This year, the world was swept with fear and pandemic. Since the beginning of the outbreak in the United States, the CDC has been regularly monitoring the situation and making updates to policies as needed. To assist employers in ...

 

This year, the world was swept with fear and pandemic. Since the beginning of the outbreak in the United States, the CDC has been regularly monitoring the situation and making updates to policies as needed. To assist employers in slowing the spread of Covid-19 lowering the impact in their workplace, the CDC released the Resuming Business Toolkit.

The first step in reopening is preparedness. Consider assessing the facility to identify potential hazards, place signs to remind employees and visitors of precautions, as well as maintaining social distancing guidelines. While the guidelines for social distancing are the same for restaurants and schools alike, the actual implementation looks different for each business. 

It is extremely important to mitigate exposure and transfer of germs. As such, it is a great exercise to run through the actions a customer or visitor would likely take. Make note of any places or objects that are touched and attempt to design a flow through your facility. For example: labeling one door for entrance only and the other for exit only can help cut down on how many germs are passed through each door handle. 

Don’t Forget

When putting practices into place, it is important to remember the Guidelines for Opening up Florida. Following these steps can help reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19. Most of the steps listed above can be easily implemented with little to no cost to employers. For a full prevention checklist specific for your business, visit the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development here. Additionally, the Orange County Government has established grants to help support residents and businesses in Central Florida as part of the federal CARES Act. 

• Develop a cleaning and disinfecting plan. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces at least twice per day, more frequently as needed.
• Maintain a minimum of 6 feet from others. Avoid allowing large gatherings of people inside or outside of your business and require all visitors to wear face coverings.
• Use signs, tape marks, visual cues, and physical barriers to maintain appropriate distancing and remind visitors of proper safety precautions.
• Plan to conduct health checks with either symptom or temperature screenings.
• Develop a plan for employees who either become sick at work or are confirmed to be sick. This includes enhanced cleaning regimens and coverage for employee absences.
• Where possible, allow employees to work remotely and limit travel. Additionally, improving building ventilation or opening windows can provide additional protection.

   

  What’s Florida’s Plan for Re-opening?

  Safety is our First Priority

  We understand how important it is to keep your loved ones and your community safe. That’s why Lawton Brothers is committed to providing an array of services at a distance. Give us a call today and let us help build your cleaning regimen at 800.432.0813. Business Toolkit 

• Related Links:       

  Resuming Business Toolkit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/Resuming-Business-Toolkit.pdf

  OSHA Guidelines on Preparing for COVID-19: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

 

Amidst concerns of Covid-19, many parents, students, and teachers are uncertain of the safety of going back to school. However, as the United States plans to start the 2020 school year, it is undoubtedly important to cover daily cleaning ...

 

Amidst concerns of Covid-19, many parents, students, and teachers are uncertain of the safety of going back to school. However, as the United States plans to start the 2020 school year, it is undoubtedly important to cover daily cleaning regimens and practices for school janitors.

It is known that corona viruses can live up to several days on hard surfaces. Therefore, it is vital to clean and disinfect frequency areas. Frequency areas are surfaces that are frequently touched and are more likely to be contaminated. These areas should be disinfected at least daily. This includes doorknobs, handrails, lockers, desks, faucet handles, and even computer keyboards. Follow standard procedures for routine cleaning and disinfection, with immediate cleaning of objects or surfaces that are visibly unclean. Routine cleaning and special disinfecting processes can irritate eyes, noses, throats, and skin, so be sure to always follow suggested precautions and use protective equipment.

When using an EPA-registered disinfectant, pay close attention to the wet or dwell time. This refers to the amount of time the product must remain on a surface for it to properly remove bacteria and viruses. Some products can function as both a cleaner and disinfectant – however, there may be a varied procedure for the two uses.

          Important Precautions

• Do not clean with dry dusting or sweeping as this can create aerosols. Instead, use damp cleaning methods. Washing surfaces with soap and water is a simple way of cleaning surfaces before disinfection for Covid-19.
• Change wet cleaning materials such as mops and rags frequently. Where possible, use disposable items and work from areas of low frequency to those with higher levels of contamination.
• Clean, disinfect, and dry your cleaning equipment after each use. This will prevent you from spreading the virus onto other surfaces.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after each work session.

   

  School Disinfection by Location

• Restrooms/Locker Rooms: doorknobs/handles, light switches, paper towel dispenser and/or air dryer, faucet handles, toilet and urinal levers, partitions, and any additional items as identified by your local authorities.
• Cafeteria: Refrigerator door handles, microwave door handle and keypad, table tops, door handles, light switches, vending machines (buttons and retrieval area), drinking fountain.
• Classrooms/Office Spaces:  Doorknobs, light switches, faucets and lab areas, telephones, keyboards, copiers, desks, and other frequently touched items.
• Other Important Locations: Elevator buttons (inside and on each level outside the doors), stairway handrails, drinking fountains, vehicle steering wheels, dashboard controls, PA system, etc.

  If you are uncertain of places you may be missing, ask your teachers and other school staff to fill out a survey of their frequently touched items and places of concern. As always, talk to your principal or other school authority to officially put cleaning regimens into place.

   Let Us Build a Cleaning Regimen

  As we all navigate through the pandemic, Lawton Brothers is here to help. Whether you’re looking for new products to help keep your business clean or you’re hoping to create a new cleaning regimen, give us a call! We conduct cleaning audits, rent service equipment, and even provide training. Let us focus on cleanliness so you can focus on the safety and wellbeing of your students. Give us a call today: 800.432.0813.

As health and green living have been at the forefront of innovation in recent years, the EPA continues to expand the list of Safer Chemicals. Products with the Safer Choice label allow consumers the option to purchase safer chemical ingredients ...

As health and green living have been at the forefront of innovation in recent years, the EPA continues to expand the list of Safer Chemicals. Products with the Safer Choice label allow consumers the option to purchase safer chemical ingredients without the sacrifice of quality or performance. Currently, there are more than 2,000 products that currently qualify as a Safer Choice – and more are added every year. 

What Makes a “Safer” Chemical?

Upon submitting a product to the EPA, the applicant must provide the complete formula (regardless of percentage, and inclusive of residuals) along with the function of each ingredient, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), effective use concentrations, product performance data, and a variety of other information about the chemical. Throughout the certification process, there are product requirements, component-specific requirements, and profiler requirements that all must be met. These requirements may change depending on the use of the product; however, one main requirement is seen in all Safer Choice products – biodegradation. This means that a product doesn’t accumulate and breaks down by itself naturally over time. Products that are less likely to pass are those this test are those with high acute or chronic aquatic toxicity and/or a slow rate of biodegradation (more than 28 days). 

Recently, the EPA approved eight new chemical ingredients for inclusion in the list. The newest ingredients were submitted by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) in May of this year. The inclusion of these ingredients marks the first time the EPA has approved a chemical that was submitted by a non-manufacturer. Though this is an exciting first (particularly for ACI), it certainly won’t be the last! 

Why Should I Choose Safer Chemicals?

As a business owner, using EPA Safer Choice Chemicals can show your community and customers that you not only care about their safety and satisfaction, but the environment as well. Furthermore, the most effective way to eliminate/reduce health incidents in the workplace is by starting at the source. Unlike other strategies, using Safer Choices can avoid exposure to harmful materials entirely. 

In the United States, it is estimated that more than 190,000 illnesses and 50,000 deaths occur annually as the cause of chemicals. Replacing known hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives can help reduce these numbers and keep your employees safe. 

How Do I Find Safer Choices?

Safer Chemicals are easily recognizable by their EPA Safer Choice label. Additionally, the EPA has a full list on their website where visitors can search for certified products by name, use, and even the type of product: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products.

