In this day and age, when it comes time to upgrade the lighting in your commercial space, chances are you’re getting rid of fluorescent bulbs. While fluorescent lighting is fairly efficient, there are several reasons why you would want to ...

In this day and age, when it comes time to upgrade the lighting in your commercial space, chances are you’re getting rid of fluorescent bulbs. While fluorescent lighting is fairly efficient, there are several reasons why you would want to upgrade to LED. Fluorescent lights can cause waste disposal issues due to their reliance on mercury and can also create problems retrofitting thanks to their shape. Additionally, LEDs can emit a brighter light on a lower wattage and are also directional, meaning you can direct the light to a smaller area and conserve light and energy. No matter the reason, a lighting retrofit can significantly impact your facility and staff. 

High-Burn Areas

Firstly, you should make note of the places where lights aren’t turned on or off for many hours at a time, like garages, stairwells, and closets. This will help offset the upfront costs of an LED upgrade. Then gradually move to areas that are occupied on a daily basis. Pay close attention to the type of light bulb that is in each socket – incandescent are the least energy efficient, followed by halogen, fluorescent, HID, and LED at the top as the most energy-efficient light choice. Switching out your least efficient bulbs can make a huge impact on your energy cost and savings.

Once you’ve upgraded your high-burn areas, it’s time to move on to those hard-to-reach and difficult areas. High ceilings and areas where you have to pause work or move furniture/equipment to get to are the primary concerns. Making sure those entering, leaving, and working are safe throughout the swap is vital, so you may have to wait until specific hours to upgrade these lights.

Lighting Controls

Another way to increase your energy savings is by installing light controls. Particularly, adding motion sensing lights or a remote control can save up to 55% more energy, especially when a wireless system is installed. 

Let Us Shed Some Light on Your Business

The energy savings from switching to LED light bulbs can make a significant difference for your business’ budget. Let us help answer your questions and guide you on the best options for your facility. Give us a call today for a free audit, and see why we have over 67 years of experience in Central Florida: 800.432.0813.

Must-Haves for a Sustainable Cleaning Program 

More and more, sustainable cleaning programs are on the rise. With increased health and safety, cost savings, and environmental benefits as well, what’s not to love about sustainable cleaning? For many facility managers and ...

Must-Haves for a Sustainable Cleaning Program 

More and more, sustainable cleaning programs are on the rise. With increased health and safety, cost savings, and environmental benefits as well, what’s not to love about sustainable cleaning? For many facility managers and business owners, it can seem tricky to know where to begin and what makes a great sustainable program. This list is designed to give a better idea of how to implement and maintain a green cleaning program. 

Master List

The first step in creating and maintaining a sustainable cleaning program is to create a master list of your cleaning products. Begin by following your cleaning process and making a list of your current cleaning chemicals. Check to see if there are any that you would like to replace with a safer, greener option and update the list. Be sure to include approved suppliers or any other pertinent information. As well, compile the material safety data sheets (or MSDS) for all chemicals and ensure that all employees know where they are. 

Technology

There are a plethora of tools and equipment designed to provide a better, more efficient clean. Replacing old tools with new ones can save time, energy, money, and resources. Advanced tools, such as high-powered vacuums or floor scrubbers, make the maintenance of facilities much quicker and easier. 

Training

Any successful cleaning program needs individuals who are adequately trained in cleaning procedures and are dedicated to the cleanliness of the facility. Take the time to figure out the best policies and procedures for your facility before training staff to remove any confusion. Procedures should be tailored specifically based on the individual areas of the building, with continual review and improvement. Training should include chemical and equipment safety, personal protective equipment, and proper storage/disposal of waste materials. 

Looking for Sustainable Cleaning Products?

Lawton Brothers is committed to enhancing your business through janitorial services and products of the highest quality. We take a common-sense, cost-effective approach to green cleaning. Give us a call today and let’s discuss your goals! We can conduct a facility assessment and recommend sustainable products, tools, and equipment best suited for your needs. 800.432.0813.

Creating and Maintaining Slip-Free Floors 

Slips, trips, and falls caused over 240,000 injuries requiring time away from work in 2018. This accounted for 27% of nonfatal occupational injuries and cost an average of $20,000 per incident, according to EHS ...

