The Dirt on Clean Podcast

Thais Graham

**The Dirt on Clean Podcast** delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and industry trends for **commercial cleaning and facility management** professionals. Whether you're a **facility manager, business owner, or cleaning pro**, you'll learn how to **cut costs, improve efficiency, stay compliant, and embrace sustainable practices**. With expert interviews and actionable tips, this podcast helps you run a cleaner, smarter operation. **Follow now for insights you can use!** 🎧✨

Episodes

  1. S2-E6: From Defibrillators to Disinfectants: The Unexpected Journey of John Proctor

    12/14/2025

    S2-E6: From Defibrillators to Disinfectants: The Unexpected Journey of John Proctor

    From Defibrillators to Disinfectants: Safety, Service, and the Dirt on Clean In this episode of The Dirt on Clean, Thaís Graham sits down with John Proctor, Customer Service Manager at EnviroMaster, to explore an unexpected but powerful career transition — from selling defibrillators (AEDs) to leading customer service in the sanitization industry. John shares firsthand insight into how AEDs work, why they are increasingly required in public spaces like schools and churches, and what it’s like to witness these devices save lives. The conversation then bridges into the world of sanitization, where the same core mission applies: keeping people safe from what they can’t always see. This episode highlights the connection between health, safety, and service, and why cleanliness and preparedness matter more than ever. In this episode, we cover: How AEDs work and why they’re designed to be easy to use Where AEDs are legally required and why adoption is growing John’s transition from life-saving devices to sanitization services The role of customer service in the cleaning industry Why cleanliness is often about what you can’t see or smell 🎧 Follow The Dirt on Clean for more conversations at the intersection of cleaning, safety, and operations.

    9 min
  2. S2-E5:🎙️Operations Manager Alex Diaz (Enviro-Master of Northern Virginia) Sani Clean: How To Clean a Bathroom Properly

    12/11/2025

    S2-E5:🎙️Operations Manager Alex Diaz (Enviro-Master of Northern Virginia) Sani Clean: How To Clean a Bathroom Properly

    In this episode of Dirt On Clean, host Thaís Graham sits down with Alex Diaz from EnviroMasters of Northern Virginia to uncover the often-overlooked world of restroom hygiene. They dive into the SaniClean process — a specialized sanitation method designed to tackle bacteria, odors, and buildup that traditional cleaning simply can’t address. Alex breaks down the chemistry behind effective sanitation, why odors are usually symptoms of deeper system issues, and how preventative maintenance can dramatically improve restroom hygiene. Together, they outline the critical steps facilities should take to maintain safe, clean, and odor-free restrooms — far beyond basic surface cleaning. Whether you manage a commercial facility, oversee cleaning operations, or simply want a clearer understanding of restroom hygiene best practices, this episode offers practical insight, professional perspective, and actionable strategies. Why restroom hygiene is one of the most neglected responsibilities in facilities What the SaniClean process is and why it matters The science and chemistry behind true sanitation and odor elimination How neglected plumbing systems contribute to persistent odors Why every fixture requires its own tools to prevent cross-contamination How preventative maintenance improves hygiene and reduces long-term issues Chapters 00:00 – The Unspoken Truth About Bathrooms00:59 – Understanding SaniClean: The Process Explained04:30 – Personal Experiences with Bathroom Odors06:09 – The Importance of Regular Sanitization07:14 – Elevating Restroom Hygiene Beyond Basics

    8 min
  3. S2-E4: The Truth About Hiring a Sanitization Company — From a 35-Year Veteran John Innocentini.

    12/09/2025

    S2-E4: The Truth About Hiring a Sanitization Company — From a 35-Year Veteran John Innocentini.

    The difference between “clean” and “sanitized” could be costing your facility millions. In this episode of Dirt On Clean, host Thaís Graham sits down with industry veteran John Innocentini, who brings over 35 years of experience in sanitization and facilities management. Together, they break down the most common mistakes facilities make — from choosing vendors based on price to overlooking proper training and certifications. John shares real-world insights into what separates effective sanitization from surface-level cleaning, why sales leadership matters more than most people think, and how facilities can protect themselves from financial and reputational risk. Whether you oversee cleaning operations, manage a facility, or simply want a deeper understanding of best practices, this episode offers clarity, caution, and actionable strategies. What You’ll Learn The critical differences between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing Why vendor selection can make or break a facility’s safety Common mistakes facilities managers don’t realize they’re making The role of training and consistency in proper sanitization Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Sanitization Insights02:39 – Common Mistakes in Choosing Sanitization Partners05:00 – Sales Leadership in Sanitization07:31 – Key Takeaways for Facilities Managers

    9 min
  4. S2-E3:🎙️Operations Manager Alex Diaz (Enviro-Master of Northern Virginia) When Safety Isn’t Just a Policy—It’s Personal

    09/24/2025

    S2-E3:🎙️Operations Manager Alex Diaz (Enviro-Master of Northern Virginia) When Safety Isn’t Just a Policy—It’s Personal

