To best clean any surface, you must first understand what surface you’re working with. When it comes to carpets and fibers this can be tricky. Identifying what a material is comprised of before you begin can save time, money and ...

To best clean any surface, you must first understand what surface you’re working with. When it comes to carpets and fibers this can be tricky. Identifying what a material is comprised of before you begin can save time, money and the gut-wrenching feeling of cleaner’s remorse. 

Knowing the fiber content, or at least its class, is essential for knowing what approach to take when cleaning carpets. Synthetic fibers can handle more aggressive cleaning methods, whereas natural fibers require a more delicate approach. A simple way to quickly identify fibers is the “Burn test.”

• Explain to the client that you’re taking a small fiber sample from an inconspicuous location.
• Using tweezers to hold the sample, slowly bring the flame to the fiber.
• If the fiber pulls away from the flame’s heat, it’s synthetic; if not, it’s natural.
• Allow the fiber to burn while analyzing its composition, if it crushes in your fingers and leaves them dirty, it’s natural; if it doesn't crush, it’s synthetic. 

While knowing the basic differences between synthetic and natural fibers is certainly helpful, narrowing down what type of fiber you’re cleaning can drastically affect your chemical choice. Here are a few tips to identify some common carpet fibers during and after a burn test: 

• Nylon: The flame has a blue base and orange tip. There is little to no smoke and a white puff when extinguished.
• Olefin: Exhibits a blue base and orange tip when burning. Burns fast with minimal smoke.
• Polyester: Produces an orange flame when burning, will sputter, drip and emits a black smoke.
• Wool: Burns with an orange flame that quickly self-extinguishes and reduces to a crumbly ash. 

To best serve their clients, cleaning professionals should be able to identify the proper methods and supplies required depending one the type of fiber. By utilizing this simple test, your team will be able to effectively clean fabric without the threat of damage. There is no need learn the value of fiber identification the hard way. Call your janitorial supply company, Lawton Bros., if you have any questions. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While it may seem like a far-away dream or a Sci-Fi fantasy, the possibility of self-cleaning surfaces are becoming new realities. Advances in nanotechnology are breaking historic ground in the cleaning industry, and as an article published in ISSA Today...

While it may seem like a far-away dream or a Sci-Fi fantasy, the possibility of self-cleaning surfaces are becoming new realities. Advances in nanotechnology are breaking historic ground in the cleaning industry, and as an article published in ISSA Today outlines, can have monumental impacts on the health and sanitation industries as a whole. 

One material, Titanium Dioxide, shows amazing promise in this new frontier. In its normal form, TiO2 is widely used as a white pigment in everything from sunscreen to paint and toothpaste. When it’s scaled down to nano-sized, literally one billionth of a meter, its properties are otherworldly. Nano TiO2 produces photocatalytic oxidization using nothing but light. It could be used to create surfaces that kill pathogens on contact by reducing organic compounds into their base elements of water, carbon and oxygen.

Even more impressive, this nano-particle also further oxidizes water molecules, which produce hydroxyl radicals. Hydroxyl radicals are lethal for microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses. This process is completely oxidative. There is no risk of “super-bugs” mutating as a result of antimicrobial resistance, which is currently a huge problem facing health care facilities. 

The application of nanotechnology on surfaces in heath care and other facilities is not that far off. How it will affect our industry as cleaning professionals remains to be seen. As your preferred janitorial supply and equipment supplier, we’ll stay in front of this technology and be here for any questions you may have. 

To maintain a clean facility many operations managers have turned to day cleaning. Day cleaning is vastly different from night cleaning and as your janitorial equipment supplier, we’d like to touch on what makes day cleaning different and how you ...

To maintain a clean facility many operations managers have turned to day cleaning. Day cleaning is vastly different from night cleaning and as your janitorial equipment supplier, we’d like to touch on what makes day cleaning different and how you can best train your crew to work around these unique challenges. 

