According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.7 million hospital patients get healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) ; 99,000 of those die due to HCAIs. What could your healthcare facility and its employees be doing to ...

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.7 million hospital patients get healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs); 99,000 of those die due to HCAIs. What could your healthcare facility and its employees be doing to decrease the risk of contaminating patients? The most straightforward answer we can give you is ... washing their hands. Now, with that being said, we can’t guarantee that no one will contract an HCAI; however, it has been proven that when staff consistently practice handwashing, the risk of HCAIs is significantly reduced. 

At Lawton Brothers, we understand that something as simple as washing your hands can be easily overlooked. We are taking this opportunity during National Handwashing Awareness Week to highlight the importance of handwashing in healthcare settings. 

HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HCAIs) 

HCAIs are infections a patient can develop during their stay in the hospital. Did you know that the length of a patient who contracts HCAI increases by 17.6 days and that 9.4 percent of in-patient costs incur because of HCAIs? What does this mean for your healthcare facility? Well, it can cost up to $35 billion per year. 

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS 

One of the simplest but most effective ways to decrease the chances of a patient getting an HCAI is to practice proper hand hygiene. Healthcare providers should wash their hands multiple times per day, but let’s be more specific. Here is when a doctor, nurse or another member of your healthcare staff should be washing their hands: 

●       Before coming in contact with a patient

●       After coming in contact with a foreign substance like blood, body fluids or other contaminated surfaces

●       Before and after using gloves

 Why is there an aversion to handwashing? 

According to research from the CDC, multiple factors can cause your healthcare workers to not wash their hands, including: 

●       Irritation and dryness in the skin after washing hands

●       Sinks are not conveniently located or there are not enough sinks

●       Lack of soap and paper towels

●       Hand washing interferes with relationship building with patients

●       The belief that wearing gloves is all one needs to do

●       Lack of education or knowledge of handwashing protocols

●       Forgetting to wash the hands

●       Leadership isn’t doing it

●       Lack of information regarding handwashing and HCAI rates 

As a janitorial supply company, a few of these reasons from the CDC stick out to us. How can your healthcare team overcome some of the obstacles outlined above? 

Lack of soap and paper towels: As a janitorial supply company, this statement stands out clearly to us. This statement implies that it takes more than just your healthcare team; it also takes your maintenance team. 

Clear communication between your healthcare staff and your maintenance team is needed so that supplies are always readily stocked and available to your medical team.  If your maintenance team is running out of supplies, then it is your facility manager’s duty to find a janitorial supply company that can keep up with order numbers. 

Irritation and dryness in the skin after washing hands:  According to the CDC, in certain surveys, approximately 25% of nurses reported symptoms of dermatitis and 85% reported skin problems. There are many types of substances one could use for hand hygiene, including: 

●       Non-Antimicrobial Soap

●       Alcohol-Based Hand Antiseptics

●       Chlorhexidine Gluconate

●       Chloroxylenol

●       Hexachlorophene

●       Iodine and Iodophors

●       Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

●       Triclosan 

It is important to consider all of your options and find the substance/soap that will cause your healthcare team the least amount of irritation on their skin. What should you factor in when choosing hygiene products like soap? According to the CDC, there are many factors you should think about when selecting products for your healthcare facility, including: 

●       How efficient is the product against pathogens?

●       Does the healthcare staff accept the hand products?

●       Do you need automated hand soap dispensers?

●       How does my budget for hand hygiene products compare to my expenses for hospital costs related costs due to HCAIs? According to the CDC, just four or five HCAIs contracted may equal the number of some healthcare facilities’ budgets for hand hygiene products. (Yikes!) 

At Lawton Brothers, our goal is to help your healthcare facility run as smoothly as possible. From helping you pick out which hand hygiene product would fit your facility best to helping you stay within budget, we are here for you. To talk with a representative about your facility and its needs, give us a call at 800-432-0813.

If you own a business, you understand the concern over floors that have just been cleaned--they can’t dry fast enough. Not only is this issue a liability in the event an individual would slip and fall, but it can also ...

If you own a business, you understand the concern over floors that have just been cleaned--they can’t dry fast enough. Not only is this issue a liability in the event an individual would slip and fall, but it can also cause mold and long-term structural damage to your facility. As business owners, we understand this issue too. And, we see it a lot when we talk with business owners. 

That is why we recommend utilizing the HOST® Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System, an environmentally-friendly system that dries in no time. 

The HOST® Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System consists of millions of dry sponges that are moistened with water and other ingredients and can be used for all carpet care, including maintenance and restoration. The sponges spread across the carpet, carrying the cleaning solution in a controlled manner. As the sponges brush up and down the soiled floor they break up oil, dirt, and other residues which can then be vacuumed away. 

This machine gives the user control over how much moisture is being used, as well as making sure all of the dirt and residue is removed from the carpet.

This cleaning system is certified by Green Seal, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WoolSafe; it is also approved by the Florida School Plant Managers Association (FSPMA).

Green Seal Certification 

The HOST® Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System is also Green Seal Certified. Green Seal is a non-profit environmental standard development organization that certifies products or services. According to Green Seal, this type of certification is ONLY awarded to products that meet the Green Seal standards of performance, safety and reliability.

According to Racine Industries, the certification by Green Seal has shown that the HOST® Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System:

●      Has passed its performance testing

●      Is nontoxic

●      Is not combustible

●      It contains no optical brighteners, ozone-depleted compounds, heavy metals, carcinogens or reproductive toxins

●      Is not irritating to the skin or eyes

●      Has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

●      And more

 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification

According to Racine Industries, any product or equipment that advertises the removal of dust mites or mold must be made in an EPA registered facility.

WoolSafe Certification

The WoolSafe certification certifies that this machine is safe to use on materials and carpets made from wool or wool blends.

Utilizing this system for your business can be beneficial in many ways, including:

●      Prevents the growth of mold and mildew

●      Decreases the risk of indoor allergies

●      Conserves energy and water

●      Being cost-effective

 

Prevents the growth of mold & mildew

According to the (EPA), mold can grow on any organic materials as long as moisture and oxygen are around. These materials can include wood, paper, carpet, food and more.  Mold growing on a surface is not just unsightly, it can actually digest the material is growing on, which can cause structural damage if not properly taken care of. Controlling moisture indoors is one of the environmental factors that will help prevent the growth of mold.

The HOST system only uses one teaspoon of liquid per square foot. In hot water extraction, 120 gallons of water could be used for every 1,000 sq. ft of carpet. This means that unlike other carpet cleaning methods, the HOST system helps decrease the amount of mold that can form due to the control of liquid being used.

Decreases the risk of indoor allergies

According to Racine Industries, the HOST® Cleaning System reduces:

●      Dust mite by 78 percent

●      Dust mite allergens by 75 percent

●      Cat allergens by 85 percent (good for apartment buildings who allow pets!)

●      Mold spores by 85 percent

Conserves energy and water

Due to the HOST® cleaning system using a minimal amount of liquid, this machine conserves energy and water by not using: 

●      Boilers to heat the water

●      Blowers to dry the carpet

●      And you won’t need to use any air-drying method to help the carpet dry faster!

Is Cost-Effective

A common myth of the HOST® System is that it is too expensive. If you look at labor, material and overhead cost, it is actually more cost-effective to use.

The labor included with the HOST® system refers to preparing and setting up equipment, mixing any chemicals, vacuuming, applying and re-vacuumings. With the HOST system there is very little to no setup time. Material cost is dependent on the space of your building, and with proper training of your cleaning staff, cleaning the carpet can be more efficient than using a wet cleaning method.

At Lawton Brothers, we are convinced that the HOST® Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System can be beneficial for your business from being environmentally-friendly to being efficient and cost-effective. HOST® Products we have include:

●      Host® Applicator

●      Host® Aridex® The Dry Upholstery Cleaning System

●      Host® Dry Carpet Cleaner - 12 lb. Bucket

●      HOST Dry Carpet Cleaner - 2.2 lb. Bucket

●      HOST Dry Carpet Cleaner - 30 lb. Bucket

●      Host® Freestyle® ExtractorVAC®

●      Host® Freestyle®  Red Firm Nylon Brushes

●      Host® Liberator®  Red Firm Nylon Brushes

●      Host® Liberator® White Standard Nylon Brushes

●      Host® Liberator® Zebra Firm Nylon/Polypropylene Brushes

●      Host® Prep Traffic Lane Cleaner - Gallon

●      Host® Reliant® Extractor - 12”

●      Host® SJ Dry Carpet Cleaner - 2.2 lb

●      Host® SJ For Special Jobs - 12 lb Bucket

●      Host® Smoke-X® Deodorant - 8 oz

●      Host® Spot Remover - Qt

●      Host® spotZAPPER 2-in-1 Brush

●      Host® Zebra Firm Nylon Brushes

If you’d like to know more about this system and the available products in your area, please give us a call to talk with one of our representatives.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver due to significant alcohol use, medications, medical conditions and a virus. In 2016, there were a reported 2,007 cases of Hepatitis A ...

