent that is both gentle on the hands and suds well for window washing.

And, if you’re looking for a more natural solution, white vinegar and water on a microfibre cloth works just as effectively. Check out our blog here for more eco-friendly cleaning solutions to clean your home, office or commercial windows!

3. Microfibre!

While it might be a no-brainer to some, microfibre cloths really are a must-have for every cleaning toolkit. With approximately 200,000 fibres per square inch, they can hold up to six times their weight in water – making them the perfect sidekick for streak-free window cleaning.

We love the Oates 3-Pack that includes 3 different coloured cloths – this way you can easily designate a cloth for general purpose, one for windows and glass and one dust and polish. And, if you can’t get a hold of microfibre, try re-using your newspaper for an almost perfect streak-free finish.

At GT Cleaning, we are happy to come by your body corporate, office or home and offer you an obligation free quote for our professional window cleaning services.  Plus, you can get a Week’s Free Clean on Us!  Contact us today to find out how.

The post How to Clean High Rise Windows appeared first on GT Cleaning.

That’s why we’ve curated a list of our best “how to” toxic-free cleaning tips to keep your office and for that matter your home, cleaner, more environmentally friendly and toxin-free.

How To Clean Glass & Mirrors Without Chemicals

Mirrors and glass surfaces are the windows to the soul of your business and home but are super-prone to pesky fingerprints, dust and oils.  Try our tried and tested method to keep them sparkly clean.

1. Mix up tap water and white vinegar to a 50:50 ratio.

2. Spray white vinegar and water solution over the entire surface

2. Rub with a towel or cloth to loosen build-up

3. Fold cloth to the dry side or use another dry-polishing cloth to wipe away the residue.

4. Let the surface dry

5. Buff out any streaks and remaining lint with a dry cotton towel

How To Clean Stainless Steel So It Sparkles

Stainless steel appliances are so essential for giving kitchens the ‘wow-factor’, but they’re often tarnished with oily fingerprints and food residue.  Although keeping stainless steel clean can be a challenge, our toxin-free cleaning tips are the perfect natural solution to keep your appliances looking their best.

1. Clean the area with a light, non-abrasive soap and water and dry with a towel

2. Dab a small amount of olive oil on to a clean, microfibre towel or rag

3. Work the oil thoroughly in the direction of the stainless ‘grain’ to achieve optimal results

4. Wipe the area over with a small amount of white vinegar for a less shiny finish.

How To Clean Wood Flooring Naturally

Believe it or not, white vinegar is one of the best natural, inexpensive cleaners for hardwood floors. Follow our steps below to clean your wood floors without harsh toxins:

1. Sweep up any loose dirt and debris using a micro-fibre dust mop or broom

2. Mix ¼ cup of apple cider white vinegar OR ½ cup white vinegar with 4 litres of warm water in a bucket

3. Dampen a mop in the mixture

4. Mop the floor and wait to dry

5. Buff the floor with a dry micro-fibre towel for the perfect finish.

If you are looking for a professional cleaner that uses environmentally friendly solutions for all their cleaning or would like more information regarding our favourite natural cleaning solutions, give GT Cleaning a call today.

The post How To Clean Your Office & Home Without Harsh Chemicals appeared first on GT Cleaning.

We have put together a list of our top 5 carpet stain remover tips to keep your carpet clean and maintain its quality over time.

Carpet is more important than we give it credit for. It is often responsible for creating the clean welcoming space, critical to first client impressions. Premium carpet can be an expensive investment, so like any investment, it makes sense to take care of it.

Tip 1: How to Remove Gum from Carpet

1.  Place some ice blocks in a zip-lock bag.
2.  Place the bag directly onto the gum stain for a few minutes to harden the gum.
3.  Gently scrape the gum from the carpet using a dull knife or scraping tool.
4.  Sponge the remainder of the stain directly with detergent.

If there is still gum left over, try the following:

– Combine soapy water and white wine vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray solution onto the area and rub until gum is removed.

– Softly blot the gum with an oil such as olive or peanut oil. This will make the gum less sticky and easier to remove. Use a dull non sharp knife to remove completely.

Tip 2: How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Carpet

1.  Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar,1 tablespoon of dish liquid soap and water in a spray-bottle.
2.  Spray stained area liberally, letting the solution soak for 5-10 minutes.
3.  Softly blot the area with a clean, dry towel until the stain is removed.

