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.

It’s no secret the public judges a company by the cleanliness of their restrooms. People check out the condition of a restaurant’s restrooms before they order anything to eat. They reason that if the restroom is dirty the kitchen where ...

It’s no secret the public judges a company by the cleanliness of their restrooms. People check out the condition of a restaurant’s restrooms before they order anything to eat. They reason that if the restroom is dirty the kitchen where the food is prepared is dirty also.

The same rule applies to other types of businesses as well. Unclean restrooms give customers the impression of a lack of pride and organization. A dirty restroom or one not well-stocked with toilet paper and other necessities can transmit the message to the public that your business doesn’t care about the needs of the customer.

Restroom Disasters Are Bad for Business

You want your company’s restroom to be clean and germ-free, but what do you do if suddenly you discover your clean restroom is transformed into a nightmare of filth? Consider the following true stories.

Daniel, a warehouse manager, described such a scenario when he came to work one morning expecting a typical workday. However, that soon changed when a worker reported a ‘huge mess’ in one of the restrooms. Daniel went to investigate and found that the description of a ‘huge mess’ was a gross understatement. One of the toilet stalls was dripping with liquid feces and smelling horrible. How such a thing happened was a mystery, and no staff member would admit to causing such a massive cleanup job.

John, a restaurant owner, had a similar problem happen in his eating establishment. One super-busy evening one of the servers came to him and reported a horrible problem in one of the restrooms. It seemed that someone had smeared feces all over a stall wall, the toilet, and even all over the sink. This situation presented a big problem for the health of the other patrons that needed to use the restroom. The risk of a bacterial infection, such as the deadly E. coli, which is commonly transmitted by contact with feces, was a strong possibility.

Jennifer S, who runs a busy food market, was horrified when an employee hurried up to her to report an overflowing toilet in one of the restrooms along with a clogged floor drain. Something had become lodged in a toilet, and the contaminated water flooded the whole restroom. Dirty, contaminated toilet water inside a market filled with fresh food could create a safety hazard, and Jennifer had a reason to be so concerned.

Professional Training Is Best

Janitorial staff needs professional training if they are expected to do an effective job of keeping public restrooms sparkling clean and in excellent working order. Professional training by maintenance experts is the best method to produce skilled custodians that do the job right. You want to be proud of your public restrooms as much as the rest of your company. Invest in the best!

With the right professional training and plenty of high-quality cleaning supplies, your janitorial crew should be able to handle any situation, from an overflowing toilet to more complicated matters, such as the situations described above. If there is a ‘huge mess’ in your public restroom, your janitorial staff should have enough training to feel confident they can handle the cleanup with no problem.

Contact Lawton Brothers

At Lawton Brothers, we offer the highest quality janitorial products to our customers. We are a family owned company located in Florida and established in 1946. Over the years, we have built a reputation for excellent service, honesty, and integrity and our popular private label products continue to satisfy the needs of our customers. We also are proud to offer green cleaning products.

Besides a wide variety of cleaning supplies, we also offer professional training for your janitorial staff to assist them in reaching a new level of excellence on the job. A better-trained staff means a cleaner workplace for you and your customers.

If you have problems with your janitorial equipment, such as automatic scrubbers, vacuum cleaners, and carpet extractors, our Service Center makes repairs for our customers. Our highly trained technicians undergo rigorous factory training and can correctly diagnose and fix your equipment at affordable prices.

Call us at 800-432-0813 or visit our online catalog at our website at http://www.lawtonbros.com for more information on our services and products.

Maintaining a clean environment is essential for your residence, but, maintaining the cleanliness at your business carries a higher level of significance, because it can ultimately have an effect on your bottom line. The cleanliness of your business has a ...

Maintaining a clean environment is essential for your residence, but, maintaining the cleanliness at your business carries a higher level of significance, because it can ultimately have an effect on your bottom line. The cleanliness of your business has a significant impact on the first impression of visitors as well as the health and safety of visitors and employees. Between the dirt and debris from people walking in, the windows fog up-making them appear grungier than they really are, the lobby continually has puddles of water and the bathrooms seems to be a catchall for the water your lobby didn’t catch-all of these situations make it difficult to keep your business looking and feeling clean during bad weather. The good news is, with the following tips and the right cleaning supplies, your commercial business can remain clean during any type of storm.

Clean & Clear Glass

As the drizzle, fog and/or snow arrives, dirt and debris also begins to collect on the windows of the your commercial business. Even though this is the time when your windows get the grime, no one wants to venture outside during bad weather to clean the glass. You may not be able to keep the glass sparkling during a rain storm, but if you use a quality glass cleaner before and after inclement weather it will help to prevent excessive buildup of dirt and grime and using a glass cleaner with a de-fogging agent will prevent the glass on your building from fogging up during bad weather.