Creating and Maintaining Slip-Free Floors 

Slips, trips, and falls caused over 240,000 injuries requiring time away from work in 2018. This accounted for 27% of nonfatal occupational injuries and cost an average of $20,000 per incident, according to EHS Today. Slip-resistant flooring can help prevent hazardous conditions that lead to these slips and falls. As a business owner, one of the most important ways to keep guests and employees safe is by investing in slip-free floors. 

Slip-free floors can be achieved through texture, anti-slip coatings, and mats. Textured floors will provide traction so that shoes (especially slip-resistant ones) can grip the floor more easily. This flooring is slip-resistant thanks to aggregate – the grit in the floor that creates friction and traction. Aggregates (think small pieces of glass or plastic, quartz, sand, carbides, epoxy) typically have hard, rough edges that cause the surface of the floor to be rough or slightly jagged. 

The success of slip-resistant flooring is measured by the coefficient of friction (COF). The coefficient of friction is the resistance of movement between two objects – the higher the COF, the safer and more slip-resistant the floor is. Typically, people can walk comfortably on surfaces with a COF greater than 0.4, but a rating of 0.5 or better is considered a slip-resistant surface. Of course, flooring can oftentimes have varying degrees of friction under varying conditions or over time. One of the easiest ways to maintain a floor’s slip resistance is by cleaning on a daily basis and applying a floor sealant or anti-slip coating. 

Additionally, the use of carpets and mats in high-traffic areas or spaces that are prone to slippery conditions can greatly reduce the risk of injury. To ensure that mats and carpets are working effectively, the surface should be always adequately clean, and the underside should have a slip-resistant surface. If a carpet or mat seems loose in any way, it should be replaced. 

Give us a Call

As always, Lawton Brothers is here to offer a variety of products, services, and advice for your slip-free flooring. With over 75 years of experience in the janitorial industry, we’ve got the expertise you need. Give us a call with your questions and see how you can get a free cleaning audit today at: 800.432.0813.

Cleaning Product Disposal

Naturally, we use a variety of cleaning chemicals and products on a daily basis to keep our facilities running smoothly. Most of the time, we run out of the cleaning product and toss the container, without worry. ...

Cleaning Product Disposal

Naturally, we use a variety of cleaning chemicals and products on a daily basis to keep our facilities running smoothly. Most of the time, we run out of the cleaning product and toss the container, without worry. However, what if we don’t use all of the chemical? We can’t simply toss the container into the trash bin, full of unknown chemicals – these products oftentimes have one or more characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, making them dangerous when handled incorrectly. Paint products, pool chemicals, pesticides, and more all have the potential of contaminating ground water when disposed of improperly. 

Down the Drain

While many cleaning products shouldn’t be disposed of through the municipal water system, water-soluble products are designed to be compatible with a wide variety of wastewater treatment systems. For example, up to a gallon of bleach can enter a standard septic system in a single day without destroying the tank’s much-needed bacteria. This should only be done with small (household-sized) amounts of liquid chemicals that are labeled water-soluble. Never mix chemicals – be sure not to let chemicals come into contact with one another by pouring multiple products into a single water source. 

Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Most chemicals will have symbols on the packaging to warn you of the dangers associated with their use. Chemicals with a corrosive, flammable, irritant, or toxic symbol on the label should never be poured down a sink or drain. These products should always be disposed of through a professional hazardous waste disposal company. In Florida, hazardous waste collection centers have been established in most communities and every county in the state has a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program. To search for a hazardous waste facility near you, check out the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website. 

Compliance Assistance

To assist businesses, colleges, local governments, and other facilities navigate their waste and prevent pollution, the EPA has developed Compliance Assistance Centers. These centers offer easy access to plain-language materials including websites tailored to specific industries, telephone assistance, state-specific compliance information, and email discussion groups. 

Toxics Release

The EPA also keeps track of the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to the environment and our health through the Toxics Release Inventory, or TRI. Annually, facilities in various industries must report how much of each chemical is released into the environment, emitted into the air or water, or placed in a type of land disposal. The information submitted is compiled in the TRI to provide a picture of environmental performance, identify facilities that are potentially not in compliance, and inform the development of regulations and policies. 

