Author: Liz Rouech

At GSF USA we care about clean and the people who make it happen. Our team members embody GSF’s mission and values, and we are grateful for their unwavering dedication and passion for delivering outstanding cleaning services for our clients. When a team shares a passion for excellence, it shines through in their work.

One shining example of this commitment is David, a Team Lead who brings a smile and a positive attitude to work each day. Known for his readiness to lend a hand, David takes pride in working alongside his team, especially during the busy summer cleaning season. He enjoys seeing the progress they achieve together, and the rewarding feeling of a job well done.

Reflecting on his experience with GSF, David shared, “Since joining, I’ve learned the importance of organization, especially when managing supplies. I love seeing our clients happy with the high-quality results of our work.”

David joined GSF when we began operations in his district and has enjoyed working with his team. He values GSF’s commitment to understanding their employees’ needs and equipping them with the tools they need to do an excellent job.

“David’s work has garnered glowing reviews from teachers and staff, who appreciate his dedication and kindness,” said Magda Hernandez, Senior Area Manager and David’s nominator.

Employees like David are the heart of GSF. We are proud of our strong company culture and are committed to creating a workplace where people inspire each other to grow and succeed.

Interested in joining a team like Davids? Check out our open positions!

In the cleaning industry, it’s more than just having the right products, it’s about having a team of skilled, knowledgeable and empowered cleaning staff. With a 53% worker shortage predicted in the facility management industry by 2025, investing in your employees is more important than ever. Here’s why continuous training is vital and how it helps staff deliver top-tier service.

Keep up with the Latest Techniques

Cleaning practices are always evolving. What worked a decade ago might not be the most effective method today. To help ensure your teams use the most efficient and effective techniques, prioritize regular training sessions to help introduce new methods and refine existing skills. This will help improve the quality of cleaning and help staff stay on top of the latest trends to deliver consistent results.

Leveraging Innovative Technologies

The cleaning industry has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, including autonomous equipment, electrostatic sprayers and smart cleaning systems. Providing your staff with training in the latest technologies helps ensure they use these tools correctly. Whether they learn to operate autonomous machines or use digital platforms for task management, well-trained teams are better equipped to handle a diverse range of cleaning needs.

Prioritizing Safety Protocols

Safety is at the forefront of everything in the cleaning industry. Cleaning can be a hazardous job if the right precautions are not taken. Ongoing training helps ensure that employees are aware of the best safety practices, understand how to handle hazardous materials and know the correct way to use protective gear. This focus on safety helps protect your team and assures your clients that their facilities are being cared for properly.

Building Confidence and Morale

Training is more than just skills; it’s about empowerment. In fact, 59% of employees say training improves their overall job performance, and 41% say that it improves their time management skills. When your team feels confident in their abilities and is equipped with the right tools and knowledge, it shows in their work. This confidence leads to higher job satisfaction, which translates into a more motivated and dedicated team.

A Commitment to Excellence

Investing in your employees is an investment in your future. At GSF USA, we recognize that our team is our greatest asset. That’s why we are committed to ongoing training and professional development. Our GSF University leadership program trains our team on how to properly reduce waste, extend the lifespan of facility assets and create a safer, more sustainable environment for everyone. Through our training, we want to empower our teams to perform their best, ensuring our clients receive the highest standard of service.

At GSF USA, we care about clean and the people who deliver it. Contact us to learn how we can support your facility’s cleaning needs.

At GSF USA, we take pride in hiring team members who embody GSF’s mission, values and goals. We look for individuals with a growth mindset, always looking to improve their skills. We’re grateful for our employees and their dedication to providing exceptional outsourced cleaning services. When a team is eager to succeed, it shines through in their work.

One standout team member is Al, an Area Manager who exemplifies our commitment to hiring individuals driven to learn and deliver quality results. Al’s role involves visiting clients and working directly at their sites, where he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, whether it’s a special service job or construction cleaning.

At GSF, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the quality of our services. Our team members regularly collaborate to learn about new cleaning technologies, equipment and techniques. “The strong company culture at GSF helps build relationships with my team,” Al shares. “Everyone is excited to learn, grow and deliver the best results for our customers.”

