As the hottest state in the US, most air conditioning systems in Florida run year-round. Over time, the continual use of your equipment can cause wear and force it to work harder for the same initial output. With Summer on ...

As the hottest state in the US, most air conditioning systems in Florida run year-round. Over time, the continual use of your equipment can cause wear and force it to work harder for the same initial output. With Summer on the horizon, a worn-down HVAC system is the last thing we want. And while most of us will seek refuge indoors where the AC is cool, we want to ensure your facility is the coolest around.

As with any equipment, scheduled preventative maintenance is the key to optimal performance. At least once a year, the system should be turned off and cleaned fully, with the replacement of air filters quarterly or as needed. 

Yearly Maintenance

The first step in cleaning your HVAC system is to shut off the power. Flip the circuit breaker and let the system sit for 30 minutes before cleaning. 

Clean thoroughly behind the grills and fan blades as these can accumulate an astounding amount of debris and dirt throughout the year. These blades cover the condensing coils and a buildup of debris can prevent the coils from heating and cooling properly. 

Once the coils are cleaned off, remove anything out of the base of the condenser. Likely, there will be weeds, leaves, dirt, and bugs in the bottom of your system that will need to be disposed of. Afterward, make sure the fan blades are thoroughly wiped down and bolts and screws are tight and secure. 

Check your coolant lines for punctured or missing layers of foam coolant insulation. This helps prevent energy loss, so any holes will require repair and new insulation sleeves.

After cleaning out the system, make sure all parts are cleaned and dry before returning the power. 

Monthly Maintenance

On a monthly basis, you should check in on your AC to ensure optimal performance. Make sure air filters are clean, vents are open and dusted, and there are no obstructions to the air intake. While these steps are simple and seem trivial, they can prolong the life of your air conditioning unit and improve the circulation as well as the quality of the air. These quick steps are easy and definitely worth it in the long run. 

Lawton Brothers is Here to Help

At Lawton Brothers, our goal is to help you and your staff find effective ways to clean smarter, not harder. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the janitorial world to find the right products and methods for your team. That’s why our team is dedicated to sitting down with you to discuss your facility’s needs and finding the right solution for you. Give us a call today at 800.432.0813 for a free audit, or take a look at our online catalog.

Regular vacuuming and sweeping are necessary to keeping your floors and business looking great. There are a number of hard flooring types, however, that could benefit from some additional cleaning – waxing, to be specific. Waxing or finishing your floor ...

Regular vacuuming and sweeping are necessary to keeping your floors and business looking great. There are a number of hard flooring types, however, that could benefit from some additional cleaning – waxing, to be specific. Waxing or finishing your floor protects it from future damage as well as providing a non-slip coating to prevent slips and falls. Provided it is applied correctly, wax can enhance the beauty of your flooring and create long-lasting durability. 

What is Floor Wax?

Waxing is a technique for finishing floors that requires the use of a clear or colored wax (typically beeswax, carnauba wax, or a combination of synthetic waxes). After the floor is thoroughly cleaned, the wax is applied in a thin layer and buffed away to reveal a beautiful shine. As the additional solvents evaporate, the wax hardens and leaves behind a protective seal. 

The two main types of wax are liquid and solid paste. While the solid paste requires a longer application time, it also presents a longer and deeper shine for your floors. Have no fear, though! Where you once had to apply wax with a machine or buff it out by hand, most waxes these days come in no-buff options that allow for it to be mopped onto the floor. 

Where Can I Use Floor Wax?

The best candidates for floor wax are hardwood, terra cotta, and vinyl composition tile (VCT). Aside from these three, most other floors either don’t need waxing or shouldn’t be waxed.

Hardwood: No matter the age or material of your hardwood flooring, it will need periodic waxing. Depending on the foot traffic and treatment of the floors, these will need to be re-waxed every 6-12 months.

Terra cotta: Unglazed floor tiles are usually sealed and waxed upon installation to bring out color variations, protect from stains, and (of course) add a shiny finish. Every 1-2 years, this type of flooring should be stripped and waxed.

VCT: Vinyl composition tile is one of the only vinyl tiles that does not come with a factory finish. Therefore, it needs waxing immediately after installation. Every 6-12 months, this flooring will need to be stripped and re-waxed.

