Dust mites are the invisible culprits keeping millions sick and from coming to work. The American Academy of Asthma and Immunology estimates that up to thirty percent of people in the US suffer from allergic rhinitis, and that allergies are one of the top three reasons people miss work.

About six years ago, the professional cleaning industry was introduced to automatic scrubbers that could clean and maintain floors by electrically converting regular tap water into a cleaning agent. While there was certainly some controversy about these systems when they were first introduced—mainly revolving around claims about their cleaning effectiveness— these days chemical-free floor machines appear to be quite popular and are now used around the world.

In April 2013, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky compiled a comprehensive report on bed bugs titled 2013 Bugs Without Borders Survey. While the bed bug problem in North America is not necessarily a seasonal problem, the study did find that nearly half of all infestations occur during the spring and summer months.

Not everyone may be aware of a controversy that has been brewing in the professional carpet cleaning industry for nearly a decade. But as more and more BSCs begin offering carpet-cleaning services to their clients, this argument will likely involve them as well. The gist of the debate surrounds whether to use hot- or cold-water carpet extractors.

The story of Charles Young Elementary School in Washington, D.C., goes down in cleaning history as one of the most important experiments on how a rundown educational facility can be cleaned and revitalized with several positive results.

These days, going “green” is much more than a fad—it’s an important part of a BSC’s business strategy. However, with Americans using more water per day than ever before and the population constantly growing, we’re going to have to add a bluer shade of color to how we define sustainability.