“I’ve received many phone calls and emails from clients praising Al and his team for a job well done,” said Sallie Jones, his nominator. “His hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction does not go unnoticed.”

Employees like Al are the backbone of GSF’s strong company culture. A workplace filled with people who inspire each other to grow and succeed leads to exceptional performance and high-quality results. The heart of GSF is its dedicated team of individuals who believe that no task is too big and that maintaining a sustainable, clean facility can help make a positive impact. Interested in joining a team like Al’s? Check out our open positions!

We’d like to take a moment to celebrate all our hardworking team members who are reaching significant milestones and anniversaries at GSF USA! We’re proud to have a team of dedicated individuals who work hard to provide a safe and clean environment for our customers.

Congratulations to all and thank you for your continued efforts in helping GSF USA grow within the commercial cleaning industry. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your dedication and hard work. Thank you!

25^th Anniversaries

Theresa H., GSF Indiana

20^th Anniversaries

Leonidas E., GSF Indiana

Reynaldo S., GSF Indiana

Jaime S., GSF Indiana

10^th Anniversaries 

Albert J., GSF Indiana

Rufus L., GSF Indiana

Roman M., GSF Indiana

Helen V., GSF Indiana

5^th Anniversaries

Lorena A., GSF Illinois

Maria A., GSF Indiana

Cleria C., GSF Illinois

David C., GSF Ohio

Bryan C., GSF Illinois

Maria D., GSF Indiana

Victor F., GSF Illinois

Adoniran G., GSF Indiana

Denis G., GSF Illinois

Maria L., GSF Illinois

Kevin L., GSF Illinois

Elizabeth L., GSF Illinois

Magdalena L., GSF Illinois

Yaqueline L., GSF Illinois

Jose M., GSF Illinois

Perla M., GSF Illinois

Juan P., GSF Indiana

Felix R., GSF Illinois

Jacqueline R., GSF Indiana

Benedicto S., GSF Ohio

Rosendo V., GSF Illinois

Herminio V., GSF Indiana

Guilmar V., GSF Illinois

The cleaning industry is evolving unprecedentedly, with new technologies and equipment hitting the market each year. In fact, by 2028, the commercial cleaning industry will have a stable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.2%. For facility managers and business owners, staying updated with the latest advancements is crucial for maintaining cleanliness, becoming more efficient, reducing costs and improving sustainability. Here are some of the latest cleaning technologies and equipment available and how GSF USA stays on top of the ever-changing trends.

1. Autonomous Floor Scrubbers

Autonomous cleaning robots have advanced significantly in 2024, offering greater precision and speed. These robots can be equipped with AI-driven navigation systems, allowing them to map and clean large spaces efficiently, taking a load off your cleaning team. We use the T7AMR, a robotic solution from Tennant, a leader in commercial floor cleaning machines. It uses advanced AI and can deliver reports for continuous improvement at the end of its operation.

2. Electrostatic Sprayers

Electrostatic sprayers have become a staple in disinfection practices. These devices work by charging cleaning solutions with an electrode inside the sprayer. The positively charged particles then adhere evenly to surfaces, helping ensure thorough disinfection, even in hard-to-reach areas. The sprayers can be conveniently carried in a backpack, allowing your cleaning team to transport the equipment throughout your facility easily.

3. Automated Vacuum Cleaners

In addition to automated floor scrubbers, the popularity of automated vacuum cleaners is rapidly increasing. These vacuums operate by themselves, thanks to their integrated AI platforms. In just one charge, these cleaners can clean around 15,000 square feet, allowing them to map out cleaning plans autonomously. The other additional benefits of using an automated vacuum cleaner include relieving your team from the manual hassle of vacuuming and sweeping your facility.

4. Smart Cleaning Systems

Smart cleaning systems integrate IoT (Internet of Things) technology to provide real-time data and analytics, helping businesses optimize their cleaning processes. These systems can monitor usage, track patterns and alert staff when areas need attention. At GSF USA, we use the latest technological tools to help ensure a smooth workflow, consistent quality control and the highest level of client satisfaction.