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver due to significant alcohol use, medications, medical conditions and a virus. In 2016, there were a reported 2,007 cases of Hepatitis A in the United States, according to the CDC. To date there are 2,970 confirmed cases in Florida alone, and it has been called a  “health emergency” according to Medical News Today

Unfortunately, many people don’t know they have Hepatitis A as there can be no symptoms and is rarely fatal. However, for those who do know they have contracted Hepatitis A, there are no treatments. Hepatitis A epidemics are typically seen in countries with poor water supply and sanitation avenues; however, the contraction of Hepatitis A can happen anywhere. Hepatitis A can be spread unknowingly from ingesting food or liquids that have been contaminated through small amounts of undetected fecal matter from an infected individual who hasn’t washed their hands prior to touching objects, surfaces or food.

When an individual contracts Hepatitis A and there are symptoms, there can be severe repercussions including not being able to go to school or work, as well as their place of work being scrutinized, especially if it is a food establishment.

From this, we can gather a couple of things, 

1. Your cleaning or maintenance crew needs to have the proper cleaning products that can eliminate Hepatitis A.
2. In any service, hospitality or medical industries, proper hand washing protocols need to be put in place.

The good news is that there are cleaning products out there that can eliminate Hepatitis A, and you can put the proper protocols in place with our tips.

INDUSTRY RISKS & TIPS

Depending on the industry, there are certain measures you can take to clean your surfaces.

Childcare:

The contracture of Hepatitis A for children is high. According to WHO, in areas with low and high levels of risk for contracting Hepatitis A, children are the most at risk because they are more likely to put non-editable objects into their mouths. Because little to no symptoms appear in younger children, it is important to disinfect any objects that could be put into a child’s mouth. Items put into the mouth will need to be disinfected, rinsed and then air-dried or run through a dishwasher at a high temperature.

Healthcare and Hospitality

For those in healthcare and the hospitality industry, it is equally important to minimize the risk of Hepatitis A contracture. Contaminated clothing should be kept separate from non-contaminated clothing. Clothing should be washed at a high temperature. Surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly according to your healthcare facility’s cleanliness standards.

Not many products eliminate Hepatitis A. At Lawton Brothers, we have two, including Hillyard QT-TB and Green Klean Chlorinated Disinfecting Tablets.

 

Hillyard QT-TB is a ready-to-use, quaternary based disinfectant designed specifically for institutional cleaning and disinfection in hospitals, nursing homes and veterinary clinics. This product can also be used in offices, schools and hotels.

Hillyard QT-TB provides a high level of disinfecting against a broad spectrum of both gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms.

 

Green Klean Chlorinated Disinfecting Tablets are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered chlorinated disinfecting tablets. These tablets deliver consistent and accurate chlorine levels each time.

HANDWASHING PROTOCOL TIPS

According to the CDC, handwashing is one of the easiest and best ways to protect yourself and others from contracting infections and diseases like Hepatitis A. Individuals in the hospitality, service or medical industries should wash their hands during these breakdowns. 

●      Service Industry: Before, during and after handling food or drinks.

●      Hospitality Industry: Before, during and after handling food, drinks and materials like linens.

●      Medical Industry: Before, during and after seeing patients, surgery or treating patients.

According to a 1993 study, Hepatitis A has the ability to last on surfaces for days and on hands for a couple of hours. Simply put, it is essential to wash your hands when coming in contact with other surfaces or individuals as you don’t know if they have Hepatitis A or not. As a business owner or leader, it is your duty to make sure your employees are following proper handwashing protocols, as well as maintaining the cleanliness of your facility.

LAWTON BROTHERS | HOW CAN WE HELP

 While it is rare, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Hepatitis A accounted for 7,134 deaths in 2016. At Lawton Brothers, we have two products that can get you started in eliminating the contamination of Hepatitis A--Hillyard QT-TB and Green Klean Chlorinated Disinfecting Tablets. If you need more information about these products, give us a call at 800-432-0813 to talk with one of our knowledgeable staff members.

 

As a business owner, it's understandable that you would want to vet  any janitorial product supply companies before placing an order with them. That's why at Lawton Brothers, we want to answer any and all of your questions. Our ...

 

As a business owner, it's understandable that you would want to vet  any janitorial product supply companies before placing an order with them. That's why at Lawton Brothers, we want to answer any and all of your questions. Our team has put our heads together and developed a list of 10 questions that we frequently receive. If you still have questions after reading this, our team would be more than happy to get on a phone call with you! 

10 Questions to Ask a Janitorial Product Supply Company Before Buying from Them:

• What services do you have? 

   

  Understanding the type of services a janitorial supply company offers is essential. If you aren't educated on what kind of product, machine or service you need, you could fall into the risk of buying the wrong service. At Lawton Brothers, we offer more than quality janitorial products; we deliver cleaning expertise to our clients. Our services include:

   

  ●      Green Cleaning programs that meet USGBC standards

  ●      Floor Care programs that reduce costs and improve safety

  ●      Equipment Service, preventative maintenance and rental programs

  ●      Paper Products & Systems that control waste, eliminate pilferage, and reduce costs

  ●      Floor Matting solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but truly functional

  ●      Cleaning Audits that help you spend your budget dollars where they are most needed

  ●      Comprehensive Cleaning Program

  ●      Training Seminars and On-Site Training

   

• Where are you located?

   

  Location, location, location-- it's crucial. If you need your janitorial supply company to be local, you'll need to know where they are located. At Lawton Brothers, we have four locations, including:

  ●      Orlando – Corporate office

  ●      Clearwater, Florida

  ●      Ocala, Florida

  ●      Melbourne, Florida

  Each site has a showroom, staff that is knowledgeable and a fully stocked inventory.

• What cleaning products do you offer?

   

  Understanding the type of cleaning products a janitorial supply company offers will help you figure out what you can get from where. You don't want to order from five separate janitorial supply companies. We provide an online catalog full of supplies, including: 

  ●      Janitorial Supplies

  ○      Chemicals

  ○      Cleaning Equipment

  ○      Cleaning Supplies

  ○      Liners

  ○      Matting

  ○      Paper Products

  ○      Receptacles/Trash

  ○      Restroom Supplies

  ○      Skin Care

  ●      Foodservice Supplies

  ●      Facilities & Grounds Supplies

  ○      Safety Materials

  ○      Tools & Hardware

   

• What types of training do you offer?

   

  Janitorial supply companies that want to go the extra mile will offer training programs for your employees. Training programs can be beneficial, especially when it comes to utilizing chemicals and machines. Lawton Brothers offer training on-site or within our facility. Our training programs include:

   

  ●      ISSA CMI - Cleaning Industry Training Standard Verified Courses

  ●      CMI General Courses: General Cleaning, Restroom, Customer Service and Safety & HazCom †

  ●      Workload, Bidding & Estimating Workshop

  ●      Green Cleaning for Health

  ●      OSHA Right to Know / GHS HazCom

  ●      Bloodborne Pathogens

  ●      Carpet Care †

  ●      Restroom Care †

  ●      Resilient (VCT) Floor Care †

  ●      Tile & Grout Restorative Hard Floor Care

  ●      Marble Natural Stone Floor Care

  ●      Wood & Gym Floor Care

  ●      Disinfecting & Sanitizing

  ●      Cleaning Equipment Use & Care

  ●      Supervisor Development Courses

  ●      Free 1 hour Best Practices Courses

   

  † - ISSA CMI verified Courses

• Do you have any certifications?

   

  When thinking about a janitorial supply company, you may think that is doesn't matter if that company has any certifications or not. But, we're here to tell you that it does matter. Not only can a janitorial supply company be certified, but their products can also. For example, at Lawton Brothers, we are certified as an ISSA CMI Expert. We are Green Seal approved for specific products. 

• Do you work with businesses within my industry?

   

  As a janitorial supply company, we believe it is essential that the company you buy your products from has experience within your industry. If the company doesn't know the industry well, they won't be able to recommend the correct products for your facility or building. For example, we have experience working within many sectors, including hospitality, healthcare & medical, administrative and retail industries.

   

• Can you tell me what products or machines I need for my building? 

A janitorial supply company should be able to tell you what you need for your building (if they are worth their salt). We are not only a janitorial supply company; we are also cleaning experts. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can provide cleaning expertise, training and support the overall level of cleanliness in your building while also controlling the cost for you.

Not only will our staff be able to talk with you about specific products you are looking for, but we also offer two types of consultations:

 

Green Cleaning Consultation

 

Do your patients rank cleanliness as one of their top values in healthcare quality? 

