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

 

As a business, you want to make sure that your facility provides a clean and exceptional experience to your visitors. To provide this experience, you may have a cleaning staff who works throughout the day on continual building maintenance, ...

 

As a business, you want to make sure that your facility provides a clean and exceptional experience to your visitors. To provide this experience, you may have a cleaning staff who works throughout the day on continual building maintenance, utilizing chemical cleaners in the process. Regardless if you are an educational facility, healthcare system, office building or retail store, it is essential that you provide your cleaning staff the proper and safe chemical cleaning solutions and training. 

Our team has put together this informative article about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration concerns related to chemical products and how we can provide the solution that you are looking for. 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) CONCERNS WITH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 

As your cleaning staff works with chemical products, it’s essential that they know the chemicals they are using, and how to use them effectively. These chemicals can not only affect the health of your employees but also the health of your customers. According to OSHA, chemical products, if not used properly, can cause: 

●      Skin irritation

●      Burns

●      Respiratory issues

●      Irritation to the eyes, nose and mouth

●      A trigger of conditions like asthma

 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), data from Washington State show that about 6 percent of janitors experience a job-related injury from chemical exposure to cleaning products every year. 

OSHA, through its Hazard Communication Standard, and the EPA, recommends employers encourage safe cleaning protocols by: 

●      Providing training opportunities and safety equipment like gloves and goggles

●      Encouraging cleaning staff to not mix chemical products like bleach and ammonia

●      Ensuring a proper labeling system for cleaning materials

●      Providing proper ventilation systems

●      Having a designated area for the cleaning staff to wash their hands after utilizing chemical products

 

Due to businesses violating OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, which is always in the top three violations companies face from OSHA, companies experience: 

●      Fines

●      The risk associated with employees not using chemical products correctly

●      Loss of revenue

●      Disruption in the workplace due to internal and external inspections

●      Loss of trust from prior or prospective customers

 

OSHA and the EPA also provide non-chemical recommendations including: 

●      Putting mats outside and inside your facility doors: These types of mats can help decrease the amount of dirt and mud tracked into the facility, reducing the need to use chemical products multiple times per day

●      Using microfiber mops and cloths

 

At Lawton Brothers, we want to provide our customers with the most up-to-date information and products available to meet their needs. That is why we strive to ask as many questions as possible, including, but limited to: 

●      What industry are you in?

●      What areas will be cleaned?

●      What is the foot traffic of your building?

●      How large is the space being cleaned?

●      How many cleaning employees do you have?

●      What are your cleaning abilities?

●      Do you have a waste disposal management system?

 

LAWTON BROTHERS PRODUCTS 

At Lawton Brothers, we want to make sure that we can offer your business the best chemical products that serve your needs. We have many EPA-registered chemical products, including, but not limited to:

●      Professional Lysol® Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner

●      Pure Bright® Germicidal Ultra Bleach

●      PRO-LINK® Foaming Germicidal Cleaner

●      Hillyard Connect #3 Non-Acid Restroom Disinfectant/Cleaner

●      Hillyard Thickened Non-Acid Bathroom Cleaner

●      Hillyard Suprox-D® Disinfectant

●      Hillyard Quick & Clean® Super Hil-Aire® Fresh & Clean

●      Hillyard Quick & Clean® Germicidal Disinfectant Wipe

●      Hillyard Mild Bowl & Porcelain Cleaner

●      Hillyard Arsenal® 1 #6 Vindicator® + Disinfectant

●      Hillyard Shower Room Cleaner 

It is also recommended that your business employee microfiber mops. Microfiber mops can eliminate cross-contamination, as mop pads are meant to be changed frequently. At Lawton Brothers, we have various types of microfiber mops, including, but not limited to:

●      Golden Star® Ultra Looped-End Microfiber Mop Pad

●      PRO-LINK® Microfiber Striped Finish Mop

●      PRO-LINK® Fusion™ Dust Mop

●      PRO-LINK® Multi-Surface Wet Mop: 

●      PRO-LINK® Microfiber Heavy-Duty Pad:

●      PRO-LINK® MicroTwist Mop 

The EPA also has an in-depth guide on purchasing greener chemical products. You can review this guide here.