 Still unsure about your chemicals? Lawton Brothers offers Green Cleaning audits as well as a variety of green products and safer choice chemicals. Give us a call today: 800.432.0813.

Your restroom is an integral part of your business for more reasons than you might think. In a 2019 poll conducted by Bradley Corp., 80% of American adults regularly use public restrooms. Some adults, about 27% of them, use ...

Your restroom is an integral part of your business for more reasons than you might think. In a 2019 poll conducted by Bradley Corp., 80% of American adults regularly use public restrooms. Some adults, about 27% of them, use these restrooms to check their appearance, blow their nose, or even avoid an uncomfortable interaction. Regardless of the reason for entering the bathroom, however, 64% of consumers said they “make a conscious decision to choose a business based on the fact that it has clean, well-maintained restrooms.” Not only that, but 55% are also unlikely to even return to a business following a bad restroom experience. That means taking care of your bathroom (or not doing so) can have a catastrophic impact on your business and sales. 

We’ve all been there: in a restroom with wet floors, unflushed toilets, empty paper towel dispensers, and overflowing trashcans. Unsurprisingly, approximately 70% of adults in the United States have had an unpleasant restroom experience. So how do we ensure that our restrooms are producing 30% of satisfied customers? We look at bad bathrooms. 

Bad Bathrooms

In just four years, the number of users who report having a negative public restroom experience increased by 19%. Most concerns cited by users fell into one of two categories: cleanliness and safety. Cleanliness makes a space more welcoming and, in itself, implies safety and wellbeing. However, there is a myriad of factors that can negatively influence your customers’ perception and whether they return. 

In fact, this is so important to consumers that a website exists solely for the purpose of identifying the best (and worst) public restrooms. On ToiletInspector.com, users can upload pictures, descriptions, locations, and even assign a star-rating to a restroom. And while this site is not popular (yet), it highlights the potential for improvement in our spaces. In breaking down Toilet Inspector’s review system, we can see categories that are the most important to success.

• How does the bathroom smell?
  • Regardless of how often the bathroom is cleaned, the smell of a bathroom can be a large indicator to customers that the establishment is not up to par.
• Were the toilets clean? Did they work?
  • This seems like a no-brainer to most of us. The bare necessity is working-condition utilities. However, without routine cleanings and check ups throughout the day, the toilets can fall into dire conditions quickly. This includes restocking toilet paper, emptying feminine product trash cans, and keeping sensors/handles clean and responsive.
• Were floors dry and maintained?
  • Make sure floors remain free of clutter and free of water. Reduce clutter and misplaced items by placing trashcans closely to sinks, toilets, and paper towel dispensers. Additionally, prevent water from building up on the floors by ensuring all hand drying options are in working condition and are near the washing stations. In areas of habitual water buildup, consider buying a mat to increase safety and increasing cleaning regimens.
• Could you wash your hands?
  • Touchless fixtures, adequate water flow/temp, and full soap dispensers are paramount to a clean bathroom. The last act before a customer leaves the toilet is washing their hands. In the worst-case scenario, customers look to the sink as a saving grace. In the best-case scenario, it finalizes their opinion of you as a ‘good business’ and you have someone who is happy to return.

In reality, going to the bathroom in a public space is its own experience. Teenage girls walk each other to the restroom and gossip; an office worker decides to take a small break in the bathroom during lunch; a mother and her son are potty training. With all the possibilities for your bathroom, you want to ensure that your space is ready for the challenge.

Let Us Help You

Your bathroom can make or break a customer. Whether you need to rent a floor device or are hoping to reinvent your cleaning regimen, give Lawton Brothers a call. With over 67 years of experience in janitorial services, products, and equipment, we’re the experts in our business. Give us a call today at 800.432.0813. Call today for a quote, consultation, or even just a Q&A.

In a 2018 survey conducted by Duck Brand, Americans ranked cleaning the toilet as their most disliked household chore – it even beat doing the dishes and cleaning the baseboards. You may not find it surprising that many people don’t ...

In a 2018 survey conducted by Duck Brand, Americans ranked cleaning the toilet as their most disliked household chore – it even beat doing the dishes and cleaning the baseboards. You may not find it surprising that many people don’t enjoy cleaning activities. By and large, it is considered a requirement and though cleaning is typically dreaded, it doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are some tips to improve your business’ daily cleaning routine. 

Since each location and role is different, establishing a routine for yourself and your employees is essential to minimizing the time spent on cleaning. By establishing a routine, you help employees avoid backtracking and moving erratically, which could cause wasted time and missed or forgotten tasks. Before training new cleaning technicians, have an outlined route for them to take and be sure to include the order of tasks, where necessary (for example, clean the toilet and sink before you mop the bathroom floor). 

If possible, carry your supplies with you or have them available nearby. You can use a portable caddy, cart, or apron to increase your carrying capacity and decrease the need to go back and forth across the facility. It is also helpful to select a product that has multiple uses. 

In many cases, employees perform a variety of duties, including routine cleaning tasks. As the last people to close the building, they may have to clean bathrooms and floors, wipe down countertops, etc. in addition to other closing tasks. In these situations, you can reduce the time spent cleaning at the end of the day by requiring cleaning in the middle of the day. If part of the business closes earlier than the rest, consider if it would be beneficial to have employees focus on different tasks at the same time. 

Provide staff with the highest performing cleaning products and tools. This will enable them to do the best job possible, in the shortest amount of time. Take extra time to research and seek referrals to ensure you find a quality product. Your employees and your facility will thank you for it. 

Clean more often to clean less. It might sound counterintuitive, but the more often you complete a cleaning task, the less time it will take for it to be adequately cleaned. Surfaces cleaned weekly, rather than daily, have the opportunity to accumulate more particles and bacteria and will require more time and effort to effectively clean. 

Ensuring employees know the proper cleaning methods will also save time and effort. Train new employees and outline your expectations. Consider providing information sheets or pairing up trainees to monitor each other’s performance. Existing employees may also need training for new systems and products, or to ensure they are completing tasks efficiently. 

Finally, be sure to motivate your staff. This doesn’t have to be a large monetary impact – drive comes in large part from an employee’s sense of self-worth. When they do a good job, acknowledge those employees and recognize their successes. Providing employees with a greater purpose can improve overall productivity and renew their passion to work with your business. 

Need an Update?

It can be easy to find a great cleaning routine and use it for years without realizing something better has come along. As safer chemicals are identified and we get more information on staying healthy during the pandemic, Lawton Brothers is just one call away. Let us help you sort through your cleaning routine to identify where you could be saving time, money, and the environment. Give us a call today at: 800.432.0813.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, not many people would be willing to argue about how valuable cleanliness is. That being said, not many people know that sick employees cost up to $225.8 billion a year. Clean facilities ...

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, not many people would be willing to argue about how valuable cleanliness is. That being said, not many people know that sick employees cost up to $225.8 billion a year. Clean facilities are not just a cost, however; they generate revenue. In a retail study, cleanliness was ranked most important among lighting, temperature, quietness/music, and special events. This means you can easily increase your report and revenue simply by investing in a clean facility. 

How Some Businesses Fall Short

We know what you’re probably thinking – “Duh, of course cleaning is important. I’d never return to a business that had a dirty bathroom.” And over 75% of adults would agree with you. Yet, it would seem that despite the overwhelming agreement on cleanliness, we still come across this problem on a daily basis. How does this happen?

Largely, it stems from a disproportionate assessment of cost and the negative connotation that cleaning brings. Negative connotation of cleaning?? What does that even mean? Didn’t we just establish that cleaning was good?!