5. Electrochemically Activated Solutions (ECAS)

Sustainability is shaping the future of cleaning technology, driving the search for new cleaning methods that are safe for both humans and the environment. One solution is ECAs, a simple, non-toxic cleaning option that facilities can produce on-site as needed. It’s made from just three ingredients: salt, water and electricity. ECAs are fragrance-free, non-irritating and safe for drains and disposal, making them an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional cleaning chemicals.

Stay Up to Date

As the cleaning industry continues to innovate, businesses must stay ahead by adopting the latest technologies. At GSF USA, we’re committed to utilizing the best tools and equipment available to deliver top-tier cleaning services.

If you’d like to learn more about how these technologies can benefit your business, contact GSF USA here. Let us help you create a cleaner, safer environment with the latest technology.

Maintaining a fresh and pleasant indoor environment is essential for the health and productivity of those within your facility. Studies show that smells can directly impact employees’ moods, which in turn affects their productivity. Advances in odor control technologies are revolutionizing how facilities maintain indoor air quality (IAQ). These solutions are helping keep facilities smelling fresh and free from harmful indoor pollutants.

Impact of Odors and VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are human-made chemicals emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. Although not visible to the human eye, these compounds can linger in the air, affecting the health and comfort of your facility’s occupants. VOCs are known for their strong odors and are commonly found in products such as cleaners and disinfectants. When released, they adversely impact your IAQ. Additionally, exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, skin and throat irritation along with headaches.

Key Practices for Maintaining a Healthy IAQ

The indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the outside air due to lack of ventilation, making it crucial to address indoor pollutants for the health of your facility occupants. Reducing VOCs and controlling odors are essential to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Here are several effective practices:

Use Third-Party Certified Products

One effective way to reduce VOCs is to use third-party certified cleaning products. These products undergo rigorous life cycle assessments (LCAs) to determine their environmental impact and ensure they do not contain harmful VOCs. Switching to third-party certified cleaning products can help your facility maintain a healthy IAQ.

Switch to Electrochemically Activated Solutions

PathoSans is at the forefront of odor control technology with its electrochemical activation (ECA) technology. This technology uses salt, water and electricity to create a sodium hydroxide cleaner, PathoClean®, and a hypochlorous acid sanitizer, PathoCide®These ECAs can effectively neutralize VOCs and sulfur compounds into odorless substances while containing no VOCs. Additionally, because PathoSans products treat odors at the cause, there are no fragrance additives or other chemicals that mask the odors as these can cause irritations to those with sensitives.

Routine Cleaning

Having a consistent cleaning regimen is crucial for controlling odors in your facility. Consistently maintaining and monitoring your IAQ can help prevent the buildup of harmful compounds. Additional cleaning help can help manage these cleaning demands effectively.

At GSF USA, our Écologique cleaning program, certified by Green Seal®, uses sustainable cleaning chemicals along with environmentally sourced consumables to help create a safer, more sustainable environment for our customers and their facility occupants.

Control Odors, Control your IAQ

Understanding and addressing the sources of VOCs and implementing effective odor control measures are essential to creating a healthier, more productive facility. By taking proactive measures to manage indoor air quality, such as switching your cleaning products, you can help ensure a more comfortable and safe environment for everyone in your facility.

At GSF USA, we’re proud to invest in a better method of cleaning and odor control with PathoSans. For more information, contact our offices here.

We’d like to take a moment to celebrate all our hardworking team members who are celebrating significant milestones and anniversaries at GSF USA in the 2nd quarter of 2024! We’re proud to have a dedicated team committed to providing our customers with a safe and clean environment.

Congratulations to everyone, and thank you for your ongoing efforts to help GSF USA grow and stand out as a leading building service contractor. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your hard work. Thank you!

20^th Anniversaries

Leticia C., GSF Indiana

Luis E., GSF Indiana

Leticia T., GSF Indiana

15^th Anniversaries 

Miguel C., GSF Indiana

Angela J., GSF Ohio

10^th Anniversaries 

Rabi A., GSF Indiana

Tomas C., GSF Illinois

5^th Anniversaries

Aline A., GSF Illinois

Abelardo B., GSF Illinois

Carlos C., GSF Illinois

Dulce F., GSF Illinois

Gregorio G., GSF Indiana

Florencio G., GSF Illinois

Frank L., GSF Illinois

Ibeth L., GSF Illinois

Alejandrino M., GSF Illinois

Aureliano M., GSF Illinois

Ruth P., GSF Illinois

Carlos R., GSF Illinois

Carlos R., GSF Indiana

Miguel S., GSF Illinois

Trena V., GSF INC

Isidro V., GSF Illinois

Rosa Z., GSF Illinois

 

Congratulations to our team members who are celebrating significant milestones and anniversaries at GSF USA! We’re proud to have a dedicated team that works hard to provide a safe and clean environment for our customers.

