Keeping a workplace clean isn’t just about appearance – it’s a critical part of maintaining a safe environment and complying with regulations. OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has rolled out new cleaning and sanitation recommendations for 2025, and they’re relevant to everyone from business owners and facility managers to cleaning contractors and employees. In this blog post, we break down OSHA’s latest guidance in clear, layman’s terms. You’ll learn what the updated cleaning standards and compliance expectations mean, how to implement proper training and disinfection protocols, and why partnering with a professional team like Assett Commercial Services can make all the difference. The tone here is conversational yet authoritative, so let’s dive in!

Cleaning Standards and Compliance Expectations

OSHA’s rules set the baseline for workplace cleanliness. Under federal regulations, “all places of employment, passageways, storerooms, and service rooms must be kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition” according to osha.gov. In simple terms, this means employers are expected to maintain a tidy, hygienic work environment at all times. Floors should be kept as dry as feasible (with drainage or mats in wet areas) to prevent slips. Any hazardous spills or materials need to be cleaned up immediately, and trash or waste should be removed promptly – you can’t let garbage pile up or let a spill linger because that creates risks. These housekeeping practices aren’t just recommendations; they are compliance requirements that OSHA can enforce. Failing to meet basic cleanliness standards is considered a safety hazard. In fact, OSHA can issue citations and fines if an inspection finds unsanitary conditions. (As of 2024, a serious violation can carry penalties of over $16,000 per violation according to hipaajournal.com, so the cost of neglecting cleaning isn’t just dirty floors – it can hit your bottom line!)

What exactly does OSHA expect in terms of cleaning routines? Primarily, it expects employers to have a plan to keep the workplace sanitary. That includes providing adequate restroom and handwashing facilities and keeping them clean and stocked. It also means ensuring work areas are free from obvious hazards like spilled oil, chemicals, or debris. For example, OSHA regulations require that worksites be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition and that employers implement a cleaning schedule appropriate to their facility’s needs according to ecfr.gov. Regular cleaning schedules are important – if you have higher traffic or a higher-risk environment, cleaning might need to happen more frequently (we’ll talk more about high-risk industries shortly). The bottom line is that a clean workplace is considered the foundation of an OSHA-compliant workplace. Not only does it reduce accidents (like slips and falls) and health risks, it also signals to OSHA (and to your employees and customers) that safety is taken seriously.

Many businesses choose to achieve these standards by working with professional Commercial Cleaning Services. A qualified cleaning contractor will be familiar with OSHA’s expectations and can help develop a routine that ticks all the compliance boxes. For instance, they know that waste receptacles must be leak-proof, cleanable, and have tight-fitting lids, and that garbage should be removed regularly to avoid sanitation issues. They will also understand specialized requirements, such as controlling pests (vermin control is mentioned in OSHA guidelines as part of maintaining sanitation). By ensuring these details are handled, you’re not only keeping your facility safe and healthy, but also avoiding potential compliance headaches.

Employee Training and Safety Practices

Keeping a workplace clean and compliant isn’t just about having the right tools and schedules – it’s also about people. OSHA places a strong emphasis on training. Workers need to know how to clean safely and why it matters. Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (often called the “Right-to-Know” law), if employees use cleaning chemicals that are in any way hazardous, “worker training must be provided… BEFORE the worker begins using the cleaner.” This training has to cover the hazards of the chemicals and the appropriate protective measures. In plain language, you can’t just hand your janitor or maintenance crew a bottle of industrial cleaner and hope for the best – you need to train them on safe use.

What does OSHA-required training for cleaning staff include? At minimum, training should cover:

• The health and physical hazards of the cleaning chemicals being used. Employees should understand if a chemical can cause burns, breathing problems, etc., and what signs of overexposure look like.

• Proper handling, use, and storage procedures, including how to dilute concentrates safely if applicable.

• What to do in case of a spill or emergency. Workers should know the cleanup procedures and whom to notify if there’s an accidental release of a chemical.

• Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for each product – for example, certain cleaners might require gloves, safety goggles, or even respirators, and employees must know when and how to use these.

• Reading labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). OSHA wants workers to know how to obtain hazard information. This means employees should be comfortable reading the warning labels on cleaning products and accessing the SDS for detailed info.

Worker training needs to be effective and understandable. OSHA explicitly requires that training be provided “at a level and in a language and vocabulary that [workers] can understand.” This is crucial – whether your cleaning crew speaks English as a second language or has varying levels of literacy, the information must be communicated in a way that truly reaches them. For example, a Spanish-speaking janitor should receive training in Spanish or have translation available. The goal is to ensure that every person handling cleaning tasks knows how to do so safely for themselves and others.

Beyond chemicals, training should also address general safe practices. This includes simple habits like using “wet floor” signs to warn others when mopping, proper lifting techniques for moving furniture or equipment during cleaning (to prevent back injuries), and knowing not to operate machinery (like floor buffers or lifts) without proper instruction. OSHA’s standards on topics like PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) also come into play here – employers must provide necessary protective gear and training on how to use it. For instance, if employees are handling blood or bodily fluids (think of a cleaning contractor in a medical clinic), they need training in OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens protocols and must wear appropriate gloves and possibly face/eye protection. If they are using strong chemicals that produce fumes, they may need ventilation or respirators. All these protective measures tie back to training and preparedness.

Assett Commercial Services recognizes the importance of training. As a provider of professional Janitorial Services, Assett ensures that every member of our cleaning team is thoroughly trained according to OSHA standards. Our staff members are educated on chemical safety (Hazard Communication), equipped with the right PPE, and instructed in proper cleaning techniques. We even conduct refreshers on things like hand hygiene and safe equipment use regularly, because a well-trained cleaning crew not only works safer but also does a more effective job. For businesses, this means peace of mind – you can trust that the people keeping your facility clean are doing so the right way, with safety at the forefront.

Disinfection Protocols and Best Practices

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning and disinfection protocols have become more stringent and more emphasized across all industries. OSHA’s newest recommendations for 2025 reflect this heightened focus. The guidelines stress regular cleaning and disinfecting, especially of high-touch surfaces that people contact frequently. This includes doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, keyboards, countertops – all those spots that multiple people might touch throughout the day. The updated OSHA guidance effectively says: cleaning once in a while isn’t enough; critical points in your facility should be disinfected multiple times a day if possible in high-traffic scenarios.

Importantly, OSHA aligns with public health expertise (such as the CDC) in recommending EPA-approved disinfectants. The agency specifically endorses using disinfectants that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and proven effective against the relevant pathogens (like the virus that causes COVID-19). This means you should check that your cleaning products are on EPA’s list of effective disinfectants (for example, List N for coronavirus). Simply put, not all cleaning products actually kill germs – a general cleaner might remove dirt but not eliminate viruses or bacteria. OSHA’s advice is to use the right type of product (sanitizer vs. disinfectant vs. cleaner) for the job, and ensure it’s a product that actually does what you expect.

Best practices for disinfection include: using the proper product, allowing for the correct contact time (many disinfectants need to remain wet on a surface for a few minutes to work properly), and following the manufacturer’s instructions closely. If a surface is visibly dirty, you should clean with soap or detergent and water before disinfecting – dirt can shield microbes, so you remove that first so the disinfectant can do its job. Always ventilate the area if using chemicals that have strong fumes (open a window or run exhaust fans) and wear gloves or other PPE as directed so the cleaning staff are protected.

Workers disinfecting equipment with proper protective gloves – a key part of OSHA’s cleaning protocols.

Another critical point – never mix cleaning chemicals. This is a safety rule that can save lives. A classic example: mixing bleach and ammonia (found in some glass cleaners) will create a toxic gas. OSHA’s guidance and training materials plainly warn, “Never mix different cleaning chemicals together. Dangerous gases can be released.” This kind of mistake can turn a routine cleaning job into a hospital visit. So as part of your protocols, ensure employees know to use one product at a time, and if they’re changing products, to rinse out buckets or use new cloths to avoid unintentional mixing.

