In times past, cutting down on your carbon footprint only caused inconvenience and extra cost. These days, though, reducing, reusing and recycling can save money and enhance corporate images, all the while taking pressure off our too-polluted environment. What's not ...

In times past, cutting down on your carbon footprint only caused inconvenience and extra cost. These days, though, reducing, reusing and recycling can save money and enhance corporate images, all the while taking pressure off our too-polluted environment. What's not to love?

Although a commitment to lowering your use of energy and disposable products can cost your business initially, for the savings you enjoy over time, it could be well worth the effort. Here are several ways to bring down your company's carbon footprint.

Dramatically Cut Energy Costs with Ceiling Fans

In rooms with high ceilings, the air becomes stratified with the warmer air near the ceiling and the cooler near the floor. During the cold season, this stratification wastes an incredible amount of energy. The heating system must work hard to keep the atmosphere sensed by the thermostat warm enough for comfort. By installing efficient fans on the ceiling to send that hot air to the floor, your HVAC system breathes a sigh of relief.

Also, during the hot months, by circulating the air with fans, the air mixes throughout the room so that you avoid areas of extreme cold while some spots remain too hot. All year, you can reduce your heating and cooling costs significantly simply by installing ceiling fans and taking a load off the HVAC equipment. Lighter use means longer lifecycles and fewer repairs in the interim.

Switch to LED Light Bulbs

Another great way to save on energy comes in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Not only have LED bulbs come down in price from the early days of consumer availability, they also come in just about every configuration to fit existing traditional light fixtures. When you can receive 75 watts of brilliance using less than 15 watts of electricity, you save considerably on lighting costs. Moreover, because LEDs generate very little heat, they last far longer than incandescent and florescent bulbs. You save twice by reducing how often you need to buy bulbs to keep your workspaces illuminated.

Recycle Everything Possible

Establishing an enterprise-wide recycling program can keep a lot of refuse out of landfills and enhance your corporate image. From administration, production and cleaning to even the lunch room, plenty of papers, plastics and glass can make a return trip to producers with just a little organization and commitment on the part of your company.

Whenever possible, re-use sheets from copier failures for scratch paper near the phones. When the cleaning staff empties liquid jugs or cardboard packaging boxes, make sure they end up in recycle bins, not the trash. Everything that can be re-purposed should be.

Go to Electronic Meetings Rather than the Airport

If your business entails meetings away from home turf, try teleconferences instead of trips. Not only will a video conference save your company's travel budget, you send one less person out to spew exhaust into the air unnecessarily.

Taking the idea a bit further, if your business model permits, you could do well to allow employees to work from home as much as possible. You help reduce carbon emissions even further when employees seldom have to leave home and travel to work and back. Keeping them off the roads even forestalls frustration, tension and risk, things that can easily translate into lower productivity.

Use Better Cleaning Methods

It's pretty easy to fall into a janitorial system that uses a lot of disposable products such as paper towels. The convenience of simply throwing out used towels rather than laundering cloth can appeal to your desire to increase productivity across all departments. However, when you can reuse cleaning cloths, you not only save money on paper purchases but you take a little more demand for fossil fuels out of the market.

When you switch to cloth, consider going with microfiber towels instead of cotton. They can pick up far more dirt, liquids and microbes while requiring less water and detergents. You get a cleaner, more sanitary facility for a smaller carbon outlay and, over the lifecycle of the cloths, less money.

Install Solar Panels

By installing a photovoltaic system at your building, you can further diminish your use of energy. By converting rooftops or carport roofs from unproductive surfaces to generators of electricity to go back to the grid or into your own power system, you actually become an asset to the environment.

Look around your enterprise and see what you can do to recycle, reuse, reduce your carbon footprint and increase your profits in the process.

Of all the natural and the ordinary synthetic textiles used for cleaning, cotton has reigned supreme for its ability to absorb liquids. Until, that is, the development and industrial manufacturing of microfiber took the field. While certain microfiber products can ...

Of all the natural and the ordinary synthetic textiles used for cleaning, cotton has reigned supreme for its ability to absorb liquids. Until, that is, the development and industrial manufacturing of microfiber took the field. While certain microfiber products can easily repel liquids, those strands used in cleaning cloth often surpass cotton in every absorption metric. What is microfiber, how does it work and why would you trade your cotton cleaning fabrics with a supply of it?

What Microfiber Is

Microfiber is composed of two synthetic materials polyester and nylon. Because these substances are extruded from a liquid form, they can be made as thick or fine as desired. Manufacturers measure textile fibers with a variety of standards including deniers (pronounced DEN-yers). To give an idea of the scale, the diameter of a human hair is roughly 20 deniers.

In order to be considered "micro," fibers must be thinner than 1 denier. The more slender the filament, the more absorbent the strand. Some filaments are as thin as .013 deniers. For best absorption, the microfiber filaments are split such that if you were to look at the cross section of one, you would see what appears to be an asterisk, star or flower pattern, with petal shapes surrounding a center dot. This splitting provides the super soft feel of the fabrics.

How Microfiber Works

Due to the separated structure of the microfiber strand, it enjoys significantly more surface area with which to absorb liquids in wet applications.

For dry cleaning, as the fibers graze against each other, they create a static electric charge that attracts dust. As particles of dust come in contact with the towel or sheet, they are pulled into and trapped within the spaces between the lobes. The same principle allows the towel or cloth to draw in and trap oils, as well.

To prevent lint from other fabrics filling in the gaps in microfiber strands while washing, they should be washed only with other microfiber cloth and not with cotton or any fabric that will shed lint. Proper washing releases the accumulated dust and dirt from the towels.

Common Benefits of Using Microfiber Towels and Mops

Microfiber technology can and should revolutionize the janitorial industry. Although, at present, microfiber products cost more than traditional cotton, their benefits bring savings over time in multiple ways.

• Because they are lighter, less human energy is required to clean with them, improving crew efficiency and reducing fatigue and injuries. Microfiber towels and mops finish the job in fewer swipes, whether wet or dry.

• Often, dry wiping can replace spray-and-wipe cleaning techniques because the towels can absorb oils without first dissolving them with a solvent.

• Microfiber mops trap much more dirt and require less water in the bucket. Wringing is easy compared to large looped cotton mops that often redistribute the dirt more than remove it. Floors become genuinely cleaner quicker and with less effort.

• Because they can absorb and hold seven times the amount of water than a conventional towel or mop, they need to be wrung out less often, saving the crew more time.

• Towels clean more effectively with less water or cleaning solution.

• Dusting requires no polish or chemicals while picking up 99 percent of the dust.