Healthcare quality means that a healthcare facility can provide care that a patient needs, at the time they need it, safely and effectively. October ...

 

Do your patients rank cleanliness as one of their top values in healthcare quality? 

Healthcare quality means that a healthcare facility can provide care that a patient needs, at the time they need it, safely and effectively. October 20 to 26 is Healthcare Quality Week. At Lawton Brothers, we believe that it is important to highlight what you could be doing to improve your healthcare quality scores.

According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), there are six properties of healthcare quality: 

●      Effectiveness: providing science-based care that achieves healthcare outcomes

●      Efficiency: maximizing the quality of the healthcare offered while decreasing the amount of waste

●      Equity: providing equal attention to those who may differ in personal characteristics

●      Patient-centeredness: meeting the patient’s needs within their values

●      Safety: avoiding harm to the patient, including the contraction of healthcare-associated infections

●      Timeliness: providing care while decreasing inpatient stays 

Incorporating all six domains, especially safety, into how your healthcare system tracks "healthcare quality" is essential. It can decrease mortality rates, the spreading of HAIs and increase patient satisfaction and revenue. 

Continue reading to learn more about the cleanliness of a healthcare facility, and why we believe that you should be investing more in your environmental cleaning services. 

PATIENTS RANK CLEANLINESS AS THEIR TOP CONCERN 

According to Compass One Health, there are correlations between a patient’s perception of room cleanliness, the risk of HAIs, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers (HCAHPS) score and the HCAHPS teamwork indicator. According to Compass One Health's research, 90 percent of those respondents said they would recommend the facility. 

As a result of patients being observant of how clean the facility is, as well as their room, they are more likely to recommend a healthcare facility that they perceive as clean. What can you do to improve your patient satisfaction scores when it comes to healthcare quality? 

IMPROVING PATIENT SATISFACTION 

Inpatient healthcare services provide the most risk of patients contracting HAIs. We would suggest that inpatient healthcare services have the most to improve upon when it comes to cleanliness and healthcare quality. 

Improve your patient satisfaction when it comes to healthcare quality, by: 

Viewing your healthcare facility from the patient’s perspective. Ask an individual that you trust to walk through your facility and note down what they experience. How did the staff treat them? What were their first thoughts when seeing the exterior and interior of the building? Were the rooms clean? How clean? 

Remembering that what a person sees if what they will be their first impression. Like most things in life, individuals are visual creatures. They judge what they see first and that affects how they move through the full experience. 

Valuing your environmental cleaning services team. Your environmental cleaning services need to be organized, invested in and felt that they are heard to increase the cleanliness of your building. Have a plan to sit down and talk with this team about what could be improved upon and then make actionable items of what needs to be changed. 

Because cleanliness is essential to a patient and their overall satisfaction, your healthcare facility's environmental services team must be top-notch. Unfortunately, even if you have a top-notch team, if you don’t have the correct products, it won’t matter. 

At Lawton Brothers, we have many products and services that could benefit your healthcare facility and its quality score. Fives products/equipment that you could implement into your healthcare environmental cleaning and disinfecting routine right now include: 

1. Hillyard QT-TB is a ready to use, quaternary based disinfectant designed specifically for institutional cleaning and disinfection in hospitals, nursing homes, veterinary clinics.
2. Green Klean is an EPA registered chlorinated disinfecting tablet, medical disinfectant, with kill claims for C Diff, Norovirus, HBV & HIV 1, Canine Parvovirus and more.
3. Advance SC500 REV Scrubber features a low center of gravity and an easily accessible variable speed and pressure-sensitive control paddle.
4. Proteam ProDust Disposable Dust Sleeves is safe for any surface, contains no oils or waxes, and won't streak or leave any residue.
5. Hillyard Suprox-D Disinfectant is an EPA registered, neutral pH in dilution, hospital disinfectant with the cleaning power of peroxide. It contains twice the amount of peroxide than most brands.

And, if your staff needs training on equipment, we can help with that too! 

LAWTON BROTHERS | HOW CAN WE HELP 

Understanding healthcare quality depends on the cleanliness of your healthcare facility is the first step in improving your healthcare quality scores. That is where your environmental cleaning services and Lawton Brothers come in. Our team can work with your cleaning team to understand which cleaning products are needed based on your facility and its needs. We also have cleaning machinery that we can provide education on to your cleaning team. 

Take the initiative during Healthcare Quality Week to ask your patients what they value most in a healthcare facility. If cleanliness is one of the top things they look for, talk to one of our representatives about how we can help your healthcare facility by giving us a call at 800-432-0813. 

Did you know that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), can account for 1.7 million infections and 99,000 deaths each year? When a patient enters your healthcare facility for medical services, they are immediately put at risk for contracting healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) through ...

Did you know that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), can account for 1.7 million infections and 99,000 deaths each year? When a patient enters your healthcare facility for medical services, they are immediately put at risk for contracting healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) through improper environmental hygiene practices.

 As an essential part of healthcare leadership, it is critical to ensure your patient safety for the facilities you serve. You can minimize the risk of HAIs by encouraging your medical staff to be aware of and promote proper environmental hygiene and cleaning practices.

At Lawton Brothers, we understand that in extensive healthcare facilities, hygiene practices can be put on the back burner. We are taking this opportunity during International Infection Prevention Week to provide a timely reminder of the importance of the correlation between your facility’s cleanliness and your patient’s safety.

THE MOST COMMON HAIs

Healthcare-associated infections are infections that a patient develops during their hospital stay. HAIs can be contracted in any type of facility, including hospitals, ambulances and long-term care facilities, just to name a few.  

When a healthcare facility does not engage in proper environmental cleaning practices, it can cause increased diseases (morbidity), decrease mortality, increase the length of hospital stays and costs incurred by the hospital. (yikes!) 

According to Becker’s Clinical Leaders & Infection Control:

●      The length of stay for a patient who contracts an HAI increases by 17.6 days

●      9.4 percent of in-patient costs are for HAIs

●      HAIs can cost healthcare facilities $35 billion per year

The most common HAIs patients get during their hospital stay include:

●      Central-line associated bloodstream infections

●      Clostridium difficile infections

●      Pneumonia

●      Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

●      Surgical site infections

●      Urinary Tract infections

How do patients contract these HAIs?

As you know, HAIs can be contracted through environmental transmission; through the hands and the contamination of surfaces.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING PRACTICES 

Environmental hygiene can be dependent on the pathogen present and what product you are using to remove it.  According to an article published in BioMed Central, there are five areas of cleanliness that healthcare leaders should take into account when thinking about their hospital: 

1. Workforce: the staff whose responsibility is to organize, execute and verify cleaning activity.
2. Area: the environment that needs to be cleaned, including surfaces.
3. Substance: the chemical product being used to clean.
4. Technique: the method by which the staff is applying the substance.
5. Equipment: the machines being used to clean, including microfiber cloths and cleaning machines.

 If any of these areas are lacking or absent, the level of cleaning is inferior to what it should be.

 You should also be asking yourself these questions:

 What are our options for cleaning and disinfecting the patient’s environment? 

1. What approaches are in use?
2. How do cleaning, disinfecting and monitoring interact?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of cleaning, disinfecting and monitoring? 

What equipment is needed to impact cleaning, disinfecting and monitoring? 

1. What equipment is essential to the efficiency of environmental cleaning services?
2. Is it essential to train cleaning staff?
3. What are the regulations around disinfecting the facility? 

CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING  & DISINFECTING 

The optimal cleaning product for a healthcare facility is one that is effective against bacteria, spores and viruses while leaving no impact on the environment and being completely safe. Unfortunately, there isn’t a product that does all of that. (sadly) 

The most common chemicals used for disinfection include: 

●      Alcohol: is used to disinfect small surfaces or external surfaces like ventilators. Alcohol is a flammable substance and must be used in well-ventilated spaces. Long-term use of alcohol can cause discoloration, hardening and even cracking in plastics and rubber.

●      Hydrogen peroxide: can be effective against bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses and leaves no odor.

●      Ortho-phthalaldehyde: is an antimicrobial disinfectant for medical equipment that can cause respiratory issues if not handled properly.

●      Chlorine: is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial disinfectant that does not leave a residue.

●      Peracetic acid: is used to sterilize medical and surgical instruments.

●      Phenolics: are EPA-registered disinfectants that are used to clean environmental surfaces like bedside tables, bed rails and laboratory surfaces.

●      Quaternary Ammonium compounds: are used to disinfect patient-care equipment like catheters. 

