At Lawton Brothers we celebrate custodial crews every day by providing quality janitorial supplies and training to help teams of all sizes perform their jobs efficiently and safely.  Last month the International Executive Housekeepers Association recognized International Housekeepers Week. While ...

At Lawton Brothers we celebrate custodial crews every day by providing quality janitorial supplies and training to help teams of all sizes perform their jobs efficiently and safely.  Last month the International Executive Housekeepers Association recognized International Housekeepers Week. While we believe this week is very important, we also think that recognizing custodians for all the work they do should be done more frequently than just one week out of the year. 

So, thank you custodial crews for keeping your facilities clean and healthy for the professionals, children, patients, and all the people who make their way through the egress every day. Here are a few ways you can show your custodial crew you appreciate the hard work they do. 

1. Catered Lunch – It doesn't matter what time of day your crew gets to work cleaning and keeping up a facility, everyone loves free food. A nice catered lunch, breakfast, or dinner gets the crew off to a good start, and lets them know you appreciate the work they do.
2. Individualized Recognition -- Appreciate your janitorial staff individually with an “Employee of the Month” type recognition program. Every month when a team member is performing outstanding work, reward them with a gift card and special recognition. It’s a great way to increase morale, and shows custodians who make a difference that they really matter.
3. Help From Outside -- Remind tenants, students, and everyday users of the facility to aid their janitorial team by keeping the facility as tidy as possible. Cleaning an entire facility every day is a difficult job. Custodians feel appreciated when they can see the people using the facility respect the cleaning they do every day by, for example, putting trash in trash bins.

Janitorial staffs are extremely important to every organization. After all, toilets and trash bins don’t clean themselves. It’s important to recognize those that keep all facilities safe by cleaning regularly, because everyone likes to be appreciated for the jobs they do. 

So, Thank you custodial staffs! We are so grateful for the hard and meaningful work you do to keep everyone safe and healthy! We don’t know what we’d do without you. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

We’re in the midst of hurricane season. While the Weather Center has predicted a mild season this year, it’s important to talk to your team about the impact a storm can have on your business, and properly train them on ...

We’re in the midst of hurricane season. While the Weather Center has predicted a mild season this year, it’s important to talk to your team about the impact a storm can have on your business, and properly train them on post-storm clean up to ensure not only they are safe, but the people who use the facility are safe as well. 

Following a severe storm the first item to check off the list is clean up. After any major debris has been cleared away, the real cleaning starts. Storms can stir up bacteria by backing up water lines, and scattering perishable foods around. These conditions can make for some very dangerous situations that your team must be equipped to deal with.

To deal with the unique hazards that follow a severe storm, your team must be prepared. Here are a few things to take into account when cleaning up after a major storm. 

1. Electricity can be a major hazard. Before you begin any cleaning, ensure that the electricity is turned off. If you’re dealing with flooding, this step is critical and needs to be the first thing you do. You don’t want any of your team to be electrocuted.
2. Hurricanes and tropical storms that we’re used to dealing with in Florida normally entail some degree of flooding. If the facility you’re cleaning after storm is flooded, you’ll need to drain the water before you can really start cleaning. Once the facility is drained your team will need to dispose of anything that was damaged by the flood. Carpets and furniture can harbor dangerous bacteria following a flood, and should be thrown away rather than salvaged.
3. Thoroughly and aggressively disinfect all surfaces. Storms are notorious for unearthing harmful bacteria that must be taken seriously and dealt with properly. Use heat, agitation, chemicals, and any other deep cleaning tactics your team is familiar with to completely remove bacteria and odors.
4. Get professionals in to help you if you need it. Storms can upset sewage lines and pipes. If your team isn’t equipped to deal with these types of situations, call in a plumber or an expert. Safety is the most important aspect to cleaning after a natural disaster.
5. Safety is always first. Make sure your team has the supplies and protection they need when cleaning up after a severe storm. The proper gloves, facemasks and even hazard suits can keep your team healthy and safe from harm when cleaning up after a hurricane. 