Do not use wax on: engineered hardwood, wood laminate, bamboo, natural stone, ceramic tile, or luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Many of these flooring types have a natural protective layer or an impermeable surface that will simply cause a build-up of the wax and negate the usual shiny finish. Additionally, many modern floorings already come with a protective finish from the factory, so consumers don’t need to worry about major long-term care.

Why Use Floor Wax?

Floor wax has a variety of benefits, though the most well-known is its long-lasting shine and protection of underlying finishes. It also provides stain resistance by slowing the absorption of liquids and can hide minor imperfections such as scratches or scuffs. When properly applied, the wax will extend the lifespan of your floor and present a professional appearance for guests and staff alike. 

Whether you have questions about which wax products are the best choice for your floors or you would like some help with step-by-step application, our professionally certified staff are ready to assist. At Lawton Brothers, we even offer a range of equipment and supplies to be the one-stop shop for all your commercial cleaning needs. Give us a call today at: 800.432.0813.

As cleanliness has become the top priority among businesses today, providing accommodations to properly clean one’s hands is essential. In many cases, this is effectively solved with a restroom in the facility that provides a place to wash and sanitize ...

As cleanliness has become the top priority among businesses today, providing accommodations to properly clean one’s hands is essential. In many cases, this is effectively solved with a restroom in the facility that provides a place to wash and sanitize hands. We naturally assume that the place we wash our hands is clean, but there could be germs or other harmful agents lurking in the place you’d least expect it: the soap dispensers.

Soap comes out of it and we use that to wash our hands, so it really doesn’t matter, right? Wrong. According to studies conducted at the University of Arizona, certain types of bacteria will grow well in refillable dispensers and will remain on the users’ hands even after using the soap. Across several of his studies, microbiologist Dr. Gerba has found that 20-25% of bulk dispensers will have large quantities of bacteria at some point.

In most instances, bulk soap dispensers become contaminated during the refilling process. Ideally, these dispensers should be cleaned each time they are refilled, but as manufacturers report, this is an uncommon practice. The CDC recommends that a bulk dispenser be removed from the wall and washed upon every refill; even with proper disinfection between refills, however, soap dispensers can quickly become re-contaminated. 

Amidst these growing concerns of refillable soap dispensers and the public’s heightened awareness of cleaning practices today, we’re here to help you find the right unit, accessories, and cleaning practices to maintain a hygienic environment. 

Considerations

When choosing a dispenser type, it’s important to consider everyday use. If a sink has few visitors, you can opt for manual dispensers such as bottled liquid soap or other countertop options. Is there enough room on the counter for it, or will you need a wall-mounted option? Is it a benefit to purchase a larger capacity dispenser that would need fewer refills, or is a space-saving smaller dispenser a better option? When choosing your soap dispenser, be sure to include the location, use, and capacity in your decision.

Types of Dispensers

Manual: These soap dispensers can be wall-mounted, counter-mounted, or countertop hand pumps. Without the need for batteries or electronic maintenance, these are a go-to in small businesses and large corporations alike. 

Automatic: This option helps reduce cross-contamination between users thanks to its touchless capability. 

Bag-in-Box: These can be manual or automatic and include a bagged soap inside a typically plastic case. These are common in high-traffic restrooms due to their simplicity and convenience. The collapsible bag reduces the chance of contamination as well as the potential for wasted product. 

Cartridge: Soap dispensers that take cartridges into the top and can be used for a variety of solutions. The different cartridges that can be used (sanitizer, soap, shampoo), make these dispensers the popular choice for hospitality and healthcare settings. These can also offer larger capacities, leading to fewer refills and less waste.

Refillable: While some of the other options mentioned are also refillable, this category specifically refers to those that use bulk liquid or foaming soap that is poured directly into the dispenser housing. This previously considered ‘economical’ option is now looked at as the poorest choice when it comes to sanitization and cleaning standards. 

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dispenser

In addition to checking the level of the product, the unit should also be inspected routinely to ensure it is in proper working condition. Cracks or other damage to the case could cause improper alignment and can contribute to a leak or clog. It is nearly impossible to avoid a clog entirely, however, routine maintenance and use of the correct soap can make this an easy endeavor. 