So how often and where should you disinfect? High-touch surfaces: ideally multiple times a day, especially if you have many people coming through. Common areas like lobbies, break rooms, restrooms: at least daily, and more frequently during peak usage. Personal workspaces: at least daily for shared desks or tools; encourage employees to wipe down their own stations too. And importantly, if someone sick has been in the area (for instance, a worker went home with the flu, or you had a known COVID-19 case), perform a targeted, thorough disinfection of the spaces they used. OSHA advises following CDC’s cleaning and disinfection recommendations in such scenarios, which include closing off areas used by the ill person, increasing ventilation, and waiting a bit (if possible) before cleaning to reduce risk to the cleaners. Then clean and disinfect all surfaces they touched, and dispose of waste safely. These steps dramatically reduce the chance of spreading illness at work.

Assett Commercial Services stays current on these best practices and incorporates them into our cleaning routines. We use hospital-grade, EPA-approved disinfectants for effective germ-killing, and our team is trained in proper application methods. For example, our protocol for office cleaning includes wiping down door handles, light switches, and bathroom fixtures with disinfectant each visit (not just when they look dirty). We also employ color-coded cleaning cloths and tools (to avoid cross-contamination between, say, restroom surfaces and desks). By following a meticulous disinfection process, we help our clients maintain not just a clean-looking workplace, but a healthy one.

Industry-Specific Considerations

While the core principles of cleaning and disinfection apply everywhere, OSHA recognizes that different industries have unique cleaning needs and standards. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work if you’re comparing an office to a medical clinic or a food processing plant. Let’s go over a few industry-specific considerations that OSHA’s 2025 recommendations highlight:

• Healthcare Facilities: It’s no surprise that hospitals, clinics, and medical spas have the strictest cleaning protocols. OSHA’s regulations (alongside healthcare guidelines) require regular disinfection of patient rooms, waiting areas, and medical equipment. Surfaces in exam rooms might need cleaning between each patient. There’s also special attention to any area where procedures generate aerosols (like certain dental or spa procedures) – those areas often need enhanced ventilation and cleaning. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard adds requirements too: any surface contaminated with blood or bodily fluids must be cleaned and decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant immediately or as soon as feasible. In short, healthcare cleaning is detail-intensive and non-negotiable for safety.

• Food Processing and Food Service: In food-related businesses (whether a large processing plant or a restaurant kitchen), the main goal is preventing cross-contamination and maintaining hygiene so no one gets sick from the product. OSHA’s guidance for these workplaces emphasizes frequent cleaning of surfaces that come into contact with food, proper sanitizing of tools and equipment, and strict personal hygiene for workers. For example, cutting tables, conveyors, or kitchen counters should be cleaned and sanitized often. Spills of food or ingredients should be cleaned up to avoid attracting pests or causing microbial growth. While the FDA and local health codes also govern a lot of food safety practices, OSHA ties in by requiring things like readily accessible handwashing facilities and PPE for handling cleaning chemicals in these environments. Assett’s teams serving food industry clients use food-safe cleaning agents and follow schedules that often exceed the basic recommendations, because in food service you truly can’t be too clean.

• Hospitality (Hotels, etc.) and Retail: These are places where the general public spends time, so cleanliness directly affects customer experience as well as safety. OSHA’s 2025 recommendations suggest that hotels should disinfect guest rooms and high-touch items (like door handles, light switches, elevator buttons) regularly – often between guests or daily. Common areas such as lobbies, gyms, and conference rooms also need routine cleaning. In retail stores, think of how many hands touch shopping cart handles, credit card keypads, or product displays – those need attention too. There’s also an element of appearance here: a clean store or hotel not only is safer but also reassures customers. Businesses in these sectors often schedule cleaning during off-peak hours to minimize disruption, but on-call spill cleanup is a must (if someone drops a bottle in a grocery aisle, you need a quick response to prevent an accident).