No matter what facility you’ll be cleaning during the day you can be rest assured, people will be there. Because of this, training your staff to be respectful and switching to quieter cleaning machines and floor scrubbers will be much appreciated. 

You must also be very conscious of slips and falls while cleaning during the day. Insurance liability is on the line, not only for your company but also for the business or property owner. Appropriate signage is a must, as well as attention to cleaning up spills or standing water. Using microfiber, because of it’s absorbency, and mops with chemicals dispensed by the handle, because they use far less water, are pinnacle in maintaining clean, dry floors in any facility.

Finally, day cleaning affords a unique opportunity to switch to green chemical processes. Green chemicals are less harmful than traditional cleaning products and if you’re cleaning around many people, it’s important to think about their safety as well as your own. Your average businessperson does not walk into every room wearing a respirator.

Day and night cleaning are as different as, well, night and day. If your janitorial team is about to make the switch, or even just beginning to dive into day-cleaning. The best things you can do is train them on proper procedures and educate them about how different their new roles will be. If you have any questions about day vs. night cleaning or green cleaning products, your friends at Lawton Brothers are here for you. Call us today.

 

As your janitorial supply company we understand that cleaning schools doesn’t end when the kids are let out for the summer. In fact, for janitorial service companies cleaning schools during the summer can be the busiest time of year. Here ...

As your janitorial supply company we understand that cleaning schools doesn’t end when the kids are let out for the summer. In fact, for janitorial service companies cleaning schools during the summer can be the busiest time of year. Here are a few tips we’d like to share with you to make your summer workload manageable and productive. 

1. Start with a plan – Outline what needs to happen before the students return. Assess each project with priority and estimated time to complete, accompanied by a completion date. With this plan you can divide and conquer the entire school, make sure your plan is adhered to and completed on time.
2. Floors – Floors are going to be huge projects throughout the summer. It’s best to think about these first. Carpet, tile and grout, cement and wood floors all need special attention. Each surface needs to be assessed and prioritized for repair, cleaning or resurfacing depending on the condition.
3. Furniture and fixtures – Summer is a great time to go through the entire school and change light bulbs, check for broken desks, shelves or chairs that either need repaired or replaced.
4. Assess the janitorial staff – Summer is also a perfect time to evaluate cleaning protocols to lower cost or make more effective changes. Also to train your staff on the changes you take into effect.
5. Set yourself up for fall -- Assessing equipment for repair or replacement during this “down” time is a great way to get the most out of your summer. Finally going through janitorial closets and getting rid of outdated chemicals and materials that need to be thrown away are great ways to de-clutter and get ready for fall. 

We hope these tips help you make the most out of the summer months as a janitorial staff. If you have any questions about the best equipment to buy or rent for this busy time, please give Lawton Brothers a call today.

 

Last month, OSHA’s policy on Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, or GHS, went into effect. As of June 1, 2015 manufactures, distributors and businesses that repackage hazardous chemicals must label each container being shipped downstream with ...

Last month, OSHA’s policy on Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, or GHS, went into effect. As of June 1, 2015 manufactures, distributors and businesses that repackage hazardous chemicals must label each container being shipped downstream with HCS 2012-compliant labels and SDSs. This left manufacturers, distributors and businesses that this change in policy affected scrambling to update existing stock.

At the last minute OSHA relaxed their policy for existing stock, classified as hazardous materials that were already boxed, palletized or shrink-wrapped, so that manufactures did not have to unpack, re-label and re-package those hazardous materials.  As some manufactures were not able to comply because they had not received necessary classifications, SDSs and labels from their upstream suppliers. They must, however, provide an HCS 2012-compliant label and SDSs for each shipment, or show signs of diligence and good faith that they attempted to procure and use the required materials. 

U.S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis has said, “Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious threats facing American workers today. Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive." 