Maintaining the Floors

Dirt, mud and water from the outside are quickly tracked into a business. If these problems aren’t kept on top of, a period of inclement weather can quickly transform your clean, shiny floors into a wet, dirty mess. This can give your visitors a poor impression, especially in the lobby or reception area. More seriously, wooden, tile and linoleum floors can become extremely slippery when wet, which poses a trip and fall hazard to your employees and your customers. The first plan of action is to appoint an employee to mop up all water immediately and place “wet floor” signs in all areas with damp flooring. One of the best ways to prevent having to continually mop, keep your floors in good condition and maintain a clean environment for customers is by using floor mats in the lobby. The mats will catch the water before it gets dragged into the main areas of your business and they will help prevent scuffing, stains and slips/falls. Mat selection is very important. Nylon fiber mats are the most effective at drying the shoe which will minimize the chance of a slip and fall.

Keep Germs and Bacteria Out

Bad weather, whether it is a heavy rain storm or a snow storm, means an excess of germs and bacteria. Wet floors, bathrooms, furniture and accessories are a haven for bacteria. To reduce the risk of bacteria taking over your commercial business during inclement weather, it is essential that you routinely disinfect all areas that may become contaminated, including handrails, bathroom stalls, sinks, walls and floors and furniture. Using a quality disinfectant, whether it be through a spray or in the cleaning supplies, such as a bathroom cleaner, will help to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria among your staff and your customers. If your business prepares and/or serves food, the kitchen floors, warming tables and equipment that employees frequently touch should be cleaned throughout the day to prevent employees who are coming on and off shift from spreading contamination.

During inclement weather, at the end of your business day, after all customers have left, it is important to thoroughly clean all areas of the establishment with a quality disinfectant cleaner. Doing a thorough cleaning at the end of the business day will ensure there aren’t any wet areas that may have been missed during business hours and it will help prevent the risk of mold and mildew growing in places, such as the bathrooms. Carpeting will soak up water and moisture from foot traffic during bad weather. If possible, vacuum regularly throughout the work day to prevent dirt and grime from "sticking" to damp carpet and all carpeting, especially in high traffic areas should be steam cleaned and dry as soon as all customers are gone for the day.

When it comes to industrial cleaning is microfiber a better choice than cotton? It depends on the kind of cleaning job. The janitorial departments of many companies prefer to use the more modern microfiber for their cleaning needs, while others ...

When it comes to industrial cleaning is microfiber a better choice than cotton? It depends on the kind of cleaning job. The janitorial departments of many companies prefer to use the more modern microfiber for their cleaning needs, while others only use cotton.

What’s the Difference?

The main difference between the two materials is that cotton is woven from natural plant fiber and microfiber is manufactured from man-made polyester and nylon, blended to form a very tightly woven material. Cotton has several disadvantages because it is organic and microfiber has drawbacks as well.

Because cotton is a natural fiber, bacteria and viruses can multiply and grow freely on its surface, feeding on the organic properties of the cleaning cloth or mop. Mold and mildew can also quickly grow on cotton cleaning cloths in a warm and humid environment, especially if they remain wet for an extended period.

Cotton mops, as well as cloths, can acquire an unpleasant odor. When using cotton for cleaning, it needs frequent disinfecting to make sure the fiber is free of bacteria, mold and mildew and to eliminate any odors. Cotton cleaning cloths can also stain quite easily and become unsightly-looking

Microfiber Is Great for Removing Pathogens

Because microfiber is not made of organic materials, it can remove more bacteria and viruses when disinfecting surfaces than cotton. This property makes microfiber very valuable for the healthcare industry where the threat of deadly infections are ever present and must be controlled carefully. Microfiber’s ability to remove pathogens is also useful for cleaning and disinfecting in institutions such as schools and colleges where colds and flu can spread rapidly through the student and staff population.

Cotton Has Its Uses Too

Cotton is inexpensive to buy. However, it’s not the most durable of cleaning cloths, developing holes and shredding with constant use. Cotton cloths can leave specks of lint behind when you clean a surface, which requires a second wiping down.

Cotton is useful for cleaning surfaces that would destroy a microfiber cloth, such as the rough and uneven surface of a brick or unpolished stone wall, stucco or cement.

Cotton, however, is invaluable when using cleaning chemicals such as bleach, because microfiber can’t be used in such instances. That’s because bleach destroys the fabric of microfiber cleaning cloths. For this reason, cotton is used in the food-service and hospitality industry because of the need for sanitization of food prep surfaces with bleach.

Microfiber for a Lint-Free Clean

Microfiber cleaning cloths last much longer than cotton and can withstand tougher cleaning jobs, however not on rough surfaces. It also doesn’t leave a trail of lint on a just-cleaned surface as cotton does. The downside to microfiber is that it costs significantly more than cotton and can’t be used with certain chemicals.

Microfiber picks up particles of dirt and other debris better than cotton and prevents smearing and streaking. When dealing with bodily fluids, such as vomit, in a setting such as a hospital, microfiber is used because of its ability to remove the vomit particles as well as the liquid effectively.

When using microfiber for cleaning less water is needed, as well as less janitorial chemicals to clean a surface. Because of reduced water usage, floors cleaned with microfiber mops dry much faster than floors mopped with cotton, which is useful for preventing falls and other accidents in a location with a lot of foot traffic.

