As few as five years ago, a majority of the industry seemed to subscribe to the belief that soft paper products, without the presence of at least some virgin fibers, were unacceptable to use. But thanks to a more ...

As few as five years ago, a majority of the industry seemed to subscribe to the belief that soft paper products, without the presence of at least some virgin fibers, were unacceptable to use. But thanks to a more widespread acceptance of sustainable products, demand in certain market segments and geographic areas for recycled products, and continual innovation in the manufacturing industry, there are more sustainable and green paper towel options than ever before.

Whereas brown or off colored paper towels used to generally be considered undesirable, products that are clearly recycled and are unbleached are now a symbol of sustainability. The color is a differentiator, or proof of a recycled or alternative fiber claim. In addition, manufacturers have found ways to create quality recycled and rapidly renewable products that are comparable in thickness, durability, and softness to traditional, virgin fiber rich products.

There are several future trends for recycled paper towels:

• Toilet paper has gone coreless – and success in the commercial sector is now spilling over into the consumer sector with campaigns marketing coreless rolls hitting mainstream America. Experts, however, do not see coreless paper towels happening anytime soon because most roll towels that spin in a roll towel cabinet have some form of cardboard core that rides the outer spindles of the towel dispenser.
• Paper towel cores may be here to stay, but the packaging on the outside of the roll could get a greener makeover. It is not common for rolls to be individually wrapped, and packaging in that regard has always been minimal in the commercial and institutional sectors. More cartons are being made out of recovered and recycled material.
• Composting of waste on a large scale at office buildings, schools, and even as part of municipal operations is beginning to take off. While most operations focus on food waste, some paper waste can be incorporated into the compost.
• Facility cleaning managers should keep their eyes on emerging trends so they can be ready to implement products and practices that have less impact on the environment, while still being a great choice for the facility.

One of the biggest trends being noticed are that virgin fibers are out. Advancements in paper sourcing and manufacturing have lead to some exciting options to choose from.

Not only has there been an influx of unbleached or brown paper towel products into the market, but manufacturers are also finding ways to produce 100 percent recycled towels that are white, with a softer feel and higher quality. This could mean a great number of changes for the industry; eliminating the stigma behind the brown color of recycled paper and the perception of inferior performance as huge barriers to green paper towel success is a great step in the right direction.

While the ultra soft paper is almost always made of virgin fibers, manufacturers are finding ways to spin and fluff the recycled paper fibers so that they are more textured and absorbent.

With paper manufacturers looking to diversify their sources, one of the biggest paper towel trends to emerge in the past few years is the exploration and use of alternative fibers. The most common types of alternative fibers being used to make paper towels include bamboo, wheat, and grass.

Some of these fibers make brown, or off white paper, while bamboo seems to produce the whitest paper towel. These alternative fibers can be broken into subsections of rapidly renewable materials and “tree free” fibers. Something like bamboo, because it is a grass and can be planted and harvested in a relatively short period of time, qualifies as both.

Virgin fibers have been questioned by Green Seal when it comes to certifying paper. They only consider alternative fibers that would otherwise have been waste or agricultural residue. However, the decision to add virgin fibers to the list is still in the discovery phase. This is likely because they are looking at life cycle impacts, such as how much water it takes to grow it, if shipping is involved, and the environmental and health impacts of production and use.

Let’s face the truth: if a facility’s restrooms smell bad, the public probably thinks the entire facility is unclean.  When you first walk into a restroom, and it smells terrible, what’s your first thought? Something along the lines of “if ...

Let’s face the truth: if a facility’s restrooms smell bad, the public probably thinks the entire facility is unclean.  When you first walk into a restroom, and it smells terrible, what’s your first thought? Something along the lines of “if they can’t even keep the restroom clean, what about the kitchen? Or the seating area?” For this reason, odor must be a top consideration for facilities, especially in health care settings, where the cleanliness of the facility correlates to the perceptions of care, where it then correlates to the cleanliness of the kitchen.

A Harris Interactive Poll commissioned by Cintas found that 86 percent of U.S. adults equate the cleanliness of a restaurant’s restroom with the cleanliness of its kitchen. The survey also revealed that 75 percent of U.S. adults would not return to a restaurant with dirty restrooms. The same holds true for other facilities as well.