Find a Local Waste Center

The management of hazardous waste is extremely important, no matter the size of your business. Thankfully, the EPA as well as the Florida state government has provided various resources to support facilities’ disposal of unused chemicals. Contact a local collection center or compliance assistance center near you, and consider the types of products you purchase. Could there be a greener, safer alternative to your hazardous chemical? If you’re unsure, that’s what Lawton Brothers is here for! Give us a call today and let us help with all your cleaning needs: 800.432.0813.

The Importance of Office Recycling Programs

Decreasing the amount of waste we send to landfills can benefit the environment, and your business, in numerous ways. If your business isn’t currently recycling, you could be missing out on some unseen benefits. ...

The Importance of Office Recycling Programs

Decreasing the amount of waste we send to landfills can benefit the environment, and your business, in numerous ways. If your business isn’t currently recycling, you could be missing out on some unseen benefits. 

Save Money

One of the main reason businesses should care about recycling is because doing so can save money. Reducing the amount of waste means reducing the cost of dealing with that waste. A well-planned and executed recycling program can generate up to $100 in savings per employee per year. In addition to fewer waste receptacles that need to be emptied, the visual representation of the amounts of each type of waste produced will help instill mindfulness regarding consumption and conservation of supplies. 

Protect the Environment

Recycling diverts a large amount of waste from landfills, effectively reducing ten major types of air pollutants and eight categories of water pollutants. For every ton of paper recycled, 7000 gallons of water and 17 trees are saved. As the 5^th largest industrial energy consumer in the world, the pulp and paper industry can greatly reduce its energy consumption with larger recycling initiatives. Since it takes less energy to reuse/recycle materials than it does to produce them from scratch, you are not only saving money on materials but on energy and time as well. For example, recycling paper uses 65% less energy than new production, and aluminum cans and bottle recycling uses 95% less energy than the original process. 

Public and Employee Perception

Another benefit of recycling is a positive association as a socially responsible business. By recycling and putting other green initiatives into place, you will attract employees that are more motivated to work. In fact, almost one in ten millennials would be willing to quit a job if their employer wasn’t sustainable. This only becomes more relevant as the workforce ages and more millennials and younger generations are entering the scene. Additionally, when current employees see an effort being made in the office (especially by upper management), it will boost morale and lower staff turnover. 

Of course, consumers also love to shop with companies that are environmentally responsible. In a 2014 Neilsen Study, 55% of respondents would be willing to pay more for products or services from companies that are committed to social and environmental impact. Just as well, 2/3 of all consumers choose sustainable products over conventional products. In short, not recycling can force you out of a market that you otherwise have ample opportunity in. 

Here to Help

Now that you know why an office recycling program is important, the only thing left to do is put one in place! There are plenty of ways to be an environmentally friendly company, and Lawton Brothers is here to help. Give us a call today and let us walk you through your recycling program and potential green cleaning supplies to assist on your journey at: 800.432.0813.

Cleaning a Commercial Dishwasher

Of course, using a commercial dishwasher and proper cleaning chemicals is the best way of cleaning your cookware and serving utensils. However, if your dishwasher isn’t properly maintained, you could be allowing bacteria to be dispersed ...

Cleaning a Commercial Dishwasher

Of course, using a commercial dishwasher and proper cleaning chemicals is the best way of cleaning your cookware and serving utensils. However, if your dishwasher isn’t properly maintained, you could be allowing bacteria to be dispersed onto your “freshly cleaned” dishes. No matter how great and effective the dishwasher is, it will not get clean during a regular dish cycle. Cleaning a commercial dishwasher begins with daily steps to prevent buildup. 

Remove Food Residue

The first step is to scrape, rinse, and remove as much waste and scraps from the dishes as possible prior to placing them in the machine. Leaving excess food can clog up the drains and jets, making it more difficult for the dishwasher to actually clean your dishes. 

Use the Proper Cleaning Agent

Most commercial dishwasher brands will have a manufacturer’s recommendation – it is the best operating procedure to use the recommended chemical. While it may be tempting to use a cheaper alternative, there may be specific chemicals that could degrade your machine. 

Daily Cleaning

Since your dishwasher is likely used every day, it is best to also clean your machine daily. After the last wash of the day, open the door to allow the inside of the machine to cool down and prevent potential burns. Using a soft cloth, clean the interior of the machine with a mild detergent. Be sure to clear any food scraps and debris from the arms, nozzles, and jets and scrape it into the waste basket. 