• Industrial and Manufacturing: Factories and warehouses have their own challenges. They might deal with dust, grease, or chemical residues from processes. OSHA might not mandate shining the machines to a sparkle, but it does require that floors be kept dry and aisles clear to prevent slips and trips. Moreover, if a facility creates combustible dust (like sawdust or grain dust), regular cleaning is critical to prevent fire and explosion hazards. Ventilation systems and filters should be cleaned and maintained to ensure good air quality. In 2025, OSHA has also been talking about rules around indoor air quality and ventilation – cleaning plays a role in that by keeping ducts and filters clean and not obstructing airflows. Assett Commercial Services often works in industrial settings where we not only clean for appearance but also for safety – e.g., degreasing floors to prevent slips or removing dust buildup from high surfaces in a warehouse.

The key takeaway is that OSHA’s cleaning and safety standards adapt to context. Business owners and facility managers should familiarize themselves with any industry-specific guidelines. If you’re in a specialized field (like the medspa/medical spa industry, which OSHA specifically updated regulations for in 2025 focusing on infection control), make sure your cleaning protocols align with those extra rules. It can be a lot to keep track of – which is why working with professionals helps. Assett Commercial Services prides itself on understanding the nuances of different industries. We tailor our cleaning programs to meet OSHA requirements and the best practices for your specific field. Whether it’s using certain disinfectants in a healthcare clinic or following strict biohazard waste disposal procedures in a lab, we’ve got the expertise to do it right.

Risk Mitigation Strategies in Cleaning Operations

Up to now, we’ve talked about cleaning to mitigate health risks for everyone at the workplace. But we also need to consider the risks inherent in the cleaning process itself and how to mitigate them. Cleaning work can expose employees (and others) to hazards – from chemical fumes and splashes to slippery floors and ergonomic injuries. OSHA’s recommendations encourage employers to proactively address these risks as part of a comprehensive cleaning program.

Here are some key risk mitigation strategies when implementing OSHA-compliant cleaning:

• Use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): OSHA mandates that employers provide appropriate PPE to cleaning workers whenever there’s exposure to hazards. This could be chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, or even aprons and face shields if dealing with corrosive cleaners. The idea is to shield the worker from skin contact, inhalation of harmful substances, or splashes. A simple example is wearing gloves and safety glasses when diluting a concentrated disinfectant – a task that could otherwise result in skin burns or eye injuries. Ensure your cleaning team not only has PPE but also knows how to use it correctly (for instance, how to remove contaminated gloves without contacting the dirty part).

• Ensure ventilation and safe air practices: Good ventilation is your friend when using cleaning chemicals. If you’re stripping a floor or using a bleach solution in a small space, make sure there’s airflow – open doors/windows or use fans. OSHA notes that ventilation is a factor in chemical safety. Many cleaning products can produce vapors that irritate the respiratory system. So, part of risk mitigation is using less toxic products when possible (e.g., “green” cleaners) and ventilating properly when stronger chemicals are in use. Assett often opts for greener, low-odor products or uses controlled dispensing systems that minimize fumes. We also schedule heavy cleaning (like floor refinishing) during times when few others are around, to limit exposure.

• Implement safe work practices to prevent injuries: Cleaning can involve lifting heavy trash bags, moving furniture, or climbing ladders to reach high spots. Training plays a role here (teaching proper lifting techniques, ladder safety, etc.), but you should also provide the right tools. Use wheeled carts to move supplies instead of carrying overly heavy loads. Provide long-handled tools for reaching high or low areas to avoid awkward postures. If wet mopping a floor, use “Wet Floor” signs and perhaps section off the area to prevent slip-and-fall incidents by other workers or visitors. OSHA’s regulations actually require keeping floors dry “as far as possible” – part of that is promptly drying after wet cleaning and warning people of slick surfaces. Also, never allow unauthorized or untrained personnel to use industrial cleaning equipment – a well-meaning employee might hop on a floor scrubber and get hurt due to lack of training. Having clear procedures and only qualified staff doing certain tasks is key to safety.