In any soap dispenser, it is recommended that the valves be cleaned with hot water periodically. Particularly in refillable dispensers, the reservoir should also be cleaned on a regular basis. When it comes to clogs, the best solution is to put warm water into the unit and attempt to pump it out. Any additional cleaning products added to the reservoir can cause contamination of the soap or degrade the housing, so only soap or warm water should be placed in the dispenser. In any cleaning scenario, the tank should be removed from the unit or the unit from the wall.

Keeping the product and system uncontaminated is vital to the health of facility visitors. As such, sealed dispensing systems are the best choice in most scenarios as they ensure no outside contact or exposure prior to being dispensed. 

Questions about Your Soap or Dispensers?

When it comes to commercial cleaning, Lawton Brothers is a name you can trust. With over 75 years of experience, we’re here to answer any questions you have about maintaining your facility. We offer a variety of services, equipment, and products to support your business and keep you worry and germ-free. Call us today at: 800.432.0813 with your questions and ask us about a free audit!

Stainless steel is a common material in households as well as commercial settings, for a wide range of uses. Its superior durability across a variety of circumstances makes it a great option for factory equipment, food processing, and even appliances. ...

Stainless steel is a common material in households as well as commercial settings, for a wide range of uses. Its superior durability across a variety of circumstances makes it a great option for factory equipment, food processing, and even appliances. 

Pros of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has no reaction to acidic food items such as tomatoes, citruses, and vinegars that can degrade other standard metals. Just as well, it is non-porous. This means that the material is smooth and does not allow for the buildup of grime and bacteria in cracks or divots that are present on many common work surfaces (such as marble or granite). This combination of characteristics presents a surface that is extremely easy to clean, often only needing a soft cloth, detergent, and warm water to remove messes.

Stainless steel is protected by its own thin layer of chromium oxide that prevents it from corrosion. Any contamination or buildup on the surface prevents this process and, in turn, decreases the strength and natural resilience of the metal. Therefore, routine cleaning is necessary to protect your surfaces – in fact, it is impossible to wear down stainless steel from excessive cleaning. 

Basic Cleaning

Routine cleaning of stainless steel is as simple as using warm water and detergent with a soft cloth. Be sure to avoid using rough materials or scrubbing sponges on the surface or scratches may occur. While some smaller scratches can be buffed out, larger ones will prove more troublesome. Always follow the grain to prevent damaging the surface and keep it looking shiny and new. 

What to Avoid

Chlorine and Bleach: These products will ruin the protective layer of your stainless steel and can lead to warping and other surface problems that degrade its resistance to bacteria.

Abrasion: Stainless steel is one of the most durable metals on earth, yet it is fairly easy to scratch. Avoid using steel wool and other physically rough materials, as well as chemically rough products like powder cleaners.

Leaving Dirt or Water: As mentioned, stainless steel can only benefit from cleaning – there is no detriment to ‘excessively’ cleaning this material. On the other hand, there can be a huge impact to the longevity of your steel if you allow grime or liquids to settle on the surface for too long. 

How is Your Stainless Steel Looking?

Whether you have questions about your stainless steel products or would like to discuss a free cleaning audit with one of our professionally certified staff, give us a call today at: 800.432.0813. Since 1946, Lawton Brothers has been dedicated to delivering innovative facility maintenance solutions with a time-honored commitment to integrity and service. Let us help with your cleaning and training needs and check out the equipment available from our service center.

 

Accumulating waste in the office is unavoidable. After all, a lot of paperwork, packages, and materials go into making a successful business. Understanding the types of waste you compile and how to manage them can provide you with a ...

 

Accumulating waste in the office is unavoidable. After all, a lot of paperwork, packages, and materials go into making a successful business. Understanding the types of waste you compile and how to manage them can provide you with a cleaner space and more resources. 

Common Types of Office Waste

Paper and printing products are one of the largest contributions to office waste. These materials are often crucial to the business and cannot be foregone. However, there are still a variety of ways to reduce this production of waste. Start by using both sides of your papers (where possible) and shredding/recycling used pieces. Distribute and store important documents online. 

Office equipment is something that most of us don’t consider when we think of office waste. Of course, as time goes by, we all need updated equipment to do our jobs. This makes electrical equipment and office products a very costly replacement. Consider buying used and cheap furniture to reduce overall waste in the community and save extra money. Choose high-quality equipment – find a balance between cutting cost now versus in the future. A higher quality item may be more expensive initially but will last longer and provide more return on investment in the long run. Additionally, recycle and reuse old items such as desk phones, tape dispensers, and computer monitors. Find out if there are any local recycling centers that would accept these items to avoid landfills. 