At GSF, it’s our mission to build a team of trusted cleaning professionals with enthusiasm to learn and grow. With training and opportunities for career development, our employees gain the skills that will further them within the commercial cleaning industry. Thank you to everyone for their hard work! We wouldn’t be where we are today without you.

35^th Anniversaries

Ronnie T., GSF Indiana

25^th Anniversaries

Maria F., GSF Illinois

20^th Anniversaries

Yadira D., GSF Indiana

Aurelio G., GSF Indiana

15^th Anniversaries 

Guadalupe C., GSF Illinois

10^th Anniversaries 

Dora D., GSF Ohio

Angelica G., GSF Illinois

Abraham L., GSF Indiana

Maria L., GSF Indiana

Larry M., GSF Ohio

Emerita S., GSF Indiana

Angel T., GSF Indiana

5^th Anniversaries

Juan A., GSF Rockford

Jesus B., GSF Rockford

Marcos B., GSF Illinois

Lucila B., GSF Illinois

Ana B., GSF Illinois

Luis B., GSF Illinois

Donald B., GSF Rockford

Nancy C., GSF Illinois

Margarita C., GSF Illinois

Benjamin C., GSF Illinois

Lourdes D., GSF Illinois

Martha E., GSF Illinois

Ma E., GSF Illinois

Maria G., GSF Indiana

Iris G., GSF Indiana

Yesenia G., GSF Illinois

Nicholas H., GSF Rockford

Laura J., GSF Illinois

Christina L., GSF Rockford

Scott M., GSF Illinois

Maria M., GSF Indiana

Eloy O., GSF Illinois

Grace Abdu P., GSF Rockford

Lucia R., GSF Indiana

Montserrat R., GSF Indiana

Maria Del Rosario R., GSF Illinois

Gabina T., GSF Illinois

Rigoberto V., GSF Illinois

High-traffic areas, such as lobbies, entrances and common spaces, can be difficult to maintain. With 85% of people wanting to see visible evidence of cleaning in the facilities they visit, this brings an additional challenge. The constant foot traffic makes it difficult to maintain a spotless facility. However, with the right strategy in place, you can easily tackle these areas to help maintain your cleanliness standards within your facility.

Here are some tips to help maintain cleanliness in high-traffic areas.

Schedule Cleaning Times

Finding the right time to clean high-traffic areas in your facility can be challenging. However, creating a detailed schedule of when and where to clean can help maintain your cleanliness standards. Opting for less busy times, such as the beginning or end of the day, can help facilitate effective cleaning of these areas. Additionally, regular disinfection of these areas helps prevent the spread of illnesses, fostering a healthier environment for all occupants.

Outsource Additional Help

At times, the workload that comes with cleaning high-traffic areas might feel overwhelming for your cleaning team. Bringing in additional assistance through outsourcing can alleviate some of this pressure. These professionals can help ensure your high-traffic areas are thoroughly cleaned, even during peak hours. It can also free up your cleaning team to concentrate their efforts on other pressing tasks.

Use Automated Machines

Traditional floor cleaning consumes a significant amount of time in your cleaning team’s schedule, especially with the relentless demand for floor care in high-traffic areas. Automated floor cleaning robots offer a solution by operating autonomously, freeing up your team from hours of manual cleaning labor.

At GSF USA, we use robotic self-guided vacuums that can work autonomously for up to three hours, cleaning around 50,000 square feet per week. These robots allow you to work with their built-in AI platform to create a cleaning schedule that works best for your facility.

Train Your Cleaning Staff

Training your cleaning team is essential for helping maintain consistent cleanliness across your facility. During this training, clarify your cleaning expectations, outline proper procedures and define each team member’s role. As a facility manager, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities creates smoother operations.