• Establish a cleaning schedule and checklist: As mentioned earlier, OSHA in some cases requires a written schedule for cleaning (for example, in healthcare settings dealing with bloodborne pathogens). Even if not explicitly mandated for your industry, it’s smart to plan out when and how cleaning happens. A schedule (daily, weekly, monthly tasks) ensures that nothing is overlooked – from routine restroom cleaning to periodic deep cleans of HVAC vents or behind equipment. Use a checklist to guide cleaning staff on each shift. This helps in two ways: workers have clear instructions (reducing guesswork and mistakes), and you have documentation that tasks were completed (useful for internal audits or if an OSHA inspector asks about your cleaning program). Keeping logs of cleaning can also help identify patterns – for instance, if spills are frequently happening in a certain area, you might investigate and address the root cause (which is a risk mitigation win).

• Choose safer cleaning chemicals and methods: Whenever possible, substitute hazardous cleaning chemicals with safer alternatives that are still effective. OSHA and NIOSH have advocated for “green cleaning” where appropriate – not just for the environment, but for worker health. For example, using a citrus-based cleaner instead of a harsh solvent can reduce chemical risk. Likewise, consider using tools like microfiber cloths, which can sometimes clean effectively with less chemical. Another method is using dilution control systems for concentrated chemicals to prevent workers from accidentally making a solution too strong. These strategies reduce the chance of chemical burns, respiratory issues, or other health problems.

• Emergency preparedness: Despite best efforts, accidents can happen. Be ready with eyewash stations if employees are using corrosive cleaners (OSHA requires these in certain cases), first-aid kits for minor injuries, and clear protocols if someone is accidentally exposed to a hazardous substance. Workers should know, for instance, where to find the Safety Data Sheet which will tell them first aid measures if a chemical gets in the eye or is inhaled. Having a plan to handle incidents (like evacuating an area if there’s a large chemical spill and ventilating it) can drastically reduce the impact of a mistake.

By integrating these risk mitigation strategies, employers create a safer workflow for the cleaning operations themselves. It’s a holistic approach: clean for safety, and clean safely. Assett Commercial Services embodies this approach. We not only clean to make your facility spotless and compliant, but we do so with strict safety protocols for our own team and your employees. Our supervisors conduct regular safety audits, checking that all procedures are being followed – for example, confirming that PPE is worn, that our cleaning products are stored properly (with lids on, in a ventilated space), and that no chemical incompatibilities exist in storage. Through such diligence, we minimize the risk of accidents or exposures on the job, which in turn protects our staff and your staff. After all, the goal of OSHA’s guidelines is to reduce risk at every turn, and that is exactly what a well-thought-out cleaning program achieves.

Partnering with Assett Commercial Services for OSHA Compliance

If all of this seems like a lot to manage – it is! OSHA’s cleaning recommendations for 2025 are comprehensive because they aim to cover every angle of health and safety. For many businesses, the most practical and effective way to meet these standards is to partner with a trusted Commercial Cleaning Services provider like Assett Commercial Services. Why choose Assett as your cleaning and compliance partner? Here are a few reasons:

• Expertise and Up-to-Date Knowledge: OSHA regulations and guidelines can change, and it’s literally our job to stay on top of them. Assett’s management continuously reviews OSHA’s official publications and guidance documents. We train our staff on any new recommendations (for example, when OSHA updated disinfection guidance post-pandemic to increase cleaning frequency, we immediately adjusted our service protocols). When you work with Assett, you’re tapping into a knowledge base that ensures your facility’s cleaning regimen is aligned with the latest rules and best practices.

