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.

GenEon Solutions Technology that has created a line of products that surpass the effectiveness of traditional cleaning technologies.

GenEon Technologies’ products eliminate bacteria and other harmful pathogens, and create a healthier environment. These solutions provide all the advantages of traditional ...

GenEon Solutions Technology that has created a line of products that surpass the effectiveness of traditional cleaning technologies.

GenEon Technologies’ products eliminate bacteria and other harmful pathogens, and create a healthier environment. These solutions provide all the advantages of traditional cleaners, without the toxins or the high cost.

GenEon’s engineered water technologies provide a wide array of cleaning and sanitizing uses which advance the health and safety of customers.

The company’s innovative design enables the onsite generation of a non toxic sanitizing and disinfecting solution to be produced.

Benefits:

• Sustainable-the effective cleaning and disinfecting agents use no caustic chemicals that can harm the environment. Minerals mixed with plain make this the most unique solution on today’s market. Sustainability far exceeds green standards and takes into the entire life-cycle of product usage, including the way the product is used, how it affects the user and its impact on the environment.

• On-Site Generation-this unique technology enables the user to produce cleaning and disinfecting solutions at their own facility upon demand. Innovative technology allows for the production of cleaning supplies on-site.

• Safety- solutions are harmless safe and do not have the harsh side effects of traditional chemical cleaners and disinfectants. GenEon products eliminate the need to purchase harsh chemicals.

• Efficient- The efficiency of the unique on-site production can make a bottom-line difference when compared to the traditional practice of repeatedly buying chemicals.

How GenEon Sanitizing and Disinfecting Solution Kills Germ

GenEon’s technology allows users to create an electrically charged mixture of water and proprietary minerals known as Electrolyzed Water, which cleans and sanitizes without damaging the environment.

Three steps instructions:

1. Add minerals

2. Fill the container with tap water

3. Stir or shake the mixture to activate the cleaning power of the Electrochemical Activated Water Technology unique to GenEon products.

Where to Use GenEon Solutions

Products are for use in medical facilities, food establishments and plants, schools, and business offices. It is useful at any location sanitizing is needed. GenEon Technology presents solutions that exceed the requisite health and safety standards.

• Schools- to reduce indoor pollution such as bacteria, viruses, dust, allergens, molds, and fungal spores and reduce air-borne pathogens that cause illness. Special attention must go to hallway walls and floors. Use the MIST combined with solutions from GenEons Trio Rx as to eliminate pathogen in large areas

• Hospitals- use to generate the right solution for a Hospital Grade Disinfectant. The GenEon Solution destroys microbes and continues to kill them for 24 hours. The product offers the best known disinfectant solution for hospital environments.

• Restaurants- Restaurants must maintain a clean and sanitized environment for the health and safety of your employees and customers. Use the MIST combined with solutions from GenEons Trio Rx as to eliminate pathogen in large areas This is a dynamic, immensely effective solution with 24-hour residual, broad-spectrum protection.

While green advancements have helped, they have not eliminated the traditional obstacles of cost, risk, and impracticality associated with cleaning systems.

GenEon’s innovative technology offers an ideal alternative to customers with the next generation of cleaning and sanitizing solutions.

Remember, GenEon creates eco-friendly products and technologies, such as cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants.

The on-site production technology presents a competitive advantage, due to product efficiency, eco-friendliness, and simplicity of use.

GenEon solutions enable customers to mix their own cleaning products on-site simply, safely and without making a mess.

Lawton Brothers is a full-service distributor of janitorial products, supplies and equipment. Our company places a large emphasis on green cleaning products and techniques. We are not only a janitorial supply company; we are also well-known cleaning experts.

Our cleaning expertise, training and support helps consumers to improve the overall level of clean in their facilities while controlling costs.

The high performance products we offer along with process training reduces labor costs while yielding cleaner, healthier facilities.

The Lawton Brothers Company works to understand the needs of their customers, then works with their clients to implement effective solutions and provide continuous training and support. Lawton Brothers can be contacted by telephone at 800.432.0813.