Cleaning is great! But have you ever heard of someone’s dream job being a sanitation engineer? Oftentimes, we have an automatic association with dirty objects that transfers over to how we feel about the task at hand. Most people see cleaning as a necessary evil. And while we don’t blame you for not jumping up and down for joy at the opportunity to clean a restroom, this automatic association is harming how we do business.

Viewing cleaning as something that has to be done rather than a daily opportunity to improve and maintain your business directly impacts how much effort and money you put into your cleaning practices.

Making an Investment

Spending less today will mean spending more tomorrow. When choosing the most efficient or cheap options during cleaning, you neglect the future impact of that decision. As a business owner, you care about the lifetime of your assets. You don’t want to go through the trouble of having to refurbish or replace items. At any stage in your business, these modifications will cost more and disrupt business operations. Let us tell you: it isn’t worth it.

We’re Here to Help

We know that it can be time consuming and even tedious to research the best cleaning methods for your business. Let Lawton Brothers help! We offer four locations throughout Greater Orlando, mobile service vehicles, trained professionals on staff, and a number of audits to help you discover the joys of a beautiful business. Call us today to discuss how we can elevate your business:  800.432.0813.

 

Currently, many businesses are closed and hoping to reopen soon. The CDC, however, has recently expressed concerns that the pandemic in America will get worse before it gets better. While there is still much uncertainty around the future of ...

 

Currently, many businesses are closed and hoping to reopen soon. The CDC, however, has recently expressed concerns that the pandemic in America will get worse before it gets better. While there is still much uncertainty around the future of business operations, we can say one thing for certain: life is messy. Equipment breaks, routines change, and facilities age. Now is the time to take advantage of low traffic in your facility. Lawton Brothers is your premiere choice for sanitation products and services. See the wide range of services we can provide from afar, today!

Audits

We know how important it is to maintain a clean business. We also know that you probably have way better things to do than research the proper types of mats to use on your floors. That’s what we’re here for! Let the professionals take care of the dirty work, so you can get back to business. Lawton Brothers offers a variety of audits to assess your cleaning products and practices. Whether you’re interested in learning more about green cleaning or you want to be up to date on best floor care practices, we’ve got you covered! And to keep you and your employees safe, all our audits can be conducted over the phone or via the web. Call us today for an audit on green cleaning, floor care, matting, paper products, and more to find out how you could be saving both time and money.

Equipment

Did we mention our equipment rentals and repair? That’s right – we’ve got it all. With mobile service trucks and a staff of professionals trained to service more than 13 popular brands of equipment, you don’t have to look any further for repairs. Located in Greater Orlando, Lawton Brothers has four different locations to better service you.

In addition to repairing your equipment, we’ll even loan you some of ours! At Lawton Brothers, you have access to our extensive fleet of floor machines, carpet extractors, wet and dry vacuums, burnishers, automatic scrubbers, and more.

Take Advantage of Our Distanced Services

Lawton Brothers is here to help you and your business thrive. While we can’t promise that you’ll be back to business as usual within the next month, we can promise that you’ll be ready to. Take advantage of our distanced services now and ensure peace of mind for yourself and your employees. As always, you can reach us at: 800.432.0813. Call today for a quote, consultation, or even just a Q&A.

 

While the number of new coronavirus cases continues to fluctuate in Florida, stores and restaurants are slowly reopening and increasing capacity. Here’s what you need to know about reopening your business.

Q uick Tips

• Coronaviruses on surfaces/objects naturally die ...

 

While the number of new coronavirus cases continues to fluctuate in Florida, stores and restaurants are slowly reopening and increasing capacity. Here’s what you need to know about reopening your business.

Quick Tips

• Coronaviruses on surfaces/objects naturally die within hours to days. Warmer temperatures and sunlight speed up this process.
• Routine cleaning with soap and water lowers the risk of spreading COVID-19.
• Use EPA-approved disinfectants after cleaning to further reduce risk. (Proper bleach solutions are effective for disinfection up to 24 hours)
• Practice social distancing, wear facial coverings, and follow proper preventative hygiene (such as washing your hands and using 60% alcohol-based sanitizer).

   

  Routine Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Clean frequently-touched surfaces at the beginning and end of each shift (and as needed).
• Frequently touched surfaces in community and business settings can be anything from shopping carts to point of sale systems, tables, light switches, handles, desks, phones, toilets, and many more. Objects and places that receive more use will need a higher frequency of routine cleaning.
• Clean surfaces/objects with soap and water, followed by an EPA-approved disinfectant.
• Provide disposable disinfecting wipes for items used repeatedly or by multiple persons.
• For our sanitation engineers and other essential employees that are risking potential infection on a daily basis, it is important to launder clothing, towels, and any other cloth/soft surfaces that have (or could have) come into contact with another person. Regular cleaning staff can clean and disinfect community spaces, so long as they are trained on the appropriate use of materials. Cleaning staff should be wearing disposable gloves and washing hands frequently as well as consider additional personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Advise all employees of proper PPE and appropriate use of chemicals.

   

  Plan to Reduce Risk

• Postpone or adjust large meetings. Use video-, web-, or teleconferencing, when available. For situations that require in-person meetings, use a large and well-ventilated space. Continue to maintain 6 feet distancing.
• Ensure all employees and customers are wearing face coverings.
• Minimize non-essential travel and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
• Provide tissues, touchless hand sanitizer stations, and no-touch trash bins.
• Consider placing posters in bathrooms or waiting rooms regarding proper hand hygiene.
• If you are a restaurant or bar, check out this handy infographic from the CDC to determine additional steps in reopening.

   

  If Someone is Sick

  If any person who has contracted coronavirus visited your business within the past 14 days it is very important to follow CDC recommendations on closing, cleaning, and reopening accordingly. Close off areas used by the sick person, increase air circulation, and be sure to thoroughly disinfect surfaces.

  Need Help Implementing a Cleaning Routine?

  With businesses opening across Florida and the United States, we want your customers and employees to feel safe and welcomed back into your facility. Call us today to discuss your business needs and how we can train your employees in addition to implementing a cleaning regimen. 800.432.0813.

  For more information on reopening from the CDC, check out: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html 

 

To Repair or Replace?

Keeping your equipment in good, working condition is critical to delivering a clean facility to your employees and customers. Without proper maintenance, your cleaning equipment slowly wears down and, over time, your facility is becoming ...

 

To Repair or Replace?

Keeping your equipment in good, working condition is critical to delivering a clean facility to your employees and customers. Without proper maintenance, your cleaning equipment slowly wears down and, over time, your facility is becoming dirtier (whether you can see it or not!). Lawton Brothers can help with your equipment repair, maintenance, and replacement needs. 

Preventative Maintenance

It’s easier – and much more cost effective – to maintain your equipment and a clean facility than it is to clean a dirty workspace. Especially when labor is the largest bill in the books, proper equipment can save you time and money.

Lawton Brothers Planned Maintenance Program is designed to provide you with the resources you need. We work with you to have a service technician visit and regularly inspect your machines. Lawton Brothers’ technicians are factory-trained and prepared to perform any necessary maintenance during their routine visits.

Equipment Repair

Lawton Brothers is a certified warranty service center for Advance, EDIC, US Products, Viper, Sanitaire Commercial, Square Scrub, Pro Team, Host, and Clarke brand equipment. With four locations in the Greater Orlando area, you can drop off your worn down or busted equipment and relax while we do the hard stuff. We also have two mobile service trucks and service your larger machines including, but not limited to, Advance, Clarke, Pacific, Tornado, Tennant, Nobles, Windsor, and Tom Cat equipment.*

Rentals

With an extensive fleet of floor machines, carpet extractors, wet and dry vacuums, burnishers, and automatic scrubbers, you don’t need to look any further than Lawton Brothers!