That being said, there are generally two ways to deal with odor: using a masking-type product that pushes fragrance out and changes the molecular structure of an odor to cover it up, or using cleaning products that work biologically by seeking out the problem causing the odor, consuming it and leaving a byproduct of carbon dioxide behind.

The best bathroom odor control programs use both systems. For example, a clean restroom, which at times can have an overwhelming smell, the use of a fragrancing system will be helpful to manage “event” odors throughout the day. Then, the use of biological cleaners is used to remove urine proteins from grout lines to ensure odors do not linger.

Using just one, such as the masking agent, won’t necessarily work because people can often smell right through it, like the lingering odor “with a twist”. A clean restroom shouldn’t have an overwhelming fragrance smell, because people will question what exactly is trying to be covered up.

As a matter of fact, there’s an entire science built up around aromatherapy. Scientists have found that people tend to enjoy a light fragrance, whereas a heavy masking fragrance is nearly as bad as having a foul odor.

The two most common types of fragrance dispensers are aerosol dispensers and gel units. Aerosol dispensers are acceptable for most applications, he says. There are several dispenser sizes to choose from, including high-capacity units that deliver 9000 shots per refill and economy-sized units that must be changed out more often.

Programmable fragrance dispensers may also be appropriate for customers that want a little more control. These units enable the facility to select how often they spray the fragrance and can be set to not spray on weekends or at night.

Consider using aerosols for high-traffic restrooms, because they provide a consistent  fragrance at a pre-determined time. Although this type of system works well in high-traffic restrooms, it might not work as well in smaller, low-traffic restrooms with closed doors. In these restrooms it’s important to adjust the passive fragrance to the size of the space.

Odor-absorbing gels also work to mask odors in the air. These are popular in convenience store restrooms, rest areas, portable toilets and facilities with low traffic. They can last up to 30 days, says Murch. Gels may not work as well as their metered aerosol counterparts, because they emit more fragrance at the beginning of their life and less at the end.

A third feature to keep in mind is “passive fragrance” programs, which are engineered to last longer than gels, an important consideration if workers have to go change them out.

If you don’t think that there’s a science behind fragrant varieties and choices, think again! While there are many varieties available, they depend a lot on the building’s occupants. The closest thing to a one-scent-fits-all solution is a cucumber-melon scent, as well as fresh linen.

Another great idea is to change the fragrances with the seasons. Floral scents in the spring, herbal or fruit scents in the summer, citrus in the fall, and spice in the winter are wonderful for some noticeable variation.

There are, however, some times when fragrances should be avoided altogether. Health care facilities and nursing homes often avoid fragrances out of fear that they may negatively affect their vulnerable populations.

A quality restroom odor control program embodies more than just a fragrance to mask the smell. It includes a consistent cleaning schedule, the right products to tackle odors at the source and a pleasant fragrance to keep the smell down.

Green Apple is a global movement to put all children in schools where they have clean and healthy air to breathe, where energy and resources are conserved, and where they can be inspired to dream of a brighter future.

This ...

Green Apple is a global movement to put all children in schools where they have clean and healthy air to breathe, where energy and resources are conserved, and where they can be inspired to dream of a brighter future.

This is impacting students in participating schools in such a vast way, but it really starts with the custodians responsible for taking care of these locations after the final bell rings and all the kids head home.

As of early January, The Green Apple Day of Service Project has benefited nearly 311,000 students by launching an effort to catalog Custodial Training Programs.

The project is designed to draw attention to the importance of cleaning and the need for training the people who keep our schools and universities healthy and safe, especially during a period when many are dealing with budget cutbacks. The ultimate goals are to help improve student performance, as well as protect the health and safety of students, staff, and custodial workers while reducing impacts on the environment.

With a reported correlation between health and student attendance and overall performance, including achievement gaps and high school dropout rates across the country, it’s clear that the cleaner our schools are, the more successful students in those schools can be.

One example of Green Apple making a difference is the current registration of Excel Dryer, Inc., a manufacturer of high speed, energy efficient hand dryers, and recent school support they’ve been receiving. Projects organized by Excel Dryer this year include the installation of the high-speed, energy-efficient Green Apple XLERATOR Hand Dryers at Gen. John J. Stefanik Memorial School, part of the Chicopee Public School system in Massachusetts, and Norwin Learning Center, a music academic learning center located in Irwin, Penn.