    In this episode of The Dirt on Clean, Thais Graham and Alex Diaz discuss a serious incident involving chemical safety that led to significant personal injury. Alex shares his experience of a chemical spill that resulted in second-degree burns, emphasizing the importance of proper safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the need for a safety-first culture in the workplace. The conversation highlights the lessons learned from the incident, including the necessity of thorough inspections, proper training, and the role of facilities managers in ensuring safety when hiring outside crews. Takeaways: The incident was a wake-up call about chemical safety. Proper PPE is essential, even for routine tasks. Chemical burns can be more severe than acid burns. Safety culture must prioritize prevention over reaction. Training should focus on real-life stories to resonate with employees. Facilities managers should not assume vendors prioritize safety. Regular inspections of chemical containers are crucial. Every employee should have a complete backup uniform. Understanding chemical residues is vital for safety. Embedding a safety mindset can prevent future incidents. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Safety in Cleaning Operations 02:41 The Incident: A Close Call with Chemicals 05:16 Lessons Learned: Safety Protocols and Changes 06:36 Embedding a Safety Mindset in Teams

    7 min
  5. S2-E2:🎙️ What Facilities Managers Really Want with Spencer Painter of OutboundHero

    09/23/2025

    S2-E2:🎙️ What Facilities Managers Really Want with Spencer Painter of OutboundHero

    Most vendors promise “fast, cheap, perfect”—then FMs end up chasing and reminding. In this episode, we get precise about what wins: reliability, responsiveness, and proof—and how cleaning companies can actually earn replies without spammy tactics. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN• The 3 non-negotiables FMs buy on: Reliability. Responsiveness. Proof.• The 14-word “poke-the-bear” opener that boosts replies• AI-assisted research to personalize at scale (without sounding robotic)• Why preview text beats clever subject lines—and how to make it count• Real benchmarks: 40–70 qualified leads/month and 70–80% lead→walkthrough (when volume + relevance align) LINKS• Episode: {paste your episode link}• Spencer’s site: https://spencersellstech.com/• OutboundHero on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tryoutboundhero/posts/?feedView=all

    20 min
  6. S2-E1:🎙️ Operations Manager Alex Diaz (Enviro-Master of Northern Virginia): Saving a Restaurant From a Health Inspection Failure

    09/15/2025

    S2-E1:🎙️ Operations Manager Alex Diaz (Enviro-Master of Northern Virginia): Saving a Restaurant From a Health Inspection Failure

    Alex Diaz, Operations Manager at Enviro-Master of Northern Virginia, joins Thaís to share a real job his team handled — a small restaurant with sticky, greasy VCT kitchen floors and smelly drains that nearly caused an inspection failure. Alex explains: Why regular mopping couldn’t solve the problemThe degreasing, scrubbing, and enzyme drain treatment process his team usedThe risks of ignoring sticky floors and drain odorHow operations and facilities managers can prevent these issues with a proper scheduleThis episode is a step-by-step breakdown of how facilities managers, operations leaders, and restaurant owners can keep kitchens safe, compliant, and inspection-ready. Resources Mentioned: 📍 4280 Henninger Ct, Suite B, Chantilly, VA 20151 📞 ( 571) 470-7131 🌐 Visit Enviro-Master Northern Virginia

    7 min
  7. S1-E6: Building Clean: Architecture, Operations & the Women Behind Preferred Capitol Cleaning

    05/01/2025

    S1-E6: Building Clean: Architecture, Operations & the Women Behind Preferred Capitol Cleaning

    What happens when an architect and an operations expert join forces to disrupt the commercial cleaning industry? In this episode of The Dirt on Clean, host Thais Graham sits down with Illissa Figueroa and Ana Chicas McNamara, the powerhouse duo behind Preferred Capitol Cleaning, a woman-owned business reshaping how professional cleaning is delivered in the DMV. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How Illissa and Ana merged design precision with operational excellence The unique challenges and wins of running a women-owned cleaning company Why effective communication and systems matter more than just "getting it done" How their background in architecture and business sets their services apart Why they’re passionate about elevating standards in an often-overlooked industry 🌐 Learn more: preferredcapitolcleaning.com👥 Connect with Illissa: linkedin.com/in/illissamfigueroa👥 Connect with Ana: linkedin.com/in/ana-chicas-mcnamara🎙️ Be a guest: inteliart.ai/thedirtoncleanpodcast

    8 min
  8. S1-E5: Leading Through Innovation: A Facility Manager’s Guide with CEO of ANAGO Cleaning Systems, Adam Povlitz

    04/30/2025

    S1-E5: Leading Through Innovation: A Facility Manager’s Guide with CEO of ANAGO Cleaning Systems, Adam Povlitz