Once all large debris is removed, clean and rinse the interior with warm water. Remove and clean all screens and baskets. Try to prevent large amounts of food waste go down the drains to avoid buildup that can cause odor and damage your pipes in the long run. Inspect all moving parts and re-install any components that were removed.

Finally, fill up the detergent used in your commercial dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle. Note that a cleaning cycle is different from a regular wash and most dishwashers will have a specific setting for this. Following the cycle, open the doors and allow the machine to air out. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria inside the unit by removing excess moisture. 

Give us a Call

As always, make sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and maintenance. And when it comes time to de-scale your dishwasher, give us a call! Eliminate any confusion with our professionally certified staff, who are ready to help answer your questions and solve your problems together. Give us a call today and see about getting a free cleaning audit at: 800.432.0813.

Floor mats are the first method of protection for your floors from dirt, debris, and water, meaning they need extra attention for effective cleaning. While there are a variety of types of floor mats with varying materials, structures, and depths ...

Floor mats are the first method of protection for your floors from dirt, debris, and water, meaning they need extra attention for effective cleaning. While there are a variety of types of floor mats with varying materials, structures, and depths that can influence the most effective cleaning procedure, the following guide can help get any mat cleaner. 

Ensure Safety

When you clean your mat, be sure to place signs and alert employees in the area to the potential fall risk due to the absence of the mat. If necessary, you can place a towel or similar mat in the area until the original can be returned. Additionally, you will need to find a location for the cleaning process that is (ideally) an outdoor, concrete area with hose access and adequate drainage. 

Remove Large Debris

Before applying anything to the mat, we want to remove as much of the debris and contaminants as we can. Depending on the type of mat, it can be shaken, swept on both the front and back sides, or smacked with a hand or other blunt object. Oftentimes you can use a combination of these tactics to remove larger dirt particles. For example, sweeping the rug, then shaking it out can remove twice as much debris and help better prepare it for the next step. 

Deep Cleaning

Interior mats with pile, such as welcome mats, can be cleaned using any method recommended for carpeted floors. Particularly for carpeted mats, use a neutral, solvent-free cleaner. For most other mats, a mild detergent and water can be enough for a beautiful clean. For scraper or industrial mats, it’s important to spend time focusing on scrubbing cracks and crevices. When it comes time for rinsing, be sure to remove all the soap to prevent a slipping hazard or potentially corroding the mat. 

Finally, possibly the longest step, is drying the mats. This can be particularly time-consuming for carpeted mats as a damp carpeted mat can lead to a slipping hazard as well as the growth of mold and mildew. The recommended method for drying mats is by hanging them up in a sunny and well-ventilated area or placed near a fan to help the drying process. 

More Matting!

Whether you’re looking for products or answers, Lawton Brothers is the one to call! With certified professionals and over 75 years of experience, we’ve got what you’re looking for. Give us a call with your questions or ask us about a free cleaning audit at 800.432.0813.

 

The Cleaning Industry Management Standard is the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organization. This standard is primarily used as a guide for cleaning organizations and professionals as well as cleaning ...

 

The Cleaning Industry Management Standard is the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organization. This standard is primarily used as a guide for cleaning organizations and professionals as well as cleaning contractors to ensure quality, efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction. The Cleaning Industry Management Standard, also known as CIMS, is a management framework that provides third-party validation that a facility or service provider meets a higher level of cleanliness and safety. 

The CIMS is an ISSA-run certification that recognizes individuals and organizations that meet a long list of criteria, ranging from quality systems to health and safety. The certification checklist, comprised of six sections, is among the most difficult and rigorous levels of certification offered. The CIMS standard includes: 

Quality system: The organization must have a clear definition of cleaning service requirements and a written quality plan. 

Service delivery: This covers the organization’s written service delivery plan and purchasing procedures. 

Human resources: The criteria in this section include human resource policy, hiring practices, executive development, training format and language, security, and a documented timekeeping/payroll system. 

Health, safety, and environmental stewardship: (in addition to local and federal compliance) this includes having an organization policy/environmental management system. 

Management commitment: The organization must have a clearly defined mission, vision, and values, as well as responsibility and authority, a communication plan, and risk management. 