Contact Us for More Information

At Lawton Brothers, we have been serving our Central Florida community with integrity and reliability since 1946. We are a family owned company and a leading distributor of janitorial supplies. We not only provide our customers with excellent quality, private label cleaning supplies, we also assist with the training of staff members on the most effective cleaning procedures for your facility. We offer training in all types of commercial floor maintenance as well as restroom care.

The highly trained technicians in our Service Center also provide quality equipment repair for our customers. We repair floor machines, vacuum cleaners, automatic scrubbers and other machines as well. We guarantee our work to be top notch and problem-free.

Contact us at 800-432-0813 or visit our website at http://www.lawtonbros.com for more information on our janitorial supplies, green cleaning, and other services. We look forward to serving you!

Tile is one of the most durable floor materials. Besides being tough, tile is water and stain resistant and is an excellent choice for commercial applications.

Tile Floors in a Commercial Setting

Commercial tile hard floors take a lot of ...

Tile is one of the most durable floor materials. Besides being tough, tile is water and stain resistant and is an excellent choice for commercial applications.

Tile Floors in a Commercial Setting

Commercial tile hard floors take a lot of abuse, ranging from the scuffs and scrapes of high foot traffic to tracked-in water when it rains. To make sure a tile floor in a commercial setting always looks clean and attractive, it should receive regular maintenance, which includes daily care as well as a schedule of periodic heavy duty cleaning.

Daily Maintenance for Tile Floors

The daily care for a tile floor should include vacuuming or at a minimum sweeping to remove all dry loose dirt and miscellaneous debris. After the floor is vacuumed clean, auto-scrub the tile with water mixed with a neutral cleaner, like Hillyard’s Super Shine All, or damp mop if you don’t have a auto-scrubber. If spills occur during the operating hours, they should be cleaned up within a 12-hour timeframe to avoid staining the grout.

When cleaning a commercial floor, if mopping, aways use a clean mop. Make sure the mop bucket is rinsed out well beforehand and contains clean water as well. Change the water in the mop bucket as often as needed and never reuse dirty water when cleaning floors. A good rule of thumb on changing the mopping solution is to change it when you can no longer see the bottom of the mop bucket.

Periodic Deep Cleaning for Tile

Deep cleanings remove ground-in grime and stains a daily cleaning can’t eliminate and touch up the appearance of the grout. In a commercial setting, floor scrubbing machines are excellent for deep cleanings. Tile floors should be deep cleaned on a regular schedule to keep them looking their best. Not allowing ground-in dirt and stains to remain too long on a floor helps to extend the years of service of tile.

The maintenance schedule for deep cleanings can vary, depending on how much wear and tear the tile floor receives. A tile floor that is subjected to lots of spills, moisture and dirt may need to be cleaned with a floor scrubber as often as once a week. A tile floor in a cleaner dry setting may only need to be deep cleaned once every quarter of a year.

When deep cleaning avoid the use of acid based cleaners. They erode the grout. The use of a alkaline chelate grout cleaner degreaser, like Lawton’s Petra Clean, will not erode the grout joint.

Special Care for Tile In a Commercial Kitchen

In a food preparation area, restaurants use grouted quarry tile. The downside of this type of floor is oil and other food can stain the grout between the tiles and this requires special cleaning.

Restaurants have floor drains, and this requires careful daily cleaning around the drains to make sure no mold has formed around the drain. After mopping, use a long-handled stiff-bristled brush to scrub away bits of stuck-on food then mop again. Using the brush or a squeegee, push any excess water toward the floor drain. Use fans to dry the floor quickly.

In a commercial kitchen, oil and grease can penetrate the surface of the tile and make the surface slippery. Not stripping grease from the floor can create a dangerous work environment for employees, which can result in injuries and worker compensation claims.

Using good quality and consistent procedures, as well as, a quality degreaser like Lawton’s Float can solve this problem.

Kitchen Mops Only in the Kitchen

Always use a specially designated mop and mop bucket for a commercial kitchen tile floor. Never use a mop used in other areas, such as restrooms, because of the possibility of spreading harmful bacteria. Because of grease, a mop used in a commercial kitchen shouldn’t be used in dining areas because it could make the floors slippery and cause customer accidents.

Kitchen Tile Deep Clean

For periodic deep cleanings of tile in a commercial kitchen, scrub the floor with a professional floor scrubber and brush to  remove any penetrating stains or oil that regular mopping can’t remove. Deep clean a commercial kitchen tile floor at least once a week.

Contact Us

For more information on keeping your commercial tile floor clean, contact Lawson Brothers at 800-432-0813. We wholeheartedly believe in the importance of cleanliness and using green products instead of toxic ones to help the environment. Lawson Brothers have helped businesses with janitorial needs and provided cleaning training for employees for 60 years.

We’ve developed our private label cleaning products that are nationally recognized and respected as some of the best on the market. We also service cleaning equipment. Contact us and speak with one of our professional technicians to assist with any needed repairs of your equipment. We are proud to offer quality service and warranties on all of our work.

Water is a precious commodity, and without it, all life on this planet would cease to exist. Not only does water efficiency within your company save you money but it also helps the environment as well.

Educate Your Employees

Educating ...