Last year, over 3,800 volunteer projects took place in communities around the world for the third annual Green Apple Day of Service, generating school improvement projects in all 50 states and in 43 countries with the help of 36,000 volunteers.

Through its Green Apple partnership, Excel Dryer created custom covered high-speed, energy-efficient Green Apple XLERATOR Hand Dryers that are available for any facility to purchase and a portion of all proceeds go back to support the Green Apple program. The Green Apple XLERATOR Hand Dryer can be co-branded to include school logos, colors, mascots or a custom sustainability message. In addition, the Green Apple XLERATOR Hand Dryer is available with the industry’s most complete line of optional accessories including a HEPA Filtration System and Speed and Sound Control for a clean and quiet air flow.

"Parents, teachers and education leaders know that healthy students are more likely to succeed. Green cleaning is about keeping our kids safe, healthy and ready to learn - and it all starts with a well-trained custodial staff", said Mark Bishop, VP of Policy at Healthy Schools Campaign. "Green cleaning is something that every school can and should embrace, and there is no more important place to begin with our school custodians."

Training custodians on effective cleaning processes, protecting health and reducing environmental impacts is essential for helping these schools meet their educational goals. Whether it is training new custodial workers, expanding on what they already know, adopting new processes to work more effectively and efficiently, or testing new technologies, the key to success in this movement is dependent upon custodians being appropriately trained.

To help promote healthy, green training in schools across the country, the USGBC’s Center for Green Schools offers advice for training custodial crews. It is free, and also an easy way to give custodial operations the recognition they deserve. The first step is to identify the training your school is providing for custodial employees based on elements of health and sustainability.

Suggestions include:

• Orienting new custodial workers; training on new equipment such as the use of floor machines, no-touch restroom cleaning or backpack vacuums; cleaning hard floors, carpets, classrooms or restrooms; new technologies for measuring cleanliness; right-to-know information; using personal protective equipment; etc.
• Schedule and conduct custodial training sessions with Lawton Brothers identified topics. Schools should contact us of cleaning projects and/or cleaning service providers to ask for their assistance.
• Ensure that the training sessions are understandable by taking into consideration the custodians skill level, language, and other potential cultural barriers of the custodians.

Make sure your cleaning program is seen as part of the school’s overall sustainability program by promoting your local training program through the school’s communication channels, including school newsletters, PTA, or local school fliers.

Interested in getting this initiative started in your local school, but don’t know where to start? Green Apple provides the following resources on their website for further research into this great program:

• Healthy Schools Campaign’s Green Clean Program.
• ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard for Green Buildings and their Cleaning Industry Training Standard.
• Green Seal’s GS-42 Commercial and Institutional Cleaning Services.
• US Green Building Council’s LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (cleaning credits in the section on Indoor Environmental Quality).

Carpet is a beautiful and sustainable flooring choice, whether it’s in your home, office, school, or for commercial use. It provides comfort and cushions the impact of slips and falls, reduces noise, and makes it easier to learn and concentrate. ...

Carpet is a beautiful and sustainable flooring choice, whether it’s in your home, office, school, or for commercial use. It provides comfort and cushions the impact of slips and falls, reduces noise, and makes it easier to learn and concentrate.

However, carpet doesn’t take care of itself! Proper maintenance is necessary in order to keep it looking great and lasting as long as possible. That being said, we’re all about helping your cleaning processes green, simple, and stress-free. Vacuuming is the simplest and most efficient way to maintain the quality of your carpet, which keeps it useful for longer and supports healthier spaces for living, working, and learning.

To get your Vacuuming 101 “crash course” started, let’s talk about where it all began:

• The first non-electric vacuum cleaner was a sweeping machine, and was invented in 1869 in Chicago. It had a crank for the operator to turn with one hand while pushing the machine with the other hand.
• The idea behind the modern electric vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901 by H.C. Booth, and took the form of a large, horse-drawn, petrol-driven unit, which was parked outside of the building. It fed long hoses through the windows of whatever room needed to be cleaned.
• In 1913, a new vacuum was released in six different models and had attachments for bare floors, walls, upholstery, and crevices.
• Decades later, in 1950, the marketplace saw the first convertible upright line of vacuums.
• In the late 1970’s, James Dyson started to develop a vacuum that didn't need bags.
• And as late as 2005, The Carpet and Rug Institute established the Seal of Approval program to certify carpet cleaning solutions, as well as equipment (vacuums included) to help the average consumer take the best care of their carpet.