Green buildings and service: This section is only graded if the organization passes the first five standards and covers a written green cleaning policy, custodial effectiveness assessments, the purchase of cleaning products and materials, and solid waste management (recycling). 

Having a CIMS Certification is proof that your company is constantly improving the efficiency of its services while bringing value to their customers and contributing to public health. This gives customers reassurance that the building's cleanliness and safety are of top-notch quality. 

Go for the Gold Standard in Certification

When it comes time to invest in your cleaning regimen and you’re looking into hiring an organization, make sure to ask about the ISSA CIMS Certification! As of 2022, there are less than 300 companies internationally that have qualified for the CIMS Certification, most of which are located in North America and nationwide across the United States. Have more questions about the CIMS Certification? Give Lawton Bros a call today at: 800.432.0813.

 

Cleaning Your HVAC System

When you consider air pollution, it’s likely that you conjure the image of a car on the highway. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that indoor air quality can be two to five ...

 

Cleaning Your HVAC System

When you consider air pollution, it’s likely that you conjure the image of a car on the highway. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than the air we breathe outside. With the average American spending 90% of their time indoors and the numerous health effects associated with indoor air pollutants, it’s important to consider the quality of the air being circulated through our facilities. 

Cleaning your HVAC system and ensuring an adequate air exchange rate can not only reduce allergens and reduce sickness but also enhance the durability of your commercial HVAC system and reduce energy costs. If you can’t remember the last time your HVAC system was serviced, it’s likely in need of cleaning. 

How to Clean Your Air Ducts and Vents

Step one in this process is to cover the grilles or registers throughout the building. When cleaning, dust will naturally fall and be pushed through the ventilation and the goal is to stop it from being circulated throughout the entire facility. Once you do this, you can turn on the fan (without the air conditioning or heat) to help break up dust and begin cleaning each of the supply registers – these are the openings that provide and push air out to the rest of the facility. This can be done with a vacuum with a long-handled, stiff-bristled brush and the hose attachment. Following the supply registers, the return air registers can be cleaned similarly once the cover is removed via a screwdriver. As the name suggests, the return registers are the larger vents that pull air in to be re-circulated. 

After these first few steps, it’s time to turn off the power to your HVAC system as it is dangerous to work with a unit that is still running and can result in electric shock. Next, unscrew and clean the air duct covers. These grates can accumulate grime and gunk that are typically best cleaned with soap and water. While the covers are removed, vacuum out the ducts and then wipe them with your cleaning cloth or paper towel. You can now replace the air duct grates and continue to the blower compartment. In your furnace, you can access the blower compartment via the panels on the front. Use your vacuum cleaner (and extra precaution to not damage the fan) to remove dust and debris buildup. Finally, it’s time to replace the furnace filter with a new one and your system is ready to run! 

Ongoing Maintenance

After cleaning your HVAC system, you’ll want to prevent future buildup. This can be done easily, with proactive maintenance. Keeping dirt and debris from entering your system is as easy as: using the highest efficiency air filter for your system, changing the filters every three months, periodically checking and emptying cooling coils and drain pans, and regularly dusting furniture and appliances.

Give us a Call

Now that you know the ins and outs of cleaning your HVAC system, you can add it to your routine maintenance to ensure your staff and customers are feeling their best in your facility. And, for any questions about servicing your HVAC or reworking your cleaning routine, give Lawton Brothers a call! After 75 years in the industry, we’ve been through it all. Give us a call today at: 800.432.0813.

In many buildings, floor drains go relatively unnoticed. Seen in restrooms, garages, warehouses, and commercial kitchens, you’d be hard pressed to find a commercial building without a floor drain. As a vital feature of sanitation that’s often overlooked, these drains ...

In many buildings, floor drains go relatively unnoticed. Seen in restrooms, garages, warehouses, and commercial kitchens, you’d be hard pressed to find a commercial building without a floor drain. As a vital feature of sanitation that’s often overlooked, these drains catch overflow water (and other debris) and direct it to the sewer or municipal storm drain. While these nifty pieces of engineering are typically ignored underfoot, there are a few key tasks that should be performed as regular maintenance. 

Test Your Drain

Oftentimes, some soapy water can highlight, or even fix, problems with your floor drain. If the floors near a drain are not mopped regularly, they run the risk of clogging or drying out. Using a few gallons of soapy water, pour this down your floor drain to determine if there is a clog forming. If the water is draining slowly, it may be time for a cleanout. 