After one the worst flu seasons in years, more people than ever have come to realize the import role that professional cleaning plays in maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Many businesses, large and small, now request that their janitorial ...

After one the worst flu seasons in years, more people than ever have come to realize the import role that professional cleaning plays in maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Many businesses, large and small, now request that their janitorial services use products designed to not only clean but, to disinfect as well. Hospitals, health clinics, and Doctor’s offices, in particular, face a year-round challenge to provide a safe germ-free setting for patients and visitors alike.

What are Healthcare Associated Infections?

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections people get at a healthcare facility or while receiving medical treatment. HAIs often lead to severe illness and even death. Studies say that about 1 in 25 inpatients suffer an HAI during their time at a medical facility.

What Types of Healthcare-Associated Infections Exist?

While viruses, pathogens, and fungi, are all common causes of healthcare-associated infections, almost ninety percent of cases originate from bacteria. To make matters worse, organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become resistant to most drugs.

How Do Healthcare Associated Infections Spread?

HAIs mainly spread through person-to-person contact. But, improperly sterilized medical equipment such as respiratory machines, catheters, and syringes also account for a fair portion of healthcare-associated infections. Also, research suggests that excessive and improper use of antibiotics has led to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Who Is at the Highest Risk for an HAI?

Anyone being treated for a medical condition incurs some risk of getting an HAI. For certain bacteria, however, risk increases for patients depending on several factors such as:

• If they have a compromised immune system

• Their age, especially those older than seventy

• How long they’ve been using antibiotics

• Their hospital roommate

• If they have a urinary catheter

• How long they’ve been in the ICU

• If they’ve been in a coma

• If they’ve suffered a shock

Who is Responsible for Preventing HAI?

The responsibility of preventing HAIs lies with the healthcare facility. The CDC provides healthcare professionals with specific guidelines for sterilization and disinfection. By taking the proper precautions, healthcare facilities can lower the incidence of HAIs by as much as seventy percent. Some necessary steps that healthcare personnel should take for infection control include:

• Frequently and thoroughly clean all surfaces, especially those in areas with patient access.

• Identify and adequately isolate ICU patients affected by infection.

• Pay strict attention to hand hygiene – this means washing hands before and after contact with patients or possibly contaminated equipment or surfaces.

• Wear gloves, gowns, face protection, and any other appropriate gear.

• Keep rooms well ventilated.

• Adhere to all aseptic insertion guidelines.

Do Healthcare Facilities Require Special Cleaning?

The Center for Disease Control publishes “Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities” to promote proper and uniform cleaning of medical facilities in the United States and around the world. Through extensive research, the CDC found that the proper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces is essential in reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections.

Who Does the Special Cleaning?

Hospitals generally keep full-time cleaning professionals on the payroll. Smaller medical offices and clinics usually use a cleaning service. Either way, healthcare facilities have unique cleaning needs that differ from any other type of business. They require expert janitorial specialists who thoroughly understand how to clean, sanitize and disinfect the medical environment.

Who Offers Professional Janitorial Training?

While many cleaning supply companies now sell training videos, The Lawton Brothers offer Cleaning Industry Training Standard (CITS) verified programs taught by accredited and certified trainers. Each course meets a rigorous standard and covers everything the trainee needs to know in the given category. A CITS Training Certificate is granted to the trainee upon successful completion of each course. Students may also earn a CITS Master’s designation by passing an exam after completing seven specific programs.

Maintaining a clean and safe medical environment may mean life or death in some situations. Cold and Flu viruses can live almost twenty-four hours on hard surfaces. Both the Norovirus germ and the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA), often survive for weeks at a time if left alone. Professional cleaning not only keeps patients safe, it protects employees as well.

National cleaning week is almost here! Each year, the fourth week of March is designated as National Cleaning Week, which is the time of the year when organizations focus on the cleanliness of their business, which includes the appropriate equipment ...