If you’re a facility manager vacuuming should be at the forefront of your cleaning strategy, because about 95 percent of dry soil is removed from carpet by vacuuming carpet regularly. Thinking that maybe that’s all it does? Think again! Scientific research shows that a carpet that is cleaned properly even helps to maintain indoor air quality.

If a custodial staff doesn’t consistently vacuum, it can become worn, tattered, or damaged before it’s time. This could lead to more extensive cleaning or expensive carpet replacement.  As an attempt to cut operating costs, some facilities may choose to reduce the amount of vacuuming done. This does save money in the short-term, but the long-term financial impact of poor carpet maintenance can lead to replacement, which can be pricey. The Carpet and Rug Institute recently worked with LGM and Associates to study the long-term financial impact of improper carpet maintenance in commercial spaces (department stores, hotels, libraries, and condominium complexes); the research showed that without consistent vacuuming, carpets had to be prematurely replaced. With the average cost of carpet replacement in these types of facilities nearly reaching $60,000, it’s clear that proper, consistent maintenance is vital to protecting a facility’s assets.

If you want your clients to keep a pristine carpet for as long as possible, you’ll need to keep your equipment looking just as great. Here are some tips on how to accomplish just that:

• Learn the operation of vacuums, because they come with many available features and functions. Taking the time to learn about them will play a major part in your maintenance plan and improve the appearance of the carpet itself.
• Ensure that your vacuum is in proper working order. Maintaining it is essential to keeping and the carpet in proper condition. Regularly checking your vacuum to ensure it is running properly will keep it cleaning just the way it should be – effectively and efficiently.
• Institute a cleaning regimen that includes a scheduled, wall-to-wall vacuuming of each room in addition to daily vacuuming of heavy-traffic areas, which accumulate more dirt and some extra attention.

When it comes down to it, keeping your client’s carpet looking beautiful and remaining functional depends on the care it receives, and it’s up to you to ensure that you’re doing all you can to achieve that. Proper vacuuming practices will keep the carpet for its full lifetime, maintain indoor air quality, keep warranties intact…and your clients pleased with your cleaning services.

Some people might think that it’s best to handle quality control simply by waiting for a complaint to respond to. While it might sound easy to “keep it simple” by doing this, custodial best practices require accountability beyond waiting for ...

Some people might think that it’s best to handle quality control simply by waiting for a complaint to respond to. While it might sound easy to “keep it simple” by doing this, custodial best practices require accountability beyond waiting for the customer to complain before the problem is identified. Sure, excessive paperwork and forms that may not be read are unnecessary, but quality control happens at many different levels within a custodial contract, and it is necessary to control all of those levels in order to be successful.

Before anything else, training your staff to a standard of quality that fulfills the expectations of the facility or client, this is vital. It is suggested to have a worker inspect their own work based on their training, and report any exceptions so that someone can respond promptly. That way, issues are resolved immediately and don’t have the chance to create a disruption.

The additional “levels” of successful quality control processes involve regular inspections, reporting to a key POC (point of contact) on site, and then on up to an area lead, onsite supervisor, or other person responsible for a checklist of tasks to be completed satisfactorily. Additionally, consider periodic joint inspections; they can greatly enhance communication and make sure that nothing is overseen.

If not handled correctly, quality control programs can become complicated and burdensome. First and foremost, the main focus of a strong quality control program should be to document that you are completely fulfilling the cleaning specifications. While it would be altered slightly depending on the facility (cleaning an airport is very different from cleaning a school), making use of this “Custodial Snap Shot” for restrooms would be a great place to start:

Each question is scored 1-5 with 1 being Unsatisfied, 2 being Marginal, 3 being Satisfied and 4 is Exceeding Specs. Here are the first few questions to answer: 

Number 01: Entrance/doors/lobby = look at outside steps for debris, ash/trash cans, door glass/ handles, door treads and walk off mats. In other words, what is the first impression when one walks into this account? 

