Month: October 2025

At GSF USA, our greatest strength is our incredible team. Every day, our team members bring dedication, professionalism and heart to their work, helping us deliver exceptional cleaning services for our clients.

For our next Heart of GSF USA, we’re proud to spotlight Mariana Mondragon, Building Supervisor at our Chicago office. Known for her teamwork and leadership, Mariana consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues.

Nominated by Branch Manager Alberto Acosta, he shared, “Mariana is an excellent team player who takes action whenever there are any additional projects, bringing her team together and creating an amazing atmosphere. She’s the go-to person whenever we need extra support at another location.”

A Culture of Appreciation

Mariana says she chose to work at GSF because she appreciates the company’s mission and the opportunities it provides for growth. Since joining the team, she has developed strong connections with her coworkers and values the supportive environment they’ve built together.

“The day-to-day culture with my team is that we help each other and work together,” said Mariana. “Cleaning is a reflection of how GSF works. Customers are happy with our cleaning services and are always grateful for all the hard work we do.”

Learning and Continued Growth

At GSF USA, we care about clean and the people who make it happen. Continuous learning is a key part of our culture, and we’re proud to invest in training and development opportunities for our team members.

Mariana says she’s grateful for the skills and experiences she’s gained through GSF. “GSF gives us the necessary training for each position,” she explained. “They show appreciation by hosting team events, celebrating birthdays and allowing us to attend GSF University. I’ve learned so many new things I didn’t know before.”

Mariana’s enthusiasm, leadership and commitment to her team make her an exceptional example of the GSF spirit. We’re proud to have her as part of the GSF USA team and look forward to her continued growth and success. Thank you for all that you do!

Maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace is essential for the health, safety and overall well-being of employees. From restrooms to break rooms, each shared space requires consistent attention to prevent the spread of germs, reduce absenteeism and create an environment where employees feel comfortable and valued. By focusing on high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas, such as lobbies and break rooms, while implementing best practices, organizations can achieve higher standards of hygiene that benefit everyone.

The First Line of Defense

Restrooms are one of the most heavily used areas in any workplace, making them a critical focus for cleaning teams. Regularly and thoroughly disinfecting toilets, sinks, faucets, door handles and dispensers helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Beyond daily cleaning, facilities should ensure that essential supplies, such as soap, paper towels and hand sanitizers, are always readily available. Establishing a restroom cleaning schedule and monitoring it with visible checklists can provide accountability and reassurance to employees.

Promoting a Healthy Shared Space

Break rooms are hubs of interaction and often hotspots for germs. High-touch areas, such as refrigerator handles, microwaves, coffee machines and tables, should be disinfected multiple times a day, especially in larger offices. Encouraging employees to clean up after themselves helps, but professional cleaning ensures a consistent standard. Providing disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer in shared spaces empowers staff to maintain cleanliness between professional cleanings.

Where Attention Matters Most

High-touch surfaces throughout the workplace, such as light switches, elevator buttons, door handles, keyboards and phones, are often overlooked. They are also some of the most common vectors for germ transmission, which is why they need extra attention. Implementing enhanced cleaning protocols for these areas, paired with GREEN-SEAL certified disinfectants, helps reduce the spread of illness-causing pathogens and keeps employees healthier throughout the year.

Best Practices for Workplace Hygiene

• Create a Cleaning Schedule: Develop and communicate consistent cleaning routines for high-traffic and high-touch areas.
• Use Proper Products: Select disinfectants that are proven effective against a broad range of pathogens.
• Educate Employees: Promote hygiene practices like handwashing and sanitizing after using shared spaces.
• Leverage Professional Services: Partner with experienced cleaning providers to ensure thorough, reliable results.

A Clean Workplace Builds Trust

Maintaining high hygiene standards is not just about cleanliness; it’s about building trust and confidence among employees and visitors. When people see that restrooms, break rooms and high-touch areas are properly cared for, they feel safer and more valued in their workplace.

At GSF, we believe that investing in professional cleaning services is an investment in employee well-being and organizational reputation. By focusing on hygiene in the areas that matter most, businesses can foster healthier, happier workplaces where everyone thrives.

At GSF USA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, teamwork and commitment to excellence are what make our service stand out each and every day. As we mark another quarter, we’re proud to recognize and honor the incredible team members who have reached milestone anniversaries with GSF.

Thank you for being the reason GSF USA continues to shine. Together, we can make a difference that lasts.

Interested in a workplace where your hard work matters? Learn more about careers at GSF USA here.

30^th Anniversaries

Dewain H., GSF Indiana

25^th Anniversaries

Estuardo G., GSF Indiana

20^th Anniversaries

Baudelio D., GSF Indiana

Daisy R., GSF Illinois

10th Anniversaries

Maria B., GSF Illinois

Dennis L., GSF Ohio

Odilia L., GSF Indiana

Hector O., GSF Indiana

Charles P., GSF Ohio

Mousba S., GSF Illinois

Maria V., GSF Indiana

5th Anniversaries

Ana B., GSF Illinois

Jose C., GSF Indiana

Rosmery F., GSF Illinois

Silvia G., GSF Illinois

Keith G., GSF Ohio

Esmeralda G., GSF Illinois

Arturo L., GSF Illinois

Kelcey M., GSF Indiana

Gerardo M., GSF Illinois

Alejandro P., GSF Illinois

Martha P., GSF Illinois

Luciana R., GSF Illinois

Stephanie R., GSF Ohio

Diego R., GSF Ohio

Adam R., GSF Indiana

Cleaning is one of those everyday tasks that seems simple on the surface, but there’s far more science and expertise behind it than most people realize. A quick video on social media may give the impression that anyone can master proper cleaning in minutes, but that’s not the case. Myths and misconceptions often spread quickly online, and while they seem harmless, they can prevent facilities from achieving healthier, safer and more sustainable environments.