National cleaning week is almost here! Each year, the fourth week of March is designated as National Cleaning Week, which is the time of the year when organizations focus on the cleanliness of their business, which includes the appropriate equipment and techniques to clean and sanitize. Restaurants must maintain a clean and sanitized environment for the health and safety of your employees and customers. It is essential that you maintain the highest standards of cleanliness in your entire restaurant in order to prevent food, utensils and equipment from becoming contaminated with bacteria or toxins. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of National Cleaning Week for your restaurant.

The Kitchen Area

Although it is essential for all areas of your restaurant to be clean and sanitary, the kitchen is one of the most important areas to keep clean. The kitchen area is exposed to a wide variety of potential contaminants; cooks, bussers, servers and even the cashiers have access to your kitchen, so there is an extremely high risk of contaminating food products. Even uncooked food poses a health risk if kitchen surfaces aren’t properly cleaned. To properly clean the kitchen of a restaurant, the first step is training employees appropriate cleaning techniques, which includes using safe and effective cleaning and sanitizing products on equipment and surfaces that come in contact with food and kitchen utensils/equipment. Local and/or state health departments outline the appropriate types of cleaners and sanitizers that kitchen workers should use when washing dishes. Also, all kitchen items, such as grills, countertops, cutting boards and blenders must be disinfected.

The Dining Area

The cleanliness of the dining room and other eating areas is not only necessary to maintain the overall appearance of your restaurant, but for safety reasons as well. The dining area is generally the first area your customers see when they enter the restaurant. If the dining area appears unsanitary, many of the customers will typically decide to leave. Restaurant employees can properly clean the dining areas by thoroughly sanitizing all surface areas that customers come in contact with, such as chairs, table tops and bar tops. When cleaning surface areas in the dining area it should be done with safe products and clean towels that have not been used on other surface areas of the restaurant, such as the kitchen or restroom. It is also extremely important to regularly disinfect the menus and the condiment bottles.

Restaurant Floors

Dirty floors in a restaurant are unsightly and pose a significant safety risk for your employees and your customers. All floors must be regularly swept, cleaned and sanitized in order to prevent the buildup of spills and to ensure the area doesn’t pose a health risk resulting from the spread of bacteria. It is common for restaurants to place a large floor mat at the entrances of their establishment in order to prevent outside dirt and debris from being brought indoors. Often times these areas are swept and mopped daily, however, it is essential that the cleaning extend to under the mats as opposed to around them. It is also necessary to regularly deep clean the mats with soap and water.

Restaurant Restrooms

Like the kitchen, the restrooms are areas that require frequent cleaning and maintenance. In cases where the restrooms are shared by customers and employees, properly cleaning the restrooms will help to prevent cross-contamination from the employees to food items and eating utensils. Properly cleaning the restrooms requires more than simply wiping a cloth over the sinks and mirrors; all toilet bowls, seats and the floor around the toilets must be scrubbed and disinfected. The door handles, sink faucets and dispensers must also be sanitized. It is also essential that the soap, toilet paper and paper towel dispensers are always fully stocked.

Without a doubt, as a restaurant owner the most important thing you can do to ensure your establishment is properly cleaned and sanitized is be trained and train your employees. Proper training should include the use of appropriate cleaning supplies and sanitizers, equipment and effective techniques. Appropriate restaurant cleaning training is a must in order for the safety and health of you, your employees and your business.

If would like to find out more about restaurant safe cleaning products and/or training, contact Lawton Bros. at 800-432-0813.

Just a decade ago, pre-saturated disinfectant wipes were not commonly in use in the industrial cleaning realm. They were considered too small, too expensive and too time-consuming to be of use in this venue.

Today, commercial cleaning companies, as well ...

Just a decade ago, pre-saturated disinfectant wipes were not commonly in use in the industrial cleaning realm. They were considered too small, too expensive and too time-consuming to be of use in this venue.

Today, commercial cleaning companies, as well as many healthcare facilities rely on these products.

