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. 

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! 

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. 

At Lawton Brothers we know that managing your facility can be overwhelming and we’re here to help in any way that we can. Whether you need janitorial supplies and equipment or tips for managing your facility smoothly, we’ve got you ...

At Lawton Brothers we know that managing your facility can be overwhelming and we’re here to help in any way that we can. Whether you need janitorial supplies and equipment or tips for managing your facility smoothly, we’ve got you covered. A proficient janitorial staff is only possible through a proficient manager. Recently Services Magazine shared how to avoid five common management mistakes and we’d like to discuss the first three with you here: 

1. Not listening to your staff or valuing their input. Your staff members are your eyes and ears within your facility. They also practice what you implement on a daily basis, and can provide vital feedback regarding the policies in place. Should you listen to their concerns, you must also be willing to act on them. 
2. Not delegating. Delegating can be difficult because it requires a certain level of trust. Your job as a manager is to develop your staff’s goals and strategies, so delegating certain tasks to your responsible team members will allow you to do so more effectively. 
3. Acting like a friend rather than a boss. While having a friendly demeanor is a great way to gain respect from your staff members, it’s important not to overstep any bounds. Friendships actually have the ability to hinder your facility’s process. You can also cause unrest among other employees if they perceive any favoritism is taking place. 

As your go-to company for janitorial supplies and equipment we hope that you find this information helpful in managing your facility. Check back soon to learn about the two management mistakes you should avoid regarding your time. 

At Lawton Brothers we recognize the importance of protecting our janitorial staff members. As they are often on the frontlines of not-so-desirable restroom cleaning scenarios, it’s vital that we take the appropriate steps to ensure their health and safety. 

A ...

At Lawton Brothers we recognize the importance of protecting our janitorial staff members. As they are often on the frontlines of not-so-desirable restroom cleaning scenarios, it’s vital that we take the appropriate steps to ensure their health and safety. 

A recent Building Services Management article highlighted the role that janitorial staff members play in disinfecting against disease. In the wake of the recent Ebola outbreak, several industry leaders have gone the extra mile in helping facilities prepare their staff. The following several steps should be implemented for safer cleaning practices for janitorial staff members: 

• Pick up all liter and trash using a Ettore Grip’N Grab litter pick up tool.
• Spray all surfaces with a hospital grade disinfectant  before cleaning the restroom. Realize that any surface within the restroom might be contaminated. 
• Don’t place anything on the floor or the counters of the restroom to avoid transferring any contamination. 
• Stand several feet away from a flushing toilet to avoid being splashed.
• Always take precautions like wearing gloves, goggles.
• Rather than traditional cleaning methods, use ISSA spray-and-vac cleaning systems in order to avoid direct surface contact. 
• Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning restrooms and have paper towels easily accessible. 

As your janitorial supplies company, we hope that you find these tips helpful in protecting your janitorial staff. Please contact the team at Lawton Brothers today for more information regarding how our staff can help your staff improve their disinfectant process. 

At Lawton Brothers we recently shared a blog intended to answer your questions regarding how often your janitorial crew should vacuum different areas of carpet within your facility. While the actual process of vacuuming is vital to the cleanliness of ...

At Lawton Brothers we recently shared a blog intended to answer your questions regarding how often your janitorial crew should vacuum different areas of carpet within your facility. While the actual process of vacuuming is vital to the cleanliness of your facility and the health of your guest and staff, vacuums require regular maintenance in order to keep up with daily demand. If you manage a facility or janitorial crew, chances are you’ve experienced the drama of an equipment failure just when you needed to use it most. That’s why routine maintenance is vital to keeping your facility running smoothly.

The vacuum has several components that require routine attention including bags, filters, belts, and brush rollers. The bags should be replaced once the bag reaches two-thirds full before needing replacement, as when the bag becomes full, the vacuum loses suction and decreases in efficiency. Over time the belts of the vacuum will wear out and get loose. In order to keep the belts in working order, they must be replaced routinely. The brush roller will also need to be monitored regularly to clear any build-ups of hair or other items that could impede its efficiency. Once the brush roller is worn down and no longer makes contact with the fibers of the carpet, it will require replacement. 

As your resource for janitorial equipment and supplies here in Central Florida, we hope that your janitorial staff finds this information helpful in keeping your janitorial process running smoothly. Please contact the staff at Lawton Brothers today for assistance with your janitorial staff and products.   

Do you know what kind of paper towels you’re ordering and are in your facility’s restrooms? As your resource for janitorial supplies and paper goods, we strive to help facilities and their janitorial staffs improve their value per dollar when ...