It’s great that OSHA is taking steps to ensure worker’s safety around hazardous chemicals. It’s also refreshing to know that they relaxed their enforcement policy to give those manufactures, distributors and repackagers a chance to become compliant without penalizing them for existing stock. 

If you have any questions about how OSHA regulations will affect your facility, give us a call today. 

At Lawton Brothers, we distribute a large amount of janitorial supplies to a wide range of teams. We’re also members of ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. As such, we adhere to their Clean Standards and would like to ...

At Lawton Brothers, we distribute a large amount of janitorial supplies to a wide range of teams. We’re also members of ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. As such, we adhere to their Clean Standards and would like to revisit them with you today. 

ISSA created a standard to help schools and other facilities assess their cleaning processes. Their philosophy remains, “Clean, Measure, Monitor,” and to ensure indoor environments are safe and clean they focus on three things. 

1. That the level of cleanliness can be achieved.
2. That monitoring and inspection procedures measure the effectiveness of cleaning.
3. That the professionals conducting the measurement and inspection results correctly asses and improve the cleaning processes and products, so they an insure a clean, safe and healthy indoor environment. 

The standards are broken down into two categories of facilities: Institutional/Commercial, and K-12 Schools. Both standards are very similar. The standard of clean provides “ranges of clean” based on ATP testing and audit forms. ATP testing gives a quantifiable decision of cleanliness, while the audits assist in traditional, “sight, smell and touch” perspective tests. If facilities fall below these standards, corrective action is taken to get those places of business back in clean, working order. 

By adhering to the standards set forth by ISSA you can ensure that your facility, whether they’re commercial, industrial, medical or educational are healthy and safe for the people utilizing them. If you have any other questions about ISSA Cleaning Standards please give Lawton Brothers a call today. We can answer any questions you may have. 

At Lawton Brothers, we're qualified to work on many brands of janitorial equipment, but we hate to see our clients inconvenienced by a trip to the shop when they should be out doing their work. 

The best way to ...

At Lawton Brothers, we're qualified to work on many brands of janitorial equipment, but we hate to see our clients inconvenienced by a trip to the shop when they should be out doing their work. 

The best way to insure you’re not put in an undesirable situation, that could hurt your bottom line, is to create an equipment maintenance plan. As suppliers, we know what manufacturers recommend and would be happy to help you out. Here are a few ideas: 

-Replace parts, such as: brushes, hoses, filters and belts when they show signs of heavy ware.

- Train everyone who will be using the equipment on proper use and cleaning procedures. Ensure they understand and follow those procedures with a logbook, or similar system.

- Schedule maintenance for the machine as a whole according to manufacturers specifications. By planning this out, you’ll be able to anticipate the equipment’s absence instead of being surprised when it breaks down. 

Making an equipment maintenance plan and adhering to it will spare your business the embarrassing and costly hassle of working around broken machines. You’ll be able to use the equipment for longer and won’t be surprised when it finally does need to be replaced. 

At Lawton Brothers, we supply a wide range of janitorial teams with the equipment they need to maintain clean, healthy facilities. Our health care clients are held to a very high standard, because the work they do can be a ...

At Lawton Brothers, we supply a wide range of janitorial teams with the equipment they need to maintain clean, healthy facilities. Our health care clients are held to a very high standard, because the work they do can be a determining factor in the health and wellbeing of patients within that facility. 

A recent study found that noroviruses, the viruses that cause gastroenteritis, are airborne pathogens. This knowledge, however unsettling, can help janitorial teams do everything they can to help quell the spread of these contagious viruses.  

Infection Control Today explained that researchers collected air samples, one meter away from patients, at the doors of their rooms and at nurse’s stations. They found between 13 to 2350 particles of norovirus per cubic meter of air. Their findings suggested that the measures to contain this type of contagion had previously been insufficient.

Now that we understand air transmits this infection, there are many things janitorial teams can do to curb an outbreak. Maintaining mobile air filtration units and replacing filters of stationary units may help capture virus particles. Also, requiring your janitorial staff to wear respiratory masks as a protective measure ensures they will not fall ill. 