• They leave no lint residue on glass or other glossy surfaces.

• Microfiber requires less water to launder and less heat to dry.

• Their washing lifecycle can exceed that of cotton five times over.

Uncommonly Effective Infection and Cross Contamination Control

Best of all, the use of microfiber offers a much more efficient system for controlling cross contamination. With conventional cotton mops, either the mop head or the cleaning water must be changed between rooms in healthcare settings to avoid cross contamination from one room to the next. Moving heavy buckets or heads takes time and care. However, with the super absorbency and light weight of microfiber, staff can simply change mop heads after each room, never placing a used head in the charge bucket. Also, where cotton fibers pass over the top of the tiny, narrow crevices in a floor, microfiber filaments will drop in and grab the smallest particles of dust and even the microbes.

In one case study at the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA, cultures from the floor were taken prior to and after cleaning. They found that a cotton mop was able to remove 30 percent of the dirt and bacteria, but the microfiber removed an astonishing 99 percent. As the study concluded, the hospital calculated that they could clean the floors in 100 rooms with microfiber using only one gallon of water and fifty cents in chemicals. The cotton mops required 21 gallons of water and $11.55 in chemicals for the same number of rooms.

At the end of the study, the metrics displayed a mere $27 dollar savings per 100 rooms with microfiber after all costs were factored in. However, the superior effectiveness of the sanitation heavily weighted the benefits towards microfiber over cotton.

Because microfiber works so well in any cleaning situation, demand for the products is certain to explode. Increased production will lower the cost until microfiber becomes the most sensible and economical choice in the janitorial industry.

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on the benefits of green cleaning for commercial properties and other public agencies such as hospitals or government buildings. In-depth analysis and research have demonstrated that the use of environmentally friendly chemicals and cleaning ...

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on the benefits of green cleaning for commercial properties and other public agencies such as hospitals or government buildings. In-depth analysis and research have demonstrated that the use of environmentally friendly chemicals and cleaning procedures have tangible and measurable benefits that outweigh conventional methods. The latter has proven to be harmful and expensive. It has also been clearly demonstrated that cleaning companies that use powerful, toxic chemicals do not achieve better results than companies that use eco-friendly cleaning agents.

The Environmental Effects of Green Cleaning

Germs and bacteria are everywhere. For this reason, businesses will pay professional companies to sanitize their facilities on a regular basis. By allowing cleaning companies to use toxic chemicals, however, all a business is doing is trading one health problem for another. The result is that the employees can become ill from constant exposure to the dangerous chemicals. In essence, the company is trading one set of contaminants for another. The difference is that toxins can accelerate poor health conditions.

Surprisingly, all commercial cleaning contractors have to do is change the products or equipment they use without altering all of their cleaning methods. Lawton Brothers Inc. routinely trains cleaning companies on which cleaning products to use in order to create a healthier environment for all staff within a given commercial facility. By utilizing healthier products, cleaning companies also protect employees who are around toxic chemicals all day.

How Much Money Do You Want to Spend on Cleaning Supplies?

From a financial perspective, eco-friendly cleaning supplies get the same bad reputation as organic foods. They're often labeled as too expensive and not budget-friendly for a cleaning company. On the contrary, cleaning companies spend less on green cleaning supplies than they do on industry-grade toxic chemicals.

According to studies conducted by the EPA, the CDC, and several universities ready-to-use (RTU) chemical-based cleaning products cost up to twice as much as equivalent green-based concentrates. The studies also found that green products produce the same or better results than their toxic counterparts. Many of the products that are used on a commercial level are also the same products that homeowners have switched to in order to save money on cleaning supplies each month.

Environmental Awareness and Education is Growing

The day will arrive when using toxic chemicals for cleaning purposes will be largely be considered archaic and irresponsible. As awareness grows about the dangers harmful cleaning substances, more companies will choose to seek out green-friendly cleaning contractors to clean and disinfect their facilities.

Companies that are already utilizing environmentally safe cleaning agents and equipment will find business opportunities that other companies will miss out. By acting responsibly, your company will not only promote healthy environments but also contribute to an industry that can benefit communities and facilities across the country. This can give you a tremendous business edge over the next few years by being recognized as an expert and authority on green cleaning.

What About Green Cleaning Equipment?

Earlier this year, we released an article entitled, "Implementing Green Cleaning Programs". You can read it here. The article provides valuable resources on how you can begin implementing green cleaning equipment into your cleaning service. Lawton Brothers Inc. provides valuable information and training on how to use environmentally friendly supplies and equipment so that it benefits your cleaning business and your clients.

For every piece of equipment you use in your cleaning service, there is a green alternative that gives you equal or better results with equal or less effort. Some of the products available that are approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label program include:

• Vacuums

• Carpet Extractors

• Automatic Scrubbers

• Microfiber mops and other materials

• Soaps

• Sanitizers

Lawton Brothers provides janitorial and sanitary green cleaning solutions, equipment, and supplies. We also offer training and information for cleaning company owners and employees. We are dedicated to helping find the best products and utilize the best methods for cleaning commercial buildings large and small. If you are looking for cleaning products or training, then contact us at 800.432.0813. You can also message us on our contact page.

Improper use of cleaning equipment while performing your duties on the job can lead to numerous problems and injuries. While most companies prefer to hire employees that already have a certain skill set, training, or experience, many companies fail to ...

Improper use of cleaning equipment while performing your duties on the job can lead to numerous problems and injuries. While most companies prefer to hire employees that already have a certain skill set, training, or experience, many companies fail to properly train their staff on equipment use. the result is that workers may float around from job to job or employer to employer making the same mistakes over and again.

Proper Equipment Training Helps You Perfect Your Skills

In every industry, true professionals always find a way to improve any task no matter what it is they're doing. Over time procedures are often perfected through trial and error or careful analysis. A wise worker, however, will always seek advice from those in the industry who have skill, training, and years of experience. For instance, Lawton Brothers, Inc. provides insight and seasoned advice on various areas of equipment training and proper methods. By taking classes and furthering your education through our company you can learn more about the following:

• Proper Equipment Use

• Ergonomic methods for using tools and equipment

• The right tool for the right job

• OSHA guidelines and regulations for using cleaning equipment

• How to train others to use cleaning equipment properly

Asking the Right Question Gets You the Right Answers

When seeking training or advice, ask very specific questions. Instead of asking a generic question like, "How do I do this better?" Here are a few examples of questions that will get you answers that are on point:

• What is the best cleaning solution for that stain that I can't seem to get off?