The reasons are many:

• Cleaning wipes clean and disinfect simultaneously to help curb the spread of infection

• They are pre-saturated, ready-to-use wipes kill infections quickly and easily

• Disinfecting with cleaning wipes is proven to be safe for the user, the patient and the environment. .

• There are now various sizes of wipes for different applications — wipes for clinical staff are smaller, while those for environmental services are as much as three times larger.

• Wipes are cost-effective when used appropriately, but, more importantly, they provide consistent application to the treated surface, unlike liquids or sprays that rely on the user to apply them correctly.

• The trend toward fast-acting products is being driven by a desire to improve compliance when cleaning and disinfecting.

• The wipes offer a solution for daily and terminal cleaning because they are re-moistened to consistently deliver the proper concentration of sodium hypochlorite, the spermicidal active ingredient.

• This allows housekeeping staff to lower chemical usage in certain areas, thus reducing costs. It also makes for more uniform delivery of the disinfectant to the treated surface.

Cleaning wipes offer a solution for daily and terminal cleaning because they are re-moistened to consistently deliver the proper concentration of sodium hypochlorite, the spermicidal active ingredient. This allows housekeeping staff to lower chemical usage in certain areas, thus reducing costs.

Cleaning and sanitizing health care environments has always posed a challenge, but even more so today.

As new, stronger pathogens emerge, healthcare facilities are re-evaluating their disinfectant products, as well as the processes, to make sure they comply with government recommendations.

To respond to this need, manufacturers have developed fast-acting, easy-to-apply disinfectants that kill a variety of bacteria and viruses and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. As new challenges arise, development of new formulas continues.

One of the most important functions of hospital maintenance is fighting infection.

One aspect of disinfecting a hospital is staying "green," or being environmentally friendly.

People are increasingly concerned about the environment and this concern extends to the facilities in which they receive their medical care.

High traffic areas in schools deserve special treatment since they are areas frequented by large numbers of children and adults. While it is true that it takes a team effort to prevent communicable diseases and infections, it is the custodial and maintenance staff that is on the front lines battling bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, and molds.

Computer labs and technology stations are havens for germs in schools. Disinfecting takes it a step further by ridding high-traffic areas of contaminants. It is crucial that surfaces are properly cleaned before disinfecting in order for the chemicals to do their job effectively.

Targeting high-traffic areas for disinfection is an essential part of any school wide health plan. Special cleaning kits should be accessible to clean and disinfect soiled areas in a manner that protects all involved.

Remember, cleaning wipes clean and disinfect simultaneously to help curb the spread of infection. Pre-saturated, ready-to-use wipes kill infections quickly and easily. Wipes are cost-effective when used appropriately, but, more importantly, they make for consistent application to the treated surface, unlike liquids or sprays that rely on the user to apply them correctly.

Disinfecting with cleaning wipes is proven to be safe for the user, the patient and the environment. Cleaning wipes are compatible with the environmental surfaces and medical devices commonly used in a health care setting.

While it is true that it takes a team effort to prevent communicable diseases and infections, it is the custodial and maintenance staff that is on the front lines battling bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, and molds.

Lawton Brothers is a foremost distributor of janitorial and sanitary supplies, cleaning equipment, chemicals, paper, and liners. The family-owned enterprise has been in operation for more than 50 years. The company also offers training programs for hospital workers and cleaning staff. Lawton Brothers places an emphasis on green cleaning products and techniques.

Few people realize the amount of knowledge and effort that goes into cleaning and maintaining a commercial space. Keeping a school, an office, or even a construction trailer up to par frequently involves the use of harsh chemicals, advanced equipment, ...

Few people realize the amount of knowledge and effort that goes into cleaning and maintaining a commercial space. Keeping a school, an office, or even a construction trailer up to par frequently involves the use of harsh chemicals, advanced equipment, and a thorough knowledge of handling both. Mixing chemicals, for example, requires in-depth familiarity with what products can and can’t be mixed, how to measure and mix chemicals, and how to stay safe while doing so.