As your resource for janitorial supplies and equipment, we enjoy keeping our clients informed. If you have any questions or would like to learn how we can help you maintain the healthiest facilities, please give us a call today. 

Microfiber, just like your other equipment, works best and lasts longest when it’s properly maintained. We’ve touted the benefits of microfiber before and if you’re laundering it with the wrong chemicals or wash cycle, you are not receiving the maximum ...

Microfiber, just like your other equipment, works best and lasts longest when it’s properly maintained. We’ve touted the benefits of microfiber before and if you’re laundering it with the wrong chemicals or wash cycle, you are not receiving the maximum benfet out of your investment. Here are some tips to properly launder your microfiber materials:

• Remove as much dirt and soil from the microfiber as possible before laundering begins. Some washing machines have settings specifically for microfiber and have a special spin cycle that does this for you. In other washer use the flush cycle.
• Microfiber should be washed in temperatures at least 140 degrees and not exceed 180 degrees.
• Microfiber should be washed with like material. Any textile that produces excess lint will be caught in the microfiber. Do not wash with cottons.
• Do not wash microfiber on a full load. The material is extremely absorbent and a full load will overload your washer. As such, a too-small load will not create enough agitation to properly clean the material.
• Read the label of your microfiber products to determine the best detergent to launder with. Bleach is a common go-to for cleaning cloths, but bleach will reduce the effectiveness and life of microfiber. The one thing experts can agree on is that fabric softener should never be used on microfibers.
• Dry microfiber between 130-140 degrees and take them immediately out of the dryer. 

As your trusted janitorial supply company, we care about the longevity of the products you purchase. If you have any questions about how to prolong the life of any of your equipment, please give us a call today. 

As your resource for janitorial supplies in Central Florida, Lawton Brothers enjoys keeping our clients informed of studies and findings that affect your operations. A recent article by Building Services Management , shed light on an often-overlooked issue: the cleanliness ...

As your resource for janitorial supplies in Central Florida, Lawton Brothers enjoys keeping our clients informed of studies and findings that affect your operations. A recent article by Building Services Management, shed light on an often-overlooked issue: the cleanliness of hand soap dispensers. 

Hand soap dispensers are installed in a majority of public restrooms. These dispensers are either top-loading bulk fill dispensers, or sealed soap dispensing systems. A study conducted in 2011, found that bulk fill soap dispensers in public restrooms could be, “A vector, contributing to the spread of pathogenic microorganisms.” 

Many bulk fill hand soap dispensers are affixed to the wall, making them cumbersome to clean. As a result, soap is “topped off” as it gets low. The unit itself is rarely cleaned. When more soap is simply being added to a possibly contaminated batch, the proliferation of bacteria, biofilm and microorganisms is imminent. 

In the interest of public heath, the CDC now recommends facilities use soap dispensers that are either use sealed disposable refills, or able to be sanitized after they are emptied. A great option is to choose sealed soap dispensing systems.  These systems are comprised of a sealed cartridge of soap and a built-in nozzle. When these cartridges are empty, they are simply disposed of and replaced. Providing new, uncontaminated soap.  

At Lawton Brothers we understand that the cleanliness of your facility is a great value to your bottom line. Contact your resource for janitorial equipment and cleaning supplies to ask about your options in restroom cleanliness. 

When you’re running a facility like a school, there’s a lot to consider. Protecting your floors should be near the top of your list, because once they’re scratched--there’s no going back! Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! As your ...

When you’re running a facility like a school, there’s a lot to consider. Protecting your floors should be near the top of your list, because once they’re scratched--there’s no going back! Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! As your janitorial equipment supplier, we are in the business of protecting your facility floors, which is why we’d like to share some benefits of chair leg covers with you here. 

