As professional cleaners, we bear the responsibility of ensuring the facilities we clean are places where germs and bacteria are minimized to the greatest extent possible. The last thing we want to do is spread more of those germs and bacteria causing major health and sanitary concerns for our clients. That is why it’s extremely important to use a color-coded system for your cleaning rags. In all honesty, the color choices of those rags don’t matter as much as long as the janitorial staff know what they mean and use them accordingly. In general, in the janitorial community you will see three main colors used. They are Green, Red, and Blue.
Green, Red, and Blue
Typically, a green colored rag will be used for wiping down non-human waste surfaces like countertops, light switches, push plates, doors, etc. Red colored rags are used ONLY for wiping down urinals and toilets and the areas immediately surrounding those receptacles. This Red rag should never, ever, be used on any other surface other than toilets and urinals. Blue rags are simply used for cleaning mirrors and glass. Some companies will add a fourth color-coded rag for general dusting; however, if you use a duster like a feather duster, a Swiffer duster, or any other kind, you likely don’t need a specific rag for your general dusting. Again, every company may have a different approach on that. What matters most is having a known protocol that every member of the cleaning staff knows and understands.
Conclusion
Using a color-coded rag system for your cleaning program is not meant to be complicated. As mentioned previously, the colors don’t matter as much as the purpose for using a color-coded system that helps prevent cross-contamination within our facilities, especially, from restroom receptacles to other areas. Our goal here is to create the cleanest and safest spaces for our clients. If you would like to know more about how to implement this practice with your existing cleaning program or need help setting up a cleaning program for your facility, feel free to reach out to us for a no-cost consultation.