Schedule a Preventative Maintenance Check

With businesses opening across Florida and the United States, we want your customers and employees to feel safe and welcomed back into your facility. Call us today to see how a preventative maintenance program can be beneficial to your company or schedule a rental or repair at: 800.432.0813.

*Lawton Brothers is not a warranty center for these brands.

 

We are all aware of the importance of air fresheners, but it can be difficult to find the right option for your business. After all, aren’t they all the same? Even the automatic dispensers and brand name home air fresheners ...

We are all aware of the importance of air fresheners, but it can be difficult to find the right option for your business. After all, aren’t they all the same? Even the automatic dispensers and brand name home air fresheners are aerosols filled with propellants like propane as well as other chemicals and synthetic additives for fragrance that linger in the air and mask scents rather than effectively dispersing odors. Are you as tired of those old metal cans as we are? Well we’ve got some good news for you! 

You can wave goodbye to those chemical air fresheners with HyScent. HyScent is a company dedicated to providing innovative dispensing technology and delivering the highest quality fragrances for every business and person around the world. Their fragrances and machines are used in companies across the globe – you might even recognize a certain sweet, cinnamon-y fragrance associated with your favorite iced bun shop! HyScent devices are aesthetically pleasing and are silent operators designed for commercial use. 

     HyScent devices are:

• Environmentally friendly
• Simple to operate, with minimal programming required
• Aerosol, solvent, and propellant-free
• Silent and small
• Theft proof and can be mounted onto the wall

HyScent devices run on dual-cell batteries that last up to an entire 12 months and can be paired with an assortment of fragrances that are all VOC compliant, eco-friendly, and dry. The smallest of their devices, Solo, is capable of cleansing up to 220 square feet. Like all HyScent products, it maximizes efficiency and airflow dynamics for a consistent fragrance that lasts between 45 and 60 days – much longer than the average air freshener. 

Even better? All of the fragrances and refills are made from pure essential oils and designed to boost mood! HyScent fragrances are designed around the olfactive pyramid – this means that they are a complex blend of top, middle, and base notes that combine to create the character of the fragrance. HyScent fragrances are even customizable! 

Fragrance refills are made from a Proprietary Polymer Blend infused with pure essential oils at the molecular level to ensure an even release throughout the life of the refill. Unlike aerosols, gels, and liquid oil products, HyScent fragrances emit a dry vapor that is absent of propellants, petroleum distillates, and harmful solvents. They are nonflammable, fully recyclable under plastics category 7, and have a shelf life of 2 years. 

HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP 

Keeping your business welcoming is no small task – that’s why we’re here to make it easier! Call Lawton Brothers today to see how HyScent devices and fragrances can elevate your space and personalize the experience your customers have. Why wait? Contact us at: 800.432.0813 or schedule a free consultation online.

 

Cleaning products are necessary in a variety of settings and professional fields. Chances are, they’re vital to your business! At Lawton Brothers, we understand how important it is to maintain the health and safety of not only your customers ...

 

Cleaning products are necessary in a variety of settings and professional fields. Chances are, they’re vital to your business! At Lawton Brothers, we understand how important it is to maintain the health and safety of not only your customers and staff, but the environment as well. So why not clean green?

Not all cleaning products are created equal. A large portion of the cleaning industry relies on chemicals as cleaning agents. While these chemicals are effective at their primary task of cleaning, they pose quite a few negative side effects. 

HOW CLEANING PRODUCTS CAN AFFECT HEALTH

Many cleaning supplies or household products can irritate the eyes or throat and can cause headaches and even more serious conditions, including cancer. Some cleaning products can even be flammable or corrosive. In addition, certain chemical components can cause deadly reactions when mixed.

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other chemicals such as ammonia that are released during the use of cleaning supplies have been linked to occupational asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Recent studies have shown that cleaning work in buildings with high cleaning standards and demands for disinfection were associated with higher risk of asthma symptoms.

HOW CLEANING PRODUCTS CAN AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT

Just as VOCs can affect indoor air quality, they contribute to smog formation outdoors. Through evaporation during normal use of cleaning products and disposal of residual product down the drain, our cleaning supplies can impact the environment in a variety of ways. One common surfactant, alkylphenol ethoxylates, causes adverse reproductive effects in wildlife when exposed to polluted waters. In most cases, standard sewage treatment can reduce or remove most of the constituents in our cleaning products, but this becomes less likely with increased usage of cleaning products. This is the case for a number of chemical cleaners and solvents used both in the home and in the workplace.

HOW TO KEEP EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT SAFE

The reality is that, unless you make a concerted effort to minimize them, chemicals from cleaning products will be present from the moment you rise from your bed to when you get back into it at night. Despite being wiped or rinsed after use, chemicals from cleaning products will stick to the items they have ‘cleaned’, impacting you in all sorts of invisible ways via touch, inhalation, ingestion, and so on. While it is impossible to completely avoid chemicals in today’s workplace, proper cleaning procedures and investing in ecological cleaners can greatly reduce exposure.

• Read all labels and SDS sheets before using a product.
• Never mix bleach/chlorine with any cleaner containing ammonia.
• Be on the lookout for products containing reduced amounts or no VOCs, fragrances, and flammable ingredients.
• Do your research on the products you are choosing. Manufacturers are not obligated by U.S. law to list all ingredients in consumer products. Check out the U.S. EPA’s list of products that are a Safer Choice.

HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP 

At Lawton Brothers, our goal is to help you and your staff find safe and effective ways of cleaning. Whether your goals are simple and you’re looking to branch into Green Cleaning or you want to obtain a certification, we’re here to help you find the best solutions for your business needs. Allow us to conduct a facility assessment and we will personally determine the most cost-effective cleaning procedures. We will also develop an implementation plan and train your staff on your customized program. Contact Lawton Brothers to schedule a Green Cleaning audit today at: 800.432.0813 or request a free consultation.

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

As we mentioned briefly in our last blog, personal protective equipment, or PPE, is vital to safety in the workplace. The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard requires that PPE is “provided, used, and maintained in a ...

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

As we mentioned briefly in our last blog, personal protective equipment, or PPE, is vital to safety in the workplace. The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard requires that PPE is “provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition whenever it is necessary” to protect employees and workers from hazards.

As such, it is the responsibility of employers to conduct full workplace hazard assessments and provide necessary equipment to employees at no charge. This assessment must be a written certification that determines whether workplace hazards require PPE and can detail the appropriate measures to be taken. Once the assessment is conducted, employers must also ensure that employees are trained on the proper use of materials and that those materials are well maintained and replaced as necessary.

With so much responsibility resting on your shoulders, where do you start? Well, while personal protective equipment is vital to healthy employees, it shouldn’t replace work practice or administrative controls. Rather, in conjunction, PPE and controls provide maximum safety for employees as well as customers.

For many people, the term personal protective equipment instantly conjures images of gloves and face masks. But PPE is also: safety glasses, earplugs, hard hats, shoes, respirators, vests, and so much more! PPE is any clothing or equipment worn to reduce the exposure to workplace hazards.

PPE IN THE CLEANING INDUSTRY

In the cleaning industry, we come across quite a few needs for protective equipment. In many businesses, cleaning personnel don’t maintain the facility as their primary job function. In these cases, employers may have to train a broader number of staff on proper practices.

For example, when cleaning the store restroom, one might clean toilets, discard trash, empty the sharps container, clean surfaces, and mop. In just one cleaning, this person has been exposed to a variety of cleaning chemicals, sharp objects, potential blood-borne pathogens, and an alarming number of bacteria. Without the proper equipment, we’re in for a lot of trouble.

For general cleaning purposes, proper equipment includes:

• Disposable gloves,
• Face masks,
• Slip-resistant, closed-toe shoes,
• Aprons,
• Protective eyewear, and floor safety signs.