Designing a Waste Reduction Program

The first step in reducing your waste is determining how much waste your facility produces. The EPA offers a free and easy, online tool to track not only your waste, but energy and water use over time as well! The ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, is designed to benchmark your performance and provide consistent metrics for assessing your activities.

Once you home in on your largest type of waste production, you can start assembling a team. It’s important to involve management as well as team members in this initiative. Set short-term and long-term goals, such as implementing a recycling program for paper products and moving all paperwork digital. Educate coworkers and employees about the importance of recycling and consider placing signs reminding them to take action. Additionally, speak with any janitors or other waste collectors for your space for their cooperation and suggestions. 

Once your team is assembled, brainstorm on different ideas to improve your practices, including recycling, reusing, and donating old items. Depending on your location, there may be certain collection systems and equipment available to assist in your waste management. To find regional and local programs, call your office of solid waste, public works, department of environment, or check out the Recycling Locator. 

Over time, evaluate your progress and report it to your team using a waste assessment. Use your results to make improvements and motivate other employees to get involved in the process. 

Get Started Today

Improving your business’ waste can reduce cost, improve employee morale, and support the environment. With so many benefits, the only question is how do you get started? Start by calling Lawton Brothers! Let us provide a free green cleaning audit and answer any questions you have about effective waste management. Give us a call today at: 800.432.0813. 

More resources:

SF Environment’s Zero Waste Toolkit for Businesses

Keep America Beautiful

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Reducing Waste

 

Going green and being good to the environment isn’t a new philosophy. While early “green” products didn’t offer much in the way of cleaning, natural cleaning products have come a long way and are now just as effective as, ...

 

Going green and being good to the environment isn’t a new philosophy. While early “green” products didn’t offer much in the way of cleaning, natural cleaning products have come a long way and are now just as effective as, and safer than, traditional cleaners. In fact, since its introduction in the cleaning industry, we have seen an increase in information about the ingredients and effects of all of our products. 

The impacts of a cleaning product can come from any stage of its life, including: material extraction, manufacturing, packaging and distribution, use, and disposal. Chemicals, like VOCs and other ingredients, can contribute to animal die-off and other ecological problems. The EPA has a Safer Choice label to help consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform well and contain safe ingredients. 

Many of our traditional cleaning products are full of chemicals that pose risks to the environment as well as human health. While some cleaning products are obviously harmful, many have side effects that are only visible over time. This becomes a problem where cleaning routines are in place and individuals are exposed to chemicals on a frequent basis. Many detergents and products with fragrances contain endocrine disruptors that interfere with the body’s hormone functions and a large number of cleaners cause asthma and other respiratory problems. Natural cleaning products, however, don’t become more harmful with repeated use. Additionally, natural cleaners can be combined without fear, making them an easy choice.

Start Small

The key to making the switch to green products is starting small. Look at the items that are used most often in your office. Hand soap, paper towels, and your daily cleaner can all be swapped relatively easily. Find out which ingredients are the most important for you to avoid and use that list to narrow down your options. 

Once you’re comfortable with the smaller changes, it’s time to look at your cleaning products. Go through your supply closet or business and make a list of all the products you use, identifying any green products you may already be using (check for an ecolabel or if they are EWG certified) along the way. When finding substitutes for your cleaning product, you can check with the EPA, your current vendor, or your local Lawton Brothers location. On the EPA’s website, you can search by product type as well as product use, and find information about various chemicals. 

Don’t forget that green cleaning goes beyond chemicals – even the items that help you clean can be good (or bad). Toilet paper, light bulbs, and cleaning cloths can all be green! And, even better, these changes are the easiest ones to make. Changing to a high-efficiency light bulb, much like many of your other tasks, is something you don’t have to think about on a daily basis. 

As always, Lawton Brothers is here to help you navigate the cleaning world. If you’re wondering whether your current products are green or how much the switch could cost you, give us a call! Our professionals will provide a free green cleaning audit: 800.432.0813

 

The winter months in Florida bring a different kind of preparation than most states. While we are lucky enough to forgo the worry of salt and ice melts, we do have to deal with drastic temperature changes, sudden rain ...