Water is a precious commodity, and without it, all life on this planet would cease to exist. Not only does water efficiency within your company save you money but it also helps the environment as well.

Educate Your Employees

Educating employees on water conservation helps them to understand how important it is to save water for the health of the earth as well as for the company. Many people may not realize how essential it is to conserve water until fully educated on the subject. To help employees begin to implement this knowledge, start by initiating team discussions on water use efficiency and ask for regular progress reports. Once employees see their company has wholly adopted the policy of water conservation, they will begin to comply with the new system.

Be Sure to Explain

Clearly explain all points of the new water saving policies, and make sure the rules are easily accessible for every employee. It does no good to implement a new water conservation policy if not everyone is aware of the regulations. State the company’s intention of saving water in employee handbooks and be sure to inform each new employee of the policy.

Discuss Topic Frequently with Your Employees

Make it a point to frequently mention the new water saving policy in meetings, emails, and newsletters. You can also issue a questionnaire to inquire how employees feel about the new water saving policy and ask them to submit their ideas to help the company conserve water. Be sure and provide plenty of recognition for those that do contribute unique and useful ideas.

Put Up Signs for Visual Reminders

Post signs in company restrooms to remind employees to turn off the water while lathering up hands with soap. If water is used to wash hands in places other than restrooms, make sure signs are posted there as well.

Stop All Leaks!

Stress the importance of reporting and repairing water leaks with employees. Wasted water means company profits lost, literally down the drain. Implement checklists for employees to ensure all water sources are regularly inspected for leaks to cut down on water loss.

Cutting Corners Isn’t Always Wise

In order for a business to save water and money, maintenance must become a priority. Neglecting to repair leaks costs more money in the long run than fixing them right away. For example, George’s high traffic restaurant has several leaks that he doesn’t fix because he doesn’t want to spend the money on maintenance. However, those leaks that are wasting water every second of the day are costing him quite a lot of money, and he doesn’t realize it. Water is money - every drop of it. If water is wasted, this eats into the overall profits of the company.

Install Water Efficient Equipment and Fixtures

Your company can achieve water efficiency in many ways.

• Install water-conserving faucets, toilets, and urinals in all company restrooms.

• In hospital kitchens and restaurants install water-saving dishwashers. Instead of pre-rinsing cooking pots and dishes, remove food residue by scraping instead.

• Where showers are used, such as in a gym, use low-flow, water-reducing showerheads.

• Using drought-resistant plants in company landscaping to reduce water usage.

• If your company uses water in the cooling system, set the thermostat up a few degrees and inform employees of this fact.

Improve Your Company’s Reputation

Demonstrating to employees and the rest of the world that your company cares about water conservation and helping the environment can help improve your reputation and standing in the community. Companies that strive to keep their community a nice place to live attract favorable attention from the general public and this publicity is very good for business.

For More Information Contact Us

At Lawton Brothers, we are passionate about the environment and encourage the use of green cleaning supplies. We are a family owned business that’s built an excellent reputation with 60 years experience. We have developed our own nationally recognized private label chemical line. Besides janitorial supplies and cleaning equipment, we also offer professional cleaning and janitorial training for your employees. Contact us for more information.

If you need commercial equipment repair, contact Lawson Brothers and speak with one of our highly trained technicians. These professionals provide quality work and offer a warranty on all repairs.

The last thing employers want is for their employees to feel uncomfortable when they come to work. Owners of commercial spaces should do everything in their power to make the work environment clean and free from allergens. Not only do ...

The last thing employers want is for their employees to feel uncomfortable when they come to work. Owners of commercial spaces should do everything in their power to make the work environment clean and free from allergens. Not only do germs and bacteria spread viruses, but can also cause allergic reactions that lead to employees being out sick, which can interfere with company production and profits.

Dust Mite and Allergen Traps

Commercial spaces are traps for dust mites and other allergens and the only way to combat them is with regular commercial cleaning. Although staying on top on dust can sometimes feel like a never ending battle, especially in large commercial spaces, it can make even the best business look unprofessional. Even worse than the affecting the appearance of your business, dust mites, which are related to spiders, can be hiding in almost every commercial space, including the carpets, chairs, desks and drapes. Dust mites also significantly increase allergens that lead to decreased employer productivity from constantly sniffing and coughing. Regular cleaning, which should include damp dusting, regular vacuuming and mopping and maintenance for the heating and air conditioning vents.

Improve Air Quality

A commercial space is often a source of health complaints for workers who suffer with allergies, especially those with carpeting, which can harbor up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch. As the bacteria continues to build up in the carpeting and other soft surfaces, each time it is disturbed it circulates in the air that your employees and customers are breathing in. Steam cleaning is crucial for maintaining clean, bacteria and mite free carpet and upholstery. Clean carpets also help to improve the overall air quality. It is also recommended that when cleaner be used, it be a micro-antibacterial solution to help reduce the risk of airborne bacteria.