• Industry-Specific Cleaning Solutions: As discussed, different industries have different requirements. Assett Commercial Services has specialized teams and plans for various sectors – from corporate offices to healthcare, schools to manufacturing plants. We understand, for instance, the critical nature of infection control in healthcare and have protocols that meet OSHA and CDC standards there. We know how to handle cleaning in sensitive environments like food production without risking contamination. This means you get a cleaning program tailored to your needs, with no aspect of compliance overlooked. Our versatility and professionalism in diverse environments have made us a go-to provider for Janitorial Services across industries.

• Thorough Training and Professionalism: All Assett cleaning technicians are trained not only in cleaning techniques but also in OSHA safety standards. They carry out their duties wearing proper uniforms and necessary safety gear. Our training program covers hazard communication, PPE use, equipment operation, and emergency procedures. Plus, our team leads conduct on-site toolbox talks regularly – these are quick refreshers on topics like ladder safety or proper disinfectant usage. The result is a crew that works efficiently, safely, and courteously. You’ll see our professionalism in how we respect your facility’s security and schedules, and in the consistency of our work quality.

• Quality Assurance and Documentation: Assett employs quality assurance measures such as routine inspections and client feedback surveys to ensure the cleaning meets our high standards and your expectations. We also keep records of our cleaning activities – which can be very handy if you ever need to demonstrate your compliance efforts. For example, we can provide documentation of when and how each area was cleaned and disinfected, the products used (all OSHA-compliant and EPA-approved), and the names of the trained staff who performed the work. This level of record-keeping supports your OSHA compliance (and can be useful during any health inspections or audits). It’s one more way we help mitigate risk for your business.

• Comprehensive Services – One Less Thing for You to Worry About: When Assett Commercial Services is on the job, you can focus on running your business rather than managing mops and spray bottles. We handle procurement of the right cleaning supplies (ensuring they meet regulatory standards), the maintenance of cleaning equipment, and the scheduling of deep cleans or special services (like post-construction cleanups or floor refinishing) as needed. Our goal is to be your in-house cleaning and compliance department, just outsourced. We take pride in being reliable – our clients know that if something needs attention, we respond quickly and effectively. By entrusting your cleaning to us, you’re effectively adding a team of safety-conscious cleaning experts to your staff.

In a nutshell, Assett Commercial Services is not just a cleaning vendor – we are a partner in safety and compliance. We understand that a clean workplace is a safer, more productive workplace, and we share your goal of keeping it that way. Our reputation as a trusted provider comes from years of delivering on this promise.

Stay Safe, Stay Compliant – Contact Assett Today

OSHA’s newest cleaning recommendations for 2025 underline a simple truth: a clean workplace is fundamental to a safe workplace. By following OSHA’s guidance – from maintaining basic sanitation and housekeeping standards to implementing thorough disinfection protocols and providing top-notch training to your staff – businesses can protect their employees, customers, and reputation. These efforts lead to healthier environments and can prevent costly issues like workplace illnesses, accidents, or regulatory fines. The tone of OSHA’s message is clear: cleanliness and safety go hand in hand, and proactive compliance is far better than reactive fixes.

For business owners, facility managers, and anyone juggling these responsibilities, the task can seem overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. Assett Commercial Services is here to help you navigate and implement OSHA’s cleaning recommendations with ease and confidence. Let us put our expertise to work for you – ensuring your facility not only looks immaculate but also meets all the required health and safety standards. We take pride in our capabilities and professionalism, and we love seeing our clients breathe a sigh of relief knowing their workplaces are in good hands.

Ready to elevate your cleaning program to the next level of safety and compliance? Contact Assett Commercial Services today for OSHA-compliant cleaning solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need a one-time deep clean to get up to standard or an ongoing janitorial program that keeps you consistently compliant, we have you covered. Together, let’s create a work environment that is sparkling clean, welcoming, and above all, safe. Reach out to us for a consultation or quote – and let Assett help you keep your business spotless, successful, and OSHA-ready in 2025 and beyond. Your employees will thank you, your customers will notice the difference, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cleanliness and safety are second to none.

Stay safe, stay compliant – and remember, when it comes to workplace cleaning, Assett Commercial Services has your back every step of the way!