If you are unsure what products you should be using for your business, please give our cleaning representative a call. We would love to speak with you about our products and how they can serve your needs.

 

We’ve all been to a store that has looked like it could use a good cleaning, right? And, we typically, don’t want to buy anything from the store or stay for a long period of time for that reason. ...

 

We’ve all been to a store that has looked like it could use a good cleaning, right? And, we typically, don’t want to buy anything from the store or stay for a long period of time for that reason. It’s not just us though. Research shows that most consumers factor in cleanliness when it comes to stores that they shop at. 

●      According to Consumer Reports, cleanliness is among the top-rated elements of a good grocery store.

●      According to M/A//R/C® Research and National In-Store, 14 percent of consumers said they would stop visiting a store that was not as clean as they would like; 29 percent said they would only visit the store to pick up a few items they could not find elsewhere. 

At Lawton Brothers, we believe in the idea of cleanliness (because we are a janitorial supply company. Because of this, our team has put together an educational blog that outlines what drives customers from stores and what qualities make a clean store. Continue reading! 

WHAT DRIVES CONSUMERS AWAY 

Now that we know that cleanliness is a point of contention with consumers, let’s dive a little deeper into what that actually means. For example, do consumers judge the outside of the store, as well as the inside and what level of cleanliness is expected? 

According to 2016 research conducted by Harris Poll for the Cintas Corp, 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 do these factors pose a risk to your customers returning, but it could also harm your customers’ and employees’ safety. According to the National Floor and Safety Institute, over eight million emergency room visits are due to falls; slips and falls are also one of the leading causes of worker compensation claims. The National Safety Council approximates workplace falls to costing the United States $70 billion annually. 

QUALITIES OF A CLEAN BUILDING

When you’re thinking about what makes a store clean, there are many elements to consider from the external point of view of your store to the internal, as well as superficial cleanliness. Our team would recommend starting with the outside of your store and working your way in because as they always say, “gotta make a good first impression.”

We recommend:

1. Having an employee walk the perimeter of your store daily to pick up any trash that may have not made its way into the trash can. This can always include cigarette butts.
2. Monitoring your restrooms throughout the day. A restroom should be fully stocked, cleaned and the trash taken out.
3. If you are a retail store, make sure to check the changing rooms for extra items left behind.
4. For medical facilities, ask your cleaning team to check the outside and inside mats. Since you have high foot traffic, you’ll want to make sure the mats can actually do their job and aren’t getting clogged with dirt and mud.
5. Utilizing wet floor signs in areas that have been mopped or where something has spilled.
6. Keeping aisles clean and not obstructive with carts.
7. Providing lighting that is adequate for the space you’re in.
8. Repairing floors that have been damaged. 

CAN LAWTON BROTHERS HELP YOUR KEEP YOUR FACILITY CLEAN? 

At Lawton Brothers, we want to make sure you keep your customers coming back. As a business with multiple locations, we understand that it can be difficult to always be on top of external and internal cleanliness, as well as to understand what cleaning products or machinery you might need. That is why our team is dedicated to sitting down with you to discuss your facility’s needs and finding the right solution for you. 

At Lawton Brothers, we have many products that are Eco-Verified, EPA registered and more. 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:

○      Chemical Cleaning Products

○      Cleaning Equipment

○      Cleaning Supplies

○      Trash Liners

○      Floor Matting

○      Paper Products

○      Trash Receptacles

○      Restroom Equipment (like baby changing areas)

●      Food Service Equipment

○      Cutlery

○      Bowls

○      Cups

○      Paper Products

○      Smallwares

●      Facilities & Grounds Products

○      Safety

○      Tools & Hardware

Before making decisions on buying new equipment or changing who you source your healthcare facility’s food from, you make sure to have a certified individual’s opinion on both matters. So, why shouldn’t you go to someone you trust for your ...

Before making decisions on buying new equipment or changing who you source your healthcare facility’s food from, you make sure to have a certified individual’s opinion on both matters. So, why shouldn’t you go to someone you trust for your paper products? 

At Lawton Brothers, we feel that paper products are equally important as other aspects of your business, such as the machinery you buy and the food you serve. That’s why we offer Tork® paper products. 