Okay, suppose we have all of the proper equipment and we’re using it correctly. Things can still go wrong. After all, accidents happen all the time.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Accidents are unavoidable – that’s why it’s important to have emergency procedures in place. Now, I know what you may be thinking: how are emergency procedures related to PPE? Good question!

If a bottle of chlorine bleach is spilled, who is allowed to clean it? Do you use a regular mop or towel? And how do we clean or dispose of those items? All of these questions are answered by your emergency procedures. All staff should be aware of where SDS sheets are located and be informed of the appropriate actions to take should an accident happen. One very important way to help minimize the number of accidents is maintenance of supplies.

PPE: A HABIT

Being safe and using proper equipment extends far beyond any checklist – it is continual good habits and awareness. Avoid buying equipment and supplies that can lead to injuries or unsafe working conditions by bringing this awareness to smaller items such as wheels/casters that allow equipment to roll with ease, adjustable poles for different heights, and a variety of mop heads for different cleaning products. Buying the appropriate cleaning products, keeping spare products and parts on hand, and choosing better materials can save time and prevent injury.

HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP

Safety in the workplace is no joke – that’s why it’s always best to consult a professional. At Lawton Brothers, we want to keep your employees safe while also providing you with cost-efficient solutions. Call us today at 800.432.0813 for a consultation and more information on using proper equipment when cleaning.

 

As the United States is in the midst of quarantine due to coronavirus, there are many uncertainties. Among the many uncertainties, Lawton Brothers is here to help ensure that your employees and guests are safe.

Many businesses and facilities ...

 

As the United States is in the midst of quarantine due to coronavirus, there are many uncertainties. Among the many uncertainties, Lawton Brothers is here to help ensure that your employees and guests are safe.

Many businesses and facilities are closed to the public until further notice due to the recent outbreak of coronavirus. This virus, also known as COVID-19, causes a respiratory illness that is easily spread between people. Individuals may become infected with coronavirus from simple acts like touching contaminated surfaces or being too close (6 feet or less) to people who may be sick.

As easy as that sounds at first, it doesn’t stay that way. Unfortunately, it can take anywhere from 2-14 days to experience symptoms of the illness. This means that individuals can potentially be sick and contaminate others without even being aware of their own infection. With over 20,000 new cases of coronavirus being confirmed in the United States each day, it’s easy to see the problem this illness presents. But while there is a problem, there is a solution: your daily cleaning schedule!

Though coronavirus is highly infectious, with strong cleaning practices and diligence, surfaces can be freed of the virus. The CDC recommends wearing disposable gloves to clean and disinfect, cleaning surfaces with soap and water prior to using a disinfectant, and establishing routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

HOW TO CLEAN CORONAVIRUS

Frequently touched surfaces in community and business settings can be anything from shopping carts to point of sale systems, tables, light switches, handles, desks, phones, toilets, and many more. Objects and places that receive more use will need a higher frequency of routine cleaning. 

For our sanitation engineers and other essential employees that are risking potential infection on a daily basis, it is important to launder clothing, towels, and any other cloth/soft surfaces that have (or could have) come into contact with another person. Regular cleaning staff can clean and disinfect community spaces, so long as they are trained on the appropriate use of materials. Cleaning staff should be wearing disposable gloves and washing hands frequently as well as consider additional personal protective equipment (PPE).

If someone in your facility or building is sick, be sure to follow the CDC’s recommendations by:

• Closing off areas used by the sick individual,
• Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation,
• Waiting 24 hours before cleaning/disinfecting, and
• Cleaning and disinfecting all areas/surfaces used by the individual who is sick.

  It is imperative that hard surfaces be cleaned with soap and water before disinfection, as this removes coronavirus.

  HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP 

  As a member of the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association (ISSA), we are proud to service communities and businesses across the United States that are currently battling illness. Our goal is to keep you informed and provide your business and community with the care and protection they deserve. If you still have questions or would like a free consultation for a cost-effective cleaning routine, don’t hesitate to call Lawton Brothers today at: 800.432.0813.
  

 

 

In the recent coronavirus pandemic, as a business owner, you most likely have heard about the importance of cleanliness in the workplace or how essential it is to close your business during this time. 

Who is most like ...

 

 

In the recent coronavirus pandemic, as a business owner, you most likely have heard about the importance of cleanliness in the workplace or how essential it is to close your business during this time. 

Who is most like to get coronavirus? Older adults and individuals who have chronic medical conditions. While your business or office may be staffed with a younger demographic, you still need to think about individuals coming in contact with your business or individuals who work there. For Florida, this is especially true as 19 percent of the population is over the age of 65. 

Due to the overwhelming new cases of coronavirus in and out of the United States, all of these points of view are understandable; however, if you can not close your business or office, there are certain measures you can be taking to promote cleanliness in the workplace, during the pandemic and beyond. 

WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN CLEANLINESS ISN’T PROMOTED IN THE WORKPLACE 

In a recent blog, The Dirtiest Places in Your Office: Effective Cleaning Habits for 2020, we highlighted a couple of insights from DeskTime, specifically that eighty percent of infections spread through dirty and unclean surfaces than from coughs. While we recognize the transmission of coronavirus begins with exposure to respiratory droplets, we still believe that it’s important, like the CDC, to limit transmission through items that infected individuals may have used or touched. 

And, according to WebMD, coronavirus isn’t the only thing an employee or customer could pick up in the office. Due to the high traffic volume of door handles, coffee makers and even keyboards, without proper cleaning and hand hygiene, every employee is at risk of transmitting illnesses. 

HOW TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are multiple avenues an employer can take to keep their employees and customers safe during this time. While our team will list out cleaning activities that you should take in your business, this excludes large gatherings, universities and healthcare settings. For more information on cleaning habits for these events or institutions, please visit the CDC website: 

●      Large Events

●      Institutions

●      Healthcare Settings

 For businesses and offices: 

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces 

Prior to disinfecting, if the areas are dirty, clean off the area with soap and water. Next, areas can be disinfected using diluted household bleach, alcohol solutions and EPA-registered household cleaners. 

Staff who are cleaning the area should wear gloves and gowns, and wash hands after the use of gloves and gowns. 

If there has been an infected person in the business, it is recommended that the area used by the person be closed off to employees and customers. Before cleaning, it is recommended that cleaning staff wait 24 hours before beginning to clean and disinfect the area, as well as open doors to the outside to promote air circulation. 

Other recommendations that the CDC has made to employers include: 

●      Encouraging sick employees to stay at home.

●      Separate sick employees.

●      Promote a healthy workplace such as having proper hand hygiene

●      Increase workplace environmental cleaning  

HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP 

At Lawton Brothers, we understand that right now the safety of your workplace and customers is the top priority. Our team can work with you to understand which cleaning products are needed based on your office and its needs. For more information about the coronavirus, please visit the CDC website here. 

If you’d like to talk about your cleaning goals, please give us a call at 800.432.0813.

As a business owner that is responsible for not only your customers but also your employees, maintaining clean and safe floors and work surfaces is essential. Unfortunately, it can be challenging.

As Lawton Brothers, our job is to find the ...

As a business owner that is responsible for not only your customers but also your employees, maintaining clean and safe floors and work surfaces is essential. Unfortunately, it can be challenging.

As Lawton Brothers, our job is to find the best products for your needs, and we believe you have found it. Pro-Link microfiber products were designed to meet industrial and commercial demands.