Chemicals That Should Never be Mixed

Most people know they should not mix certain chemicals such as ammonia and bleach. But, there are many combinations of common household items that must be avoided. Here is a list of everyday household items that should never be mixed:

• Bleach and Vinegar – Mixing these two items will release toxic chlorine and chloramine vapors which can cause a nasty chemical burn, especially in the eyes and lungs.

• Rubbing Alcohol and Bleach - Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which when mixed with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, produces chloroform, hydrochloric acid, chloroacetone, and dichloroacetone. These chemicals could damage the nervous system, lungs, skin, eyes, liver, and kidneys. Chloroform exposure in high levels may result in death, while lower levels lead to dizziness and nausea.

• Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide – Mixing vinegar with hydrogen peroxide produces peracetic acid. While parasitic acid makes an excellent disinfectant, it can irritate the eyes and nose, and cause a chemical burn. Peracetic acid also corrodes metal and can tarnish plumbing fixtures.

• Baking Soda and Vinegar – Alone, both of these items work great for certain cleaning situations, mixed. However, they form mostly carbon dioxide and water.

• Bleach and Ammonia – It’s pretty much common knowledge that these two items should never be mixed but, it’s worth mentioning again. When mixed, they form toxic chloramine vapors and poisonous hydrazine. Chloramine can burn the eyes, and if breathed in, will wreak havoc on the respiratory system. It can also cause internal organ damage. Hydrazine, another hazardous chemical, forms when the mixture contains a significant amount of ammonia. Hydrazine is not only toxic but also potentially explosive.

Measuring Chemical Solutions

In general, people measure fluids by volume (in teaspoons, ounces, or in milliliters), for example. Unfortunately, this method does not work when measuring chemicals, as different substances have various densities which are also temperature dependent. Plus, obtaining accurate measurements by volume can be difficult, especially when dealing with small quantities. The correct way to measure chemical solutions is by weight. Weight does not change with temperature and measuring by weight provides the most accurate measurement.

How to Mix Chemicals

When mixing two chemicals, the milder substance should be poured into the container first. This way, if splashing occurs while subsequent chemicals are added, it will be the milder chemical that splashes. Also, mixing an acid or base with water will likely cause an exothermic reaction. The mixture needs constant stirring to evenly distribute the heat. If not stirred enough, it could heat rapidly and boil any water in the solution.

Safety

Many chemicals can be harmful to the eyes or produce deadly fumes. Therefore, proper procedure should always be followed, and appropriate safety equipment should always be worn when mixing chemical solutions. At the very least, this means eye protection and a quality respirator mask. Anyone working with chemical solutions should also familiarize themselves with the materials Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Companies that manufacture hazardous substances produce a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS provides users and emergency personnel with procedures for handling a particular substance. The MSDS also includes information such as the chemicals physical properties, toxicity, reactivity, and any other necessary information in the event of an emergency.

The Lawton Brothers

As a leading distributor of janitorial supplies, the family-owned Lawton Brothers understand the need for handling chemicals correctly. They’re committed to a greener future and have over 60 years’ experience in the manufacture of high-quality cleaning products. Lawton Brothers also offer training programs that focus on improved commercial cleaning methods and productivity. All this, coupled with the fact that the Lawton Brothers offer expert equipment repair, makes them Florida’s premier supplier of janitorial supplies, support, and equipment, since 1946.

On the long train of demographic groups, the cars full of Millennials are pulling into the employment station. As the Baby Boom generation slowly ages out of the workplace, their children are stepping into their shoes as the group with ...

On the long train of demographic groups, the cars full of Millennials are pulling into the employment station. As the Baby Boom generation slowly ages out of the workplace, their children are stepping into their shoes as the group with the most economic promise and clout. These are the people whose minds and muscles you need to carry your company into the future. You might want to consider how best to attract and retain them at your organization.

Who are the Millennials?

Social scientists and marketing gurus love to talk about Millennials as if they comprise some monolithic, singularly focused demographic different from every preceding generation. However, as people born roughly between 1980 and 1995 or 2000, their educations, attitudes and potential differ as much as those within any other age group. But if you had to pick one characteristic with which to broadbrush the Millennials, you could legitimately say that they take the health of the environment and other social issues quite seriously.