• Should I go left to right or front to back when mopping? What is the right mopping pattern?

• Why is this backpack vacuum hurting my shoulders and pelvic area?

• How much water should I use when mopping a laminate floor versus a tile floor?

• Is there a more efficient way to clean these counters without sacrificing quality?

• Why do I feel completely exhausted after working just two hours?

• Am I using the right equipment for this particular job?

• I have a feeling that the method I'm using for cleaning these toilets is not very sanitary. Can you please confirm?

By asking the right questions, you will improve your skills, get better results with every task, and you will gain the respect and trust of your peers, your boss, and your company executives.

Equipment Training Helps Your Company Save Money

Manufacturers design cleaning equipment to be used a certain way. When utilized properly, cleaning staff can expect their equipment to reach its life expectancy. Improper use, however, will lead to worn out parts. Damaged equipment leads to costly repairs and replacement. By using the equipment as it was intended you save the company money and become a valuable asset to the workforce.

Equipment Training Keeps You in Good Physical Shape

In the cleaning industry, most injuries occur due to lack of training on how to use the equipment ergonomically. Here are some prime examples:

• Bending over to pick up heavy equipment without using the knees

• Holding brooms and mops too far away. This can lead to back problems

• Using cleaning agents without masks, proper eyewear, or gloves

• Improper use of straps and belts when operating backpack vacuums

• Using too much mop water that leads to slips and falls

• Repetitive motions such moving your arms or body back and forth or left to right.

Equipment Training Helps You Perform Your Job More Efficiently

There's nothing that compares with using the right tool for the right job and using it correctly. Using your equipment in the right way can help you perform your job more effectively and more efficiently. You will be perceived as an expert in your field simply by applying the right techniques that you learned in training.

You will discover that you are completing tasks faster and with more precision. When everyone else around you is struggling to get their job done, you'll be on to the next one. As with all other areas in your field, you'll become a valuable asset to your company, and other opportunities will be opened up for you to advance your career. In the cleaning industry working smarter is a wiser strategy than working harder.

If you are looking for janitorial and sanitary supplies, janitorial services, or janitorial training information, then contact Lawton Brothers at 407-291-2501 or message us on our contact page.

When utilizing a backpack vacuum for professional use, experts recommend that you use a side-to-side method instead of pushing and pulling the vacuum head forwards and backward. There are several reasons for this. First, it is a more practical method ...

When utilizing a backpack vacuum for professional use, experts recommend that you use a side-to-side method instead of pushing and pulling the vacuum head forwards and backward. There are several reasons for this. First, it is a more practical method that covers a greater area in less than time. It is also more ergonomic as it puts less tension on the shoulders, arms, back, and waist. The movement helps the user to twist the mid-section instead of applying pressure on the torso in a front to back manner. This requires less tension and energy on the body while covering more ground in less than time. Cleaning technicians can complete the job in a more efficient manner. In the janitorial field, productivity is essential so that workers can get in and out of a facility faster

A Lightweight Solution in Pro Vacuuming

Although some backpack vacuums can get hefty, by comparison, they are far less cumbersome than upright vacuums. Numerous studies have demonstrated that it takes far less effort to utilize a backpack vacuum than a standard floor model, because of the weight (8 to 13 pounds) and mobility of the uprights. Upright floor vacs average 25 pounds with an empty bag. When harnesses and straps are used properly, the backpack unit weight is evenly distributed on the shoulders, back, and hips so that it feel lightweight even when filling up with floor debris. When using the backpack, make sure you use all straps and belts. They should be fastened in a manner that is tight but comfortable to minimize movement around the torso.

Improved Work Posture

There are numerous health-related concerns that come with operating an upright vac. For instance, the front-to-back motion puts unnecessary stress on the backs, legs, arms, and shoulders. Over a long period, workers will experience pain in all these areas. Backpack vacuums, however, keep the technician in a neutral upright position without out the ongoing pressure of moving forward and backward. Muscle groups such as the legs and shoulders are more designed to carry weight and walk instead of exerting horizontal motion with a heavy upright machine. The result is that the operator has greater stamina over a work shift without overexerting muscles and joints.

Greater Productivity and Efficiency While You Work

Productivity and efficiency in janitorial work create a win-win for both the cleaning company and the client. The cleaning company can cover more ground in less time. This allows the owner to take on more clients, thus, increasing profits. The client benefits from less noise and intrusion in their office. In some cases, cleaning companies have to provide service during the day when people are working. By using a backpack vacuum, there is less work time on the job. Cleaning technicians can get in and out. Clients appreciate the fast service. For this reason, backpack equipment is replacing standard floor vacs in many companies and facilities.

Cleaner Results, More Sanitary Alternative

Upright vacuum cleaners use brushes to loosen and lift dirt. While this achieves the desired goal, there is a side effect. The agitation of the brushes also stirs up dust and allergens and spreads into the air. Even if the average person doesn't notice the dust created, they're affected by it by breathing in contaminated air. Backpacks solve this problem by simply lifting the dirt and dust using power suction and transferring it to a HEPA filter that acts like a standard HEPA air cleaner. 99.9 percent of all allergens and contaminants are captured in the filter and do not return to the atmosphere. This isolation of pollutants naturally cleans the room and prevents dirty air from circulating. Clients often notice that both their air and their carpets and rugs are much cleaner.

When purchasing a vacuum cleaner it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the model you buy. The industry as a whole is shifting from the standard floor models to backpack vacuums because of the all the benefits they offer. Your employees will love the mobility they have with less stress on the body. Projects will be completed in a more efficient manner. Your clients will benefit from less noise, faster service, and cleaner room environments. If you want to know more about the features and benefits of backpack vacuums, contact Lawton Brothers. We specialized in providing janitorial education, training, and products for cleaning companies!

As time goes on and more environmental knowledge becomes readily available, the importance of green cleaning techniques rises. Green cleaning programs are extremely important to us at Lawton Brothers. We provide green cleaning supplies and training to janitorial teams all ...

As time goes on and more environmental knowledge becomes readily available, the importance of green cleaning techniques rises. Green cleaning programs are extremely important to us at Lawton Brothers. We provide green cleaning supplies and training to janitorial teams all over Central Florida. We take green cleaning so seriously in fact, we worked hard to meet the criteria for Green Seal certification.

Green Seal is an independent non-profit third party with the goal of helping other companies offer environmentally responsible products or services. Green Seal utilizes science-based programs to enable companies, purchasers, and consumers to build a more sustainable Earth. By reaching Green Seal standards, Lawton Brother is able to improve the environment by reducing toxins and waste in order to conserve natural resources. The result is the increase in overall health of customers.