Dried Up Floor Drains

As mentioned above, commercial drains run the risk of ‘drying out’. Floor drains act as part of your sewer system; they aid in helping overflow and, just like a bathroom sink, have a U-shaped P-trap pipe designed to hold water. This curve full of water is what prevents gasses from the sewer from coming up through the drain. Any foul smells will likely indicate that the water trap has dried up, allowing these odors to escape. This can be avoided with regular mopping or by refilling the drain trap with some water. 

Clogged Drains

Floor drains can become clogged when debris is swept into them. Whether by foot traffic or by broom, dirt and debris can head for the drain and cause unnecessary buildup and even blockages. Since these drains are on the floor where large amounts of debris collect, it may feel simple or easy to continue to sweep dirt from the surrounding areas into the drain. This, however, will lead to a clogged drain in need of snaking. 

Regular Drain Cleaning

Prevention is the number one way to protect against costly damage and long-term problems. Once a month, inspect and clean all of your drains. Check for debris and clear anything you find – this may mean you need to remove a lid. Consider cleaning the lid and other exposed pieces to limit the growth of bacteria and, when necessary, use a safe, liquid drain cleaner to help flush debris through the pipes. 

Don’t Send Your Money Down the Drain

Aren’t sure of the product you’re buying or have questions about the cleaning process? Give us a call! Lawton Brothers is happy to answer your questions for free. With our courteous and professionally certified staff, there’s always a friendly voice, happy to help. Give us a call today with your questions, or ask about a free cleaning audit: 800.432.0813. 

Cleanliness makes an impact in any facility you operate in, but it can be specifically impactful in a warehouse environment. A messy or unkept warehouse can result in downtime during warehouse operations as well as accidents, which not only affect ...

Cleanliness makes an impact in any facility you operate in, but it can be specifically impactful in a warehouse environment. A messy or unkept warehouse can result in downtime during warehouse operations as well as accidents, which not only affect the company’s bottom line, but also affect those entering the facility. A clean and organized warehouse encourages team productivity, eliminates waste, lowers maintenance costs, and leads to more efficient inventory management. 

Increased Productivity

When a company’s leadership dedicates time and resources to keeping a clean and safe warehouse, it sets a tone and sends a positive message to employees. It creates a sense of pride and gives the motivation to perform to the same level of cleanliness and effectiveness. Research in the International Journal of Science and Research and on ScienceDirect.com have shown a relationship between physical work environments and employee productivity. A clutter-free space reduces stress and eliminates waste, allowing employees to work more efficiently. 

Prevents Health and Safety Issues

Organization and routine cleaning can prevent overprocessing and overproduction as well as messes or other safety hazards. While it is a federal law to maintain certain health and safety standards, it can be easy to avoid cleaning areas that go unused for long periods of time with the thought that it hasn’t been used and therefore isn’t very dirty. However, regular cleaning is critical to prevent accidents due to objects obstructing the walkway, falling objects, and slippery surfaces. 

Lowers Maintenance Costs

Warehouse operations rely on equipment that needs to remain clear of dust and debris for optimal performance. Ensuring aisles are clear can ensure equipment does not hit or scrape unnecessary objects. Additionally, cleaning regularly can prevent the buildup of dust that can slow down or clog these machines. Ultimately, keeping a clean environment can promote the longevity of equipment, saving money on maintenance costs in the long run. 

Increased Accuracy

Having an organized warehouse space enables better control of warehouse processes, such as checking the shelf-life of products or counting the accurate number of materials in storage. When it is easier for employees to find the supplies or equipment they need, it drastically reduces downtime and miscalculations. 

Here to Serve You

Now that you know how important it is to maintain a clean and organized warehouse, let us help you with how to do it! With an array of janitorial products and equipment for rent, Lawton Brothers has everything you need to keep your facility clean. Aren’t sure of the best routine or how often you should be performing maintenance? Just give us a call at 800.432.0813 today and one of our professionally trained service members will be happy to assist.

In many businesses, the server room plays a vital role in keeping the place running smoothly. Customers and employees alike rely on round-the-clock performance from your server room, making its efficiency and upkeep a main priority. 

Why Clean Your ...