Unfortunately, data-sf-ec-immutable="" while healthcare facilities are more than willing to upgrade their technology, they are less willing to invest in their environmental hygiene practices. Rather than spend your cleaning budget on only cleaning products, invest in your environmental cleaning employees, as well. An cleaning company can not only supply your healthcare facility with top-notch cleaning solutions but will also be able to provide your employees with the proper training--all while staying within your budget.

Not encouraging proper cleaning practices can affect budgets across the hospital. This can make it difficult to really understand how the lack of such protocols can genuinely change the healthcare facility as a whole.  That is why it’s essential to look at the increased number of days a patient may spend in the hospital due to an HAI, hospital staff overtime, missed revenue and increases in costs due to HAI outbreaks. 

When you are making a decision about investing in your environmental hygiene maintenance processes, which products to get, or how much training your cleaning staff really needs, think about the cost of not investing in these things and what that means for the healthcare facility long-term. 

HOW CAN WE HELP? 

Unfortunately, even if you have the best cleaning staff, they will be useless if they aren’t using the correct product. And, the best product is useless if it isn’t being applied correctly. That is why it is essential to have a team that can help you choose the best products and machines for the situation at hand. 

At Lawton Brothers, we have many products and services that could benefit your healthcare facility. Three products that you could implement into your healthcare environmental cleaning and disinfecting routine right now include: 

1. Hillyard Vindicator + - https://www.lawtonbros.com/catalog/p/243337/Hillyard-Arsenal-1-6-Vindicator-Disinfectant-25-L/
2. Green Klean Chlorinated Tablets - https://www.lawtonbros.com/catalog/p/255655/Green-Klean-Chlorinated-Disinfecting-Tablet/
3. Victory Sprayer - https://www.lawtonbros.com/catalog/p/256687/Victory-Cordless-Electrostatic-Sprayer/ 

And, if your staff needs training on equipment, we can help with that too! To talk to one of our representatives about how we can help your healthcare facility decrease the number of HAIs by improving your cleaning and disinfecting strategies, give us a call at 800-432-0813. 

Keeping your healthcare facility clean is an integral part of ensuring your patient’s safety, right? The cleanliness of your facility can decrease the amount of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), increase patient satisfaction and in the end, increase your revenue. 

Your environmental ...

Keeping your healthcare facility clean is an integral part of ensuring your patient’s safety, right? The cleanliness of your facility can decrease the amount of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), increase patient satisfaction and in the end, increase your revenue. 

Your environmental cleaning department is your front line of defense against HAIs. An excellent team can be the line between a good healthcare quality score and a bad one. 

At Lawton Brothers, we believe you can improve the quality of the cleanliness of your facility without going over budget. 

Our team at Lawton Brothers has read through the latest research to truly understand quality scores. Below, this article explains what we have found from that research, and why we believe cleanliness matters. 

CLEANING IS A PATIENT SAFETY ISSUE 

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 10 patients get an infection while receiving care. And, according to Cleaning Hospital Room Surfaces to Prevent Health Care-Associated Infections, in 2011, there were an estimated 721, 800 HAIs contracted in the United States, which led to 75,000 deaths. 

Rising medical costs and the fear of contracting HAIs during an extended hospital stay may deter patients from seeking medical treatment in a facility. 

Although they might not be aware of the exact standards of “quality cleaning,” the visual cleanliness of your facility plays a huge role in their perception of your organization. 

CLEANING YOUR HEALTHCARE FACILITY

There are five areas of cleanliness that healthcare facilities should think about:

• Workforce

• Area

• Substance

• Technique

• Equipment

Workforce & Area

Your environmental cleaning department has the responsibility to organize, execute and verify the healthcare facility's cleaning activity. Currently, many healthcare facilities go by “hotel clean,” with the added layer of a disinfecting routine. Hotel clean includes:

• Floors and baseboards are dust, stain and spill-free

• Walls, doors and ceilings are dust-free

• Furniture, window ledges, phones and carpets are dust-free

• Bathroom facilities are dust and stain-free

• Mirrors and windows are dust and streak-free

• Water is disposed of

• Furniture or items that are broken are replaced

During the room clean, environmental cleaning services should also ask themselves:

1. Are surfaces high touch or low touch?

2. What unit is this room on (conference room vs intensive care)?

3. What is the expected amount of body fluids that will come in contact with surfaces?

According to the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning and Decontamination, your environmental staff should have:

• Adequate cleaning resources that are devoted to their department

• Procedures for cleaning and disinfecting 

• Education and continued training 

Unfortunately, even with an educated environmental cleaning department, if they aren’t using the right cleaning solution, it won’t matter. 

Substance, Technique and Equipment

For each type of surface that is contaminated, it seems like there is a different chemical solution that your team will need, including alcohol, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and many more. To read a full description of these cleaning surfaces, read our blog International Infection Prevention, here. 

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING YOUR FACILITY

Buying the cleaning supplies, equipment or education your healthcare facility and its employees will need can get expensive. But, what’s the cost associated with not investing in the cleanliness of your facility? Those costs could include:

• Increased HAI outbreaks, which have an estimated $100 trillion cost globally by 2050

• Increased deaths due to HAI outbreaks

• Missed surgical revenue due to slow turnaround times

• Increased patient-stay times

• Decrease in revenue due to patients not returning after contracting an HAI

The upfront costs associated with investing in proper training and high-quality cleaning products will be beneficial in the long-run. 

We Can Help.

Unfortunately, you have a large healthcare facility that needs to be cleaned, but cleaning supplies and employee education can be expensive. At Lawton Brothers, we work with healthcare facilities for solutions that fall within their budget, including cleaning supplies, equipment management and employee training.

Our training programs include:

• ISSA CMI - Cleaning Industry Training Standard Verified Courses

• CMI General Courses: General Cleaning, Restroom, Customer Service and Safety & HazCom 

• Workload, Bidding & Estimating Workshop

• Green Cleaning for Health

• OSHA Right to Know / GHS HazCom

• Bloodborne Pathogens

• Carpet Care 

• Restroom Care 

• Disinfecting & Sanitizing

• Equipment Use & Care 

To talk with a customer representative about what we can do for your facility, give us a call: 800-432-0813 

 

Red wine, puppy prints, coffee spills...all have made their way to our carpets at one point or another.

Thankfully, we have come across a list of carpet cleaning hacks you won't want to miss!

Need a deeper clean for ...

 

Red wine, puppy prints, coffee spills...all have made their way to our carpets at one point or another.

Thankfully, we have come across a list of carpet cleaning hacks you won't want to miss!

Need a deeper clean for your home or business? Contact us for a cleaning consultation today!

 

 

As summer officially comes to an end and fall is rushed in by a gust of cool wind, all things "fall" start to come to mind. More cozy nights spent inside, days getting shorter, and holidays peeking around the ...

 

As summer officially comes to an end and fall is rushed in by a gust of cool wind, all things "fall" start to come to mind. More cozy nights spent inside, days getting shorter, and holidays peeking around the corner. As we ready our homes for more time spent indoors, here is a list of the top things we can do to make our homes extra cozy and clean.

 

Start with the Kitchen and Bathrooms

By tackling the tough (and more disgusting) cleaning first, the rest is downhill from there:

1. Clean your refrigerator. Inside, outside, and underneath!

2. Clean your kitchen grout.

3. Clean your oven. Lot's of baking and roasting coming!

4. Tackle cleaning your garbage can. Bring it outside and hose it down before it gets too cold.

5. Clean the inside of your dishwasher. Run a cycle of white vinegar in there to clean and disinfect.

6. Clean your shower.

7. Clean your bathroom grout. 

 

Move on to the Bedroom and Closets

1. Switch out seasonal clothes. The dreaded clothes update for you and your little ones will make life less stressful and less cluttered.

2. Wash and update your bedding. Clean comforters, switch out duvets.  Flip over your mattress.

3. Vacuum under the bed and dust off the furniture.

 

Clean the Living Room

1. Vacuum and dust off and under the furniture.

2. Polish wood furniture.

3. Dust off real and fake plants.

4. Sanitize and clean remotes. 

5. Dust off TV screens.

 

Everywhere

1. Wash your windows and window sills.

2. When windows will no longer be opened for winter, be sure they aren't drafty. Use rope putty caulking to seal large gaps and put up window film. Check condition of weather stripping on exterior doors, clean and polish brass hinges and knobs.

3. Wipe down the walls and baseboards.

4. Spot clean rugs and carpets.

5. Clean door knobs, light switch plates and outlet covers (carefully).

6. Clean your washer and dryer.

7. Remove lent from inside the dryer vent and from underneath the dryer.

8. Let in more light by dusting all light bulbs and light fixtures.

 

If You're Feeling Squirrely

1. Clean out your rain gutters.

2. Dust your ceiling fans.

3. Replace your air filter.

4. Replace your fire alarm batteries.

 

If you're still going, it's time to go clean out the garage...