As your resource for green cleaning solutions, Lawton Brothers is dedicated to improving your facility’s cleaning standards in order to promote better health, well-being, and planet sustainability. Green cleaning involves both techniques and equipment that support a healthy environment, and Lawton Brothers is proud to be the Central Florida resource for both. Continue reading for more information on what equipment and products Lawton Brothers can supply you with to help your facility “think green” and be ecologically responsible.

Equipment

Vacuums- If you’re looking for green vacuums, look for machines certified by the Carpet and Rug’s Institute (CRI) Green Label program. CRI certified vacuums will remove a certain amount of soil from carpets within four passes, will not release over 100 micrograms of dust per cubic meter of air, and will not deteriorate the carpet’s appearance with frequent use. By using HEPA vacuum filters you can remove 99.9% of airborne particles. Backpack vacuums are also becoming popular green cleaning equipment.

Carpet Extractors- Carpet extractors certified by the CRI’s Seal of Approval program have proven their effectiveness in soil removal, water removal, and carpet texture retention. While removing debris from within the carpet is important, extractors should also allow the carpet to dry quickly to prevent mold. Select an extractor that utilizes low-moisture or dry powder instead of water. According to the CRI, the right extractor will allow the carpet to dry completely within 24 to 48 hours of cleaning.

Automatic Scrubbers- Newer automatic scrubber machines are much more efficient and use less water and chemicals. Some machines can reduce chemical use, while some only require water to get the job done. For both performance and safety purposes, choose scrubbers with cylindrical brushes. Special rectangular scrubbing heads are a great solution for cleaning along baseboards and wall surfaces. The right automatic scrubber will have flexible scrubbers designed for single pass floor finish removal as well as daily scrubbing requirements. Don’t forget to look for a scrubber complete with a rear squeegee as it will recover more water and eliminate any traces left behind.

Microfiber Materials- If you haven’t switched your facility’s mops and dust cloths to microfiber material yet, then we think you need to as soon as possible. The benefits of microfiber materials are countless. They are a greener and cleaner alternative to traditional cotton and have been proven to limit cleaning chemical and water use by up to 90% over traditional materials. Microfiber materials reduce cleaning times and require less wringing out and washing. Microfiber materials do not leave behind lint and are also more effective than cotton and paper at picking up dust and dirt.

Products

Soaps- This is a product that (hopefully) touches almost everyone’s hands who enters any facility after they use the restroom. It is probably the most important considering everything a person touches with their hands, including other people’s hands. Incorporating a green soap can have a very positive benefit for the health of users as well as the skin on their hands themselves. Green soaps tend to be gentler on hands than traditional soaps. Green soaps can actually last longer and reduce the amount of product used, resulting in a reduction in spending for an organization. It also reduces the amount of bioaccumulative materials such as triclosan, which is an outcome of antibacterial components found in traditional soaps.

Arguably one of the most genius inventions ever, the vacuum has become a cleaning staple in homes and businesses all over the world. It is also not entirely clear who actually invented the first one. The first patent that we ...

Arguably one of the most genius inventions ever, the vacuum has become a cleaning staple in homes and businesses all over the world. It is also not entirely clear who actually invented the first one. The first patent that we know of for a “sweeping machine” in 1869 was made by Ives McGaffey. However, it wasn’t until 1907 that William Hoover brought us the first bag-on-a-stick upright vacuum cleaner in Ohio. Although the exact origin of the vacuum cleaner is unknown, one thing is for sure and that is that they make a huge contribution to the janitorial industry. They are a wonderful tool that if used properly can do wonders for business, but if used poorly can severely damage time management and budgets.

So what do you need to know before you purchase a commercial vacuum?

Do some research and strive to find the best commercial vacuum that can get the job done well and without any extra hassle. Avoid buying the shiniest and newest model of commercial vacuum just because it is on sale or is being promoted to be the best. If you plan on investing in a machine that is worth your time and money, put some time in before you spend your money. It could save you big bucks down the road.

By increasing the speed at which an area is vacuumed, it gives janitorial staff more time to complete other tasks and eventually increases overall productivity. Not having to unplug and plug in again or empty bags more frequently allows the person doing the vacuuming to get the job done faster and move on. Vacuums are rather noisy and distracting so the faster the vacuuming is completed, the happier those around the vacuuming are.

Cords have long been a thing of the past. Battery operated technologies are just the beginning of the chord free world. Everything from our phones to industrial sized cleaning equipment have gone cordless and will not be going back.The janitorial ...

Cords have long been a thing of the past. Battery operated technologies are just the beginning of the chord free world. Everything from our phones to industrial sized cleaning equipment have gone cordless and will not be going back.The janitorial industry is continuously growing and advancing. Some of the most valuable growth and advancement has been made through the advancement in technology and through proper maintenance and care, we hope to keep it that way.

Machinery that is large and powerful enough to do hard work faster aids the janitorial world extensively when it comes to getting things done in a more timely manner and with more ease. The new and more advanced machinery used in janitorial processes is often battery operated. Batteries are becoming smaller, lighter, and more versatile. The result is machinery that can operate without a cord and that is easy to use without extra weight or bulkiness. It is the batteries that are responsible for making large projects a breeze by easing the process. The ability to complete tasks without being bogged down by a pesky cord is priceless. So why jeopardize that freedom by not taking proper care of the batteries?

Batteries are not meant to work forever, but their lives can be extended if taken care of properly. Over time, certain parts of batteries corrode and weaken. It has even been proven that every time you recharge certain batteries, their storage capacity decreases. That is why maintaining the life that batteries already do have is so crucial. If maintained properly, batteries have the potential to function properly twice as long as usual.

Taking care of this advanced equipment is extremely important for maintaining the life of the machinery and getting the best use of it. Making sure that the batteries that run the machinery are in good condition is one of the most simple ways to ensure that the equipment will do the best job that it can. Not only is it important to protect the life of your batteries, it is important to try and extend the life of your batteries in order to get more use and save money. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your machine’s batteries:

-Keep batteries stored in a well-ventilated area

-Do not store batteries in extremely hot or cold areas

-Do not charge batteries in extremely hot or cold areas

-Maintain the correct water levels if battery is lead-acid or flooded

-Use distilled water for lead-acid or flooded batteries

-Clean batteries regularly with baking soda, water and a wire brush

-Use the batteries about every seven days

-Charge batteries after every use

-Leave batteries on charger when not in use

Maintaining the life of the batteries used in heavy cleaning machinery is one of the most important things to do when it comes to large equipment. Working with a maintenance program to better manage resources by helping to minimize time and save money is a great option if maintenance often falls to the back burner. Having a technician regularly inspect and perform any necessary maintenance on your machines could save your company an incredible amount of money down the road.