Do you know what kind of paper towels you’re ordering and are in your facility’s restrooms? As your resource for janitorial supplies and paper goods, we strive to help facilities and their janitorial staffs improve their value per dollar when it comes to paper products.  

At Lawton Brothers we take pride in providing facilities with quality, affordable paper products. Recently, a CleanLink article focused on the possible profitability of shifting from cheap, poor quality paper towels to more costly, higher quality paper towels. Several industry leaders discuss how an increase in absorbency has the potential to decrease the need for several towels, and can decrease overall usage. Different facilities have different needs, therefore you should speak with your resource for janitorial supplies in order to determine the right paper products for your specific facility. 

If you’re interested in upgrading your paper products and improving your efficiency, then contact your resource for janitorial supplies today. We look forward to helping you reduce waste and of course decrease cost.  

As your resource for janitor supplies in Central Florida, we take a special interest in how your janitorial staff can improve your company’s bottom line. Often, CleanLink shares helpful insights regarding increasing efficiency and in turn your profitability. 

The most ...

As your resource for janitor supplies in Central Florida, we take a special interest in how your janitorial staff can improve your company’s bottom line. Often, CleanLink shares helpful insights regarding increasing efficiency and in turn your profitability. 

The most recent insight offered by cleaning consultant Mickey Crowe suggests that Team Cleaning Specialists can take on more than one “role” or cleaning tasks and improve overall efficiency. The article discusses how assigning certain janitors to specific roles and tasks can result in higher productivity than zone cleaners assigned all tasks in a area. 

Crowe discusses how to assigning role, task and work appropriately in order to promote the most efficiency possible. For example:

• Assign one person the role of Vacuum Specialist to use a backpack vacuum for carpet, rugs, and hard floors in addition to edging, vents and other work on a predetermined schedule. This Specialist may have ample time to perform some of the tasks usually performed by the Utility Specialist.
• The Team Cleaning Specialist with the backpack vacuum follows the Light Duty Specialist who pulls the trash and performs other daily cleaning tasks. They can also completely service the building while having ample time to maintain the break room and the areas designated for janitor supplies. 
• The third person in Team Cleaning is the Restroom Specialist and they service all the restrooms with a double bucket and collapsible or butterfly microfiber flat mop system. The person in this role is usually the most detailed person on the team so additional task that require a detailed person would best be assigned to this specialist.
• Finally, the forth role in Team Cleaning is the Utility Specialist. This specific worker will clean stairwells, entrances, door glass, and hard floors that require buffing. Remove the trash pulled by the Light Duty Specialist from the building and inspect for quality.

The key to gaining efficiency is to assign a single role to a specialist with a clear cleaning schedule. Once that role is complete that same person can take on a second role. I a small facility like a bank or doctors office one cleaner can perform all four roles, however it is important to perform only one role at a time.

At Lawton Brothers we not only work with your facility’s janitorial staff to improve the health and cleanliness of your facility, but we also enjoy helping you improve your bottom line. Contact your resource for janitorial equipment and supplies today with any questions about how our team can help your team. 

As your janitorial supplies company we’re not only concerned with the safety of our employees but with the safety of your employees as well. While a safe workplace is great in theory, achieving one takes a great deal of commitment ...

As your janitorial supplies company we’re not only concerned with the safety of our employees but with the safety of your employees as well. While a safe workplace is great in theory, achieving one takes a great deal of commitment on multiple levels. According to a recent article by Cleaning & Maintenance Management there are three requirements necessary in order to provide a safe work environment.  

• Management staff commitment. Your employees rely on your management team to offer a safety strategy and to lead by example. As a manager you have the ability to prevent injury and illness while reducing costs. 
• Compliance with OSHA and develop, implement and maintain a written hazard communication program in effect. The program should outline how hazards will be communicated to employees. For example, all chemical containers need to be labeled adequately, employees need access to Safety Data Sheets, and employees need to be trained on safe chemical handling. A thorough risk assessment should be completed to identify and decrease risks.  
• Employee involvement. Employees need to follow the plan each and every day. It’s up to managers to make employees feel included so that they will speak up when something is amiss. 

At Lawton Brothers we are proud to serve as your janitorial supplies company with locations throughout Central Florida, with locations in Orlando, Clearwater, Ocala and Melbourne. If you’re interested in how our staff can help your staff achieve a safer workplace, contact our team today. 

 As your resource for janitorial supplies and equipment in Central Florida, we are taking the threat of the Ebola virus very seriously. The first line of defense against the often deadly virus is the janitorial staff, therefore we feel the ...