Air Duct Cleaning

Just one single piece of dust in a commercial space can contain pet dander, flakes of dead skin and living organisms, such as dust mites and mold spores that irritate nasal passages, causing allergies from mold or dust. Air ducts are the most common contributor of dust in the indoor air. Common causes of dirty air ducts include poor ventilation and air exchange, cigarette smoke, remodeling debris, mold and dust; all of which can significantly increase the symptoms of allergies. Air duct cleaning will remove dust from the outer surfaces as well as the inside of the air ducts in order to reduce the amount of allergy producing particles in the air. Air ducts and other components of the heating and cooling system should be routinely cleaned and be cleaned outside of the regular scheduled cleaning if they have mold on them, if there are signs of rodents, insects or other vermin infesting the ducts and/or the ducts are clogged with dust and debris.

Tile and Stone Surfaces

Many modern commercial spaces have stone, tile and granite features that can have a positive effect on the look of the space; unfortunately, these areas can also harbor bacteria that can lead to allergy symptoms. It is essential that all natural stone and tile surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with a quality cleaner and disinfectant. Using a tile, stone and grout cleaner with a sanitizer will help to remove about 98% of the bacteria from these surfaces, which can ultimately reduce allergens.

Whether your company has one or one-hundred employees, management teams are always searching for ways to improve employee productivity. One of the easiest ways to guarantee an increase in employee performance is making sure employees feel healthy when they are on the job. This goal requires a workplace where the employees breathe good quality air on a daily basis. Along with deep cleaning the carpets and air ducts, it is essential that the floors, bathrooms, kitchens and all work spaces also be deep cleaned on a regular basis in order to reduce the buildup of dirt, dust and other allergens. It is also important to use quality commercial strength, janitorial products, many of which will be more effective in removing dirt and dust, instead of only spreading it from one area to another.

When it comes to sanitizing and disinfecting what is the difference? It depends upon the surface and the location. Some surfaces only need to be cleaned, meaning to wipe dirt, debris, or dust away, but other surfaces, such as in ...

When it comes to sanitizing and disinfecting what is the difference? It depends upon the surface and the location. Some surfaces only need to be cleaned, meaning to wipe dirt, debris, or dust away, but other surfaces, such as in the food industry, are sanitized. Where the killing of all dangerous pathogens is essential, such as inside a hospital, surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected to prevent the spread of disease.

What is Sanitizing?

If a cook drops a metal spatula on a floor, that person will sanitize the tool before cooking with it. That means the cook will wash the spatula with a chemical solution and rinse it well under running water to get rid of any bacteria. Sanitizing is a process, usually involving chemicals, that kills 99.9 percent of all pathogens on a surface, such as the metal spatula.

Why Do Restaurants Sanitize Food Prep Surfaces Instead of Disinfecting?

According to the food safety codes used in restaurants, surfaces where foods are prepared, cooked, or served should be sanitized instead of disinfected. Sanitizing kills pathogens such as bacteria, which can quickly grow on surfaces used to prepare food. Frequently sanitizing these surfaces prevents dangerous pathogens from spreading to the food, causing the restaurant’s customers to become seriously ill or even die.

Some sanitizers are food-safe, and the residue doesn’t need to be rinsed away after use, but others must be rinsed off. Cooking and eating utensils and dishes are an example. They are washed and sanitized and then rinsed in the final stage of cleaning to remove all traces of the sanitizer.

Do Sanitizers Kill All Pathogens?

Sanitizers kill all bacteria that can grow and multiply on a surface. The only types of pathogens that sanitizing doesn’t kill are fungus and viruses.

What Is Disinfecting?

Disinfecting uses much stronger chemicals than sanitizing. Using more potent chemicals means that not only are viruses and fungus killed on a surface, but the pathogens are destroyed with a slower process as well.

Why Do Hospitals and Clinics Disinfect All Surfaces?

Hospitals and medical clinics have different cleaning needs than restaurants. A constant stream of sick people coming into a medical facility, as well as constant exposure to blood and other body fluids, means the medical staff needs to be able to keep the pathogen level under control as much as possible. It is the medical community’s job to halt the spread of potentially fatal diseases such as MRSA , so disinfecting all surfaces is very important, to patients and staff.

Completely disinfecting heathcare tools and surfaces correctly can mean life or death to patients undergoing care or other medical procedures, and so it should be undertaken as seriously as possible. Thoroughly disinfecting all surfaces means killing all bacteria, viruses, and fungus, leaving nothing behind to invade an open surgical wound.

Some pathogens are so dangerous to human life, such as Ebola, that if not kept away from the general population the death toll would be devastating. The constant threat of these deadly pathogens is why disinfectants are so crucial to preserving human life on this planet.

Why You should Disinfect Your Company’s Restrooms

A restroom is a high traffic place. The perfect spot for a pathogen breeding ground. It’s important to disinfect restrooms to prevent the spread of colds, flu and other viruses that can keep employees sick at home instead of at work doing their job.

Keeping a restroom fresh and clean has a great psychological effect on employee morale as well. It conveys the message to employees that the company they work for values their health and wellbeing.

Contact Us with All Your Cleaning Needs

At Lawton Brothers, we are proud to be a family-owned company with over 60 years of serving our community’s janitorial needs. After years of careful research, we developed our private line of cleaning chemicals that deliver superior performance for your business at an unbeatable price. From wood to tile or stone floors, in gyms, lobbies, or restrooms, our janitorial products will keep your building looking its best.