Number 02: Hallways/walls = Are hallways visibly clean of soils and scuff marks on floor and walls? Of course, the condition of walls is partially determined by age of building, periodic painting and maintenance as well as expectations of customer as spelled out in the specifications. 

Number 03: Men’s Restrooms/showers/locker area = Is the restroom stocked with supplies? Odor free? Trash on floor or full cans? Urinals/toilets/sinks/counters/mirrors clean? Floor grout? Vents dusty? The key indicator is odor when the door is opened but a major source of complaints in many contracts is the rest room. 

Number 04: Women’s Restrooms/shower/locker area = Is the restroom stocked with supplies? Odor free? Trash on floor or full cans? Sanitary napkin box? Toilets/sinks/counters/mirrors clean? Floor grout? Vents dusty? The key indicator is odor when the door is opened but a major source of complaints in many facilities is the rest room. 

The examples continue, moving on to Office Cleaning and Floor/Carpet Care:

Number 05: Office Executive = Is this area well maintained? Trash? Dust? Polish on fine woods? Carpet spots? Vacuuming? Edges? Chairs? Mats? This area usually will require a higher level of attention than other areas due to the status of the occupant and their need to make a great first impression. I know of tenants that require a herring bone pattern in their plush carpet each morning. 

Number 06: Office General = Is this area well maintained? Trash? Dust? No finger prints on tables? Carpet spots? Vacuuming? Edges? Chairs? Mats? Although this area may not have the same prestige as the Executive Office area, there should be a minimum appearance level maintained. In spite of higher traffic, meals at desks, etc. the visiting staff should note overall conditions and score accordingly. 

Number 07: Conference Room(s)/Lecture Halls/Meeting Areas = Is this area neat and clean? Chairs in place? Table free of smudges? Marker boards clean? The conference room is important due to its potential heavy use as well as impression on guests. 

Number 08: Carpet/spots/vacuuming = Is the carpet clean? Free of spots/stains? Tears/Ragged edges/Threads? This is an overall scoring of a carpeted area and should reflect high impact areas. The staff member should note appearance regardless of whether regular carpet maintenance is in the contract. In fact, it might open an opportunity to approach the customer to provide additional services. 

Number 09: Hard floor/spots/shine = Are VCT/Terrazzo floors cleaned, buffed and shiny? Are quarry tile (no finish) floors swept and mopped? The staff person should be looking for scuffs, wax build up along walls and soil in corners. 

Adapting this grading system to your contracts would provide you with a great snapshot of what’s being done, and some areas that may need improvement. If, for example, you received a poor score in the “women’s restroom” you would have the opportunity to address any problems before poor practices spread further.

Using these tactics and managing quality control with these tips is a great place to start, and can always be adjusted to suit you and your team’s needs. In most cases, custodial is an arm of the management team whose primary purpose is to protect the health and safety of tenants and visitors, and with proper quality control processes in place, you’ll be successful in doing just that.

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. 

As your trusted janitorial supply company, we wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on the work well done last year. We also want to help you look forward to another productive year of keeping the facilities you maintain ...

As your trusted janitorial supply company, we wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on the work well done last year. We also want to help you look forward to another productive year of keeping the facilities you maintain clean and your crews healthy. The New Year is a great time to take an inventory of the year past and update your procedures and methods to achieve new goals. Here are some things you can do ring in the New Year right with your janitorial crew. 

Asses your procedures and update as necessary – Take a look at the procedures you used last year and examine how they can be updated to make your lives easier or more effective. Were you interim cleaning carpets last year? Did you employ new methods of cleaning restrooms, such as replacing soap dispensers with sealed soap dispensing systems? Did you understand the importance of QUAT binding? Take note of all your procedures and note how they have changed. Based on new research, you may be ready to update a few procedures that will make the job of cleaning your facility much more efficient. 

Asses your equipment and supplies and update as necessary – The New Year is also a great time to examine the products you’ve been using. If your microfibers, vacuums or buckets are getting old, it may be time to get new ones. Speaking of getting new things, have you been wondering what it takes to migrate to a Green Cleaning system? Now is the perfect time to asses if this move will benefit your team and the facilities you clean. 

