Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vacuum cleaning is a routine task. 

Yes, stairwell cleaning is performed routinely. 

Kitchen and Microwave Cleaning: Part of our regular cleaning routine. 

Refrigerator Cleaning: Required special scheduling. Please use the work order system or contact the Environmental Services Manager for your building. 

Office cleaning for new hires should be scheduled at least a week in advance. It helps to ensure the office is clean and welcoming without being too far ahead of the new hires' arrival. 

Routine floor care services include dust mopping, wet mopping, top scrubbing, stripping, waxing and burnishing. 

Please see the description of what all entails in these services: 

• Dust Mopping: This involves using a dry mop or dust mop to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the floor's surface. It's a quick way to get rid of the superficial layer of dirt before more thorough cleaning methods are used. 

• Wet Mopping: This method uses a mop that's dampened with water and cleaning solution to clean the floor more deeply. Wet mopping helps to remove sticky residues, stains, and any dirt that's more adhered to the floor. 

• Top Scrubbing: Top scrubbing is a cleaning process where the top layer of floor finish is lightly scrubbed to remove embedded dirt, surface marks, and scuffs. This process often uses a floor scrubber machine and cleaning solutions. The goal is to prepare the floor for re-coating with a fresh layer of finish without stripping it entirely. 

• Stripping: Stripping involves removing all layers of old floor finish or wax using a powerful stripping solution and a floor machine. It's a thorough cleaning process that takes the floor back to its bare surface, ready for a new application of finish or wax. 

• Waxing: This is the application of a protective floor finish or wax to the surface of the floor. Waxing provides a shiny, protective layer that enhances the floor's appearance and durability. It helps to protect the floor from wear and tear and makes it easier to clean. 

• Burnishing: It is a high-speed polishing process that uses a floor buffer or burnishing machine. This process buffs the floor to achieve a high-gloss shine, enhancing the floor's appearance and making it more resistant to dirt and scuff marks. Burnishing is usually done on floors that have already been waxed or finished to maintain their glossy appearance. 

If any routine task is missed, please call Work Control at 410-706-7570, and our team will address it as soon as possible. 

Please call the Work Control at 410-706-7570 immediately for spill cleanup requests. 

Biohazard pick-up requests need to be routed through EHS (Environmental Health &   Safety).

Here is their website: https://www.umaryland.edu/ehs/haEHS Policy on Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratorieszardous-material-management/ 

• We offer two types of services including vacuuming & spot cleaning, specifically for spots that are 2x2 feet or less in size as an in-house service. You can request this service simply by placing a request through our work request portal. 
• We do facilitate Carpet Deep Cleaning service. We have our UMB approved vendor who provides this service and it is a billable service. 

Deep carpet care is a billable service, which also requires you to place a request through our work order system https://uomb.assetworks.cloud/ready/ 

Following are the steps on how our current process works: 

• Place a request in a system with appropriate SOAPF number 
• Once we receive the request we will reach out to our vendor 
• Vendor will provide an estimate as per the work needed  
• We will upload an estimate in the system for your review 
• You will be able to approve/deny an estimate after the review and initiate next step in a system 
• Once we have approval, we will reach out to vendor to schedule the request as per your convenience 
• Once the work is done, we will process the invoice and then you will get charged for the services you have received. 

Items that are too large for centralized, stationary trash or recycling bins—also known as “triple stations”—such as surplus or excess property and materials that could damage a trash compactor, are classified as bulk items. These require a special bulk disposal request and are handled by the “small but mighty” Moving, Recycling & Special Events team, which serves the entire UMB campus.

If the triple stations in your area are overflowing and have not been serviced, this is considered a missed routine task. In that case, please submit a Custodial request to ensure it’s addressed by your building’s custodial team.

Bulk disposals requiring more than 2 hours of labor are considered billable. All requests are reviewed before being assigned to staff, and an estimate can be provided at no cost if the scope of work is determined to require more than 2 hours of labor. Please see our current labor rates here : EVS Rates FY26

The Moving, Recycling & Special Events team may need up to 2 weeks to complete a bulk disposal request depending on the scope of the disposal and the current schedule of the team. Most bulk disposal requests are completed within the week after the request is received. 

You can place an order for trash and recycle bins as needed by using this link 

 https://uomb.assetworks.cloud/ready/ 

No, bulk recycling is not included in routine cleaning services.  

As of July 1, 2025, all EVS Moving Requests are fully billable. During the process, you will be required to provide a SOAPF number, which will be used for billing once the move is completed. The billing rates will follow the current EVS Labor Rates, available on our website. 

When submitting a move request, you have the option to select “yes” or “no” to receive an estimate. EVS will provide an estimate within 3 business days. Please be advised that the estimate process could delay the start of work. If disassembly or assembly of furniture is required, EVS will place a separate request to the O&M Multi-Trade shop on your behalf. Both teams will provide estimates for free, and they will be sent to you for approval before any work is completed. Please see our current labor rates here: EVS Rates FY26 

The Moving, Recycling & Special Events team may need up to 2 weeks to complete a Moving request depending on scope of the move and the current schedule of the team. However, moves are most often completed within the week after the request was received. Moving requests often involve switching 2 nearby offices or moving a piece of equipment into the same building, and are completed, on average, within 1-2 hours. Some factors that will increase this time include transporting to other buildings, moving additional items and requiring coordination with O&M.