Continue reading to learn more about why we believe so much in Tork® products.

 ABOUT TORK® PRODUCTS & ITS VERIFICATION 

Tork® is one of the leading sustainable workplace hygiene companies in the world. Tork® offers various products ranging from paper towels, wipes and cloths to napkins, and is certified by EcoLogo®, Green Seal™ and Biodegradable Products Institute™ (BPI).

 The EcoLogo® verification is a voluntary but rigorous certification process. This certification process indicates that a product or multiple products have undergone testing and auditing to prove it is compliant with environmental standards categories such as materials, energy, product performance and more. Through this verification, and Tork®’s mission of environmental stewardship, its products have a reduced impact on the environment. 

Green Seal™ is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the manufacturing, purchase and use of environmentally responsible products. Its certification focuses on products like bathroom tissue, paper towels and napkins, and places importance on lifecycle issues regarding paper products. From manufacturing to use, Green Seal™ wants to ensure that companies think about the environmental impact its product(s) will have. 

In 2011, Tork® announced that their Universal and Advanced Tork® napkins were certified compostable by BPI™. This means that the napkins can be easily disposed of in a composting facility throughout North America and will quickly biodegrade, benefiting any company whose intent is to decrease its carbon footprint. 

LIST OF TORK® PRODUCTS THAT ARE VERIFIED 

At Lawton Brothers, we understand that looking through catalogs for paper products or even hand hygiene products isn’t the most exciting task. That’s why we have compiled an exhaustive list of Tork® products that we carry, which are EcoLogo® verified, EPA compliant, compostable verified by BPI™ or Green Seal™ certified.  

●        C-Fold Towels

○        Tork® Advanced C-Fold Hand Towel - 10.1" x 12.8", White

○        Tork® Advanced C-Fold Hand Towel - 3.7" x 10.1", White

○        Tork® Advanced DoorMate Folded Towel - 4.25" x 8.5"

●        Multi-Fold Towels

○        Tork® Advanced Xpress® Multifold Hand Towel

○        Tork® Advanced Xpressnap® Café Dispenser Napkin - White

○        Tork® Advanced Xpressnap® Dispenser Napkin - White

○        Tork® Universal Quality Multifold Hand Towel - Natural

●        Centerfeed Towels

○        Tork® Advanced Soft Center feed Hand Towel - 9" x 11.8"

●        Singlefold Towels

○        Tork® Universal Quality Singlefold Hand Towel - Natural

○        Tork® Universal Quality Singlefold Hand Towel - White

●        High-Capacity Bath Tissue

○        Tork® Advanced High Capacity Bath Tissue Roll -3.9" x 3.8"

○        Tork® Advance High Capacity Coreless Bath Tissue Roll

○        Tork® Universal Quality High Capacity Tissue w/OptiCore®

●        Conventional Bath Tissues

○        Tork® Advanced 2 Ply Mini Jumbo Roll Bath Tissue

○        Tork® Advanced 2 Ply Roll Bath Tissue - White

○        Tork® Universal Quality 2 Ply Roll Bath Tissue - White

○        Tork® Universal Quality 2-Ply Jumbo Roll Bath Tissue-1000'

●        Perforated Roll Towels

○        Tork® Perforated 2-Ply Roll Towel - 84 ct.

○        Tork® Perforated Roll Towel - 11" X 9", White

●        Soap

○        Tork® Premium Extra Mild Foam Soap - 1 L

●        Sanitizer

○        Tork® Premium Alcohol Foam Hand Sanitizer - 950 mL

●        Dispenser Napkins

○        Tork® Universal Quality Tallfold Dispenser Napkin - White

○        Tork® Universal Xpressnap® Dispenser Napkin

●        Other Products

○        Tork® Advanced Matic® Hand Towel Roll - 7.7" x 700'

●        Tork® Universal Quality Hand Towel Roll - 7.9" x 350'

●        Tork® Universal Quality Hand Towel Roll - 7.9" x 800'

●        Tork® Universal Quality Hand Towel Roll -7.9" x 350'

●        Tork® Universal Quality Matic® Hand Towel Roll

HOW CAN LAWTON BROTHERS HELP YOU FIND THE PRODUCT THAT BEST FITS YOUR FACILITY 

You wouldn’t trust just anyone to look at a piece of equipment, and you wouldn’t buy food products any from old store. We get it. But, currently, you’re leaving your paper product selection up in the air.