Although batteries are not at all a new technology, the versatility and improvements that have been made with batteries is massive. Tons of research has and is still being done to constantly find ways to make batteries stronger and to make batteries stay stronger over longer periods of time. Through all the discoveries and advancements made regarding batteries, one thing has stayed consistent and that is the importance of maintenance.

If the batteries in your machinery are not functioning at their highest performance level, then it is safe to say that your machine is not functioning how it could and should be either. The batteries are essentially the lifeline of the equipment it is powering and could potentially make or break the job it is doing. When the machinery involved in a janitorial job is not functioning as effectively as it should be, the work takes longer and the job has the potential to get even dirtier. Not maintaining the battery life of your heavy machinery provides you with the perfect environment for machinery failure and possible business setbacks.

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its final ruling about the use of certain ingredients commonly used in over-the-counter antibiotic products. The ruling is forcing manufacturers of these antibiotic products to make changes in the ingredients ...

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its final ruling about the use of certain ingredients commonly used in over-the-counter antibiotic products. The ruling is forcing manufacturers of these antibiotic products to make changes in the ingredients they use in the products that include the use of water.

In 2013, the FDA proposed a rule based on data that suggested that long-term exposure to certain active antibacterial ingredients could potentially cause an increased risk for hormonal problems and bacterial resistance. The ruling stated that manufacturers would have to provide data on the safety and efficiency of the ingredients in their products. The reports from manufacturers showed that they were unable to demonstrate that 19 of the ingredients were safe for long-term daily use and were more effective than soap and water at preventing illness of the spread of certain infections.

On September 2, the FDA ruled that any antiseptic wash products that contain one or more of these 19 ingredients, common in over-the-counter antibiotic products, including triclosan and triclocarbon, are no more effective than using soap and water and therefore should no longer be used in the market. Manufacturers were given a deadline of one year to move these ingredients from their products. Many manufacturers have already begun the process of removing such ingredients or making necessary changes to any products that contain one or more of the 19 ingredients.

In addition to the 19 ingredients that have been banned, three other ingredients, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and chloroxylenol (PCMX), that are used in consumer wash products have been deferred for one year, at which time another ruling will be made concerning those products. In the meantime, the FDA will wait for new safety and effectiveness data to arrive concerning these three ingredients. While the investigation commences, products containing these three ingredients can still be marketed.

The use of regular soap and water is still recommended as the proper way of a thorough cleaning. If regular soap and water are not available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

While this ruling constitutes a dramatic change in the manufacturing of over-the-counter antibiotic products, it doesn’t affect all products and manufacturers. Any antiseptic hand washes that are intended for use in either health care settings or by professional food handlers are exempt from the ruling. It also doesn’t affect any products that are meant to be used with water. Any products currently exempt from this ruling will be addressed in a separate ruling.

Some manufacturers that produce such products had already begun to remove certain ingredients from their soaps due to the public pressure for safety concerns. The remaining manufacturers are quickly starting to remove the products or reformulate existing products to comply with the ruling, even though they have a year from September 2 to do so.

Some manufacturers and users of antibacterial soaps had already made the decision to stop using them based on public pressure and data supporting that the soaps could potentially be harmful to the user’s health. This ruling justifies those actions and will force users of antibacterial soaps to consider the products they are using. Additionally, it will force manufacturers to take a closer look at the ingredients they are putting in these products and will force them to determine whether they are actually beneficial to users. While the FDA’s interest in the ingredients of bacterial products has yet to conclude, they have proven that they are looking out for the consumer of these products to ensure they are using products that are beneficial to their health.

Just this past June, President Obama signed into law the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This new bill modernizes the Toxic Substances Control Act and is the first major environmental legislation to be passed in ...

Just this past June, President Obama signed into law the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This new bill modernizes the Toxic Substances Control Act and is the first major environmental legislation to be passed in 20 years. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and others have been calling for a modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act, the principal federal chemical safety law, for nearly a decade. ACI President and CEO, Ernie Rosenberg, calls this legislation “the culmination of an incredible journey” and a “huge achievement” in the midst of partisan pressures.

The new law includes many important improvements to chemical safety, including:

• Requiring the EPA to evaluate the safety of chemicals currently existent in commerce - for the first time ever.
• Requiring the EPA to use a risk-based safety standard to evaluate new and existing chemicals with clear and enforceable deadlines.
• Empowering the EPA to require the creation of the chemical information necessary to support safety standard evaluations.
• Establishing clear and enforceable deadlines to ensure a timely review of prioritized chemicals and timely action on identified risks.
• Increased public transparency of chemical information by limiting unwarranted claims of confidentiality to allow for the appropriate sharing of information.
• Providing a consistent source of funding for the EPA to efficiently carry out the responsibilities of the new law.

This new bill works to ensure that the chemicals manufactured and used throughout the United States are safe for the public, their families, and our environment. For nearly forty years, there were fundamental flaws in the Toxic Substances Control Act that limited the EPA’s ability to protect from dangerous chemicals. With the new risk-based safety standard, the EPA and many others believe this new law is a huge victory for the environment, public health, and chemical safety. The EPA is already working towards carrying out its new responsibilities by:

• Identifying chemicals already active in commerce that threaten public and environmental health.
• Establishing new procedures to prioritize and evaluate high-priority chemicals and substances.
• Working with stakeholders to create a fee system for implementation.

The new law took effect immediately upon signature by President Obama on June 22nd, 2016. The most immediate effects of the new law will be on the new chemical review process. The new requirements of the law require the EPA to make an affirmative finding on new chemicals or new uses of chemicals before they can be pushed to market. For companies that submitted their pre-manufacture notices prior to the bill being enacted, the new law reset the 90-day review period. The EPA will make additional information available about new chemical reviews as soon as possible.

This is the first time in 20 years that the United States is updating a national environmental statute. The EPA will now be able to more easily review chemicals already on the market and the new chemicals created by our scientists and businesses. The new risk standard does away with an outdated bureaucratic formula and focuses solely on the risks to our public health. The bill also gives the EPA and scientists the funding they need to keep Americans safe from toxic chemicals in our laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, or other substances many Americans use everyday.