Contact one of our highly-trained staff today concerning your company’s janitorial needs and don’t forget to ask about our green products! We are also proud to offer on-site janitorial training for your employees.

Did you know that "green" janitorial cleaning products work so well, you'll scarcely miss your old, toxic solutions? Developed specifically for tough jobs, our proprietary Lawton Brothers products can wipe out dirt everywhere when you select the best product match ...

Did you know that "green" janitorial cleaning products work so well, you'll scarcely miss your old, toxic solutions? Developed specifically for tough jobs, our proprietary Lawton Brothers products can wipe out dirt everywhere when you select the best product match for the job at hand. This article will introduce you to our line-up of superior cleaners that will quickly become your new favorites.

Bathrooms

Toilets and Urinals

Use Bowl Creme to remove urine stains, rust and lime on porcelain and to deodorize it, too.

Sinks

Express cleans your sinks with a few quick squirts and a wipe with a microfiber towel. Safe on fiberglass, metal and porcelain. Say good-bye to biological residue, soap scum, grease and lime.

Showers

For a thick cleaner that holds to vertical surfaces, try Big Easy . This solution cleans body oils, mineral deposits and soap scum off tile, metal and fiberglass.

All of these bathroom cleaners are non-fuming, so it's safe to breathe while you work. Refill the hand soap dispensers with biodegradable  Creme or pearly, almond-scented Derma Silk.

Hard Floors

Strippers

When concerned about biodegradability, use Fast Break  to strip your floors. You can use Fast Freak  with a floor machine, scrubber or mop. As the industry's most powerful stripper, use ammonia-free Blast Off on the toughest jobs. It will strip even the most built-up, hardened finishes and seals.

Cleaners

Daily cleaning jobs call for either Surpass, NLC or Green Clean. Green Clean and NLC are pH neutral, biodegradable and good for coated floors, leaving finishes intact. Green Clean will get up the heavier soils while NLC works best for lighter jobs. But Surpass will both clean and refinish at the same time to save time and labor.

Finishes

Your high traffic areas that shine need a Classic 25 finish. This product resists staining, scuffing and powdering while offering a high-gloss finish.

Rave and Dura Flex offer more solids for easy maintenance and soil-resistant floors. Rave works great as a self-sealing finish requiring less daily care while super speedy Dura Flex dries in 10 minutes when you need a floor ready fast.

Non-Slip Sealer

Do you need a non-slip floor without mats or other skid-arresters? Use SolidStepCote (not a Lawton Brothers product) for the best, crystal clear finish designed to create a lasting bond with nearly any surface. As a high-tech, green and water-based coating, SolidStepCote makes tile, stone and vinyl composite floors skid-resistant while preserving the beauty of the original floor.

Carpets

Spotters

For good general purpose spotting, use Freedom. This non-resoiling, biodegradable spotter effectively works on water-soluble greasy stains. But when you have tough, oily stains, reach for the can of Spots Out to do the job. It requires no rubbing and leaves no residue.

Pre-Spray

Before a maintenance run with your spin bonnet, pre-treat with Release. This low-pH, non-resoiling spray has a pleasant floral scent, is biodegradable and safe for all carpet types including 5th generation.

Steam Traffic Lanes will pre-treat those heavy traffic paths where shoes drag in street oils and grind them into the carpet. This alkaline pre-spray is biodegradable and quite effective.

Do you clean facilities that host animals? Use the enzymatic K-9 treatment to eliminate odors from urine, feces and vomit.

Encapsulation or Extraction

For maintenance between deep extraction cleanings, use Interim. When used with your dual brush machine t, Interim encapsulates the soil, brightens the carpet and retards soiling.

When it's time to extract the carpets that haven't seen the worst of it, you should choose Retriever. As a neutral pH concentrate, Retriever deodorizes as it brightens all types of carpet fibers.

Liberty offers versatility along with deep cleaning encapsulation. You can use it for pre-spray, extraction and, dry encapsulation brush cleaning, extraction cleaning or pre-spray methods. This product employs polymers for encapsulation and electrodynamic cleaning and deodorizing.

Use highly concentrated Steam Vac Concentrate for your deep extraction power cleaning. Its alkalinity devours oil and grease for bright renewal of the dirtiest carpets.

Have past cleanings  left product in the fibers? Use Brown Out to rinse and remove detergents and minerals left behind from inadequate extractions. Brown Out neutralizes and leaves carpets brighter without leaving re-soiling agents behind.

Please see our brochure for all of our Lawton Brothers cleaning products. We've developed something for nearly every type of janitorial job. But we also carry many brands so you can clean as green or not, as you prefer.

Every facility will have its share of cleaning challenges. Because humans tend to take shortcuts and find expediencies, you must take the time to train them away from unsafe and ineffective procedures. In a janitorial environment where just about anything ...