Tip 3: How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpet

1.  Soak up as much of the coffee as you can with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2.  Combine one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, one tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water in a bowl.
3.  Apply a small amount of the mixture to a clean cloth.
4.  Softly dab the sponge onto the affected area, blotting frequently until the stain disappears.

Tip 4: How to Remove Permanent Marker from Carpet

1.  Moisten the ink stain with either rubbing alcohol or non-oily hairspray.
2.  Lightly blot the stain from the carpet (the colour should transfer onto the towel.)
3.  Once the stain is removed, dip a towel in warm water and press lightly over the area to remove any excess ink from carpet-fibres.

Tip 5: How to Remove Nail Polish from Carpet

1.  Remove any excess spillage by pressing gently with a paper towel.
2.  Gently scrape as much of the dry nail polish as you can out of the carpet with a dull knife or utensil.
3.  Apply a small amount of non-oily nail polish remover/ rubbing alcohol to a cloth and blot the stain until removed.

If you need professional assistance with carpet stain removal or your workplace carpet needs a routine professional clean, give GT a call today.

The post Our Top 5 Carpet Stain Removal Tips appeared first on GT Cleaning.

As a starting point we look at the following:

Cleaning protocols – We assess relevant cleaning protocols to ensure workplaces are kept safe and hygiene requirements are met; this can be especially important for infection control among other potential issues.

Hazard identification – We work with clients to identify potential hazards and ensure they are minimised and dealt with appropriately. We know the importance of making sure that we reduce the risk of infection and injury from hazardous materials in your practice.

The client’s needs –  We understand that Medical Centres have strict codes, statutory and other requirements they must abide by. Given our understanding and experience in the industry, we work with our clients to develop a cleaning process that ensures these needs are met.

Staff training and Education – We ensure our staff are fully trained and equipped to perform cleaning at the level our clients require. We make sure that our staff correctly understand each Client’s requirements to ensure they deliver the job at the appropriate standard. We regularly audit our team to make sure that standards are kept. Consistency is, and we understand how important this is.

We have the right protocols covering training and education, risk management, accountability, infection prevention and control, equipment purchases and upgrades as well as outbreak management and control.

If you run a Medical Centre and you are looking for a cleaner, please get in touch with us today for a no obligation chat and a quote.

The post How Cleaning is Different for the Healthcare Industry appeared first on GT Cleaning.

Not all cleans are created equal and not all cleaning companies are capable of cleaning to the same level of others. At GT, we are highly experienced in working with clinics and Medical Centres so we understand what is actually meant when someone talks about a “medical grade clean.” I don’t want to get technical and talk about adherence to Government Standards – because obviously we do this – but I thought it worthwhile spending a little time talking about different levels of clean.

Sterile – You don’t get “cleaner” than sterile, and proper steriisation is incredibly important for medical centre surfaces. Medical grade sterilisation ensures bacteria, fungi and any potential viruses are eliminated effectively. This is particularly important in critical areas and on medical instruments to ensure staff and patients are protected from communicable diseases.

Disinfected –  Disinfectants kill microorganisms on hard surfaces, but won’t necessarily kill all of their spores. As such, in medical settings, disinfectant usage should be limited to non-critical or only semi-critical surfaces. It’s a relatively high level of clean but should not be used in critical cases.

Sanitised – Sanitisers are not as strong as disinfectants. They can reduce microorganisms but do not necessarily kill them all effectively. This level of cleanliness satisfies many health codes and regulations but would not generally be considered a medical grade clean.

Clean – When someone refers to cleaning, in general, they’re referring to the physical removal of dirt that can be visibly seen. General cleans may yield a clean surface, but will not generally kill microorganisms, bacteria and other spores. This is definitely not medical grade.

The difference between sterile, disinfected, sanitised and cleaned is incredibly important – in some cases it can be the difference between life and death, particularly in high risk medical settings. A medical grade clean cannot be short cut and must be completed thoroughly and effectively if you are looking at a cleaning company for your medical grade clean then you need to ensure your cleaner can deliver a quality clean that ensures surfaces and instruments are rid of germs and bacteria.

We understand the requirements of a medical grade clean. We have access to the tools and the cleaning products needed to give your Centre a medical grade clean. Our Cleaners are properly trained and always pay the right attention to detail. If you’d like a no obligation quote for your premises, get in touch today.