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We’re not busting out the Christmas carols just yet, but we are talking about the kids going back to school (pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice latte time). As the school year ramps ...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We’re not busting out the Christmas carols just yet, but we are talking about the kids going back to school (pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice latte time). As the school year ramps up, the kids will bring home all kinds of goodies…especially germs. The classroom is a petri dish full of germs just waiting to jump on the hands of our kiddos.

Here are 5 of the best ways to keep your kids healthy as they head back to school:

1. Teach your kids about proper hand washing. How to wash their hands and when to wash their hands. Many kids (and parents too) forget to wash their hands after blowing their nose, before they eat and after they go to the bathroom. Proper hand washing is a vital component of staying well.

2. Help your child with proper hygiene etiquette. Avoid the flu and the common cold by teaching your child not to share cups, not to touch their eyes and to keep their hands to themselves.

3. Get some sleep! Sleep is important not only to physical and emotional health, it is important academically as well!  Getting the proper amount of sleep for your child’s age is a key to overall health and happiness. To calculate how much sleep your child needs for their age, check out: How many hours of sleep does my child need?

4. Don’t skip breakfast. With all the shuffling around and begging kids to get out of bead, breakfast can often be overlooked. Make sure your child eats a nutritious breakfast. Pass on the sugary cereal and bring on the bananas and Greek yogurt.

5. Get a backpack that won’t break their back. Backpacks are heavy and our kids somehow end up carrying a lot more on their backs than they should. Do your research and find a backpack that has the support and structure that they need. 

 

 

 

 

 

In preparation of Hurricane Dorian, many people have readied their homes and businesses for potential impact from the storm. There are many precautions you can take to avoid damage to your home or business. Equally important there are several things ...

In preparation of Hurricane Dorian, many people have readied their homes and businesses for potential impact from the storm. There are many precautions you can take to avoid damage to your home or business. Equally important there are several things you should NOT do before, during, or after a hurricane...

Hurricane DON'TS

Don't overlook flood concerns. The coast is not the only area that flooding occurs during a storm. Know if your home or business is in an area prone to flooding and take necessary precautions like sandbagging the yard or property.

Don't underestimate the storm. If you are in a watch or warning area, it is something to take seriously.

Don't go near windows. Unpredictable wind can hurl objects in many directions potentially breaking glass. 

Don't go near wandering or stray animals after a storm. Animals can become unnerved during and after a storm and otherwise friendly pets may bite. It is also a bad idea to let your pets wander after a storm. They may encounter displaced animals or get lost without familiar landmarks in sight.

Don't empty your swimming pool. The water table can rise during a hurricane and you run the risk of the pool lifting up out of the ground.

Don't drive through moving water. If there is even 6" of water, your car could begin to float.

Don't tape your windows. Contrary to popular belief, tape does not stabilize or secure glass. Board up your windows instead.

Don't cook inside using a charcoal or gas grill. 

Don't forget to back up your CPAP machine using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). This will ensure your CPAP machine will run through the night if the power goes out.

Don't touch metal fences after a storm. Powerlines could be down and metal will conduct electricity.

Don't get tricked into thinking the storm is over. The eye could be passing overhead and winds could pick up momentarily.

Don't stay once an evacuation order has been issued. If you decide to stay, emergency worker will not be able to reach you until after the storm is over.

Don't forget that carbon monoxide is a silent killer. If you have experienced an electrical outage from a storm or have used alternative fuels or generators, don't be caught off-guard by this poisonous gas. It can't be detected by smell or sight, so it can kill you before you even notice it. Make sure you are aware of the proper precautions for alternative fuels if the electricity is out. It’s more than just keeping them outdoors.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are not prepared or could use a hand, don't be afraid to ask someone to help you.

DO make sure to be a good neighbor. Check on your elderly neighbors and assist people when possible. Be safe and stay dry!

 

 

 

 

Green cleaning has been becoming more and more popular among commercial facilities and 2019 may be the year when green cleaning completely takes over in the janitorial world. But, what makes green cleaning so important? One critical factor is the ...

Green cleaning has been becoming more and more popular among commercial facilities and 2019 may be the year when green cleaning completely takes over in the janitorial world. But, what makes green cleaning so important? One critical factor is the potential harm that may result from the use of traditional cleaning chemicals. It is important for public facilities, such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes to understand the science behind cleaning and how the chemicals in many products may affect human health.

Properly selecting and using green cleaning products may help to safeguard the safety and health of your building occupants as well as the planet. Science has made it quite clear that the products used for cleaning can have a significant impact on building occupants. Many traditional products have been shown to contribute to health problems such as skin, eye and respiratory irritation as well as allergic and asthma reactions; all of which may lead to complaints and hurt attendance and productivity. To ensure your facility is putting their best foot forward when it comes to green cleaning in 2019, here are a few suggestions for replacing cleaning products with those that reduce potential harm.

Third-Party Certified Labeling

The biggest change in your facility could be represented by what chemicals are used. One of the most important factors to consider is that a green cleaning program in 2019 will shift the focus away from the appearance of the space in favor of the health of the space and its occupants. So, a clean facility is also a healthy facility and one that looks good as well. Green cleaning products should include carpet cleaners, hard floor cleaners, general purpose cleaners, disinfectants, odor control, hand soaps and janitorial paper products. It is essential that each product meets one or more of the proper third-party certified labeling standards, which include:

• Green Seal Certified

• GREENGUARD certified

• CRI Green Label Certified

• EPA DFE Certified

• FSC Certified

• ECOLOGO Certified

Train Your Staff

It is important that you train your staff on the green cleaning practices you want to put in place. Although the custodial staff should be trained at their time of hire, it is essential that regular training sessions and reviews occur even after their initial hiring period. Educating your staff about the need for the change, the benefits of green cleaning and the differences between using traditional cleaners and green cleaners will help to implement the program. Make sure everyone is trained, not just those who will be using the new products and equipment. This will help to ensure that everyone understands that you are transitioning to a green cleaning program and how the processes and products will be different when going forward.

Green Cleaning Equipment

One of the components of a comprehensive green cleaning program is the cleaning equipment used. When replacing the cleaning equipment to greener products, there are three characteristics that each new piece of cleaning equipment should have:

• Ergonomic design, which is necessary to minimize the vibration and noise as well as user fatigue

• Safeguards, which are necessary to ensure that the building surfaces do not experience any damages during cleaning

• When possible, look for equipment that has been made with recycled materials and/or materials that can be reused, repurposed and/or recycled at the end of its lifespan.

One of the most important parts of switching to a green cleaning program includes considering where your cleaning supplies will be stored. It is recommended that a locked janitorial closet be in an easily accessible location and that it includes proper hot and cold water supplies as well as a drain system. It is also important to implement the use of a cleaning log, preferably in or near the janitorial closet. The log should include when cleaning was done, the areas that were cleaned and what cleaning products were used in each area. Keep in mind that it is common for employees and janitorial staff to “slip” back into non-green cleaning habits, so it is essential that routine training classes and set cleaning standards be enforced.

Employee productivity is a key metric for any successful business. Many companies will invest heavily in new technologies, machinery, and company floorspace. While a modern and well-designed place of business is effective it is important not to overlook daily tasks ...

Employee productivity is a key metric for any successful business. Many companies will invest heavily in new technologies, machinery, and company floorspace. While a modern and well-designed place of business is effective it is important not to overlook daily tasks and how this relates to overall efficiency and employee happiness. A clean facility is heavily valued by employees and in many cases is more important to them than the latest technological advancements. Here is a brief overview of a survey which reflects employee opinions on company cleanliness and its importance to their daily work.    

Clean Facilities Boost Employee Productivity

Having clean facilities is greatly valued by employees in the manufacturing industry. A survey taken in November 2018 showed that alongside company efficiency, which 96% of those surveyed viewed as increasing overall job satisfaction, cleanliness was a close second at 94%. Employees’ overall job happiness and their productivity are also closely related. Workers value a clean and orderly business and this not only makes them better workers but also happier ones.   

• Increases Morale: employee morale is critical in overall company performance. Employees greatly value a well run and clean organization and such efficiency outranks even having the latest technology in terms of importance to employees. The above-noted survey rated the latest technology as having an importance of 87% versus cleanliness scoring 94%.

• Day To Day Tasks: manufacturing as an industry is one with many rules and regulations. In addition to meeting local and federal compliance, a clean working environment also increases productivity and overall morale. A clean organization is a well-run one that is detail focused and daily activities can be performed consistently and without any unforeseen setbacks due to a lack of oversight.  

• Helps In Daily Work: simple cleaning tools help employees perform their day to day activities and increases efficiency. 87% of those surveyed noted that even basic wiping and cleaning tools helped them perform their daily activities.