The original Toxic Substances Control Act was signed by President Ford to protect Americans from harmful chemicals in cleaning agents, fabrics, plastics, paint thinners, and more. Though it had good intentions, the law placed unrealistic demands on the EPA without providing them with the proper tools to safely and effectively regulate chemicals in the market. In 1976, around 62,000 chemicals were already on the market and since then only five of those original chemicals have been banned and only a small percentage has been reviewed for health and safety. Prior to this new bill being passed, our country has been unable to have the opportunity to uphold a ban on asbestos - a known carcinogen responsible for the death of almost 10,000 Americans every year.

The passing of this law reflects the hard work of the cleaning industry and many other voices who have been working towards safer and more effective toxic chemical regulation for years. The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act is a big step forward in the fight to keep our families, environment, and public healthy for years to come.

Concrete floors are a very common site in Florida facilities, and for good reason. They are virtually indestructible, easy to clean, and are available in a variety of styles to suit each building’s particular needs. While these floors are extremely ...

Concrete floors are a very common site in Florida facilities, and for good reason. They are virtually indestructible, easy to clean, and are available in a variety of styles to suit each building’s particular needs. While these floors are extremely durable, they still require care and attention.

Unless the concrete floor your team is maintaining has been sealed with an epoxy, it is extremely porous. Porous floors, even concrete floors, are susceptible to everyday wear and tear and damage over time. Here are a few tips for maintaining concrete floors.

1. Vacuum. Vacuuming may seem a strange way to remove dry soils from a concrete floor. It is actually the most effective way. Because concrete is porous, when you use a broom or dust mop, you can actually force the debris into the concrete. Over time, this can cause the concrete to weaken.If you vacuum the dry soil, you can effectively remove the debris without forcing it into concrete.
2. Place Entry Mats. Mats serve as a place for dry and wet soils to collect before people enter your facility. Having these mats at each door and places where spills commonly occur, e.g. cafeterias, can cut down on concrete floor wear and tear.
3. Polishing. Polishing concrete floors requires the use of special equipment, but frequent polishing not only restores the concrete’s shine, it also removes any set-in surface soils. If you have questions about the types of buffers or pads appropriate for your facility’s concrete floors, give Lawton Brother’s a call today.

Maintaining concrete floors is not as difficult or high maintenance as some other types of flooring, but it is important to continually clean and take care of them. Doing all you can to promptly clean concrete floors will preserve their durability for years to come. If you have questions about maintaining polished or sealed concrete floors, please call us today. The Lawton Brothers are always happy to help custodial teams do their best work with the best janitorial supplies possible.

So, your facility has decided to further its green initiative by implementing a composting program. What does that mean for you and your crew? While implementing a waste management program of this magnitude can seem daunting, taking care of compost ...

So, your facility has decided to further its green initiative by implementing a composting program. What does that mean for you and your crew? While implementing a waste management program of this magnitude can seem daunting, taking care of compost is really no different than your normal operations in clearing away garbage in your medical facility, school, or office. Composting is becoming a popular waste management and green cleaning procedure for many reasons. Here are a few ways you can introduce your crew to the change and maintain a clean, inviting facility.

Compositing is the process by which food waste and other organic waste products, like some paper products and yard waste, can be naturally broken-down and re-introduced into the soil. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, water, and pesticides. It enriches soil, increase crop yields, and reduces methane and leachate in landfills thus decreasing pollution and extending the life of a landfill. Another startling reason that the is becoming such a sought after program in medical, school and other facilities is because of its impact on food waste. In the US, 133 billion pounds of food make it to landfills every year. This accounts for 31 percent of our country’s food supply. This amount of food waste contributes to a significant portion of our methane emissions. If Americans are able to reduce this waste by 15 percent, we would be able to feed an additional 25 million people every year.

Composting is not popular because it is just another way to change how food waste is disposed of. It is becoming more popular because it makes facilities re-think their food programs and reduce waste from the beginning of the supply chain. Facilities are reducing their cost of their operations and waste disposal while helping reduce harm to the environment that 133 billion pounds of food waste creates.

 At first it can be difficult to convert to a composting program because many people are squeamish about the idea. They think of it as rotting, smelly leftovers, but when you get down to it a compost bin is really a “traditional” trash can without plastics and inorganic material.

 Custodial crews can actually lend a helping hand in changing the popular opinion of composting to a more positive one. Here are two main things you can do to promote your facility’s compost program. 

1. Remove the compost liners once a day. By removing this compostable food and organic waste, you can stop the smell before it happens.
2. Clean out the receptacles frequently. As often as three times a week or as necessary, it’s important to clean out these bins so that they stay clean and smell free. 

Composting is a great way for facilities to begin a green initiative. Your help as a custodial crew is tantamount to its success. If you have questions about the types of liners you should choose and how to help your facility achieve its goal, ask us today.

As the manager of a custodial crew it’s extremely important to watch your bottom line. There are many factors that can break your bank, like not properly maintaining your equipment or misusing bulk chemicals. One thing many custodians don’t take ...

As the manager of a custodial crew it’s extremely important to watch your bottom line. There are many factors that can break your bank, like not properly maintaining your equipment or misusing bulk chemicals. One thing many custodians don’t take into account while counting their pennies is the effect that trash can liners can have on their budget. 

You may not realize it, but buying the wrong size liners for your garbage receptacles can cost you a lot more than you think. If there are more than four to six inches of overhang you’re paying for raw material that is not being used. Similarly, you may be paying for a product you don’t necessarily need for a certain area. This is where an assessment can come in handy. Ask yourself these questions when choosing the correct liner for your garbage cans. 

1. What typically is thrown away in this garbage can? In the example of a school setting, a restroom garbage receptacle can be expected to be filled primarily with paper waste. It will be much lighter than the garbage in the cafeteria, which will most likely consist of plastics, food waste, and a wayward fork or sharp object. Choosing a more heavy-duty liner for more heavy-duty garbage makes sense, saving money by selecting a light-weight liner where a light-weight liner will suffice is a great way to monitor your budget.  
2. What size is this receptacle? Most garbage cans are labeled with their size in gallons on the side or bottom. When you know the size of the receptacle, you can purchase the correct size liner and cut down waste of raw material.  

The small details, like choosing the right liner for the right place and reducing waste by selecting the correct size of liner, is extremely important. As your janitorial supply company, we can help you choose the right materials for you jobs no matter how big or small they are. 

Mold is more than a nuisance, it’s a dangerous contaminate that is a serious threat to human health. Florida’s damp, warm climate is a breeding ground for mold. Should you find it in your facility, it’s important to act fast ...