Find a paper product that is up to environmental certification standards without breaking the bank. At Lawton Brothers, we are dedicated to helping you so that you can focus on what matters most. Give our representative a call to discuss your paper product needs.

 

There are multiple ways to dry one’s hands; from paper towels and cloth towels to warm and cold air hand dryers. One method of drying hands interests us the most; hand dryers. You see every business using them and ...

 

There are multiple ways to dry one’s hands; from paper towels and cloth towels to warm and cold air hand dryers. One method of drying hands interests us the most; hand dryers. You see every business using them and it seems as though everyone loves them or do they?  

At Lawton Brothers, we have a couple of questions about hand dryers: 

Are hand dryers working for you or against you?

1. Are they more efficient, good for the environment or are they less efficient, unsanitary and bad for the environment?
2. Do you like to use hand dryers?

Continue to read on to learn more about the pros and cons of hand dryers, what experts are saying and how to choose the best hand drying method that suits your goals and needs. 

PROS AND CONS OF USING A HAND DRYER 

No matter what side you are on (paper products vs. hand dryers), there are pros and cons lists as long as our arms, along with research backing up each side’s claims. We are here to discuss some of the pros and cons of hand dryers. 

PRO: 

Empty dispensers: In busy facilities it can be challenging to keep paper towel dispensers stocked. As long as you have power the dryer is good. 

Vandalism: In some types of facilities this can be an issue. Either vandals are de-facing or breaking the dispensers or they are using the towels to clog the toilets. 

Environmentally-Friendly & Cost-Effective: Many believe that hand dryers are environmentally-friendly because it decreases the number of paper products used. According to a cost-benefit analysis, hand dryers will pay for themselves in an average of seven months because of how long they last (seven to ten years). 

CON:

Unsanitary (Spread of Bacteria): In a study conducted by the University of Westminister, hand drying methods were tested, including two types of paper towels, warm air dryer, and Jet Air Dryer. Of these types of hand drying methods, paper towels produced fewer bacteria on the hands than that of the warm air dryer and Jet Air Dryer. It was also found that at least six species of gut bacteria were isolated from the air flows of 63% of dryers tested, which indicated possible fecal contamination (disease-causing pathogens). 

“Based on these results, the use of Warm Air Dryers and Jet Air Dryers should be carefully considered in locations where hygiene is paramount, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, nurseries, care homes, kitchens and other food preparation areas.” - the overall conclusion of the University of Westminister.    

In an article by Johnnie Deon Green from Food Safety Magazine, he states, “Wet hands readily transfer pathogens to food, utensils and other surfaces. Eliminate all blow dryer systems from employee handwash stations. Research has demonstrated hot air drying is counter to good hand hygiene practices. Select and install single-use paper towels that deliver soft, fast, one-sheet drying results,” and went on to say, “Ignoring handwashing as a priority is easy until a company is faced with a crippling outbreak of foodborne illness.” 

Inefficient: Depending on the type of hand dryer you have purchased, it could be ineffective for your needs. A slow running hand dryer will require a longer dry time, creating a line during busier times, which will result in not fully dried hands (a breeding ground for bacteria). 

According to the World Health Organization Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care, “In a comparison of methods to test the efficiency of hand drying for removing bacteria from washed hands, warm air drying performed worse than drying with paper towels. Furthermore, air dryers may be less recommendable because of the longer time needed to achieve dry hands, with a possible negative impact on hand hygiene compliance, and because of the aerosolization of waterborne pathogens.” 

Noise Pollution: Some hand dryers can, unfortunately, be noisy. This contributes to noise pollution and could potentially annoy those using the machine. 

WHAT TO LOOK FROM WHEN CHOOSING A HAND DRYING METHOD FOR YOUR FACILITY 

There are many factors you should think about when choosing between a hand dryer and paper products, including: 

1. What is the short-term and long-term cost associated with hand dryers or paper products?
2. How unhygienic is the hand dryer or its alternative?
3. What is the environment I am choosing the hand dryer or paper product for?
4. What level of noise is my customers or clients willing to put up with?
5. How convenient are hand dryers versus its alternative? 