Every facility will have its share of cleaning challenges. Because humans tend to take shortcuts and find expediencies, you must take the time to train them away from unsafe and ineffective procedures. In a janitorial environment where just about anything goes, you risk severe economic and social penalties from preventable accidents. Although each area to clean is unique, the following safety tips generally apply in any large facility.

1. Know the OSHA Rules

This seems like a no-brainer, but OSHA rules change often. To keep on top of them, at least one person on the staff should be charged with knowing current OSHA regulations and signage. Be aware that OSHA inspectors can drop in on your staff at any time, so never grow complacent with your safety processes.

2. Hold Regular Safety Meetings

Never assume that if you run your staff through one training program that they're good to go. The larger the facility, the more complex the safety issues and the more likely staff will forget what they learned in their safety class. Although you'd rather not devote an excessive amount of time in meetings, holding regular sessions to quickly reinforce one or two safety protocols each time should help your staff remember.

3. Make Sure Staff is Properly Equipped and Clothed

Never send your team into the trenches without the proper armor. Long pants, long sleeves and soft-soled shoes all help keep skin protected from slips, chemicals and abrasions. Don't forget to remind your long-haired staff to tie back their tresses to avoid obstructed vision and getting them caught in their cleaning equipment.

4. Use Goggles and Masks Around Hazardous Chemicals

If you must use hazardous chemicals, make sure your staff has easy access to rubber gloves, masks and goggles. You may want to consider switching to a green cleaning program. Several manufacturers of cleaning products offer non-toxic alternatives that work as well as, or better than, traditional toxic solutions. After all, you want to keep the safety of the environment in mind, too.

5. Use Special Protective Clothing Where Needed

If dealing with corrosive or hot materials, provide your crew with aprons or garments specially designed for protection against contact.

6. Keep Flammables Away from Heat Sources

Teach your staff to recognize the hazard labels on bottles of cleaning products. Be sure to impress upon them the need to keep flammable materials far away from open flames and other heat sources.

7. Store Chemicals at Eye Level or Below

Make sure stored chemicals can be easily reached. You don't want to encourage accidents by making your workers pull bottles and boxes down from above their heads.

8. Check Electrical Cords

Always check the electrical cords on your equipment. Never use a device with a frayed cord, especially if it is used near water.

9. Teach Proper Lifting Techniques

According to EHS Today, back injuries comprise almost half — 46 percent — of all janitorial injuries. Teaching proper lifting techniques should go a long way towards protecting your crew. In fact, this one training point should dominate your ongoing training protocol.

10. Mop Stairs from Top Down

Mopping always carries a slip and fall risk, but cleaning stairs magnifies the possible consequences. The employee should stand at least two steps below the riser under the mop and carefully work down.

11. Know Where Emergency Shut-off Switches Are

In the event of an equipment mishap, every operator should know by rote where the emergency shut-off switch is or, failing a switch, where the circuit breakers for the machine are. The same goes for water and gas valves.

12. Never Stand on Office Furniture

Always provide an array of step stools and ladders so your crew never feels the need to climb on desks or chairs to clean things above their heads. Proper climbing equipment not only helps prevent accidents, they preserve your clients' furniture, as well.

13. Never Stop Training

Finally, never skimp on training. If you feel your training system fails to embed safety habits in your crews, then you may want to contact us at Lawton Brothers. We offer adult learning programs that gain excellent safety and improved cleaning results. Rather than simply explain proper cleaning methods, our experienced, certified trainers will involve your team in hands-on techniques that they'll remember long after they complete the class.

For more information, please see our post The Importance of Training. Then, check out our upcoming training programs and call us today.

Spring break was great, right? It seems like we barely have time to breathe, however, before schools will be shutting down for their summer hiatus. Before long, everyone will be ready to get some much needed rest and relaxation...well most ...

Spring break was great, right? It seems like we barely have time to breathe, however, before schools will be shutting down for their summer hiatus. Before long, everyone will be ready to get some much needed rest and relaxation...well most of us. Before those custodial teams and janitorial services can even think about possibly having a bit less to do at schools and educational institutions, they have a lot to do first.

Summer Means Preparation

While most of us are planning vacations or making summer schedules and plans for the children, the people that take care of our educational facilities are making plans and schedules to prepare those schools for the summer break as well. That is no small task and there are many considerations that must be addressed when preparing schools for that summer siesta.

Here is a quick checklist of some of those primary considerations and why they are so important...

School Preparation Checklist

While schools take a beating during the school year, with thousands of footsteps, tons of water usage and other activities, regular maintenance and school preparation will keep our educational facilities operational and in good shape. It's time to roll up our sleeves and get ready to work, because summer vacation awaits.

Flooring

Does anything take more abuse than our floors? Mud tracked in, snow, wetness, running, jumping - our floors endure it all. Schools can multiply that pounding ten fold and the time to really take care of those floors is when they aren't being beaten down. Schools also will likely have rooms that are carpeted in addition to tile, linoleum and other flooring types. Repairs, cleaning and replacing those floors in order to be ready for another year and another million footsteps is important. Maybe the worst things that janitorial crews can do is to use chemicals and processes that are also hard on floors. Extending the life of our school floors is not only a savings but by using green cleaning products, floors will live longer and the environment will be safer.