 

The winter months in Florida bring a different kind of preparation than most states. While we are lucky enough to forgo the worry of salt and ice melts, we do have to deal with drastic temperature changes, sudden rain outbursts, bugs looking for a home, and even mold.  As your local cleaning experts since 1946, Lawton Brothers offers a variety of services and equipment for all of your winter cleaning needs. 

HVAC Cleaning

One of the most important items on the list for winter cleaning is your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling is wasted. This is typically due to the buildup of contaminants in the system, causing it to work harder for the same output. Even though we use filters and replace those regularly, the heating and cooling system still collects dirt through daily use.

With normal occupation of your building, dust, dander, and chemicals are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated through the space an average of 5 to 7 times a day. Long-term buildup of contaminants can contribute to larger health issues or adversely affect those with already existing health conditions. By performing an annual HVAC cleaning, you can improve your energy costs as well as improve air quality, keeping your guests and employees safe and comfortable year-round. 

Window Cleaning

Most of the time, windows go unnoticed in terms of daily (or even weekly) cleaning. Leaving windows unattended can lead to many problems, both aesthetic- and maintenance-related. For one, sudden rain can leave streaks on windows and evaporation can leave behind stains and mineral deposits. A problem for many concrete and stone-front facilities, efflorescence, is the chalky white powder that accumulates on the outside of windows and walls as mineral deposits are brought to the surface. Thankfully, this residue is easy to clean – with just a little bit of water and some scrubbing, you’ll be on your way! However, the longer you wait, it will become harder to remove as it is less water-soluble over time. By cleaning the windows regularly, you increase the attractiveness to potential customers, boost productivity and morale in the office, and allow in more light to help evaporate any moisture inside the building. 

Carpet Cleaning

Carpets are notorious for collecting germs, dirt, and dust. If there are carpets or rugs in your facility, you need to clean them regularly, with a deep clean once or twice during the winter season. While grime and atmospheric contaminants can get trapped deep in the carpet fibers year-round, it is especially beneficial to clean carpets during the winter. With lower temperatures and lower humidity in the air, carpets dry much faster than in the summer. 

Rent the Equipment You Need

Lawton Brothers has been through the winter (and summer) in Florida since 1946 and are proud to call ourselves your local experts. Over the years, we’ve cultivated an extensive fleet of equipment to provide you with a full range of services and options. Call us today to rent equipment, ask a question, or get a free audit! One of our trained professionals will be happy to help you: 800.432.0813.

 

As a business owner, keeping a clean environment has a huge impact on your employees and customers alike. Oftentimes, employees are required to help keep shared spaces clean. While this may seem like an easy out, employees may find ...

 

As a business owner, keeping a clean environment has a huge impact on your employees and customers alike. Oftentimes, employees are required to help keep shared spaces clean. While this may seem like an easy out, employees may find themselves at the mercy of other coworkers and conditions that they can’t control. That’s when it’s time to consider a commercial cleaning service.

Hiring a commercial cleaning service can alleviate the burden of maintaining a clean office space, not just for your employees, but for you as well.

Benefits of a Commercial Cleaning Service

By using a professional service, you can ensure greater productivity and satisfaction among employees. Not only will they appreciate the ability to focus solely on their duties and workspace, but the worry-free atmosphere will greatly increase office morale, not to mention employee health.

When it comes to cleaning, don’t cut corners. Professionals understand which products to use, when and how to clean, as well as the proper long-term maintenance. This, in addition to the reliability of a cleaning service, is easily worth the investment.

Choosing the Best Service

Typically, most cleaning companies will offer a general list of services including emptying trash, cleaning bathrooms, disinfecting and dusting surfaces, vacuuming carpets, restocking supplies, and deodorizing the space. When looking for a professional service, be sure to look at online reviews and use your network to find the best option.

Traversing the list of commercial cleaning companies can be a bit overwhelming. As you explore, consider your office size, your location, and the services you will need. Try to determine which features are most important and the approximate timeframe they will need to visit. When you’ve found your perfect cleaning company, be sure to start with a temporary contract to test the waters before jumping into a year-long contract.

When discussing options with various companies, we suggest ironing out these key details:

• 1. Cleaning supplies: Who is to provide the supplies? Are there any specific requirements for the products? How often will these be replaced? Will the crew bring supplies and tools with them, or will they need to be provided on site?
• 2. Cleaning schedule: How often will the crew come to the office? Are there specific days or holidays that they won’t be available?
• 3. Office access: Will someone let the crew into the building, or will they need a key/code to enter?
• 4. Before/After cleaning: Are there any items that need to be done prior to the arrival of the crew, such as emptying the fridge? Are there any items that the crew should do before leaving?