To help set the record straight, GSF USA’s experts are debunking some of the most common cleaning myths.

1. Hot Water Kills Germs

Hot water alone will not kill germs. While it may loosen dirt or grease, water needs to reach high temperatures of 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, much higher than what comes from a standard faucet, to be effective against bacteria. Proper cleaning requires the right cleaning agents and, when needed, EPA-registered disinfectants.

2. Bleach is the Best Disinfectant

Although bleach is a powerful chemical, it is not always the best or safest choice. If not used properly, it can damage surfaces, create strong odors and cause user irritation. There are safer and equally effective disinfectants available. Cleaning professionals are trained to select disinfectants based on specific needs and surface types.

3. Too Much Vacuuming Ruins Your Carpets

Regular vacuuming doesn’t wear out carpet fibers; it can help extend their lifespan. Dirt and dust act like sandpaper, breaking down carpet over time. Regular vacuuming helps remove these particles before they cause permanent damage, keeping carpets looking fresh and lasting longer.

4. Air Fresheners Remove Odors

Using an air freshener to remove odors does not work; rather, it only masks the odor. Real odor control starts with cleaning and removing the sources of the smell, such as cleaning up spills, food particles, mildew or taking out the trash. Professional cleaning teams use specialized products and processes to help neutralize odors at their source.

5. Cleaning Doesn’t Help Prevent Illnesses

This is one of the more dangerous myths. Proper cleaning and disinfection significantly helps reduce the spread of germs that cause colds, flu and other illnesses. High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and desks should be regularly disinfected to help protect facility occupants.

6. You Don’t Need Specialized Training to Clean

Anyone can wipe down a surface, but professional cleaning is a much more complex process. Training ensures that staff understand chemical safety, proper dilution, prevention of cross-contamination and emerging cleaning technologies and procedures. A well-trained team delivers safer, higher-quality results.

7. Environmentally Friendly Products are Less Effective

Green cleaning products and procedures have come a long way. Today, many meet rigorous certification standards and work just as well, if not better, than traditional chemicals. Using sustainable products not only helps protect the planet but also improves indoor air quality (IAQ) and protects facility occupant health.

8. Cleaning and Disinfecting are the Same Thing

Although people often use these terms interchangeably, they are not the same. Cleaning removes dirt and debris from surfaces. Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs. To be effective, surfaces need to be cleaned first, then disinfected. Skipping the cleaning step can reduce the effectiveness of the disinfection process.

9. Any Cleaning Product Works

Not all cleaning products are created equally. The right product depends on the surface, soil type and the desired outcome. For example, glass cleaner isn’t designed to disinfect, and a disinfectant may not clean well on greasy surfaces. Professionals carefully select products to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

10. All Cleaning Companies Do the Same Thing

One of the most common misconceptions is that every cleaning company offers the same level of service. In reality, quality varies widely. A trusted partner will provide trained staff, proven processes, sustainable practices and measurable results. Choosing the right company is about finding one that aligns with your facility’s unique needs and values.

Understanding the Cleaning Facts

Believing cleaning myths can lead to wasted time, ineffective results and even health risks for facility occupants. By understanding the facts, facility managers can make better decisions and create healthier spaces. At GSF USA, we rely on science, training and sustainable practices to ensure that cleaning isn’t just done, it’s done right.

CONTACT US today to learn how we can help elevate your cleaning routine.

By: Patricia L, Day Porter, GSF USA Illinois

When people think about keeping schools running smoothly, they often think of teachers, administrators, and students. But behind the scenes, service operators like me play an important role in making sure classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias are safe, clean, and ready for learning every day.

I usually start my shift early in the morning, before the students arrive. The building is quiet, and that’s my time to prepare. One of the first things I do is make sure the restrooms are stocked with soap, paper towels and toilet paper. Kids go through supplies quickly, so staying on top of them is key. From there, I disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and handrails because those spots are where germs spread the fastest.

By mid-morning, the school is alive with energy. That means I’m checking classrooms to make sure trash cans are emptied, spills are taken care of, and supplies like tissues or sanitizer are where teachers need them. Sometimes I’ll get a call to handle a mess in the hallway or cafeteria – kids drop things, accidents happen and it’s my job to make sure everything gets cleaned up quickly so learning can continue without distraction.

Lunchtime is one of the busiest parts of my day. Between wiping down tables, sweeping the floors, and making sure the trash is taken out before the next group of students comes in, it’s nonstop. I know how important it is. A clean cafeteria means kids can focus on eating and recharging for the rest of their day instead of worrying about sticky tables or messes.

Some days are extra fun, especially around the holidays! Once, the students had a project where they made little racing carts. They took all of us on a ride around the school in the carts – it was such a fun bonding moment with the class.

What I like most about the job is knowing I’m making a difference, even if most people don’t always see it. Teachers and students rely on us to keep the environment healthy and welcoming, and that gives me pride in the work I do.

At GSF USA, we say We Care About Clean, and for me, that’s more than a slogan, it’s how I approach every task, every shift, every day. Whether I’m restocking supplies, handling an emergency cleanup or just keeping the building running smoothly, I know my work helps create a better place for students to learn and grow.