We’ve all been in a classroom and seen those horrid looking old tennis balls, jerry-rigged to the chairs as floor protectors and noise reducers. Eventually these tennis balls wear out, and you’ll soon be begging parents and teachers to bring in their spares once more. Fear not -- there is a better way. Floor protectors come in all shapes and sizes, specific to your particular need, not to mention their incredible durability! 

Lawton Brothers only works with the best name brands, which is why we proudly recommend using floor protectors from Expanded Technologies and Flexi-Felt. We offer a wide range of floor protectors to serve all of your needs including: Formed Felt Floor Savers, Clear Sleeve Floor Protectors, Safety Release Flip Down Doorstops, Clear Carpet Sliders, and Gripper Door Stops. 

If you’re looking for long-term floor protecting solutions, then consider how your facility would benefit from chair gliders. Contact our team here at Lawton Brothers today to find out which floor protecting solution will best suit your facility needs! 

The great legacy of Geneva College’s basketball court is deserving of the finest finish achievable, only possible through using the finest janitorial supplies and evolved methods. Your gym floor is no different. That’s why we’d like to share Hillyard’s recommended ...

The great legacy of Geneva College’s basketball court is deserving of the finest finish achievable, only possible through using the finest janitorial supplies and evolved methods. Your gym floor is no different. That’s why we’d like to share Hillyard’s recommended maintenance methods with you here for proper gym floor care with you here: 

• No street shoes allowed. Street shoes transfer sand and grit to your floor, capable of scratching and dulling the gym floor finish.
• Custodians should dust mop the gym floor at least twice per day, and additional dust mopping as activities dictate.
• Entrance mats are necessary in order to reduce the moisture and soil from entering the gym.
• Custodians should use damp tack cloth to clean up areas with wet traffic.
• At least weekly, custodians should tack rag, damp mop or auto mop the court using Hillyard’s Super Shine All a neutral pH floor cleaner.
• New floors should not be wet mopped in order to avoid the risk of water seeping into the cracks, joints, and seams.
• Should any spots require agitation to fully remove, custodians should use tightly wrung towels.
• Autoscrubbers should be avoided for the first year or so, in order to avoid putting the weight on a floor that is quite connected by the thick coating. This coating will build up after a few years.
• On big game days, custodians should use Hillyard’s Tack-It, a water-based tacking cleaner that makes the floor feel like new. 

The following are additional tips and products for keeping your gym floor up to the Hillyard standard: 

• Be sure to dust mop with Super Hil-Tone or Hil-Mist. For the best finish, your gym floor should be dust mopped with either of these products after every two hours of use.
• These dust mops should be gym-floor specific equipment.
• Be sure to expel all of the debris from the mop after each use and re-treat dust mops daily with one ounce of dressing per foot of mop length.
• Damp mop or autoscrub with Super-Shine All weekly. This will remove those stubborn stains. Use this at a rate of two ounce per each gallon of water in an automatic scrubber with a clean white pad or traditional mop bucket. 

Both historical organizations in their own right, Hillyard and Geneva College came together on the basketball court to make history. Our previous article discussed how Hillyard’s gym floor surface innovation would forever influence the game of basketball, and we’d like ...

Both historical organizations in their own right, Hillyard and Geneva College came together on the basketball court to make history. Our previous article discussed how Hillyard’s gym floor surface innovation would forever influence the game of basketball, and we’d like to address another game changer with you here. Geneva College, located in Pennsylvania and crowned the birthplace of college basketball held their first college basketball game back in February of 1892. 

By 1897 Geneva College, was participating in a full season, and up until winter break of last year, the Golden Tornadoes played on the same wood floor as the original team. You might ask yourself, “What exactly does this have to do with janitorial supplies?” Geneva College had no plans to replace the floor of the birthplace of college basketball; that is until a frozen pipe burst during winter break flooding the gym and destroying the historic wood floors. Though unfortunate, the accident provided a unique opportunity for, as CleanLink referred to them, “birthplace of college basketball” to partner with the “founding fathers of gym floor finishes” when Geneva College turned to Hillyard to decide which floor care chemicals to use to care for the new floor. 