BENEFITS OF PRO-LINK MICROFIBER PRODUCTS

According to Pro-Link, it’s microfiber cleaning products promotes:

 ●      Better Cleaning

●      Improved Worker Safety

●      Reduced Costs and Waste

●      Reduced Cross-Contamination

Better Cleaning 

According to Washington University, due to microfiber being a polyester and nylon (polyamide) fiber and the fiber being split small than human hair, it is a more superior tool to use when cleaning because of its ability to get into cracks that other materials would not be able to get into. This increased surface area allows microfiber to absorb seven to eight times their weight in liquid. 

Microfiber materials are also better at capturing microbes. According to a study done by the University of California, Davis Medical Center, a cotton loop mop reduced bacteria on floors by 30 percent, while microfiber mops reduced them by 99 percent.

Improved Worker Safety 

According to the University of California, David Medical Center, microfiber mops weigh five pounds less than a regular wet mop. Additionally, the mop head is changed after every room, which can help your cleaning staff in two ways: 

1. The wringing of the mop (which takes a lot of effort) is eliminated.
2. If the mop is not put back into the cleaning liquid, it does not need to be changed, meaning your staff doesn’t need to lift multiples times as it can weigh up to 30 pounds, and is lifted an average of seven times per day. 

Reduced Costs and Waste 

Due to microfiber products being a green cleaning tool, your cleaning staff won’t need to use as many chemicals for their tasks, reducing the risk of chemical risks. Additionally, when laundering these mop pads, less energy is needed, which reduces your facility’s waste. 

Reduced Cross-Contamination 

Due to the easy ability to change out the microfiber mop pad, the risk of cross-contamination and spread of infection decreases. 

ADVANTAGES OF USING A DOUBLE BUCKET SYSTEM OR BUCKETLESS SYSTEM

 

Depending on your cleaning goals, there are two types of systems you should think about-the double bucket system and the bucketless system. 

Double Bucket System 

The Double Bucket System is ideal for janitorial mopping. Benefits include: 

●      Keeping water and chemical fresh

●      Reducing cross-contamination

●      Providing angled mop press handles ensuring mops are wrung every time

●      Having a superior range of motion 

Bucketless System 

The Bucketless System can be used at small or midsized facilities that require frequent cleaning. Benefits include: 

●      Having aluminum handles and a detachable plastic reservoir

●      Featuring an easy to use handle lever

 ACCESSORIES TO THE MICROFIBER CLEANING OPTION 

Depending on your cleaning goals, Pro-Link offers multiple microfiber options and accessories to help your cleaning staff become more efficient and safe during their workday, including: 

●      Charging Systems:

○      Standard Microfiber Charging Bucket

○      Premium Microfiber Charging & Wringing Bucket

○      Microfiber Dosing/Cleaning Buckets

○      Charging System Trolleys

●      Wet Cleaning Flat Mops:

○      Ultra Looped-End Microfiber Wet Pads

○      Heavy-Duty Microfiber Wet pads

○      Heavy Duty Striped Microfiber Scrubber Wet Pads

○      Ultra Aggressor Microfiber Wet Pads

○      Healthcare Microfiber Wet Pads

●      Wet Cleaning Traditional Mops:

○      Rough Surface Tube Microfiber Wet Mops

○      Ribbed Pattern Microfiber Wet Mops

○      Tough Twist Microfiber String Wet Mops

○      MicroTwist Disposable Microfiber Wet Mops

●      Dry/ Dust Cleaning Tools:

○      Microfiber Scissor Dust Mops

○      Heavy Duty Microfiber Pads

○      Cut Pile Heavy Duty Microfiber Dust Pads

○      Ultra Hybrid Microfiber Dust Mop Pads

○      Fusion Quick Change Microfiber Dust Mops

○      Disposable Microfiber Dry/Dust Mop Pads

○      Flex High Reach Microfiber Dusters

○      Mini-Flex Microfiber Duster Kit

●      Cloths:

○      Microfiber Glass Cloths

○      12-Pack Contractor Bag Microfiber Cloths

○      Microfiber Cloths 

To read more in-depth information about each category and the benefits of each product, click here. 

HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP

At Lawton Brothers, we understand that each company has unique cleaning goals. Our mission is to help you find a cleaning system that works for your facility. Give us a call to talk about your cleaning needs at 800.432.0813. 

Resources: 

https://www.lawtonbros.com/docs/default-source/Literature-Library/Pro-Link/pl-470-pro-link-microfiber-system-brochure6CB00CD8894B.pdf?sfvrsn=12f591d7_2 

https://deohs.washington.edu/sites/default/files/brochures/microfiber-factsheet.pdf

https://www.parish-supply.com/documents/581.pdf

While many people believe the staff is invisible to customers, they most likely will run into a few of your cleaning staff throughout the day, especially in the hospitality industry. Employees, no matter their role while the company, are one ...

While many people believe the staff is invisible to customers, they most likely will run into a few of your cleaning staff throughout the day, especially in the hospitality industry. Employees, no matter their role while the company, are one of the first lines of defense when it comes to it a customer returns or not. 

Our team got together and put a list of three things your janitorial staff can do to help your business maintain customer retention. 

WHY SHOULD YOUR CLEANING STAFF BE TRAINED IN CUSTOMER SERVICE? 

Imagine this: you’re at a hotel, and upon arrival, the individual who is checking you in complains to a cleaning employee that they are short-staffed tonight. You may not think anything of it until you’ve put your belongings away and made your way to the hotel restaurant. You see a few cleaning staff huddled together talking, and you can clearly hear that they aren’t very happy with the hotel management due to the shortage of staff. Does it bother you this time? No? How about if during your dinner, that’s all you heard? You get the picture. 

At Lawton Brothers, we believe that the individuals you believe interact with your guests less are actually the individuals who they see the most. That’s why we believe your cleaning staff should be trained on proper customer service etiquette. 

WHAT SHOULD BE TRAINED ON? 

There is a whole range of customer service tactics that we believe a cleaning staff should be training on, but the top three things we would recommend include: 

What is Customer Service & Why is it Important? 

Customer service is the assistance provided by a company to those who have purchased their services. It’s important because customers are the backbone of any customer. 

According to Dimension Research, 90 percent of individuals who recalled reading a review online, claimed that the positive review influenced their purchase; 86 percent said their purchase decision was influenced by negative reviews. Meaning, have a happy customer now, keep them forever AND gain more customers. 

How Does Customer Service Relate to Cleaning Staff? 

Depending on a cleaning schedule, your cleaning staff may be in each room of your facility every day. This means that they most likely are the first people who see an issue or run into a customer having an issue. That’s why we believe every member of your cleaning staff should: 

●      Keep their eyes and ears open for any issues: Let’s say you’re having a busy week and are having more guests than usual. If your cleaning staff noticed that the public bathroom trashcans are being filled more frequently or debris is being tracked in more often near the entrance, they could be proactive during this time.

●      Provide assistance to guests: While there are hospitality staff, it’s important that your cleaning crew be just as educated on facility organization so that they can help guests if needed. This means your cleaning staff should know locations of public areas, hours of operation of those public areas and more.

●      Act professionally: You never know when a customer will pop up. We believe this is one of the most important aspects of customer service because if a customer hears an employee talking poorly of the company, it could be a turn off to them. 

Are First Impressions Important? 

First impressions are essential. You don’t get a second chance. Key behaviors your cleaning staff should exhibit include: 

●      Dressing Professionally: Having the appropriate uniform, name tag, as well as proper hair care, hygiene and hand care

●      Greet Customers & Be Aware of Presentation: Making sure to give welcomes and goodbyes, making eye contact and being aware that customers can pick up on subtle body language

●      Engage Customers: Showing an interest in what customers are doing during their day, and how they are doing 

While this list isn’t exhaustive, we believe that knowing, understanding and putting these three tings into play will help your cleaning staff promote customer retention. 

HOW CAN LAWTON BROTHERS HELP? 