HOW LAWTON BROTHERS CAN HELP FIND THE HAND DRYING METHOD FOR YOUR FACILITY? 

At Lawton Brothers, we don’t want to pick sides. Our goal is to help our customers find the best hand drying product that will suit their business’s goals and needs. If you would like to talk more about the pros and cons of hand dryers and alternative hand drying methods, please give our representative a call today: 800-432-0813.

 

Lack of floormats or floormats that are in a state of disrepair can contribute to rising worker compensation claims due to workplace accidents, along with an increase in worker fatigue. As a company, it can be hard to know ...

 

Lack of floormats or floormats that are in a state of disrepair can contribute to rising worker compensation claims due to workplace accidents, along with an increase in worker fatigue. As a company, it can be hard to know exactly what to do. The most straightforward answer, one that many don't think about, is installing or replacing your facility's floor matting, which has been proven to decrease workplace accidents and worker fatigue. 

Our team has compiled a straightforward list of the benefits of floor matting, especially in the healthcare industry. Below we’ve also outlined the different types of floor matting that could be useful for your needs. 

BENEFITS OF FLOOR MATTING 

At Lawton Brothers, we believe matting is essential for any business where employees are standing for long periods or working with food and liquids. The benefits of using commercial-grade floor mats in your facility include: 

●       Decreasing the risks associated with wet shoes/floors

●       Reducing glassware breaking

●       Decreasing foot, leg and back pain associated with being on the feet for long periods

●       Increasing productivity

●       Preventing workplace injuries 

In our blog, Matting Madness: Part 1, we discussed a three-step matting program that was introduced by Steve Spencer, a facilities specialist at State Farm Insurance: 

●       Phase one starts outside. This phase begins with a large scraper run that is designed to scrape offer large amounts of soil from the shoes.

●       Phase two takes place in the building entrance. This is where an indoor scraper mat is recommended, which will remove soil, water, and debris from the shoes.

●       Phase three consists of the indoor wiper mat. This type of mat is to dry off the shoes, which can prevent falls.

These three phases will designate the type of mat you will need depending on the space you are putting it in. 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATS ACCORDING TO THE THREE PHASES 

At Lawton Brothers, we offer a complete line of matting options depending on the need of our client. These matting options could include outdoor scraper mats, indoor scraper mats, indoor wiper mats and anti-fatigue mats. 

Outdoor scraper mats are commercial grade mats that are typically a building's first line of defense against dirt, mud or other residues that could be tracked into the building. It is recommended that a scraper mat be placed right outside of the building's entrance so that heavy soil can be removed before entering the building. At Lawton Brothers, we offer eight different kinds of outdoor scraper mats, including: 

M + A Matting 385 Brush Hog Plus Scraper Mat

M + A Matting Super Scrape™ Scraper Mats

M + A Matting SuperScrape Eco Mats

PRO-LINK® Mat-A-Dor™ Mats

M + A Matting Frontier Mats

PRO-LINK® Outdoor 1-2-3 Mats

PRO-LINK® Tire-Track™ Mats

PRO-LINK® Rubber Scraper Mats 

M + A Matting Waterhog® Masterpiece® Select Mats

M + A Matting Waterhog® Fashion Border Diamond Mats

M + A Matting Waterhog® Classic Border Diamond Mats

M + A Matting Safety Scrape™ Black Mat - 3' x 5'

M + A Matting Waterhog® Eco Premier Mats

M + A Matting Waterhog® Eco Grand Premier Mats

M + A Matting Waterhog™ Eco Premier Fashion Mats

PRO-LINK® Berber Style Wiper/Scraper Mats

PRO-LINK® Chevron™ Indoor & Outdoor Wiper/Scraper Mats

PRO-LINK® Super Soaker Diamond Mats

PRO-LINK® Super Soaker Wiper/Scraper Mats

PRO-LINK® Indoor/Outdoor 1-2-3 Mats

Indoor wiper mats are the final line of defense against soil being brought into the building. This type of mat is meant to remove any last soil or water left on the shoes, which can help reduce the risk of falling, as well as improve air quality. We offer seven types of these mats, including:

M + A Matting ColorStar™ Mats

PRO-LINK® Eco-Step™ Wiper Mat - 4' x 6', Granite

M + A Matting Cobblestone™ Indoor Mats

PRO-LINK® Grounds-Keeper™ Mat

PRO-LINK® Rug-Hugger II™ Mat

PRO-LINK® Economy Indoor Mats

PRO-LINK® Indoor 1-2-3 Mats

M + A Matting Comfort Flow™ Mats

M + A Matting Hog Heaven® Anti-Fatigue Matting

Pro-Link® Tile Top Standard Anti-Fatigue Mat - 3' x 5'

PRO-LINK® Heavy Duty Beveled Rubber Anti-Fatigue Mat

PRO-LINK® Heavy-Duty Beveled Rubber Kitchen Mat - 3' x 5'

PRO-LINK® Comfort-King™ Mats

PRO-LINK® Comfort-King™ Supreme Mat - 2' x 3', Black

PRO-LINK® Heavy-Duty Rubber Anti-Fatigue Mat - Black

PRO-LINK® Heavy-Duty Rubber Kitchen Mat - Terra Cotta

PRO-LINK® Tile Top Safety Anti-Fatigue Mats

PRO-LINK® Tile Top Safety Anti-Fatigue Mat -Black w/Yellow

Pro-Link® Tile Top Standard Anti-Fatigue Mat - 3' x 5'

At Lawton Brothers, we also offer other specialty mats. Our goal is to help our clients find the best floor matting that will be beneficial to their building. 

HOW TO FIND THE BEST MAT | WHAT CAN LAWTON BROTHERS DO TO HELP? 

In our blog, Matting Madness Part II, we broke down an interview with JoAnne Boston, the head of business development with Crown Mats, and she recommended, "Because of the growing relationship between Green Cleaning and matting, green cleaning distributors are a good place to start when looking for someone to recommend the best mat for your facility." 

We understand that choosing a supplier for your matting options is essential and they must be trustworthy. We welcome you to put us to the test by giving us a call at 800-432-0813. At Lawton Brothers, we offer matting surveys for all kinds of facilities.

 

What You Need to Know About Hiring a Commercial Carpet Cleaning Service  

Utilizing the wrong cleaning products or cleaning equipment on your carpet floors can lead to costly repairs, unnecessary maintenance on your carpets, risk of closing your ...

 

What You Need to Know About Hiring a Commercial Carpet Cleaning Service 

Utilizing the wrong cleaning products or cleaning equipment on your carpet floors can lead to costly repairs, unnecessary maintenance on your carpets, risk of closing your business or even spreading diseases. At Lawton Brothers, we want to steer you clear of these risks. That is why our team has sat down and talked about what you should be thinking about when looking for a commercial cleaning service.  

THE DANGER: WHAT IS GROWING IN YOUR CARPET? 

If you really think about it, your carpet comes in contact with pretty much everything, including food/drinks, dirt/dust, hair/skin and more. What does all of that breed?

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow anywhere and appears as many different colors, including black, white, orange and purple, to just name a few. Unlike plants, who get their energy from the sun, the mold gets its energy from breaking down materials, as well as areas with a build-up of moisture. Mold can grow due to spilled drinks, carpets not drying after cleaning and an increase in humidity. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to detect mold without the help of an expert. Mold can also have serious health effects, including individuals experiencing rashes, difficulty breathing and even more susceptible to bacteria that are breeding within the carpet.  

New York University Langone Medical Center microbiologist and immunologist and the author of The Secret Life of Germs, Philip Tierno Jr. Ph.D., claims that rugs have about 200,000 bacteria per square inch living on it (more than what’s living on your toilet. yikes!)  

Bacteria that could be growing in your carpet could include but are not limited to, salmonella and campylobacter.  