• Other Figures: when surveyed workers (9 out of 10) believed easy access to cleaning products increased their productivity and happiness. 94% of employees surveyed felt that a clean and healthy workplace improve their overall happiness with 54% of those agreeing to this agreeing strongly. 67% of respondents noted they used rags for cleanup this unhygienic and not nearly as efficient as disposable cleaning materials. Finally, 60% of workers surveyed felt that a clean environment increased their productivity while 93% felt it directly impacted their happiness.     

As these figures illustrate a clean environment creates a more productive and unified business. This increase in productivity is also boosted by an increase in employee morale. It is important to note that good morale and high productivity figures often go hand in hand and high morale is often reflected in quality work. A hygienic workplace is an efficient one that also engages workers. The investment in cleanliness and upkeep is an important one that pays off in both respectability, happy employees, and a well-run workplace.   

Green Cleaning

Green technologies have become important in several different industries in matters of production, products, and business applications. Green cleaning has become a part of hygienic practices and industrial cleaning activities. Some factors that define a cleaning process as Green (which can be used in manufacturing environments) include the following practices:   

• Proper Application: many cleaning activities have bad practices that limit overall effectiveness and hygiene. This can be something as simple as overusing cleaning cloths and not switching to new ones which can spread germs. A green approach values proper methodology and the use of cleaning materials.   

• Not Overusing Chemicals: green cleaning also considers the chemicals being used. Many cleaning chemicals are quite strong and increasing their use does not improve effectiveness. Often this is wasteful and can cause chemical overexposure as well.

• Taking The Proper Amount Of Time: many cleaning products have to be given time to ‘set’ and disinfect a surface area. A green cleaning method keeps this in mind and allows cleaning materials the proper amount of time needed to work.   

• Scheduling And Training: cleaning methods should be properly explained with employee training and cleaning should follow a precise schedule and performed when outlined (i.e. spills should not be ignored).

Air quality is referring to the condition of the air within your surroundings. Good air quality is the degree to which the air is clear, clean and free from pollutants such as dust, smoke and smog and other gaseous impurities ...

Air quality is referring to the condition of the air within your surroundings. Good air quality is the degree to which the air is clear, clean and free from pollutants such as dust, smoke and smog and other gaseous impurities within the air. Poor air quality can affect human health as well as the health of the environment. Contrary to popular belief, air pollution doesn’t just happen outdoors; it can also affect the air that breathed inside your workplace. Shared public places, such as schools, restaurants and hospitals are breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria that make you sick. Allergens and dust can irritate sinuses and a bad odor can leave a bad impression on your facility; this is why improving indoor air quality is an extremely important part of your facilities maintenance. Since it is so vital to take the appropriate steps to maintain clean air inside of your facility and to ensure a healthy environment for the occupants, here are a few steps you can take to clean up the air inside your facility.

Keep the Floors Clean

Dust, dirt and grime naturally accumulate quickly on floors, especially as people track in particles from the outdoors. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting the floors should be included as a routine part of the cleaning process. The first step to keeping floors clean is with the use of door matting. It is also important to use a powerful vacuum with a HEPA filter. When vacuuming, be sure to go over each area twice to make sure all allergens are captured. When cleaning hard flooring, use a microfiber dust mop to remove dirt and dust, followed by the use of a clean, microfiber mop, clean water and environmentally safe floor cleaner to ensure floors are clean and sanitized. Replace floor matting immediately to prevent tracking of dirt and grime.

Keep Waste Receptacles Clean

Trash cans and recycling bins are a potentially high source of airborne contaminants. If trash isn’t removed daily, it can pose a serious threat to the air quality of your facility by getting recycled through the HVAC system. Be sure trash and recycling receptacles are routinely cleaned with a disinfecting cleaner and protect the receptacles from gathering unnecessary grime and waste by lining them with a sturdy can liner.

Monitor Chemical Use

From floor cleaners to dust removers, there is a wide range of chemicals that may be found in your usual cleaners. These cleaners often result in unpleasant scents, which can significantly affect air quality. It is important to use scented cleaners that can withstand dilution, which will help to reduce the odor. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are extremely hazardous air pollutants that may jeopardize the health of the occupants in your facility. VOCs can be found in wide variety of cleaning products, sometimes without your knowledge, so it is important when ordering your cleaning supplies to speak with the janitorial supplies provider about ordering cleaning products that are free from or low VOC.

Replace HVAC Filter

Your facility’s heating and air conditioning system play an essential role in the air quality of your facility. The HVAC filter is responsible for trapping particles like dust and pollen, which may start to be recirculated throughout the facility if it isn’t appropriately dealt with. It is essential that you change the HVAC filters once a month to prevent irritants from finding their way into the indoor airflow.

While searching for products to help eliminate odor, but keep your facility clean and sanitized, you should avoid using products that contain artificial scents and high chemical levels. One of the worst things you can use in your facility is aerosol sprays to cover odors. Aerosol sprays will increase the chemicals in the air; these chemicals contain micro-particles that may be harmful to lungs. When looking for cleaning products for your facility, try to use environmentally friendly cleaning products without fragrances to keep the air pure.  If there is easy access to windows, open them throughout the day to allow fresh air into the building and to help circulate toxins to the outside. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule and encourage all employees to keep work areas clean and free from dust.

You may have all good intentions when it comes to training people to effectively clean your facility and you may have invested in all of the proper cleaning tools. But, if you do not maintain and clean your equipment appropriately, ...

You may have all good intentions when it comes to training people to effectively clean your facility and you may have invested in all of the proper cleaning tools. But, if you do not maintain and clean your equipment appropriately, you are basically sabotaging the entire cleaning process. Maintaining janitorial equipment is essential because if your cleaning tools and equipment are maintained incorrectly, the germs and bacteria you are trying to eliminate will continue to grow in the equipment and be spread throughout the facility. Well-maintained janitorial equipment and machines will last longer, perform optimally and even smell cleaner. Here are a few tips for the upkeep of janitorial equipment.

Vacuuming Equipment

The vacuum recovery tank needs to be emptied and rinsed out daily to prevent the suction from being reduced. Without daily cleaning, the tank will also start to have a bad odor. If using an upright vacuum, start by emptying the bag after each use, wipe the outside of the vacuum after emptying, check for strings and etc. that may be wrapped around the beater bar and check the belt for damage and change when needed. If using a backpack vacuum, empty the bag, check and clean micro-filter as needed, clean the dome filter as needed, clean the outside of the vacuum and clean the exhaust diffuser weekly.

Floor Machines and Burnishers

If using a high-speed burnisher, wipe the entire surface after each use, including the cord. Check the pads and replace if needed, blow out the motor about every two weeks and once a month check the screws and bolts to ensure they are tight. If you are using a slow-speed floor machine, wipe the entire surface after each use, rinse the tank after each use and check the drive unit for cracks and normal wear. Synthetic floor pads can be used on both sides, but once both sides have been used the pad should be cleaned. When pads become worn, they can be cut into small pieces and used as small cleaning pads.

Carpet Machines and Wet/Dry Vacs

It is essential that carpet machines be thoroughly cleaned after each use. When cleaning carpet machines or wet/dry vacs, be sure to rinse out the tank inside and wipe dry. Also be sure to rinse and dry hoses and attachments and be sure to thoroughly clean off the outside of the machine.  Also, remember to check hoses for damages and replace if needed. It is also important to clean the floor attachment after each use.

Mop Buckets & Wringers

Never use force on the wringer lever, you should only use enough hand pressure on the lever to wring out the mop. Remove all loose yarn from the mop head as well as any foreign matter that becomes tangled in the wringer. After each use, scrub all surfaces of the bucket with a disinfectant cleaner, rinse with water and dry. Routinely inspect the wringer and keep it tight and oiled. When not being used, keep the wringer in the release position and rinse the blade in clean water after each use. Do not store with the blade bent or down.

Wet Mops & Dust Mops

Care can very based on the materNever use a dust mop to pick up liquids and don’t use a dust mop on oily floors. Frequently remove loose soil by using a vacuum cleaner if possible; otherwise, shake debris into a waste receptacle.  Before using a new cotton mop, soak it for a few minutes to toughen the fibers and remove sizing. Do not twist the mop in the wringer; twisting can damage the fibers. Cut off uneven or loose strands and use fingers to straighten the strands. Hang dust mops and wet mops in a dry, airy place and never store them on the floor or in the mop bucket. Microfiber mops should be laundered after each use; be sure to shake or vacuum them to remove loose dust and soil before laundering.

One of the most important components of properly maintaining janitorial equipment is proper training. All cleaning technicians should be trained to clean and maintain equipment, including all handheld cleaning tools, such as microfiber cloths, brooms and dusters. All equipment must be routinely inspected for damage and replace all damaged equipment as soon as damages are identified.