Cleaning after the storm is the first thing you’ll do to get everyone back on track and ready to get back to business after a storm. Your job is extremely important, and Lawton Brothers have the proper supplies and the experience in training teams how to clean facilities after a natural disaster. Call us today with any questions you may have. 

If your facility features carpet, it’s in your best interest to ensure that it stays clean and is well maintained to prolong its life. You already know that you need to regularly vacuum and deep clean carpets to keep them ...

If your facility features carpet, it’s in your best interest to ensure that it stays clean and is well maintained to prolong its life. You already know that you need to regularly vacuum and deep clean carpets to keep them clean, but did you know that performing interim cleaning is just as important to keep up the appearance and extend the life of your facility’s carpet? 

Interim cleaning is the cleaning you perform on your carpet in between your routine vacuuming, spotting and deep cleaning. Interim cleaning maintains the appearance of the carpet in the high traffic and funnel areas to extend the frequency of deep cleanings.  In recent years carpet mills have discouraged the use of rotary brushes and bonnets to maintain carpet.  A few examples tactics used in interim cleaning are, cylindrical brushing with  a dry compound such as Host  or an encapsulation product such as Lawton’s Liberty . 

Your team has probably been performing this type of cleaning without putting a name to it. Now that you can identify it as interim cleaning, here are a few tips you can put to use to continue to properly care for your carpets and keep them fresh and clean. 

Pre-vaccum – Before you get to work on taking care of an unsightly soil, attend to it with a vacuum first. Removing as much dry soil as you can, before you start interim cleaning will improve the results of your efforts. 

Hit the High Traffic areas – Keeping high traffic areas on constant rotation of interim maintenance is extremely important in extending the life of your carpet, and keeping it clean. Going over these areas with a CRI certified products frequently can keep high traffic areas looking great between your routine vacuuming and deep cleaning routines.  

Introducing an interim cleaning to your carpet maintenance program will immediately boost the life and appearance of your high traffic and funnel areas, as well as keep carpet in all areas of your facility looking fresh. If you have any questions about how to effectively interim clean and what CRI certified products best suit the carpet you work with, call Lawton Brothers today. 

Green cleaning programs are extremely important to us over at Lawton Brothers. We provide green cleaning supplies and training to school janitorial teams all over Central Florida. With school back in session, the need to train your custodial team on ...

Green cleaning programs are extremely important to us over at Lawton Brothers. We provide green cleaning supplies and training to school janitorial teams all over Central Florida. With school back in session, the need to train your custodial team on green cleaning is critical. 

A custodial team’s effort is a major part of a school’s sustainability program, and the Green Apple Day of Service is a chance to publicly recognize and certify their hard work in promoting sustainable training programs. September 26^th is the Green Apple Day of Service where schools are encouraged to make their campuses healthier by launching initiatives like recycling programs, switching to green cleaning programs, and performing energy audits. One of the best things schools can do on this day is thoroughly and appropriately train their janitorial staffs on sustainable, green cleaning. 

It’s not too late to register your custodial training program here. Registering for this exciting Day of Service acknowledges that your team is working hard to keep your school sustainably healthy and clean. It sends a message to PTAs and the school district that your cleaning program is part of the overall sustainability plan, and can publically acknowledge your well-trained staff. This event is also a great motivator for obtaining green certification for your custodial team’s training program. 

Cleaning schools with a green cleaning and training programs is the beset way to keep students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe during the school year. By maintaining green standards you’re not only keeping your school and your custodial staff safe, but proving to the outside world that you’re dedicated to doing the environment a favor as well. 

We are proud to supply green cleaning supplies and green certified training to janitorial teams of schools and other facilities. Please give us a call today. We can help you get a program in place, and provide your team superior training. To recognize the hard work your team has done, don’t for get to participate in the Green Apple day of Service. 

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. 

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'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.