How Adhoc cleans in communal areas keep the Body Corporate Committee Members happy.

A building with multiple tenants needs a Body Corporate Committee. The Committee members are volunteers who do try to make things better for all the tenants in the building. Sometimes the Body Corporate Committee engagements a body corporate management company, sometimes they manage all of the supplier relationships themselves.

One of the most important relationships that a Body Corporate Committee has is with their cleaner. One of the most important services a Cleaning Company can provide for a Body Corporate is ad hoc cleaning of communal areas.

Yes, a cleaning company should have regular cleaning schedules with their clients but there are a few reasons that a Body Corporate Committee might require ad hoc cleaning and I want to outline 3 of them below.

Sometimes messes just happen – Sometimes things happen. Sometimes messes are made in communal areas and need to be cleaned up in an expedient manner. This could be for a couple of reasons. Sometimes it’s a requirement for health and safety, sometimes a mess can just be unsightly and needs to be dealt with – especially if the “messy” communal area is an entrance way. To ensure that cleaning is completed in a timely manner you want to deal with a cleaning company with a large enough team to deal with ad hoc cleaning – taking this stress of the Body Corporate Committee Members.

People don’t like seeing a mess in communal areas – First impressions count. You don’t want guests to your building seeing a mess in communal areas. But it’s not just guests that are unhappy with mess. Tenants also hate mess. And, you know who they complain to? The Body Corporate Committee. So, the Body Corporate Committee want these problems solved quickly. That’s where a cleaning company who can help with ad hoc cleaning becomes invaluable. They can resolve these issues – often before someone complains.

Cleaning Companies can help identify other issues that may need a resolution – Sometimes, ad hoc cleaning can be required because of other issues that the cleaners can help the Body Corporate Committee identify. This allows the Committee to more effectively manage issues they may need to resolved quickly.

As a company, we specialise in working with Body Corporate Management Companies and Body Corporate Committees. We understand the requirements that Body Corporates have for cleaning – both regular cleaning services and ad hoc cleaning requirements. Our team has the capability to manage your regular cleaning and also fulfil any ad hoc cleaning requirements you have.

The post Medical Grade Clean appeared first on GT Cleaning.

Many businesses operate from communal office buildings and shared spaces that are managed by a body corporate. To ensure that your communal spaces are cleaned and maintained effectively you need to engage a cleaning company that is specialised in Body Corporate Cleaning.

GT Cleaning is the team for you. Our professionally trained Melbourne cleaners utilise proper and safe cleaning equipment and products when cleaning communal spaces for our body corporate clients.

Why is Body Corporate Cleaning different to regular cleaning?

General Cleaning of Communal floors and spaces
Communal spaces shared by multiple tenants often get higher traffic than those with single tenants, making the cleaning requirements much larger than usual. Some communal spaces may include shared toilets and bathrooms. To ensure the health and safety of all staff, it’s important that these are thoroughly cleaned by professionals.

Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Sometimes shared communal spaces have chairs and rugs in waiting spaces that are used constantly, so it’s without question they must be cleaned and maintained regularly. A specialised body corporate cleaning expert understands this and will proactively clean and maintain these surfaces both to ensure their cleanliness and lifespan is maintained.

Window Cleaning
People want to work in clean and bright office settings, with plenty of natural light. An experienced Body Corporate cleaner will ensure the windows in the entrance ways to your buildings are always spotless and maintained as first impressions always count.

Consumables
As mentioned, your premises may have shared restrooms and a shared kitchen. This means that there will be some consumables used by all tenants and staff in the building. A professional body corporate cleaning firm will ensure that stock levels are always up to date and no one is left inconvenienced.

Reporting
Body Corporate cleaning provides its own unique issues. With multiple stakeholders it’s vital all staff are happy and informed. An experienced and professional Melbourne Body Corporate cleaner understands this and will work to provide extensive and detailed notes that can be reported to the Body Corporate Committee and all tenants in the building – so everyone knows what is happening in the building.

If you are unhappy about the cleaning of the communal spaces in your building and would like to speak to our specialist Melbourne body corporate cleaning team, please get in touch today.

The post Why Body Corporate Cleaning is Different to Other Cleaning appeared first on GT Cleaning.

As a result, many business decide it’s easier to do the cleaning themselves to cut costs and that professional cleaners aren’t necessary. This is simply not the case.