Retrain your staff – The beginning of the New Year is the best time to start off on the right foot. Early in January it can be very beneficial to have a retraining day for your custodial crew. This is especially true if you have updated any procedures or are beginning to use a new line of supplies. However, refreshers on methods and supplies that have been in use for many years are also helpful for veteran crew members and new-hires alike. Training days make sure that everyone is on the same page and ready to meet this year’s goals. 

From everyone at Lawton Brothers, welcome to the New Year.  We hope to help you make the assessments your crew needs to move into 2016. If you need any help figuring out what you can be doing better or how you can upgrade your janitorial supplies, equipment, and procedures, give us a call today.

Cleaning, while it may not seem so to most, is more science than anything. Just like chemists in a lab, one of the most important things your team must take into consideration when cleaning is that their chemicals are properly ...

Cleaning, while it may not seem so to most, is more science than anything. Just like chemists in a lab, one of the most important things your team must take into consideration when cleaning is that their chemicals are properly portioned. Cleaning chemicals are no laughing matter, using the wrong portions of chemicals can be ineffectual for cleaning at best and fatal or hazardous to janitorial crews at its worst.  A common solution to this problem is using proportioned chemical packets. This way teams can ensure they’re using the right amount of chemicals in the solutions they utilize to clean their facilities. 

Ineffectual Cleaning 

Chemical ratios and measurements are not arbitrarily decided. Chemical companies put every solution through rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Many companies decided to buy chemicals in bulk and mix them as needed to clean their facilities. This is a great idea; however, caution must be practiced when mixing these chemicals in their solvent. Using too little of a mixture would render the chemical “off-label,” therefore ineffectual. Using pre-portioned packets can mitigate this problem. 

Hazardous Cleaning 

Many teams are aware of how chemicals can be dangerous if misused. When too much of a chemical is used in a cleaning solution, the solution can become hazardous to the team using it. Chemical burns and even respiratory issues can arise from overzealous mixing of chemicals. It is very important to make sure you’re using the correct measurements of chemicals for the safety of your crew. Here again, the use of pre-portioned chemical packets will ensure your crew is using the proper portions, and staying safe while they work. 

While you can spend a lot of time training your team to use bulk chemicals properly, ensuring they do so is not so easily done. If you want to take the guess work out of your custodial team’s processes, consider using pre-portioned chemical packets. Not only will you ensure the safety of your crew, but also make sure that you’re properly cleaning the facility to keep everyone who uses it safe.  

As green cleaning practices are rapidly gaining attention and popularity, many custodial teams are attracted to the idea of switching to more environmental-friendly cleaning products and procedures. For some this task can seem daunting. Switching over your entire supply closet ...

As green cleaning practices are rapidly gaining attention and popularity, many custodial teams are attracted to the idea of switching to more environmental-friendly cleaning products and procedures. For some this task can seem daunting. Switching over your entire supply closet can be costly and time consuming after having to re-train your team on new products. But, there is a green cleaning product that many teams overlook simply because of its simplicity. The product is, steam. 

Steam is one of the most versatile and easy methods of green cleaning out there. Steam can be used on surfaces that chemicals would damage, such as upholstery, as well as has the ability to kill and remove bacteria and other soils with unparalleled effectiveness. 

Water is the most effective solvent in the world. What makes steam even more effective is the high, sterilizing temperature and the pressure created from steam-cleaning equipment that creates a germ killing juggernaut. Steam can be effectively used on surfaces that range from greasy cafeteria kitchens, to drapes in hospital rooms. Because steam is also a low moisture cleaner, you also do not have to worry about water pooling or mold becoming an issue. It can also cover extensive surface area and make hard to clean places easy to disinfect.

One of the most important things that steam can remove is biofilm, or the residue left behind from cleaning products. While it may seem counter intuitive to steam clean after you’ve already cleaned, biofilm can be a huge problem especially in moist climates like Florida. Biofilm can be a breeding ground for microorganisms as well as cause unsightly discoloration to surfaces. One thing that removes biofilm almost every time is, you guessed it, steam. 

There are many different types of steam cleaning equipment on the market. Each has their pros and cons depending on how you wish to utilize the power of steam. Your janitorial supply company can assist you in finding the perfect equipment, as well as train you on how to use this time-tested method of green-cleaning. 