So when you’re watching the big game, take a moment to notice the nice-looking finish on the court, because it didn’t get there by accident. Interested in learning how the professionals care for a gym floor finish? Check back to the Lawton Brothers blog next week for tips on making your gym floor finish as shiny and as safe as the pros!  

With the NBA playoffs in full swing, we can’t help but be reminded of Hillyard’s longtime relationship with the great game of basketball. While you might not automatically think of janitorial supplies when you think basketball, you might consider thinking ...

With the NBA playoffs in full swing, we can’t help but be reminded of Hillyard’s longtime relationship with the great game of basketball. While you might not automatically think of janitorial supplies when you think basketball, you might consider thinking again. At Lawton Brothers we’ve proudly been a Hillyard products distributor for 35 years. 

The history between Hillyard and basketball is rich and unique, dating back to the early 1900s. Founder of Hillyard Companies, Newton S. Hillyard decided to sponsor a basketball team, and they went all in; from promoting and improving the sport, the Hillyards took their contribution to basketball seriously. The real improvements came when N.S. Hillyard took it upon himself to improve the wood gym floors. In the early stages of the game of basketball, the wood floors were dressed with slippery oil, resulting in an unsafe playing surface for the players. Hillyard developed an easy-to-maintain durable wood floor coating that gave players a safe surface. 

Hillyard went on to improve gym floor coatings by building a monstrous, 90’ by 140’ gym floor at his new plant to experiment with new ideas. The Hillyard basketball team incredibly won back-to-back National A.A.U. championships in 1925 and 1926. Kindly referred to as Mr. Big by the basketball community, Newton S. Hillyard made basketball what it is today. Today, Hillyard is a top name brand in cleaning products and remains very much involved in the basketball industry and at Lawton Brothers we’re proud to call ourselves a distributor of these great products. 

At Lawton Brothers we’ve enjoyed sharing matting knowledge with you over the span of our last few articles. Now that you know why matting is important to your facility, and how to select the right one, we’d like to take ...

At Lawton Brothers we’ve enjoyed sharing matting knowledge with you over the span of our last few articles. Now that you know why matting is important to your facility, and how to select the right one, we’d like to take a moment to discuss the importance of maintaining your investment. 

As your janitorial supplies company in Central Florida we take facility cleanliness serious and matting is no exception. Matting is a substantial investment that requires substantial maintenance to retain its worth. According to a CleanLink article, several research studies suggest that up to 80% of dirt within a facility is brought in through its entrance. Performing routine cleaning will ensure that your mats are able to do the job that they’re designed to do. When you neglect to clean your matting, you increase the risk of dirt spreading throughout your facility, in addition to an increased risk of injury. Neglecting your matting can also reduce the lifespan of your investment, as it can cause a breakdown of the matting material. 

Matting can be a wonderful investment for your facility when properly cared for. Should you have any questions about maintaining your matting, contact your janitorial supplies company for more information. 

If you’ve been following along with our matting madness series, by now you know that mats are imperative to the overall health and cleanliness of your facility, but do you know which mat is best for you? Like anything else, ...

If you’ve been following along with our matting madness series, by now you know that mats are imperative to the overall health and cleanliness of your facility, but do you know which mat is best for you? Like anything else, when it comes to selecting the proper mat you’ll find that there are a lot of choices. As your local janitorial equipment supplier we wanted to share a few tips from CleanLink to help simplify the mat selection process for you. 