According to Mayo Clinic, Salmonella is a bacterial disease that affects an individual’s intestinal tract. It is shed through fecal matter. Now, you may be asking yourself, “what does this have to do with carpet?” A lot, we believe. If you work within education, have a commercial space or are in the healthcare facility, you can receive large amounts of foot traffic every day. Your carpet can absorb the bacteria that are being transported in and redistributed to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young children are most at risk of getting the salmonella infection.

According to the CDC, Campylobacter bacteria causes an estimated 1.5 million illnesses in the United States each year. Anyone can be infected by Campylobacter bacteria, which causes symptoms similar to the Salmonella infection, but individuals aged 5 and 65 or older are most susceptible to getting campylobacteriosis.  

Other things that could be living in your carpet include dust, dust mites, insects and norovirus.  

Now, with all of that being said, you would think that businesses, including healthcare facilities, would believe carpet cleaning is a necessary task to do. Sadly, that is not the case. There are several myths about commercial carpet cleaning that we want to dispel.

NEW CARPET, NO WORRIES. IT DOESN’T NEED CLEANED.

“This carpet has just been installed in our building. If we clean it too much, it is more at risk to wear out sooner.” Carpets in this day and age are made sturdier and are, in fact, made to hide the dirt and soil that accumulates. Practicing regular cleaning habits sooner can increase the longevity of your carpet, not decrease it.   

Also, if you’ve just installed new carpet in your facility and notice that there is a smell, well that’s because new carpets house volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can not be taken up by running the vacuum. Professional cleaning by a professional cleaning service or your knowledgeable staff will need to be done.

DOES IT LOOK DIRTY? IF NOT, IT MUST NOT NEED TO BE CLEANED.  

As mentioned above, carpets are made to hide the dirt, especially if you strategically pick out the right color and material. For example, darker carpets will hide dirt much better than white. Our suggestion to you is not just to judge the cleanliness of your carpet based on what you see. If your carpet doesn’t look dirty, but you notice some other things like a smell coming from the carpet or the color is noticeably duller, those can be indications that you need to have your carpet cleaned.

CARPET CLEANING MEANS CLOSING MY BUSINESS FOR THE DAY.

Many business owners or facility managers believe that they will need to close their business down for the day to have their carpets cleaned. That isn’t the case anymore. There are systems out there that utilize the least amount of water to clean carpets. For example, at Lawton Brothers, we carry the HOST® Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System, an environmentally-friendly system that dries in no time. This cleaning system gives the user control over the amount of moisture used while still eliminating the residue from the carpet; there is no closing time necessary.  

ANYONE CAN USE CARPET CLEANING EQUIPMENT. 

Let’s imagine that our team gave you, an individual that does not perform surgery, a scalpel and surgery room and told you to perform surgery, would you be able to? No, and we wouldn’t expect you to. The same applies to this myth. It is not true that “anyone” can use carpet cleaning equipment.  

Unfortunately, we find that companies are interested in getting the latest carpet cleaning materials and equipment, but fail to train their employees on how to use it. Not training an employee on how to use the product or equipment can result in unnecessary carpet replacement due to mold growth, the risk of spreading bacteria like salmonella throughout your facility and as a result, you will have to close your location to make those carpet repairs.  

At Lawton Brothers, not only can we provide your company with cleaning materials and equipment, but we also offer training to your cleaning crew. If you’d like to talk to a representative of our company, please call 800-432-0813.

Have you been looking for a commercial air freshener that doesn’t spray, mist or use liquid? HYscent could be the perfect fit for healthcare or educational facilities, apartment complexes, hotels or more. How does the HYscent air freshener system compare ...

Have you been looking for a commercial air freshener that doesn’t spray, mist or use liquid? HYscent could be the perfect fit for healthcare or educational facilities, apartment complexes, hotels or more. How does the HYscent air freshener system compare to other systems like aerosol cans, hydrogen cells, and liquid wick and wafer? Our team has gotten together to draw up a list of differences between these systems just for you. We value an educated buyer, and our goal is to help you make the best decision for your needs. 

HYSCENT AIR FRESHENER SYSTEM 

The HYscent air freshener system is environmentally-friendly, attacks malodors with Odoraxe™, is easy to replace, simple to operate and is theft-proof.

●       Environmentally-friendly: HYScent does not use aerosols or harmful solvents. This system uses essential oils and recyclable cartridges.