It’s no surprise that cleaning restrooms is important to any facility, no matter if it’s a restaurant, a medical center, or a school. We talked last month about how cleaning for health can benefit the aesthetics of a building, but ...

It’s no surprise that cleaning restrooms is important to any facility, no matter if it’s a restaurant, a medical center, or a school. We talked last month about how cleaning for health can benefit the aesthetics of a building, but what we didn’t mention was how important the aesthetics of a restroom are to the people that use them. 

In fact, the cleanliness of a restroom can affect the cleanliness of the people who use the restroom and help promote health and proper hand washing. As custodial teams, anything you can do to promote health and cleanliness is well appreciated. 

The Bradley Corporation has conducted the Healthy Hand Washing Survey every year for the past six years. They find every year that patrons appreciate clean and well-stocked restrooms. This survey also quantifies user’s experiences in restrooms and turns that data into information that facilities can use to better themselves. Unclean restrooms indicate poor management, lowers the opinion of the company, and signifies that the company doesn’t care about its customers according to more than 60 percent of respondents. 

They also found that when bathrooms are dirty people want to spend as little time in them as possible, as well as do not care to help keep them clean. This translates into people who do not spend the time necessary to properly wash their hands, and have no problem dropping soiled paper towels on the ground. We know very well that poor hand washing and dirty facilities spread hazardous germs. By keeping your facility’s bathrooms clean you not only keep patrons healthy, but encourage them to keep themselves healthy and to respect the facility. 

While custodial teams cannot be the hand washing police, it is nice to know that our work can encourage people to practice proper hygiene and keep themselves healthy. If you have any questions about what products and procedures are the most effective to clean your facility’s restrooms, contact your janitorial supply company, Lawton Brothers today.

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.

The move to a green cleaning program for your custodial teams can seem like a daunting task. While your company understands the environmental benefits of switching over to a green cleaning program, the logistics of doing so may continue to ...

The move to a green cleaning program for your custodial teams can seem like a daunting task. While your company understands the environmental benefits of switching over to a green cleaning program, the logistics of doing so may continue to perplex some owners. At Lawton Brothers, we bring you the highest quality green cleaning supplies, products, and training programs to make this process as easy as possible. In fact, turning your processes in to a sustainable, green program can be as easy as 1 – 2 - 3. 

The first step in the process is to evaluate you operations. By taking a look at what your company does, what products and equipment you use, and the processes you implement to clean your facility, you can see what it will take to convert your system to a green system. 

Once you understand how and what you clean, you can begin to plan your move to sustainable green products. Taking an inventory of the products you use will allow you to understand which ones can be replaced by green alternatives and which can be eliminated all together. If you’re confused about what products you can replace with green alternatives, stop on by to Lawton Brothers. We not only have a large selection of green cleaning products, but the knowledge on how these products are best used and how they can replace your current inventory. We can also provide you training on how to properly use them. 

After a solid plan is put into place you must then implement that plan to turn your entire process into a lean, green cleaning machine. After procuring your new green products and learning how to use them, you’ll be able to transform your entire operation. 

Revamping your current cleaning procedures with eco-friendly green alternatives is easy. By making the switch you are not only helping out the environment but also positively impacting the health of your custodial team. If you have questions about procuring or implementing green cleaning practices into your team’s operations, give Lawton Brothers a call today. 

While custodial teams are not the “Hand Washing Police” for the facilities they maintain, we certainly have an inside view of how important this ritual is for the overall health and cleanliness of a facility.  

It seems like we ...

While custodial teams are not the “Hand Washing Police” for the facilities they maintain, we certainly have an inside view of how important this ritual is for the overall health and cleanliness of a facility. 

It seems like we are continually mentioning how important consistent and proper hand washing is for people. This is because our main concern as a custodial crew is to keep the facilities and the people who use them safe.  A recent three-year study and trial-scheme looked into the effectiveness of hand washing and reinforced our insistence on hand washing practices. 

The study involved 20,000 adults and tested whether or not hand washing leads to lower rates of infection. The illnesses focused on were gastro-intestinal, influenza, and acute respiratory infections. 

They gave a trial group access to online materials that provided information on the spread of germs and viruses, and surveys related to their hand washing practices. This group became infected with the illnesses at a rate of 15 to 25 percent less than the group who received no materials at all.  This trial scheme also found that people who see hand-washing reminders visit their doctor 10 percent less than those who do not see reminders. In addition, this group received fewer prescriptions for antibiotics. 