At Lawton Brothers, we offer Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) course training, including a course for customer service for those in the cleaning industry. This course teaches the basics of: 

●      How to look and act like a professional

●      Interacting with building occupants

●      Understanding and meeting customer needs

●      Properly addressing customer complaints

If you would like to talk about this course or your facility’s cleaning goals, please reach out today by calling 800.432.0813. 

Did you know that harmful chemical exposure leads to long-term health issues, not only for the employee that was exposed but to their family members and friends? These health risks could range from rashes to respiratory problems. 

According to ...

Did you know that harmful chemical exposure leads to long-term health issues, not only for the employee that was exposed but to their family members and friends? These health risks could range from rashes to respiratory problems. 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 32 million employees work with or are exposed to one or more harmful chemicals; currently, there are 650,000 existing chemicals with new ones being introduced frequently. 

As a business owner, a central figure to the safety of your employees, what can you do? At Lawton Brothers, our mission isn’t only to provide you with knowledge about cleaning, but also give you additional education on keeping your employees safe and healthy. That’s why, during Poison Prevention Week, we have put our heads together to write this blog on chemical safety and prevention. 

NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK 

In 1953, the first poison control center opened, and then in 1961, Congress passed a resolution asking the President to designated the third week in March as Poison Prevention Week. Then, in 1970, President Nixon signed the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, a law that required resistant packaging to be added to prescriptions and household cleaners. 

Now, with all that being said, you may be wondering to yourself, “I’m not worried about poison prevention in my household. I’m worried about it in my business.” 

That is a fair thought, and we’re not here to talk about household chemical poison prevention. However, we do believe that it’s important to make the jump from poison prevention in the household and extend it to the workplace, a common area that an individual frequents, just like their home. 

GENERAL FACTS ABOUT CHEMICAL POISON IN THE WORKPLACE 

According to the International Labor Organization, 2,780,000 workers die from unsafe working conditions, including chemical exposure. According to the EHS Daily Advisor, chemicals have three ways of entering the body:

●      Inhalation of chemicals such as dust, vapors and fibers. Inhaling chemicals this way can cause an individual to have headaches and respiratory issues, which can lead to fatal illnesses

●      Skin or eye contact to chemicals can cause eye damage, allergies and could also potentially enter the bloodstream this way, which could cause organ failure

●      Ingesting chemicals through eating food or drinking liquor can cause long-term health effects. 

Not only can the individual who inhales, experiences skin/eye contact or accidentally ingests harmful chemicals have serious related health issues, but so can their family members. According to a 2017 study conducted by Flavia D’Agostin, Paola de Michieli and Corrado Negro and published in the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, found that out of the 1,063 cases they studied of mesothelioma, 35 of those cases were caused by secondary exposure to asbestos. 

CHEMICAL POISON PREVENTION 

As a business owner, it is your duty to protect your workers. OSHA has many protocols and advice on how best to protect employees. At OSHA, they believe in four types of controls, each having different levels of effectiveness, including: 

●      Protective Equipment could include protective chemical clothing, respiratory protection, gloves and eye equipment. This type of control is level effective than the other three controls due to the fact that there is still a chance a chemical could get through the equipment.

●      Chemical Use Workplace Processes could include a couple of different actions including rotating work schedules so that employees aren’t overexposed to chemicals, as well as providing proper training to its employees on handling chemicals.

●      Physically Changing the Process could include utilizing a wet method to limit contact with dust that hosts chemical particles, adding ventilation and fume hoods (depending on the business.)

●      Eliminating Harmful Chemicals is the most effective option for reducing employees’ chemical exposure. This could mean that businesses transition to safer chemical alternatives. 

HOW CAN LAWTON BROTHERS HELP? 

At Lawton Brothers, our goal is to help you find the best and safest chemical cleaning solution for your needs. From sitting down with you to discuss your business and its chemical cleaning uses to walking you through our available products, we believe that our representatives go above and beyond to help you keep your employees safe. 

If you’re looking for safe cleaning chemical options, please give us a call at 800.432.0813. 

Additional Resources & Citations: 

●      Chemical Hazard Communication

●      OSHA Transitioning to Safer Chemicals

●      D'Agostin, F., de Michieli, P., Negro, C. (2017). Pleural mesothelioma in household members of asbestos-exposed workers in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 30(3), 419-431. https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00890

 

Properly cleaning public restrooms can become a chore, especially if your business becomes increasingly busy. Sometimes, it’s put off until the very end, which can lead to dirty bathrooms and ultimately, a loss of customers. 

At Lawton Brothers, ...

 

Properly cleaning public restrooms can become a chore, especially if your business becomes increasingly busy. Sometimes, it’s put off until the very end, which can lead to dirty bathrooms and ultimately, a loss of customers. 

At Lawton Brothers, we want to help you understand restroom cleaning standards, as well as process to properly clean bathrooms. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN RESTROOMS 

In our blog, Is Store Cleanliness Important to Drawing in Customers, we discussed a 2016 study that found that consumers will not return a store due to: 

●      Bad odors such as unkept trash, food not being disposed of, etc

●      Unclean restrooms such as trash receptacles not being taken out, toilets not being clean, etc

●      Unclean entry points such as trash being thrown to the ground rather than in a trash can

●      Unkept changing rooms

●      Reviews of uncleanliness 

Did you know that an unclean bathroom can cost your business money?  Customers, even patients, equate clean or unclean bathrooms with the rest of your business. If you have an unclean restroom, a customer might begin to wonder if other parts of your business like a kitchen is also dirty. Studies find that 50 percent of people are unwilling to return to an establishment due to dirty restrooms. Yikes! 

HOW TO CLEAN A BATHROOM PROPERLY 

Before cleaning, follow these three steps: 

1. Gather equipment including brooms, mop buckets, mops, wet floor signs and other cleaning materials.
2. Prepare the area that you will be cleaning. This could include placing wet floor signs in the area or even closing down the restroom.
3. Make sure that your employee is wearing proper protective equipment like gloves and eyewear. 

Then, when your employee begins cleaning:

Clean the toilet(s) first by spraying inside and outside. Don’t flush the toilet immediately; allow some time for the disinfectant to work.

1. Next, clean the sink(s), counters and mirrors by spraying your cleaner on the surface. Like the toilets, allow time for the disinfectant to work. After, wipe down these areas.
2. Dust areas from top to bottom. This allows for a clean area without needing to go back through the area a second time. Pick up trash that may fall as you go. After, sweep/dust the floor.
3. After the employee has done steps one through three, they can start refilling supplies in the bathroom and cleaning all dispensers, along with removing trash bags and replacing liners.
4. Now, go back to step one. Remember that the disinfectant was left on the toilet? Now, the employee can use the bowl cleaner to scrub the inside of the toilet and then a cloth to wipe the outside down. After finishing cleaning the toilet, make sure to wipe down the walls around it, as well.
5. Last, but not least, begin mopping with a disinfectant cleaner. 

After the employee has finished cleaning the area, they should inspect the work that has been completed and write down any damage that has been done to the bathroom that needs to be repaired. 

Below are some green cleaning tips that your business could employ: 

●      Always spray cleaner in a stream or onto a cloth.

●      Properly dilute products.

●      Make sure all cleaning bottles are properly labeled.

●      Do not mix ANY cleaning products.

●      Machine-scrub floors with a disinfectant every month.

●      Make sure to leave disinfectants on surfaces for an extended period of time to allow them to properly work. 

●      Use a microfiber cloth when possible. 

HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP 

As business owners, we understand the need to keep customers coming back, and we want to be able to help you do that. As a business, we understand that once you get busy, it can be hard to remember to do anything except help customers. But in the end, not cleaning your restrooms, can end up hurting your customers long-term, as they won’t come back. That’s why our team is dedicated to sitting down with you to discuss your bathroom cleaning needs, including the number of bathrooms you have and your cleaning needs so that they can find the best products and training for your business and its employees. You can give us a call today at 800.432.0813 to discuss these products or take a look at our online catalog, which includes janitorial supplies such as:

○      Chemical Cleaning Products

○      Cleaning Equipment

○      Cleaning Supplies

○      Trash Liners

○      Floor Matting

○      Paper Products

○      Trash Receptacles

○      Restroom Equipment like baby changing areas

As a key person in the decision-making process at your company, have you ever discussed the issues your cleaning crew was having with its cleaning supply option? If you haven’t, you may be interested to know that they may be ...

As a key person in the decision-making process at your company, have you ever discussed the issues your cleaning crew was having with its cleaning supply option? If you haven’t, you may be interested to know that they may be having more problems than you think. 

If your cleaning crew is having to sweep, mop and wipe down different areas in your building, they may be trying to carry multiple items at once. Not only is this inefficient, but could also cause an accident for them or someone else.

That’s why we believe investing in a cart carrying system that has multiple functions can save your employees time and keep them safe. Continue reading to learn more about cleaning effectively and what options we have to help your staff do this. 

RISK TO NOT CLEANING EFFECTIVELY OR EFFICIENTLY 

In our blog, Is Store Cleanliness Important to Drawing in Customers, we discussed a 2016 study that found that consumers will not return a store due to:

 ●     Bad odors such as unkept trash, food not being disposed of, etc

●      Unclean restroom such as trash receptacles not being taken out, toilets not being clean, etc

●      Unclean entry points such as trash being thrown to the ground rather than in a trash can

●      Unkept changing rooms

●      Reviews of uncleanliness

Not only can you drive away customers, but your employees may also be at risk. Your cleaning crew is most often exposed to physical injuries and harmful chemicals. 

According to the National Safety Council, one of the most common injuries to workers are sprains, strains or tears. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 46,000 injuries sustained by janitors and cleaners, which required them to take off work. The cleaning industry has the 16th highest rate of injuries across all industries. How can you combat the decrease in traffic to your facility AND keep your employees safe? Have you heard the phrase, “work smarter, not harder?” 

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER WITH THE HILLYARD C3 XP CLEANING COMPANION 

Wouldn’t it be nice to have one cart that could carry all cleaning products rather than needing to carry a mop bucket, mop and cleaning products and materials? We think so, too, which is why we’re encouraging you to help your team work smarter, not harder. We believe the Hillyard C3 XP Cleaning Companion could be a good addition to your cleaning crew. 

There are four types of systems; Clean, Vac and Supply, the Clean, Supply and Trash, the Clean and Vac or the Clean and Supply. 

Clean, Vac and Supply System 

The C3 XP Cleaning Companion is designed with a vacuum, restocking system and caddy nest for cleaning supplies. A water-resistant bag in the back can hold three - 800 ft of hard-wound paper towel rolls and six rolls of toilet paper while still having room for trash lines and other supplies. 

Clean, Supply and Trash 

The clean, supply and trash system is designed to hold squeegees, be in use for light trash pick-up and can hold restocking supplies. The removable nest of maid caddies can be mounted in the front of the cart on a pivot arm or on top of the cart, and the front can be mounted with a water-resistant bag, which can also act as a shelf. The back of the cart holds a water-resistant bag that can hold towels and toilet paper. 

Clean and Vac 

The Clean and Vac system was designed to be a compact cart for quick cleaning jobs and vacuum recovery. This system still has a removable next of maid caddies, where you could also store liners and other supplies. 

Clean and Supply

The Clean and Supply system is very similar to the Clean, Supply and Trash system, except for the second water-resistant bag on the back of the cart. 

HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP 

At Lawton Brothers, our goal is to help you and your staff find efficient and effective ways of cleaning smarter, not harder. That’s why we believe in the power of the Hillyard C3 XP Cleaning Companion. Give us a call to talk about any of the systems we mentioned, as well as if you have any questions: 800.432.0813

We’ve all heard that the dirtiest place in the office is the keyboard or the bathroom door handle, but what are some other places in the office that the cleaning staff might be overlooking? 

Our team put together our ...

We’ve all heard that the dirtiest place in the office is the keyboard or the bathroom door handle, but what are some other places in the office that the cleaning staff might be overlooking? 

Our team put together our notes on some of the top areas in the office that could use a little extra elbow grease this year. Start 2020 with an office that dazzles!

 DIRTIEST PLACES IN THE OFFICE OR DESK AREA 

When your employees are busy typing away at their desks or someone offers to make coffee, they are rarely thinking about the bacteria that is being transferred to them through these surfaces. Hloom sent their team to get 25 swabs of bacteria (measured by colony-forming units (CFU) from five different office locations. Guess what they found. According to Hloom, some of the dirtiest places in the office include: 

●      The copier button holds 1,200,013 CFU, which is four times more bacteria than a pet’s bowl.

●      The coffee pot handle holds 108,592 CFU, which is 34 times more bacteria than a school’s toilet seat.

●      The office entrance door holds 545 CFU, which is 2.5 times more bacteria than a bathroom doorknob in the home.

●      The water cooler dispenser knob holds 185 CFU, which is four times more bacteria than a cutting board.

 

Other areas that germs could be lurking, according to WebMD, include, but limited to: 

●      Elevator buttons

●      Your employees desktop

●      The office telephone

●      Kitchen sponge 

We would encourage you to remind your cleaning staff that it is particularly important to pay special attention to the areas above that we mentioned.

 According to DeskTime: 

●      Only three percent of offices sufficiently have their offices cleaned

●      Eighty percent of infections spread through dirty and unclean surfaces than from coughs

●      Eleven percent of office workers don’t clean their keyword; 20 percent never clean their computer mouse

●      Forty-six percent sanitize their keyword once a month

So, what can your cleaning staff or office employees do about these hidden germs this year? There are multiple avenues you and your employees could take to keep your office clean. 

1. If you don’t have a professional cleaning staff, schedule office clean up days with your employees. Rather than relying on them to spend a couple of minutes of their day to not only clean their desk by the common areas in the office, schedule one to two hours each week to spend time preparing for the upcoming week.
2. [For those who do not have a professional cleaning service] Divvy up the cleaning task list for your employees. Have you ever had a group project where no one knew that their job was? Well, this is exactly the same. Instead of relying on your employees to divvy up the tasks, just make a list and attribute an employee to a couple of tasks each.
3. Remind your employees and cleaning staff that cleanliness is directly correlated with safety. Remind employees that while it’s great to practice personal hygiene, especially when sick, it’s also important to practice communal hygiene as viruses can quickly spread throughout the office.
4. Keep cleaning products available. You can’t expect your employees or cleaning staff to properly clean if you haven’t given them the supplies to do so. 

It’s incredibly important for the well-being of your office that cleaning habits are abided by. Not only can a clean office keep your employees nice and healthy, but it can also improve their mental health. 

 HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP YOUR FIND THE CLEANING SOLUTION YOU NEED 

At Lawton Brothers, our team can work with your cleaning team to understand which cleaning products are needed based on your office and its needs. We also have cleaning machinery that we can provide education on to your cleaning team. 

If you are unsure about how to properly choose a janitorial supply company for your cleaning solution needs, read our in-depth blog, 10 Questions to Ask a Janitorial Product Supply Company, to get insights into these questions: 

1. What services do you have? 
2. What cleaning products do you offer?
3. What types of training do you offer?
4. Can you tell me what products or machines I need for my building?
5. Do you have products or machines that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency?
6. & More 

If you’re ready to order cleaning products, or have questions give us a call to talk about your cleaning care needs:
800-432-0813