Tackle Cleaning with Ease

Implementing effective strategies can help your facility maintain its cleanliness standards despite the challenges brought on by constant foot traffic. By prioritizing these measures, tackling the complexities of cleanliness in high-traffic areas becomes easier, ultimately helping contribute to a healthier and more welcoming environment for all occupants.

At GSF USA, we care about cleanliness and the people who deliver it. Contact us to learn how we can support your facility’s cleaning needs.

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of schools are replacing carpet flooing with luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and other low maintenance flooring in an effort to reduce maintenance, repair and associated costs. LVT is attractive to schools because it is marketed as requiring little to no upkeep, but the reality is that the flooring develops scuffs, scratches, and wear over time. Traditional flooring cleaners and treatments will not resolve these issues. Finding innovative solutions to these types of problems is a primary aim for both Ecolab and GSF USA, Inc, a global cleaning services company. Ecolab and its distributor partners have served as GSF’s primary chemical providers for more than five years, delivering tools, training, expertise and products that have forged a strong relationship and created positive outcomes for GSF customers.

SITUATION

Soon after schools within the districts that GSF serves began installing LVT flooring, the company noticed recurring dirt and wear in certain areas. “Everybody thinks that there’s no maintenance involved with these LVT floors, that you just put them down and don’t have to worry about it,” said GSF Branch Manager Steve Lusk, who oversees two school districts in the West Chicago area. “But we started noticing dirty traffic patterns, where it looked like the dirt was just grinding into the floors.” LVT floors are made up of several layers, including a clear “wear” layer at the top. Fine scratches in that layer, especially in doorways, hallways and other high-traffic areas, cannot be removed with traditional flooring cleaners or waxes.

GSF Branch Manager Grant Mackall said the floors could be cleaned, but they ultimately lost the sheen they had when new. Replacing floor sections would result in significant and unsustainable expense to the schools. But leaving the floors as they were would reflect poorly on the schools’ image. “We went to our supplier, North American Corporation, with the problem and they worked with Ecolab to deliver a  solution,” Mackall said.

SOLUTION

Ecolab introduced GSF to a new product specifically designed to protect and maintain LVT floors, as well as laminate and other low-maintenance flooring. No/Low Maintenance Flooring Cleaner and Protector cleans and repairs minor scratches in these floors without adding gloss or a flooring finish. The solution fills imperfections in the wear layer, keeping floors looking new and protecting them from future wear and tear. The daily-use cleaner is easy to use, requires no additional training and can be applied with existing custodial equipment, whether it is diluted in a mop bucket or used in an auto floor scrubber. Following a demonstration of the product, GSF introduced it to schools with immediate success. No/Low Maintenance Flooring Cleaner and Protector quickly became the go-to solution for any school transitioning to LVT floors.

RESULTS

Upgrading to LVT flooring is a costly investment, one schools hope is worthwhile given the promise of less maintenance and repair. It’s GSF’s goal to help its partner schools protect their investment in modern flooring, and Ecolab’s solution is making that happen. “If schools didn’t have a solution like this, one that’s not only cleaning, but also repairing the floor, they’d be looking at replacement costs,” said Ecolab Technical Account Manager Chris Walter. “And the replacement costs would be astronomical.” It’s estimated that average daily cleaning using a basic cleaner and floor finish would result in twice the flooring repair costs compared with using No/Low Maintenance Flooring Cleaner and Protector alone.

How a school looks is important to students, parents, and faculty. GSF and Ecolab have also been able to help deliver an image everyone can be proud of. The companies have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from schools utilizing No/Low Maintenance Flooring Cleaner and Protector. Lusk called it a game changer. “Before we started using the product, you didn’t see that sheen tile floors should have,” Lusk said. “Now with the restorative capabilities of No/Low Maintenance Flooring Cleaner and Protector, floors definitely have a natural sheen and it lasts longer.” GSF expects the need for the product to rise as LVT continues to become more popular. “It’s nice that we’re able to take No/Low Maintenance Flooring Cleaner and Protector to a school with luxury vinyl flooring and utilize the product to help them maintain and protect their investments,” Mackall said. “We’ve found it to be a great product.”

 

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