Services, Trash Room Cleaning
Health Department Inspection Flags Trash Room in Senior Center
When a local senior center faced the daunting task of bringing their trash room up to health standards, they turned to
us for an urgent solution. Health Department inspections demand cleanliness, and we were ready to deliver.
The Basics: Trash Rooms Should Be Non-Porous
While it might seem like common sense, the reality is that many trash rooms have walls, floors, and ceilings that are
improperly sealed. This oversight can lead to failed inspections and, more importantly, compromise the overall hygiene
of the space.
A Troubled Trash Room: Unsealed Surfaces and Improper Paint
The senior center’s trash room posed unique challenges. With drywall and concrete walls adorned with flat latex paint,
the surfaces were far from non-porous. This particular type of paint not only lacked scrub-ability but also attracted
soils, exacerbating the problem.
Surprisingly, the concrete floor remained improperly sealed, contrary to our recommendation. While our focus was on
comprehensive improvements, the immediate concern was passing the impending Health Department inspection.
Our Strategic Approach to Salvaging the Trash Room
To rectify the situation and ensure the trash room met health standards, we implemented a meticulous plan:
- Powerful Degreasing: We scrubbed the room with a potent high-foam degreaser designed to break down food-based
soils.
- Hospital-Grade Disinfection: Walls were disinfected using a hospital-grade disinfectant to eliminate harmful
pathogens.
- Neutralization: We neutralized the walls, adjusting the pH to a neutral level for a safer and cleaner environment.
- Coating Application: To address the porous surfaces, we applied two coats of primer followed by two coats of 60%
solids oil-based enamel paint. This not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also improved the room’s overall
cleanliness.
Recommendations for Ongoing Maintenance
For sustained cleanliness and compliance, we proposed a comprehensive maintenance plan:
- Regular scrubbing to remove soils.
- Consistent disinfection of all surfaces.
- Application of a penetrating sealer-primer to walls, floor, and ceiling.
- Use of enamel or epoxy paint on the ceiling.
- Installation of approved non-porous material, like Melamine, on walls.
- Epoxy application on the floor.
Partnering with Scrub n Shine for Long-Term Success
As part of our holistic approach, we strongly recommended regular cleaning services for both trash chutes and the trash
room. Our commitment extends beyond immediate solutions – we aim for sustained cleanliness and client satisfaction.
If your facility faces similar challenges, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let us be your partner in
creating a cleaner and healthier environment.