The seeds of activism that their parents planted have found fertile ground in their children. That's why green cleaning your facility will play a large part in your ability to cultivate a durable and top-notch Millennial-aged staff.

Why Millennials on Your Janitorial Staff Care about Green Cleaning

Heirs to a world still reeling from environmental and "sick building" pollution, many Millennials already suffer the effects. According to the National Coalition on Millennial Health, "After mental health, trauma-related disorders and COPD/asthma are the most frequent conditions for which young adults receive care."

This means that young adults can easily react to the harsh chemicals in traditional cleaning products and have an acute need to avoid them. Of course, their elders do, too. Everyone benefits with green cleaning.

Shunning personal contact with chemicals is just the beginning, though. Millennials also feel a keen need to keep them out of the planet's water and air so they can't come back to haunt them and future generations down the road. The industry magazine Clean Link reports: "Millennials also look for companies that practice environmental responsibility. Sustainability is a huge trend in the industry. So, many companies practice green cleaning, promote recycling and composting, get LEED certified, or try to reduce water consumption and energy usage."

A recent survey conducted on behalf of Rubbermaid Commercial Products discovered that: "Sustainability is important to this generation and is a core value they consider in relation to their career. Nine in 10 millennials say it is important they work for a sustainable company" and would quit their jobs if they found their employer was not serious about sustainable practices. Thus, besides relief from petrochemicals, a facility's cleaning protocol must also involve the use of recyclable or re-usable products such as cotton or microfiber mops and cloths.

Would Millennials Other Than the Janitorial Staff Care about Green Cleaning?

Studies on what Millennials look for in terms of employment consistently announce that they want to work for environmentally responsible employers. One survey by the marketing communications agency Shelton Group discovered that, ". . . sustainability is a cultural norm for them, and cultural norming is, perhaps, the most powerful force in affecting behavior long-term."

But practicing an individually planet-friendly lifestyle proves difficult for some Millennials who may not have the financial resources to support it yet. So they look for employers who do. Millennials tell us that nearly half believe they can contribute to the health of the environment or a social cause more effectively through a company than they can on their own. Also, many rank a company's purpose and commitment to environmental care above their rate of pay.

In 2012, Net Impact found that twice as many young workers claim a higher level of job satisfaction when they can make a direct social and environmental impact at work than those who have no such influence.

As consumers, they prefer products and services from sources that promote causes and the environment, often willing to pay more, according to Business Insider.

This up and coming generation has little patience for careless practices that fail to take care of their own and the planet's health. Implementing a green cleaning program is a necessary component of winning the hearts of your growing Millennial workforce and customer base.

Even if a tile floor is properly protected, it is important to set up a maintenance program to keep it looking its best. By combining daily maintenance with periodical heavy-duty cleanings, any tile floor can maintain its integrity. Daily maintenance ...

Even if a tile floor is properly protected, it is important to set up a maintenance program to keep it looking its best. By combining daily maintenance with periodical heavy-duty cleanings, any tile floor can maintain its integrity. Daily maintenance involves cleaning up everyday spills while heavy-duty cleaning helps get rid of deep stains, odors and residue.

It is recommended that facilities take care of spills within 12 hours or risk staining. Clean tile floors with water and a neutral cleaner (Lawton’s N.L.C.) every day, more often if necessary, based on traffic.

On a quarterly basis, do a heavy-duty cleaning ( Pro-Link  Grout Cleaner) with an alkaline-type cleaner. Also, find out the history of the floor. For example, if a floor has been treated with a coating, it will be difficult to clean stains under the finish. An easy test can be done by dripping a few drops of water onto the grout. If it soaks in, the grout likely hasn’t been treated. If it beads up, it has, so it will be necessary to strip the coating before cleaning the grout.

Long before anyone suspected that invisible, single-cell organisms caused disease, they understood that silver held medicinal qualities against certain maladies. Greeks, Romans and, later, Europeans used silver vessels to preserve foods, water and wine. American and Australian pioneers placed silver ...