Try to be as detailed as possible to avoid any confusion or mishaps. 

Your Commercial Cleaning Needs

It can be confusing to navigate the commercial cleaning world. Let Lawton Brothers help make it a bit easier. As experts serving the Central Florida area since 1946, we have an extensive network of services and providers to ensure your business is in tip-top shape. Give us a call today to see how we can help at: 800.432.0813.

 

This year, the world was hit with a highly infectious disease, resulting in health organizations around the globe promoting cleaning practices to reduce infection rates. Since March of 2020, businesses and homes in the United States have been instructed ...

 

This year, the world was hit with a highly infectious disease, resulting in health organizations around the globe promoting cleaning practices to reduce infection rates. Since March of 2020, businesses and homes in the United States have been instructed of the importance of daily cleaning regimens, including sanitization and disinfection of surfaces. While many of us know it is important to both sanitize and disinfect, there is a huge gap in awareness of the difference between these products. 

Know the Difference

Cleaning refers to the removal of dust, debris, and dirt from a surface. It usually involves washing, rinsing, and/or scrubbing. This is the ‘physical dirt’ we typically see with our eyes, such as a liquid spill or debris from shoes.

Sanitizing is the reduction of bacteria on surfaces and in laundry. Typically, you can find the bacteria that a specific product targets by reading the product’s label.

Disinfecting destroys or inactivates both the bacteria and viruses on a product’s label on hard, nonporous surfaces.

Disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces is one of the most effective ways of decreasing the spread of germs. To help prevent the spread of diseases, like Covid-19, it is important to regularly disinfect your facility. The most important difference between sanitizers and disinfectants is that EPA-approved sanitizers can only reduce bacteria, while disinfectants can reduce bacteria and viruses. Additionally, Disinfectants are only for use on hard, nonporous surfaces; therefore, you will never disinfect carpets, chairs, or clothing.

When Should I Disinfect?

While infection rates are still fairly high in the United States, the CDC is continuing to recommend daily disinfection of facilities open to the public. It is best to disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including tables, door handles, light switches, bathrooms, and chairs, especially between customers. Common surfaces should be disinfected at a frequency that relates to the volume of customers, at the very least every four hours.

How to Disinfect

Before beginning your cleaning and disinfection process, be sure to read all product labels and use adequate protection. Most often, you will need to clean a surface prior to disinfection or sanitization. For all cleaning purposes, be sure to wear gloves, a mask, and additional protective equipment as needed, and always wash your hands (and other exposure points) after use.

Looking for a disinfectant for use against Covid-19? Click here.

Check what concentration level the product is, what its intended application is, and the wet contact time required. It is important to note that the product will not work as intended if the disinfectant is wiped off the surface too soon. Allow the product to completely air dry or wipe with water, as directed on the label.

Hillyard Disinfectants

QT Plus Disinfectant Cleaner - 3 minute kill time

Re-Juv-Nal Disinfectant Cleaner - 10 minute kill time

Vital Oxide Ultra Safe Disinfectant

Need help?

We understand how confusing the world of cleaning can be. That’s why we are committed to assisting our businesses and families in Central Florida. Still unsure about your chemicals? With over 67 years of experience in the cleaning industry, we’ve got the answers to your questions. Give Lawton Brothers a call today at: 800.432.0813.

Checklist and guidelines for sanitization and disinfection. Very easy to read and follow. From the Washington Health Care Association.

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

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

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

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

THE MOST COMMON HAIs

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

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

According to Becker’s Clinical Leaders & Infection Control:

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

●      9.4 percent of in-patient costs are for HAIs

●      HAIs can cost healthcare facilities $35 billion per year

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

●      Central-line associated bloodstream infections

●      Clostridium difficile infections

●      Pneumonia

●      Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

●      Surgical site infections

●      Urinary Tract infections

How do patients contract these HAIs?

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

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING PRACTICES 

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

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

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

 You should also be asking yourself these questions:

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

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

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

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

CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING  & DISINFECTING 

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

The most common chemicals used for disinfection include: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW CAN WE HELP? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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