Plumbing

The cafeteria, the bathrooms, showers and even science classes will often have sinks, that means a great deal of wear and use on those handles, spickets and plumbing structures. Fortunately, summer vacation is when the weather is warmest, so that is one less concern for maintenance teams to worry about. That still leaves repairs to fix any leaks or damages and It means a thorough cleaning and inspection of the plumbing and other related tasks.

Repairs

Students can be brutal on a school. At the end of the year, when the janitorial staff comes in to prepare for summer vacation, they have to be prepared for the unexpected. Damaged walls, desks and yes, even ceilings are potentially at risks when we are talking about students. Repairing these damages and cleaning any messes left behind from the school year is just part of the routine. Using environmentally safe products and techniques to accomplish these jobs will leave that school sparkling and keep the world we live in a little better too.

Equipment Maintenance

This is a potentially endless list and will vary greatly from school to school. Commonly, coolers, freezers, stoves, generators and much more will need to be evaluated for repairs and cleaning. Although this can be a daunting job, the right training and right supplies will make it easier, safer and better. Getting those safer and green cleaning supplies is only part of the battle...

The Importance Proper Training

Having safer, better and environmentally safe cleaning supplies is important. Having a good team and good people is important. Training is essential. Without knowing how to use supplies properly or without understanding the safest and best green cleaning techniques can negate your efforts to do things the right way. Bacteria and toxins love dirty floors, aging food particles and dirt. Providing our teachers and students with a shiny classroom is certainly desirable but protecting our teachers and students is priority one.

Using the right training and the right supplies will result in not only a clean and safe school for our children, it will also be appreciated by the environment and world we live in. Summer vacation is upon is and so is the time to start planning, because preparing schools for the summer is a big job.

Saving water and using water saving principles is simply an act of responsibility. Companies who employ water conservation techniques and tactics are operating responsibly. Every one and every company should. It may just not have crossed the minds of many ...

Saving water and using water saving principles is simply an act of responsibility. Companies who employ water conservation techniques and tactics are operating responsibly. Every one and every company should. It may just not have crossed the minds of many or perhaps there are some who just aren't sure what they can even do to utilize water conservation techniques.

Ideally this article will bring the topic of water conservation to the forefront once again, at the very least it will offer some practical and useful tips your business and janitorial operations can use to promote water conservation...

Water Conservation Tips

Some of these tactics are simply educational and cost nothing more than time and attention, the benefits far exceed the expense in these measures. Other tactics may require an investment but the reality is that these businesses will save more in the long run...

Low Flow Options

Many of these options will depend on and be dictated by your current plumbing and water network system. From the restroom or cafeteria faucets to the shower rooms, taking advantage of low-flow-restrictors will prove to be a water saving investment. If your faucets, showers and other spouts can be outfitted with such low-flow-restrictors, it is worth the consideration.

Using aerators that are low-flow will emit considerably less water on a gallons per minute rate than typical standard faucets. Toilets are a primary culprit for using excessive amounts of water, as older model may use almost 5 gallons every time the lever is activated. By contrast, high-efficiency models use approximately half that much water.

There even more options to moderate water use, even looking at rinse spray valves and hoses used for dishes can avail another potential savings and eliminate another unnecessary use of water. Restaurants are typically aware of this and use updated sprayers that emit less than 2 gallons of water per minute. Older and other traditional models can use up to 4 gallons, water adds up quickly.

Consider an Audit

Janitorial agencies and other businesses that use extensive amounts of water may be advised to inquire about a water audit. Professional services are available which will help businesses determine how much water is being used, where there are areas to be addressed and assistance in implementing those plans. In some instances, water utility companies may offer no-cost audits and potentially offer rebates for such water-saving initiatives. The savings can add up quickly too.

Use Water-Efficient Equipment

Business use many different types of machines, equipment and tools, many of those which can use great amounts of water. Being a responsible and conscientious business means asking about water-efficient models. There are in particular cases, options that are designed to be less water intensive. Although these alternatives, where they exist, are likely to have a greater price tag that is money that will be returned twice-over in saving and in areas like water heating costs.

Reduction and Water Management

It is commonly under the blanket and responsibility of the custodial or maintenance crew to maintain and landscape the property. In some cases, lawn care services may be contracted, regardless of what role fits water conservation is everyone's responsibility. Using options such as the installation of a water or rain harvesting system, for example, can afford better control of maintaining that professional lawn.

Another possibility could come in the actual planning and planting of the landscape. Choosing to plant native landscapes or other options that would promote water conservation are always viable alternatives.

Educate and Update

It was said at the onset and it deserves to be said again, every person and that means every employee has a role and responsibility when it comes to water conservation. Employers have the power and the means to promote a culture that promotes acting responsibly and that contributes to water conservation. Updates in newsletters or meetings to encourage and inform employees on the progress and success of such programs is an excellent way to build morale. This is a team effort and that includes all of us.

In the same way we believe that "green cleaning" is just the right thing to do, we also believe that water conservation is the responsible thing to do. Contact us for any of your cleaning concerns or to find out more about a responsible and "green" type of janitorial service.