Long before anyone suspected that invisible, single-cell organisms caused disease, they understood that silver held medicinal qualities against certain maladies. Greeks, Romans and, later, Europeans used silver vessels to preserve foods, water and wine. American and Australian pioneers placed silver in water barrels and milk to retard spoilage.

Unfortunately, after the development of biological antibiotics and chemical disinfectants, silver fell from grace. Pharmaceutical and chemical companies touted the wonders of their germicidal products and veered away from silver. Sadly, certain microbes developed resistance to modern antibiotic treatments culminating in our present problems with "superbugs" and hospitals as sources of persistent, deadly infections. As a last resort, scientists have returned to the study of silver's incredible ability to kill not only bacteria, but some viruses and fungi, as well. Today, hospitals stand to reap huge rewards from this new interest in silver.

What is Nano Silver?

Formerly referred to as colloidal or ionic silver, the creation of "nano" silver was first recorded 1889. By then, microscopes had proven the existence of minute organisms and the power of silver particles to destroy them.

The term "nano" refers to the general size of the particles. A nanometer equals one billionth of a meter. Atoms exist in the nanometer range. A typical microbe is about 1,000 nanometers (1 micrometer) and the width of a medium-thick strand of human hair is about 100,000 nanometers. Nano silver particles are under 100 nanometers in size. Things in that miniscule range are not much impacted by gravity, which enables them to remain in (colloidal) suspension in a liquid such as water.

According to the publication Science Daily, nano silver particles kill microbes by infiltrating their outer membranes and attacking their DNA and other critical components. With breaches in its cell wall, the single-cell organism takes in many more particles of silver. Once dead, the silver escapes the corpse to attack other cells, continuing the killing spree and extending the effective time for the disinfectant on a given surface.

How Does Nano Silver Compare to Chemical Disinfectants?

The power of silver lies in its ability to wipe out a broad spectrum of pathogens. Effective against nearly any species of bacteria and some types of viruses and fungi, silver has many antiseptic talents. Although silver's efficacy against any particular microbe rests in the particle size and whether it has been stabilized with a coating or capping agent, the relative ease of creating a product with particles in a huge range of sizes underpins its efficiency as an all-purpose sanitizer.

Furthermore, silver kills microbes on contact and continues to exterminate them on surfaces for up to 24 hours. Nor does nano silver inadvertently create supergerms resistant to antibiotics and chemical eradication. Because it destroys the germ's DNA, the germ can't replicate with new mutations that resist silver's attack. As a pharmaceutical antibiotic, nano silver is taking on the known superbugs and winning.

Is Nano Silver Toxic?

Unlike the big three categories of antiseptic cleansers — bleach, phenols and quats  — silver solutions require no warning labels. Like other green cleaning and antiseptic products, such as hydrogen peroxide and essential oils, nano silver has no disinfection by-products. It doesn't cause cancer or even ill health if accidentally ingested. In fact, many hospitals use nano silver to disinfect their hot water systems. It is completely safe to touch. The EPA lists silver cleaning products as child-safe.

Is It an Environmental Hazard?

While the environmental hazards of bleach, phenols and Quats  are well known, those of nano silver have yet to be thoroughly studied. However, silver exists rather abundantly in the environment already. As a natural substance, bulk silver is non-toxic to humans, plants and animals. However, nano silver produced and used in large quantities may have the potential to disrupt ecological systems just as any other substance when found in unnaturally high concentrations. The good news is that "naked," uncapped nano silver is unstable and tends to conglomerate into larger particles. As particle sizes increase, interference in the metabolic processes of botanically-important microbes decreases. Never the less, official determinations of the environmental hazards of nano silver have yet to be pronounced.

Hospitals can scarcely afford to ignore the immensely effective power of nano silver in their sanitation routines. With no poisonous fumes or toxic residue, and with a 24-hour residual, broad-spectrum protection, nano silver offers the best known disinfectant solution for hospital environments.