Mold is more than a nuisance, it’s a dangerous contaminate that is a serious threat to human health. Florida’s damp, warm climate is a breeding ground for mold. Should you find it in your facility, it’s important to act fast and contact a mold removal specialist. Because mold can be so dangerous, it’s important to take extreme care when removing it from a facility. Here are some ways to prevent mold from ever becoming a problem in your facility, as well as tips for removing it. 

Why is Mold so Dangerous?

The CDC warns that mold can cause serious respiratory infections and lung conditions to people exposed. Depending on the type of mold present in an environment, death due to these conditions is possible. Preventing the growth of mold is a high priority. Should you detect mold in your facility, promptly and properly removing it is extremely important. 

How Can I Prevent Mold? 

Mold proliferates in damp, dark areas. This can mean in restrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities – anywhere where water may be present, including rooms with leaks. To prevent mold, you must: 

• Control the humidity with an air conditioner, ventilation system, or fan.
• Fix leaks as they form.
• Clean and dry any area after flooding or pooling of water occurs. 

Paying attention to these little details can help you prevent the growth of mold. However, if you find that mold is already growing it’s important to take care of the problem immediately. 

Tips for Removing Mold: 

• Removing large amounts of mold should be left up to a mold removal specialist. It is dangerous to your health and these professionals are well-equipped to handle the situation, no matter how severe.
• Wear non-porous protective gloves, facemasks, goggles, and coveralls when dealing with mold. Spores are easily agitated and can attach to clothing as well as make their way into your respiratory system.
• Locate and isolate the mold. By finding exactly where the mold is and how far it has spread you can prevent it from contaminating other rooms in the facility. If you have questions about isolating mold, contact a mold removal specialist.
• Discard damaged materials. Items that cannot be cleaned effectively must be discarded. This includes, porous furniture, drywall, and insulation.
• Clean the area with HEPA vacuums and filtered sanders to catch mold spores. Use the appropriate cleaning solutions to permanently remove mold afterwards. If you have questions about which solutions are best for removing mold, speak with your janitorial supply company. We will be able to help you choose the right solution for your situation. 

Mold is a serious contaminate, that must be taken care of immediately once it is discovered. By preventing mold from forming in your facility and cleaning it when you discover it, you can keep your facility clean and healthy. If you have questions about cleaning mold, contact Lawton Brothers, your janitorial supply company.

It’s no surprise that public restrooms are the most difficult areas in any facility to keep clean. When it comes to restrooms though, there is no more important area to maintain for both aesthetics and health. Recent studies have highlighted ...

It’s no surprise that public restrooms are the most difficult areas in any facility to keep clean. When it comes to restrooms though, there is no more important area to maintain for both aesthetics and health. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of cleaning restrooms beyond aesthetics; their findings on the proliferation of harmful bacteria in public restrooms may astound you. 

The appearance of a clean bathroom is important for user satisfaction and piece of mind. However, masking odors and wiping down surfaces just to make them appear clean can leave behind very harmful illness-causing germs and multi-drug resistant organisms. By cleaning public restrooms with the aim of sanitizing and curbing further contamination of harmful organisms, you are also maintaining their aesthetics. Start with health and appearance will follow. 

Three studies published between 2011 and 2013 examined restrooms in public universities. At the University of Colorado samples were taken from 11 surfaces. Not surprisingly skin and gut-associated bacteria were found on all the surfaces. From the floor, to toilet seats, soap dispensers, and faucets, “Pathogens commonly found on the skin (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus) could readily be transmitted between individuals by the touching of restroom surfaces.” 

The other study conducted in public restrooms of San Diego State University found that after an hour of disinfection and sanitation by a janitorial team, the restrooms were 100 percent re-contaminated.  Taking this information even further, a study conducted at Queen Mary University of London found that 19 different types of Staphylococcaceae were found in various places of public restrooms. More than one third of these bacteria were antibiotic-resistant.

So, what can your team do to ensure you’re cleaning to control the spread of harmful bacteria in public restrooms?  The answer is thorough and targeted cleaning with products that can get the job done. 

First, your team must be equipped with the right tools. They should be outfitted with gloves, masks, and other equipment that will protect them from harmful bacteria while they clean. 

Using the proper chemicals and cleaning supplies is also extremely important. Pre-cleaning to remove visible soils with approved products that were designed to kill these contagious and extremely harmful bacteria is a must. Proper training on how to use those chemicals to sanitize the surfaces where microbes are not visible to the naked eye is also very important. Being confident that your team knows the contact times to effectively kill harmful bacteria through proper training is one of the best things you can do to curb the spread of harmful bacteria. Another way you can clean for hygiene and have the aesthetics follow is to use the proper agents that remove the cause of odor rather than simply masking it. 

By properly cleaning all surfaces of public restrooms with chemicals and cleaners that were designed to disinfect rather than provide a quick, aesthetic solution, your custodial team can begin to control the spread of harmful bacteria in your facility. If you’re looking for advice on best products and supplies to clean for health, ask your associate at Lawton Brothers. We carry a wide range of products that were designed to help your team clean for health.

Understanding how germs spread is an important factor in keeping a facility clean. However, understanding that germs spread and that you can stop them is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some tips for preventing the spread of ...

Understanding how germs spread is an important factor in keeping a facility clean. However, understanding that germs spread and that you can stop them is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some tips for preventing the spread of germs. 

Use Microfiber  - We cannot revisit the benefits of microfiber often enough. These fibers capture dirt and germs rather than moving it around. They actually clean surfaces rather than simply providing the appearance of clean. If you’re using a textile other than microfiber currently, switching over to microfiber is a change your team should seriously consider. 

Color Code – Spreading germs from a bathroom into an office because your cleaning supplies and textiles look alike is a problem that can be solved with color-coding. Using Red microfibers exclusively for bathrooms, Yellow for offices or classrooms, blue for glass and green for food-related surfaces is a great way to keep organized. It also halts the spread of foreign bacteria from contaminating other rooms in the facility. 

Upgrade Your Cleaning Equipment – Many cleaning appliances have undergone major technology transformations in the past few years. By evaluating if your vacuums, carpet extractors, and other cleaning machinery could use an upgrade you could be more effectively cleaning your facility, and stopping the spread of germs. For example HEPA vacuums, or rather High-Particulate Filtration Vacuums reduce dust and allergens and can be used on a much wider spectrum of appliances like vents, carpets, blinds, and lights. 

Interim Cleaning – Bacteria pools and reproduces in places that people touch frequently. You can’t control that they will be using tissues and washing their hands to keep the amount of bacteria at bay. However, you can inform your team of these high-risk areas and make it a part of their routine to wipe them down with your team’s preferred solution and methods multiple times a day.