Slip and falls are one of the leading causes of lost time in the workplace. These types of a accidents can happen almost anywhere, in any type of workplace. All it takes is one quick slip on a greasy floor, ...

Slip and falls are one of the leading causes of lost time in the workplace. These types of a accidents can happen almost anywhere, in any type of workplace. All it takes is one quick slip on a greasy floor, uneven flooring or a buckling floor mat to send an employee or a guest to your establishment to the hospital. With the risk of injuries ranging from a simple sprained injury to a more serious injury or even death, preventing slip and falls should be everyone’s main priority. It is critical for workers to know how to recognize and prevent slip and falls. Here are some ways to keep your establishment out of “slippery” situations.

Create Traction

It doesn’t take much for floors to become slick, especially in areas where there may be grease or oil present. Entrances can also present a high risk of slip and falls, especially when it’s raining or snowing outside, but using improper matting at an entrance can also lead to falls. One of the first lines of defense against slip and fall accidents is at the entrance to your establish. It is essential that you prevent slips by removing moisture from footwear. Mats should have a high-traction backing to prevent movement as well as be designed to absorb moisture from footwear. Mats should always be placed on a clean, dry surface and floor surfaces should be cleaned with no-skid waxes. If you are building new or remodeling, consider installing high traction flooring to create a non-slip surface.

Keep it Clean

A workplace that is clean is typically a safe workplace, so good housekeeping practices are essential for preventing accidents. Teach employees to take the time to remove boxes, cords, paper and clean up spills as soon as they occur. If the housekeeping habits of your establishment are poor, the result may be a higher incidence of injuries among employees as well as guests. One of the biggest risks to slip and fall accidents is grease and oil. It is essential to use cleaning tools and solutions that are designed to cut through the grease and grime—without leaving a slippery residue. Keep in mind that bleach is not a cleaner; it is a sanitizer, so using bleach on top of grease can create a slippery floor. Instead use cleaning products that cut through the grease and create high traction.

Block off Temporary Hazards

Instruct workers to never leave a spill unattended while they are getting a mop. Make sure someone is at the spill to direct guests around it, while someone else gets the cleaning materials. Place a “caution: wet floor” cone or sign by the spill and do not remove it until the area is clean and completely dry. For large areas use barricade tape and/or several cones to restrict access to the area. It is also important to post safety signs in high risk areas for employees to alert them of slip, trip and fall hazards and remind them to always check scaffolding and ladders to ensure safety.

Maintain Proper Lighting

Poor lighting in a workplace can significantly increase the risk of slip and falls for both employees as well as your guests. To reduce the risk of injury, use proper illumination in staircases, walkways, ramps and dock areas and keep all work areas clean and well lit. In areas that are poorly lit, make sure walkways are clear or clutter and all obstructions. Repair light fixtures, switches and cords immediately if they malfunction and use long-lasting, bright light bulbs. Remind workers that when entering a darkened room to always turn the light on first.

Training workers is the most critical factor in preventing slips and falls. Employees must wear the appropriate footwear at all times and shoelaces must be tied correctly. Controlling individual behavior is often difficult, but important. For instance, workers should be encouraged to not to run, use a cellphone or carry materials that will obstruct their vision.  One of the most essential things you can do to reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries is to train workers to use the right tools and cleaning products.

It is nearly a rite of passage and it is a practice we engage in often, even yearly! These are our end of the year reflections and our New Year resolutions. For many businesses, those resolutions may be called projections, ...

It is nearly a rite of passage and it is a practice we engage in often, even yearly! These are our end of the year reflections and our New Year resolutions. For many businesses, those resolutions may be called projections, forecasts or goals. if your company is considering the possibility and benefits of green cleaning in the new year or if you are already involved in the green movement, then you are in good company. One report from the ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association) said it this way:

"Stated simply, green cleaning is truly a marketplace phenomenon that is being driven by customer demand and the overall trending of the broad marketplace for environmentally preferable products and services."

This is, of course, only one of many potential goals and decisions a company could make to improve their business for the coming year. Other organizations may simply want to do something more common, like reduce unnecessary expenses. The cost of cleaning supplies and chemicals could be one such area where a business could find room to save a few dollars.

A Better Clean in 2019

The bills for cleaning equipment and supplies are considerable and for some industries, they can be downright hefty. Finding the best suppliers and proper training of employees charged with such sanitary and maintenance tasks can result in savings. These are also the steps to achieving a better, healthier and cleaner business in 2019.

There are many reasons and proven techniques for properly and effectively training employees in the various aspects of cleaning. These reasons can be anything from providing a healthier environment to assuring customer safety. The reasons for adopting and improving your cleaning practices go well beyond the obvious however...

A Better Clean Benefits Your Business

As industry professionals, we understand on a more intimate level than most, the importance of keeping our schools, facilities and organizations clean, green and healthy. The common patrons of these institutions aren't as likely to be aware of the vital services we provide. What they will notice though, is a clean and healthy environment. Another article from ISSA discussing the psychology of cleanliness posed this thought:

"If the result of having a visibly cleaner facility is happier tenants, students, patients, customers, and workers, imagine the amount of business value that could generate?"

Turning more focus and energy toward your business' cleaning techniques, employee training program and suppliers, for example, isn't just a good decision for the health and benefit of employees and customers. It is also a good decision for the health and benefit of your business. The highest quality chemicals at the right prices and a crew trained and educated in the use of equipment and cleaning chemicals combined with a company that cares about cleanliness is a winning combination.

The Future of Cleaning

Long gone are the days of using chemicals that are unnecessarily dangerous to property, people or the environment. Today we live in a smarter, more aware and better informed world, that means we clean in smarter and better ways. The future of cleaning is now and for many companies that future includes an intentional effort and focus on green products, services and methods.

This future isn't about a few of us either, this is about all of us. The EPA says that "the cleaning industry employs about 2.8 million potentially exposed janitors." Now imagine how many people come into contact with the areas surfaces and places where chemicals and cleaning compounds were used. A better way of cleaning is the future of cleaning and that future is now.

Well-trained employees result in the proper use of chemicals and equipment. That will typically result in less wasted chemical expenses and increased longevity of cleaning equipment. The benefits of using safer products and employing the best training principles will pay dividends today and tomorrow for everyone.

At Lawton Brothers, delivering the most effective and safest janitorial and sanitary supplies has been a way of life for more than 60 years. From cleaning equipment, chemicals, paper, liners and more they have promoted the advance of better cleaning products and processes. In 2019, it is all about a better clean.

Could something as simple as washing hands prevent people from contracting the flu? Medical experts claim that maintaining clean hands is one of the best practices to help prevent the spread of pathogens among the populace. Frequently washing your hands ...

Could something as simple as washing hands prevent people from contracting the flu? Medical experts claim that maintaining clean hands is one of the best practices to help prevent the spread of pathogens among the populace. Frequently washing your hands ensures that if you touch your nose, mouth, or rub your eyes the chances are significantly reduced that you won’t become infected with the flu, that you picked up from a sick person.

Preventing the Flu in a Workplace

During flu season, the flu virus causes employee lost time at work that can cost a business a lot of money in lowered production and paying for sick days. Health complications of the flu can also result in higher than normal employee medical bills which mean higher insurance costs for a business.

Personnel working in fields such as the medical industry are potentially exposed to the flu virus every work day, and in such an environment good hand-washing practices are essential. Keeping hands clean ensures not only that the medical employees do not contact the flu from the sick, but that the virus isn’t spread to other patients with lowered resistance, such as the elderly.

Persons working in the hospitality industry must maintain excellent handwashing practices during working hours or risk spreading the influenza virus to other people through the food. Washing hands carefully after using the restroom is of paramount importance, as well as before and after preparing, cooking, and serving food to the customers.

When Coworkers Are Sick

When a coworker is sick with the flu and doesn’t stay home to recuperate, it may be difficult to avoid contact with this person. A sick person in the workplace complicates matters because many common surfaces in a workplace can harbor the flu virus, such as vending machines, office equipment, or tools. Such a simple act as touching a printer or a computer keyboard after an infected person can easily transmit the flu virus among a group of workers.

Frequently washing hands with hot water and soap during the workday and before eating can greatly reduce the spread of the flu between people that work together. Managers should encourage any sick personnel to stay home to further reduce the risk of spreading the flu in the workplace.

The Handwashing Procedure

• Hot water is best for washing hands and killing pathogens, but if no hot water is available, then washing with lukewarm water is acceptable.

• Wet your hands and turn off the water

• Apply plenty of soap

• Scrub hands and wrists briskly for approximately 20 seconds

• Turn on the water and rinse hands well

• Dry hands using an air blower or a clean paper towel

If no water is readily available to wash hands, instruct personnel to use a hand sanitizer made with sixty percent alcohol. All surfaces of the hands and fingers should be covered with the sanitizing gel and left to dry. Be sure to wash off the gel before eating.