When it comes to finding the perfect mat, size is a major consideration. Bigger is certainly better when it comes to mats, but just how big do you need? The CRI recommends a minimum of 12-15 feet of matting is sufficient for most building entry ways, while a large store or healthcare facility may require 20-25 feet for maximum safety. Other considerations include the level of foot traffic, facility type, and climate conditions. Matting works best as a system. This system includes a outdoor scraper mat, a indoor/outdoor scraper/wiper mat and the most important member of the system is the indoor wiper mat. The wiper mat dries the shoe to prevent slip and falls. While a single entry mat is a great start to improving the cleanliness and health of your facility, matting will only reach its maximum effectiveness when used as a comprehensive system. A system that includes the right type and quantity of mats placed properly. 

When you’re ready to take the safety and the health of your facility to the next level, look no further than Lawton Brothers. We look forward to serving as your janitorial equipment supplier and helping you develop an effective matting system. 

We walk across entry mats on a daily basis, we know that we need them, but how often do we stop and think about how much matting actually does for our facility? If you’re curious about how your facility truly ...

We walk across entry mats on a daily basis, we know that we need them, but how often do we stop and think about how much matting actually does for our facility? If you’re curious about how your facility truly benefits from the proper mats, then you’ll find the information below to be helpful. 

CleanLink recently shared an article featuring an interview with JoAnne Boston, the head of business development with Crown Mats to answer some questions about the true role that entry mats play in your facility on a daily basis. We’ve compiled a summary of the interview to share with you here: 

Q: What is the main reason to choose entry mats for your facility? 
A: Entry mats prevent slips and falls, particularly in inclement weather. 

Q: What other roles do entry mats fill? 
A: Mats are becoming a key player in the game of Green Cleaning. They’re actually a requirement for LEED certification. Mats also help reduce employee fatigue, which is known to decrease productivity. 

Q: What’s a high-performance mat?
A: A high-performance mat is a high-quality mat that will need to be purchased instead of rented. Rented mats are typically not as efficient and come with a much shorter warranty. While the initial cost of a high-performance mat may be off-putting, their higher quality and longer warranty typically pay off in the long run. 

Q: What advice can you offer in regards to selecting the right mat? 
A: Because of the growing relationship between Green Cleaning and matting, green cleaning distributors are a good place to start when looking for someone to recommend the best mat for your facility. 

At Lawton Brothers we’re proud to serve as your green cleaning janitorial supply company. If you’re interested in learning more about mats and your facility, contact our team today. 

Floor mats; we use them everyday without even thinking about the job that they’re doing for us. The fact is that there’s people out there whose job is dedicated perfecting an entire program designed to improve matting and prevent slips ...

Floor mats; we use them everyday without even thinking about the job that they’re doing for us. The fact is that there’s people out there whose job is dedicated perfecting an entire program designed to improve matting and prevent slips and falls. As your go-to janitorial supplies company we can’t say enough about the importance of walk-off matting, therefore we dedicated an entire series of articles to discuss it in depth.  

Comprehensive matting programs have the ability to reduce injury and reduce the costs related to those injuries. According to a recent CleanLink article, Steve Spencer, a facilities specialist at State Farm Insurance spends his days improving comprehensive walk-off programs, who explains that it’s not only about matting. Spencer also explains that his program is successful because of its three phases as described below. 

Phase One. Phase one begins outside of the building with a large scraper mat designed to scrape of any large debris or soil from shoes and keep it outside. 
Phase Two. Phase two takes place in the immediate building entrance where a scraper/wiper mat is recommended. This matting is less abrasive than the outdoor mat but removes and retains debris. Spencer recommends testing this particular mat before you select one for your facility. Look for water capture, retention, and sand capture. 
Phase Three. Phase three is the indoor wiper mat. This mats primary function is to dry the shoe of moisture to prevent slip and falls. It’s important to make sure that your matting is not only long enough, but as wide as your doorways so that it will wear evenly.

At Lawton Brothers we believe that implementing a matting program will not only improve overall facility cleanliness, but safety as well. If you’re interested in learning more about how to successfully integrate mats throughout your facility, contact your janitorial supplies company today.