Firstly, your staff were not hired to be cleaners and should not be expected to do so.
If it wasn’t part of their job description it shouldn’t be part of their work routine.

However, there are some things your staff should do to maintain general office hygiene and a productive work environment.

Do the Dishes
There’s nothing more annoying than a dirty or messy kitchen. If one of your staff uses cups or utensils, it’s essential they clean up after themselves to avoid uncleanliness and potential spread of germs.

Clean their desk
Staff members should take responsibility for keeping their own workspaces tidy – this is important from a hygiene perspective but also a privacy/security perspective. Staff shouldn’t be leaving customer files or important documents lying around for people to see.

So what should be left to the professionals?

Communal spaces where germs can flourish
The last thing you want is for your staff to get sick and spread germs around the office. Even without knowing it, your staff may be carrying sickness before any symptoms arise; thus it is essential any communal spaces are properly cleaned by a professional.

Floors
Only professionals have the proper equipment to clean all the dirt and grime that collects in floors throughout the day. Make sure they are cleaned properly by professionals with the right equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Windows
There’s nothing more unsightly than dirty windows with grubby marks, streaks and cobwebs which can damage your business’ image and reputation if not cleaned professionally.

Public facing spaces
First impressions are everything. You want to make a great impression with clients and potential clients. Make sure you use professional cleaners in your public facing spaces.

As you’re now aware there are some general tidying activities that your staff can do to enhance the cleanliness of your business, but it is recommended that most cleaning activities are left to the professionals.

If you would like a quote on how we can help your business, please contact GT Cleaning today.

The post Cleaning Jobs your Staff Can Do and Those you Should Leave to the Professionals appeared first on GT Cleaning.

Even if you or your staff do most of your cleaning yourselves, every now and then it can be worth engaging a professional cleaner, even if it’s on an ad-hoc basis. While not wanting to be critical of your existing cleaning efforts, as professional cleaners we often have the right equipment, chemicals and training to get the job done effectively and to a more superior standard, compared to going it alone.

If you are considering calling in cleaning professionals for an ad-hoc clean, below are some of the things you should consider:

Certifications

A cleaning company must be certified by trusted and cleaning-related agencies. This will help them to earn your trust and will ensure your company OH&S standards are adhered to. For example, do they have the right certifications to clean windows above a certain height? Do their employees all hold current Working with Children and Police Checks? Make sure you don’t just ask them if they have the correct certifications. Do your checks and balances.  Follow best practices and view the certifications, check they are current and record the relevant information in-case you need to refer to it in the future.

Types of equipment

As mentioned, cleaning service companies should have the proper tools to perform their job. Well, a good cleaning company should have this equipment. Ensure you check their equipment to see if it is up to the task? Is it well maintained? Are they using eco-friendly and safe chemicals?

References from previous clients

Just like for an applicant trying to get any job, a reference check is important for a cleaning company, even if you are only engaging them for an ad-hoc service. Don’t be shy to ask them to provide a list of references that can verify the quality of their services. You can also look at their recommendation letters from previous clients. Do they have testimonials on their website and are they verifiable?

Insurance
You need to make sure that any contractors you welcome onto your worksite are adequately insured for the safety and security of your people, the company, and its amenities.

Meet the Team
Make sure you know the people that will do the cleaning for you. It is important to know who will manage the account and what the procedure is for replacing people when one isn’t available. Moreover, for security reasons you don’t want people, whom you aren’t familiar with accessing your building, especially after hours.

We are experts at cleaning and can help with your needs.  Below is a list of just some of the jobs we can help with, so get in touch today.

Our cleaning services

One-Off Cleaning
High-Pressure Cleaning
Window Cleaning – Up to 40M High
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Developers/After Builders Cleaning
Council Town Halls & Library
School & Educational Institution
Conference Centre Cleaning
Retail Cleaning
Body Corporate Cleaning
Medical/Health-Care Unit Cleaning
Financial Institution Cleaning

The post Adhoc Cleaning – Almost as Good as A Winter Holiday appeared first on GT Cleaning.

Boost Your Staff Morale! Get Your Office Cleaned 

The office can be a person’s home away from home. Your staff spend an inordinately large amount of time in the office. Providing a clean and safe working environment for your employees can do wonders for productivity and employee retention. You want the office always to be an inviting space for them – one where they feel comfortable, almost like they feel “at home.”