    What does it take to lead a legacy brand into the future of smart, sustainable, and people-first facility management? In this episode of The Dirt on Clean, host Thais Graham speaks with Adam Povlitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems, to explore how facility managers can embrace innovation without losing the human touch. 💡 Takeaways You’ll Love: Why facility managers must now balance shrinking budgets with rising labor costs How Anago’s tech-first platform CleanComm transforms communication and response times How AI and analytics are being used to retrain proactively before issues escalate A behind-the-scenes look at Anago’s franchise training system and AI-powered e-learning tools Why the future is IoT-enabled, but the cleaning industry will always be a people business The unexpected (and mystical!) story behind the name “Anago” 📨 Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/apovlitz🏢 Explore Anago: anagocleaning.com🎙️ Be a guest on the show: inteliart.ai/thedirtoncleanpodcast

    19 min
  9. S1-E4:Construction Sites to Clean Air: How Francisco Falgons Is Revolutionizing Indoor Environments

    04/05/2025

    S1-E4:Construction Sites to Clean Air: How Francisco Falgons Is Revolutionizing Indoor Environments

    Air quality isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Join Thaís Graham, host of The Dirt on Clean, as she speaks with Francisco Falgons, founder of CleanAirMiami.com, certified mold assessor, and Aeroseal dealer. In this 13-minute episode, you’ll learn: ✔ Why most commercial buildings leak up to 30% of their conditioned air ✔ How Aeroseal improves HVAC performance and tenant comfort ✔ What facilities managers need to know about mold and moisture in Florida ✔ Why property managers need partners who think like owners 🎧 Listen now and rethink what clean air means for your building. 📩 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply here: inteliart.ai/thedirtoncleanpodcast 🔗 cleanairmiami.com/aeroseal

    14 min
  10. S1-E3: Breaking Barriers in Commercial Cleaning: Leadership & Innovation with Karina Correa

    03/31/2025

    S1-E3: Breaking Barriers in Commercial Cleaning: Leadership & Innovation with Karina Correa

    Join Thaís Graham, host of The Dirt on Clean, for a bold conversation with Karina Correa, CEO & Founder of Miclean USA. In just 13 minutes, Karina shares how she grew a commercial cleaning company across two countries, leads a team of 4,500+, and is now expanding into mold remediation. ✔ What to look for in a cleaning partner✔ The future of facilities management✔ How tech & sustainability are transforming the industry 🎧 Listen now on Spotify. Guest: Karina Correa | www.milcleanusa.com

    12 min
  11. S1-E2:🎙️ The #1 Secret to Higher Rents & Happier Tenants (That No One Talks About!)

    03/29/2025

    S1-E2:🎙️ The #1 Secret to Higher Rents & Happier Tenants (That No One Talks About!)

    🎙️ The #1 Secret to Higher Rents & Happier Tenants (That No One Talks About!) Description: Facilities managers—this one’s for you. 💼 Join Thaís Graham, host of The Dirt on Clean, as she sits down with commercial real estate powerhouse Lisa Lajes Rosen to uncover what really makes properties profitable: cleanliness. ✔ What leasing pros look for in a clean building ✔ How cleaning impacts tenant retention ✔ Mistakes that cost you value—and how to avoid them ✔ What to look for when hiring a commercial cleaning vendor This 10-minute episode could change how you see cleaning forever. 🎧 Listen now and raise your standard of clean.

    9 min
  12. S1-E1:Revolutionary Quality Control: Fresh Eyes on Commercial Cleaning with Zackary Beckham

    03/20/2025

    S1-E1:Revolutionary Quality Control: Fresh Eyes on Commercial Cleaning with Zackary Beckham

    Revolutionary Quality Control: Fresh Eyes on Commercial Cleaning & Facilities Management Keeping a facility clean isn’t just about wiping surfaces—it’s about systems, processes, and accountability. But what if the best quality control practices aren’t from cleaning at all? In this episode of The Dirt on Clean, host Thais Graham sits down with Zackary Beckham, Founding Partner at Kintarra Tech, to explore how facility decommissioning, compliance, and digital tracking can revolutionize quality control in commercial cleaning and facilities management. 🚀 Key Takeaways:✅ How digital task tracking improves efficiency & accountability✅ Why real-time quality control prevents issues before they happen✅ What cleaning teams can learn from high-compliance industries 🎧 Tune in for practical, tech-driven strategies to elevate your cleaning operations and keep facilities running at their best! 🔗 Learn more about Kintarra Tech: www.kintarra.com💡 Apply to be a guest: https://inteliart.ai/thedirtoncleanpodcast #CommercialCleaning #FacilityManagement #QualityControl #TheDirtOnClean

    7 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

**The Dirt on Clean Podcast** delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and industry trends for **commercial cleaning and facility management** professionals. Whether you're a **facility manager, business owner, or cleaning pro**, you'll learn how to **cut costs, improve efficiency, stay compliant, and embrace sustainable practices**. With expert interviews and actionable tips, this podcast helps you run a cleaner, smarter operation. **Follow now for insights you can use!** 🎧✨

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