In many businesses, the server room plays a vital role in keeping the place running smoothly. Customers and employees alike rely on round-the-clock performance from your server room, making its efficiency and upkeep a main priority. 

Why Clean Your Server Room

Frequent cleaning (regular maintenance) can reduce downtime. Over time, the electronics will begin to accumulate dust and debris, which can negatively impact the equipment’s efficiency, performance, and longevity. Dirt and dust can clog air filtration systems that are designed to continuously filter contaminants and protect the servers. Since your hardware is running continuously, each machine is consistently drawing in these contaminants, further slowing your server’s capabilities. When a servers air components become clogged, the machine can become insulated and can overheat, leading to expensive damage and even fires. This can result in costly damage including data loss, downtime, and equipment malfunction. 

How to Clean Your Server Room

A server room should stay cool and dry to keep equipment in optimal conditions. Start by carefully monitoring the air temperature and humidity – these should be maintained at around 64.4-80.6 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 40-50 percent. Should the temperature reach 80 degrees or higher, it will damage the equipment and shorten the lifespan of your servers. Meanwhile, low humidity can lead to electrostatic discharge and high humidity can cause rust, corrosion, short-circuiting, and mold. 

Use the proper tools to help organize and store the equipment. Using racks and proper organization hardware can help to free up space as well as promote airflow (which will help keep a balanced temperature throughout). In the same vein, consider organizing cords that are color-coded or labeled, keeping them as short as possible. This will help prevent tangling and loss of cords and ensure that the correct cords are plugged or unplugged. 

On a weekly basis, use a microfiber towel and an antistatic cleaning solution to collect any dust on the outside of servers. Using a microfiber towel will keep the dust from flying and ending up in the circulation systems. Clean the floors weekly with a dry mop and make sure that all surfaces of the equipment are cleaned (even those that aren’t typically visible). Regularly shut down the cooling system to remove debris and, when necessary, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. If your server room contains a ceiling plenum to house cables or ducts, this area should be deep cleaned every 6 months. Additionally, raised tiles should be removed and deep cleaned every 6 months. For the deepest clean, try only cleaning a smaller section at a time (~24 sq ft) to reduce the number of debris and contaminants in the air. Also, consider requiring protective booties and matting to decrease dirt tracked in via shoes as this can account for up to 80% of the contaminants in your server room. 

Here to Serve You

As your local janitorial supply company since 1946, Lawton Brothers is an expert in the field, with professionally trained and courteous staff ready to answer your questions. Not sure of your cleaning processes or looking to optimize your routine? Give us a call today and see about getting a free audit at: 800.432.0813. 

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

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

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

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

THE MOST COMMON HAIs

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

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

According to Becker’s Clinical Leaders & Infection Control:

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

●      9.4 percent of in-patient costs are for HAIs

●      HAIs can cost healthcare facilities $35 billion per year

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

●      Central-line associated bloodstream infections

●      Clostridium difficile infections

●      Pneumonia

●      Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

●      Surgical site infections

●      Urinary Tract infections

How do patients contract these HAIs?

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

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING PRACTICES 

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

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

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

 You should also be asking yourself these questions:

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

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

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

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

CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING  & DISINFECTING 

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

The most common chemicals used for disinfection include: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW CAN WE HELP? 

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

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

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

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

The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) provides companies with tools to determine the true value of clean. The ISSA promotes cleaning as a necessary investment into better health, a better environment, and a better bottom line. Cleaning Industry Management (CIMS) ...

The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) provides companies with tools to determine the true value of clean. The ISSA promotes cleaning as a necessary investment into better health, a better environment, and a better bottom line. Cleaning Industry Management (CIMS) is a branch of ISSA that offers cleaning organizations standards and certifications. 

Lawton Brothers is proud to be CIMS-GB certified where GB stands for Green Building. In order to be CIMS-GB certified a cleaning company must meet certain criteria and standards set by CIMS which is considered to be “the first consensus based management that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organization.” According to the ISSA, a CIMS-GB certification “demonstrates an organization’s capability to assist customers in achieving LEED-EBOM points and offers customers assurance that the organization they select is prepared to partner with them in the Leed process.”

As your resource for cleaning solutions in Central Florida, we are proud to be CIMS-GB certified and at Lawton Brothers we look forward to helping your facility’s cleaning process be as efficient as it can be.