As janitorial teams you know that harmful germs and some antibiotic-resistant strains of certain viruses and bacteria are common on all surfaces of public restrooms. While you cannot monitor the hand washing practices of the people who use your facility, you can keep their restrooms clean and the soap and paper towel dispensers stocked to promote as much hand washing as possible. 

Carpets are a major source of concern for custodial teams. They seem to trap odors without cause, and the moist nature of Florida living can exacerbate the problem even further. However, many facilities in Florida feature carpet and being able ...

Carpets are a major source of concern for custodial teams. They seem to trap odors without cause, and the moist nature of Florida living can exacerbate the problem even further. However, many facilities in Florida feature carpet and being able to identify the cause of odors is the first step in eliminating and preventing them. 

Musty, odd smelling facilities are not only off-putting for people who utilize the building, but if not taken care of can cause many health problems as well. Identifying the cause of and eliminating carpet odor can keep your facility healthy and clean. 

Carpets are absorbent, like sponges. Wherever there’s trapped moisture there’s the potential for bacterial proliferation and a resulting odor. Drying carpets rapidly after regular and interim cleaning of carpets with correct products and methods can remove and prevent odors form becoming a problem. 

The main cause of odorous carpet is when a large amount of water comes in contact with the floor. Whether this is from a flood, leak, or large spill, it is often difficult to remove all the water from the area. What is left behind will breed bacteria and cause odor. Whenever flooding is an issue, replacement is always the best option. Pathogens introduced from floodwaters are unpredictable and may be very harmful. In instances where clean water or another liquid is spilled, using proper cleaning products and thoroughly drying the carpet, and the padding below, will most often rid the carpet of its odor. 

Another cause for carpet odor is faulty cleaning equipment. Poorly maintained vacuums leave behind soil that becomes imbedded in fibers, ensuring the carpet is never properly cleaned. Faulty shampooers or carpet extraction equipment that utilize water are notorious for leaving behind even dirtier water and creating more odors. 

Proper HVAC ventilation and regular cleaning with well-maintained equipment will keep carpets fresh and clean for many years. If you’ve got a carpet odor issue in your facility and can’t identify the cause, give Lawton Brothers a call. We can help you track down the source of the odor and suggest the proper products and cleaning methods to remove the cause. 

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. 

Here at Lawton Brothers, keeping our clients and colleagues informed of exciting, new technology is just something we like to do in addition to providing the highest quality of janitorial supplies and training in Central Florida. One new technology that ...

Here at Lawton Brothers, keeping our clients and colleagues informed of exciting, new technology is just something we like to do in addition to providing the highest quality of janitorial supplies and training in Central Florida. One new technology that caused us to pause and think is UV disinfection. 

Recently a study reported that the Xenex Germ-Zapping robot decreased C. diff infection rates in the Westchester Medical Center ICU by 70 percent.  This is quite an accomplishment as this bacterial infection can be fatal for some patients. By shining full spectrum UV-C light in five-minute intervals, this robot was able to kill a majority of C. diff pathogens without the use of antibacterial disinfectants. Today we’d like to explain how this exciting new technology works and discuss its potential for the janitorial industry. 

Using Ultra Violet light is not a particularly new technology with its roots dating back to 1878. However, using it in a medical setting can revolutionize how deadly strains of bacteria are able to proliferate.  Short wavelengths of UV-C light directed on microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, destroys their DNA and nucleic acids. The destruction of this matter renders the organism incapable of reproducing effectively killing deadly bacteria with light. 

This technology has been developed and most widely used for surfaces in hospitals and medical facilities for obvious reasons. It is able to put a halt to harmful organisms that may have mutated to become antibacterial and antibiotic resistant with a few minutes of only UV-C light. As this technology evolves it is being used in food, water, and air purification. 

It’s pretty amazing that UV light has proven to kill so much harmful bacteria in medical facilities. We’re excited to watch this technology grow and become more commonplace. If you’re working in a medical facility that utilizes UV sterilization technology, we’d be very interested in learning how your facility benefits, and how you predict it will change the janitorial industry in the future.