●       Odor neutralizer: This system attacks malodors with Odoraxe™, which was designed to eliminate malodors at the molecular level.

●       Saves time and easy to replace: The recyclable cartilages can be replaced within seconds and has minimal programming required.

●       Theft proof: The HYscent machine locks directly onto the wall mount. 

The HYscent air freshener system also offers three different types of machines, ideal for any preference of scent, including the solo, dual and stealth. Learn more about these systems by giving us a call at 800-432-0813. 

AEROSOL AIR FRESHENER SYSTEM 

The aerosol air freshener system is a canister with an automated dispensing function. The dispensing function releases a small amount of chemical-based products into the air. 

The operation of the system is based on the square footage of the room using the system. For example, a 400 sq. ft. room would need at least two canisters, according to HYscent. Unlike the aerosol air freshener system, HYscent, as mentioned, will dispense a fragrance from 220 sq. ft. to 750 sq. ft, depending on the system used. 

The positioning of the system is also particular. Typically, you will see specific instructions written out on an aerosol can directing you to position it vertically. Because the aerosol can use a chemical base, after dispensing the product, materials can begin to collect, increasing the risk of an individual slipping in that area. HYscent, on the other hand, does not use a liquid or chemical base for its system. HYscent’s products are completely dry, which means it’s system can be placed in any direction without the risk of spills or leaks. 

Lastly, the aerosol system has potential health hazards. Due to the chemical makeup of fragrances, breathing in the chemicals can cause drowsiness, nausea, and irritation to the eyes, throat, lungs and skin. Unlike aerosol systems, HYscent does not release any chemicals into the air. 

HYDROGEN CELL SYSTEMS 

The hydrogen cells is a system that takes chemical energy and converts it into electricity through a reaction with oxygen. According to HYscent, an analysis of two hydrogen cell systems indicates there were industrial compositions being used in the fragrances, containing approximately 40 percent hydrogen solvent, which is an aspiration hazard. 

Like the aerosol system, the hydrogen cell must also be placed in a specific position. If the position is changed, there is an increased chance of leakage. 

Note: Although HYscent claims that its system works for 60 days, market analysis has shown it is most effective between 18-22 days. 

LIQUID WICK AND WAFERS 

Liquid wick and wafers are odor control emanators that are used in a diffuser that utilizes a motor-operated fan.

The liquid wick system is a wick that is put into the container of oil and chemical mixture. The wick with absorb that mixture and then is dispersed/diffused into the air. The liquid wafer system is a pressed fiberboard square. The square is then added to an oil mixture and then dispersed using a fan. Like the aerosol and hydrogen cell systems, the liquid wick and wafer system(s) must be placed into a specific position. If the position of this system changed, the chances of leakage increase. 

The liquid and wafer system claims 30 days of longevity, but according to HYscenet market analysis, it achieves a limit of 12 to 22 days. 

FINDING AN AIR FRESHENING SYSTEM THAT WORKS FOR YOU 

At Lawton Brothers, our goal is to help you find the air freshening system that fits your needs. If you are interested in talking about HYscent or another system, please give our knowledgeable representatives a call at 800-432-0813. If you’d like to read more about the differences between HYscent and the other systems mentioned, please click here.

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

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

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

HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HCAIs) 

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

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS 

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

●       Before coming in contact with a patient

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

●       Before and after using gloves

 Why is there an aversion to handwashing? 

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

●       Irritation and dryness in the skin after washing hands

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

●       Lack of soap and paper towels

●       Hand washing interferes with relationship building with patients

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

●       Lack of education or knowledge of handwashing protocols

●       Forgetting to wash the hands

●       Leadership isn’t doing it

●       Lack of information regarding handwashing and HCAI rates 

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

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

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

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

●       Non-Antimicrobial Soap

●       Alcohol-Based Hand Antiseptics

●       Chlorhexidine Gluconate

●       Chloroxylenol

●       Hexachlorophene

●       Iodine and Iodophors

●       Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

●       Triclosan 

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

●       How efficient is the product against pathogens?

●       Does the healthcare staff accept the hand products?

●       Do you need automated hand soap dispensers?

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

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