Interesting facts and figures

On an average, an individual spends 160-200 hours in an office per month. And in this period, as an employer, you’d want your employees to deliver their best performance and achieve their goals. Having a clean space to work in can help to motivate your employees to focus more on their goals at hand – the last thing you want is for them to feeling dissatisfied in their work environment and feeling like their office space is unhygienic.

Well maintained offices can have various positive effects on your staff and have a domino effect on the working environment, workforce productivity and eventually on the image of the company.

Think about walking into your office knowing you’d have to spend a good 8 hours sitting in it. Would you rather want to walk into a messy workspace that smells like old food or a fresh, clean space with a pleasant odour? Nothing can be nicer than a clean desk waiting for you as you start your day on a positive note. A clean space can give you a clear head and increase your focus, enabling you to achieve your day-to-day goals.

It isn’t only the desk or the floor that needs to stay clean. Research has suggested that computer keyboards and doorknobs contain more germs than an average toilet. Richard Caines said, “A clean environment improves people’s sense of well-being and reduces anxiety.” One of the main reasons for keeping your office clean is the health of your employees.

Sickness and the importance of office cleaning

You know what happens when one person gets sick in the family? One by one everyone else falls sick too! It’s very likely that the same is happening in your office environment where employees are working beside each other and are touching the same doorknobs and other surfaces.  Even if the sick person takes a leave day, germs are bound to stick around, as they may have been contagious even before symptoms showed. So, office cleaning is essential if you want to have more productivity workforce and less sick days.

Your company’s reputation

A clean and safe working environment is one of the main aspects that reflect on your company’s image – you won’t be considered a great place to work if your office space isn’t clean. No one would like to work for a firm that does not offer their employees a clean office environment. A well-maintained office is more likely to attract employees and keep your workforce happy and also impress prospective clients that walk in for a visit or a meeting. Moreover, a happy workforce ensures that they deliver their best to keep the clients and customers happy as well; again, reflecting positively on the company’s image.

A happy workforce is a productive workforce

Whether you’re investing in a cleaning company or doing it yourself, having a well-maintained office is extremely important and can have many advantages in the short term as well as long-term for your company.

We take our cleaning across Melbourne seriously, and we even use eco-friendly chemical proven to kill harmful bacteria. Get in touch today to learn about our quality scheduled cleaning and adhoc cleaning services and how they can improve the happiness of your workforce today!

The post Boost Your Staff Morale! Get Your Office Cleaned appeared first on GT Cleaning.

Below are just some of the things you should consider when reviewing your current cleaner or signing up a new one.

Do Their Staff ALL have Police & Security Checks

If you are giving people access to your office after hours you want to know that they can be trusted. When you choose a cleaning company you want to make sure you choose a company that requires their cleaners to have security checks and police checks. You want to make sure that cleaners accessing your office don’t have criminal records or issues that may compromise the security of your business and your information.

 Clear Security Protocols whilst cleaning

During a cleaning shift, the cleaners of your office may need to regularly come in and out of the office. During a shift you want to make sure that any cleaning staff have in case protocols to ensure your business is safe and secure. You do not want them doing things like propping open doors or windows – leaving it possible for others to enter your premises outside work hours when they are not supposed to. If you need to give your cleaning company swipe cards, make sure that you know who has access to these cards and your office. If you are working with a company that has a change of cleaning staff make sure that you are updated in a timely manner.

 IDs and Uniforms

If people are accessing your premises after hours, but you have your own staff staying back late, you want them to be comfortable about others they might not know accessing the premises. For this reason you want to make sure that any cleaning staff accessing your office have ID cards at a minimum. It would be better if they actually had a cleaning uniform as well.

 Make sure your own staff follow security protocols

Whilst there are some factors to consider when looking at your chosen cleaning company, it’s still important to remember that your staff do have some responsibilities though to ensure the security of your office files and equipment. They need to make sure that any vital tools or information is stored securely – that it’s not left on a desk at the end of the day. This is important to remove temptation but also to ensure that something important is not accidentally damaged or disposed of.

We take our clients’ security seriously and we have in place detailed protocols to protect our clients. Get in touch today to learn about our quality commercial cleaning services and data security protocols!

The post Office File & Data Security – Why Your Cleaning Company Matters appeared first on GT Cleaning.