These surfaces include:

• Tabletops
• Computer keyboards
• Light switches
• Doorknobs
• Handrails
• Drinking fountains
• Copy machines
• Elevator buttons
• Telephones
• Vending machines
• Appliances
• Restroom fixtures

By following these few tips, you and your team are on the fast track to keeping a clean facility, and slowing or deterring the spread of germs. If you have questions about any techniques for keeping high-germ, high-traffic surfaces clean, and what supplies we would recommend based on your cleaning program, give Lawton Brothers a call today.

The most important part of any janitor’s job is to keep themselves and the occupants of their facility healthy by cleaning. Stopping the spread of germs is tantamount to a clean facility, and to properly clean your individual facility, it’s ...

The most important part of any janitor’s job is to keep themselves and the occupants of their facility healthy by cleaning. Stopping the spread of germs is tantamount to a clean facility, and to properly clean your individual facility, it’s best to understand how germs are spread. 

Germs that cause infections are most often spread in two ways: direct and indirect contact. Another way infectious germs are spread is through the air, but that’s a topic for another blog. 

Janitorial teams cannot stop direct transmission of germs, as examples of direct transmission are: coughing, kissing, sneezing, shaking hands, and the like. However, they can decrease the amount of indirect transmission with thorough and frequent cleaning with top tier supplies. 

Indirect transmission happens when person comes in contact with a contaminated surface. While most people think that the most contaminated surfaces reside in bathrooms, there are many other innocuous surfaces that team with harmful bacteria. The most frequently contaminated surfaces are desks and worktables, door handles, water fountains, computer keyboards, restroom stalls, sink fixtures, and light fixtures. 

Cleaning of these areas should be a top priority for janitorial teams. If interim cleaning by a day crew is possible, it is highly encouraged. The spread of diseases can be squashed if the bacteria are removed from a surface quickly and frequently. 

Cleaning and performing random ATP tests are a great way to makes sure that your team is cleaning to the level they need to be, and that the supplies you’re utilizing are performing. There are many different types of disinfectants and techniques that can be used to stop the spread of harmful bacteria. If you have any questions about the best supplies to use to cease the spread of germs in your facility, give us a call at Lawton Brothers today. 

At Lawton Brothers we supply janitorial chemicals to a wide range of custodial teams. Some of our teams work in schools, others in hospitals, and still yet others are experts in keeping offices clean. Each of these facilities has unique ...

At Lawton Brothers we supply janitorial chemicals to a wide range of custodial teams. Some of our teams work in schools, others in hospitals, and still yet others are experts in keeping offices clean. Each of these facilities has unique requirements that make cleaning them a challenge. However, one aspect that ties all of these facilities together is a cafeteria. 

A recent report identified where bacteria and germs propagate in the food service industry. Because hospitals, schools and offices all have cafeterias, it’s important that the janitorial teams who keep these facilities clean be aware of the risks around food, and address them properly. Keeping patrons of hospitals, schools, and offices safe and healthy is the most important part of any janitorial team’s job.  

Here are the most contaminated places in the food service industry and what you can do to maintain their cleanliness. 

Condiment bottles and shakers – Condiment bottles are often simply refilled and not washed. Remind the dishwashing staff that the ketchup, mustard, and salt and pepper bottles need to be washed as soon as they’re empty instead of just topped off.

Sneeze guards – As a barrier between humans and food, sneeze guards do their job and harbor many germs. It’s important to disinfect these surfaces every day with the proper chemicals.

Ice machines – Many people forget about cleaning ice machines because they wrongly assume that it’s just frozen water and bacteria couldn't possibly form there. Ice machines are extremely susceptible to a bacteria infestation and should be emptied and cleaned at least monthly unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.  

By ensuring these seemingly innocuous parts of your facility’s cafeteria are properly cleaned, your team can help prevent the spread of bacteria and disease. If you have questions how to best clean, and what supplies are necessary, please give us a call today.

In our last blog we discussed the potential hazards of quat binding and the dangers they can pose at your job sites. Today we’d like to go over some best practices for janitorial teams who are currently utilizing quats, so ...

In our last blog we discussed the potential hazards of quat binding and the dangers they can pose at your job sites. Today we’d like to go over some best practices for janitorial teams who are currently utilizing quats, so you can ensure they’re being used correctly. 

To begin, cotton and quats just don’t mesh. The ion imbalance is simply too high. The best textile to use with a quat solution is microfiber. While it does bind with quats, the amount is insignificant and the solution remains on-label and effective for cleaning. 

The “Spray and Wipe” method is the most effective way to clean with quat products because the solution is directly applied to the surface. However, this method may not be the most efficient for hard-to-reach areas, and creates the potential for over spraying and inhalation. 

The “Dip and Wipe” and “Soak and Wipe” methods of cleaning can be effective if you’re using the proper textiles. However, the potential for binding in both these methods is very high. To insure your solution remains at acceptable, safe levels use of a test kit is necessary. 

Quat-based chemicals are frequently used because they are very effective, but only if you’re using them correctly. It is important to check your application methods, cleaning tools, and cleaning chemicals to insure you’re not wasting money or unknowingly creating hazardous situations on your job sites.

Many cleaning supplies on the market contain Quaternary Ammonium Chloride, better known as “Quat.” In theory, this active ingredient is extremely effective. It has a long shelf life, low toxicity and is effective against germs, bacteria and viruses. The only ...

Many cleaning supplies on the market contain Quaternary Ammonium Chloride, better known as “Quat.” In theory, this active ingredient is extremely effective. It has a long shelf life, low toxicity and is effective against germs, bacteria and viruses. The only problem is that its tendency to bind to textiles can render it useless and even harmful in some circumstances. 

Quats are positively charged ions, and many cleaning textiles are composed of negatively charged ions. You can see where this is going, positive and negative ions are strongly attracted to each other. 

Studies have found that quat binding reduces the efficacy of these products. After binding, the solution contains less than half parts per million noted on the label. This renders the disinfectant “off-label,” and now violates federal law. Even worse, it’s not cleaning as it should and can create an environment where microorganisms can become disinfectant-resistant. For our janitorial teams who work in the health care setting this is extremely alarming. Many teams are unaware this chemical reaction happens and continue cleaning, blissfully ignorant. 

The lack of knowledge in this arena is troublesome. As a janitorial supply company, we find in necessary that all of our clients to understand why quats can be ineffective and potentially dangerous if not used correctly. In our next blog we’ll discuss best practices for cleaning with quats, what you can do to retain their efficacy and which materials are best suited for this powerful product.