Other Methods of Flu Prevention

During the flu season, implement other practices to reduce the spread of the flu virus at a workplace. Frequently cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, such as door handles and countertops with a strong germicide helps stop the spread of the virus. Readily available hand wipes and alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be available to all personnel to use when needed.

For More Information

Contact Lawton Brothers for more information about preventing the spread of the flu virus in the workplace. We are a family-owned company, providing our customers with integrity and reliable service since 1946. When it comes to fulfilling janitorial needs, Lawton Brothers offers over 60 years of knowledge and experience to help your company maintain a clean and sanitary commercial place of business. We also offer expert janitorial training for your staff to help meet the specific cleaning, disinfection, and sanitation needs of your business.

At Lawton Brothers, we are proud to offer our own private line of cleaning chemicals that delivers top-notch performance at affordable prices. We also offer repair service for cleaning equipment such as floor scrubbers, carpet extractors, and vacuums by highly-trained technicians.

Contact Lawton Brothers at 800-432-0813 to speak with a knowledgeable member of our staff about your janitorial needs. You may also fill out the Contact Form located on our website at https://www.lawtonbros.com/locations and you will be contacted shortly.

The flu virus is a tenacious pathogen, living up to 48 hours on surfaces outside the human body and spreading like wildfire through schools and workplaces. However, the flu can be halted in its tracks with careful attention to cleaning ...

The flu virus is a tenacious pathogen, living up to 48 hours on surfaces outside the human body and spreading like wildfire through schools and workplaces. However, the flu can be halted in its tracks with careful attention to cleaning and disinfecting the commonly touched surfaces in a workplace.

How Does the Flu Spread so Quickly?

The flu virus spreads by contact using human hands. A sick person blows their nose, doesn’t wash their hands, and later touches a door handle, light switch, or a stapler, which is used by another person. In a workplace, where many objects are shared, such as computer keyboards, telephones, ink pens, drinking fountains, or even an innocent-looking piece of paper, the flu can spread rapidly from person to person.

In a restaurant or other facility that prepares or handles food, care should be taken by food servers to clean their hands carefully after handling a customer’s drinking glasses, plates, cups, or utensils. Even picking up coins or paper bills left by a customer can easily transmit the flu virus. After handling such articles, food servers should be instructed not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth until after washing their hands.

Fight Back with Highly Effective Janitorial Supplies

During the flu season, businesses can lose large amounts of money through employees sick days, so it’s vitally important to keep commonly touched surfaces within a commercial facility effectively disinfected or sanitized. When a commercial facility is properly cleaned, the spread of flu decreases among the personnel.

The first line of defense is for employees to wash their hands frequently using plenty of good quality soap. If water is not available to wash hands, using a gel hand sanitizer with high alcohol content is very effective in destroying the flu virus. Next, thoroughly clean and disinfect or sanitize all commonly touched surfaces on a regular basis, sometimes several times a day.

Commonly touched surfaces or objects, such as elevator buttons, handrails, or glass surfaces should be frequently wiped down with a high-quality disinfectant to destroy the flu pathogens. In areas where food is prepared the surfaces should be sanitized so the food will be safe to eat. Food should never touch a surface that has been disinfected instead of sanitized.

Quality Cleaning Supplies Are Important

When cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing surfaces to prevent the spread of the flu virus in a commercial facility, the quality of the janitorial supplies is essential. Only commercial strength products should be used in order to kill the flu pathogen. The directions of use on a product’s label should be followed carefully to make sure the product will perform adequately and in a safe manner. Using high-quality janitorial products to disinfect or sanitize an area ensures the threat of the flu virus is diminished and no harm is caused to the people that work or visit the commercial facility.

Contact Lawton Brothers

Our family-owned company has helped customers prevent the spread of disease since 1946 by offering superior janitorial products to disinfect and sanitize commonly touched surfaces in commercial settings. For more information, contact Lawton Brothers about the many convenient and highly effective products we offer to help prevent outbreaks of flu and keep cases of this potentially dangerous illness to a minimum.

After many years of extensive research and experience, we now offer our private label of superior janitorial products at very economical prices. Lawton Brothers also conducts classes to teach your janitorial staff the most effective methods for preventing the spread of the flu as well as other methods of disinfecting the workplace and creating a clean and healthy environment.

Here at Lawton Brothers, we also offer a convenient repair and maintenance service for commercial cleaning machines. Our professional staff of technicians is factory trained to keep your janitorial equipment running smoothly and reliably. Lawton Brothers can visit your facility to repair janitorial equipment or repair janitorial equipment in-house.

Contact us by calling 800-432-0813 and speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff to discuss your janitorial needs. You can also visit our website at https://www.lawtonbros.com/locations and fill out a Contact Form. We have four convenient showroom locations in Orlando, Ocala, Clearwater, and Melbourne where you can view our complete line of products.

Many varied conditions can affect the interior of a commercial building and contribute to the level of allergens. Too many allergens can produce environmental conditions that are uncomfortable and unhealthy for humans causing symptoms of discomfort and chronic sickness.

Controlling ...

Many varied conditions can affect the interior of a commercial building and contribute to the level of allergens. Too many allergens can produce environmental conditions that are uncomfortable and unhealthy for humans causing symptoms of discomfort and chronic sickness.

Controlling Dust and Dirt

Unswept floors with accumulated dust and dirt can contribute to high levels of allergens and indoor pollution. When dust is present in large quantities in a commercial building, people can suffer runny noses, sore throats, headaches, irritated eyes, even asthma attacks and serious lung infections. Dust build-up can also damage electronic equipment and eventually a building’s HVAC systems.

Careful and regular maintenance dusting of an office building can eliminate allergens and prevent ‘sick building syndrome’ that can cause employees to miss work days due to allergy symptoms. Carpets and rugs should be vacuumed frequently and deep-cleaned at regular intervals to remove ground in dirt and other debris that contribute to employee’s allergies. Window shades and furnishing should also be periodically vacuumed to remove not only dust but dust mites as well.

Hardwoods, polished cement, or tile needs to be kept clean and dry to prevent not only allergens, but employee and customer falls and other accidents. In restaurants and hospitals the floors need to be kept not only dry but extremely clean and free of harmful bacteria.

High Levels of Moisture

High levels of moisture inside of a building can produce unpleasant and unhealthy conditions, such as encouraging the growth of fungus and molds. Some varieties of mold can produce chronic respiratory symptoms, such as throat, eye, or skin irritation, nasal and sinus congestion. Mold can also cause chronic coughs and asthma-like symptoms.

Making sure that a commercial building is well-ventilated can help reduce indoor high humidity levels. Also, installing a dehumidifier can reduce moisture in the air and help prevent mold growth.

Having a commercial building regularly inspected for water leaks can also reduce mold growth by identifying the source of moisture. Leaking roofs, windows, or water pipes can all cause mold growth if neglected and should be repaired immediately.

Inspect HVAC Systems

Keeping the HVAC system clean and in good repair can keep the air clean and allergen-free. Make sure to change all air filters routinely, so dust and other debris doesn’t build up inside the equipment and duct system and is redistributed back into the building. Also, drain pans should be frequently checked to make sure proper drainage is taking place. If the water backs up in the drain pans bacteria and mold can multiply rapidly in the water and contaminate the surrounding air.

Pest Control

Unclean conditions in a commercial setting can encourage the infestation of pests, such as roaches, flies, dust mites, or rats that can cause various illnesses in humans. Unswept floors can cause dust mites and trash not removed on a regular basis can encourage the presence of rodents.

The presence of cockroaches and rodents can trigger asthma attacks in the building’s occupants, and rat droppings contain easily transmitted, deadly diseases that can infect humans. Dust mites can also cause respiratory distress and other health symptoms as well.

Keeping a commercial building clean is the first line of defense with pest control. Making sure all possible food sources are well stored in roach, ant, and rodent-proof containers will help prevent infestations. Remove any possible food source and pests can’t thrive and multiply in numbers.

Contact Us for More Information

At Lawton Brothers, we have been assisting our customers to keep commercial buildings clean and allergen-free since 1946. Not only do we offer janitorial products, but we also conduct professional training for your employees to help improve the cleanliness of your commercial facility and help reduce the cost of your building’s maintenance.

Our highly trained technicians can also repair maintenance equipment for your business as well as provide a planned preventative program for cleaning machines. We also have a rental program.

Contact us at 800-432-0813 for more information on the many services we offer. You can also view our online product catalog on our website and read our blogs at http://www.lawtonbros.com and fill out a Request a Free Consultation form.