 As your resource for janitorial supplies and equipment in Central Florida, we are taking the threat of the Ebola virus very seriously. The first line of defense against the often deadly virus is the janitorial staff, therefore we feel the need to help inform facility managers of tips to enhance the safety of both staff and customers. 

Clean Link recently shared a few tips for safer restroom use and sanitizing from Matt Morrison, Communication Manager for Kaivac. These tips include: 

• Washing your hands with hot and soapy water before and after using or cleaning the restroom. 
• Act as if the surfaces have been contaminated. 
• Avoid placing items onto the counter or floor incase that is a point of contamination. 
• Don’t directly touch door or flush handles. 
• Utilize the ISSA’s “spray-and-vac” cleaning systems in place of traditional cleaning methods in order to avoid direct contact with any surface. No Touch cleaning systems like the Hillyard’s C3xp Cleaning Companion can prevent worker contact with contaminated surfaces while cleaning better and faster.

At Lawton Brothers we consider it our job to help facilities prepare for prevention of infectious diseases. If your facility staff needs training, hospital grade disinfectants or alcohol-based sanitizers to help battle the spread of the Ebola virus, please contact your resource for janitorial supplies and equipment today. 

As your resource janitorial equipment and supplies we have constantly been keeping up to date on the Ebola outbreak within the United States and how best to help your facility’s staff to prevent the spread of the virus. The World ...

As your resource janitorial equipment and supplies we have constantly been keeping up to date on the Ebola outbreak within the United States and how best to help your facility’s staff to prevent the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided several guidelines for facilities to follow in order to disinfect against the Ebola virus properly. 

Because of air travel and extended incubation period (2-21 days) of the Ebola virus, the epidemic has the capability of affecting a large percentage of the population in a short amount of time. According to WHO, the recent outbreak of Ebola is the biggest and most complex outbreak since the discovery of the disease over 38 years ago.  While the majority of cases have been reported in Africa, the disease has landed on American soil. Making sure your facility is following guidelines recommended by the CDC and WHO will allow your staff to play a part in preventing the disease from spreading further in your region. While there is no disinfectant specifically formulated to kill the Ebola virus, alcohol-based sanitizer is the best-known disinfectant and should be used accordingly. 

While the implantation of the CDC and WHO guidelines is very important to the prevention and the spread of any infectious decease, they are only general guidelines. Effective hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting protocols that fill in the details to those general guidelines is critical. Once protocols are established proper training of your staff will be necessary in order for them to be effective. 

At Lawton Brothers we take the health of your staff, customers and community seriously. If your janitorial equipment and supplies needs a restock to properly battle against the spread of Ebola, please contact your resource for janitorial supplies in Central Florida.  

As your Central Florida resource for janitor supplies, at Lawton Brothers we often work with healthcare facilities to improve their cleanliness and disinfectant process. With the recent Ebola virus outbreak in the United States, we’d like to take a moment ...

As your Central Florida resource for janitor supplies, at Lawton Brothers we often work with healthcare facilities to improve their cleanliness and disinfectant process. With the recent Ebola virus outbreak in the United States, we’d like to take a moment to discuss the CDC’s recommendations for disinfecting against the virus.

Because healthcare workers caring for infected patients have the highest risk of contracting the virus, hospital janitorial staffs have the difficult task of disinfection at hand. While no disinfectant currently exists specifically designed for the Ebola virus disinfection, the CDC recommends a hospital-grade disinfectant, with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) label claim against assorted non-enveloped viruses. The following hospital-grade disinfectants should be used to kill the Ebola virus according to their label: 

• Hillyard Arsenal Q.T. Plus
• Hillyard QT-TB
• Hillyard Vet and Kennel Disinfectant
• Hillyard Germicidal Disinfectant Wipes
• Hillyard Re-Juv-Nal HBV
• Pro-Link  OneStep Disinfecting Cleaner
• Pro-Link Preference Q Disinfectant

As your janitorial supplies company in Central Florida, we hope that the information we’ve shared will help keep your staff and customers healthy and safe from the Ebola virus. Please contact the team at Lawton Brothers to obtain the proper disinfectants for your facility. 

At Lawton Brothers we have been following the Ebola outbreak very closely. As your janitorial supplies company in Central Florida we feel that it is our duty to share facts about how this infectious disease is transmitted and how to ...

At Lawton Brothers we have been following the Ebola outbreak very closely. As your janitorial supplies company in Central Florida we feel that it is our duty to share facts about how this infectious disease is transmitted and how to protect yourself  and help prevent its spread, not only within your facility but also within your region.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released information regarding how the Ebola virus is spread as well as effective prevention and disinfection measures against the virus. The virus is not spread through the air; it is spread by direct contact with broken skin and mucous membranes with: 

• Blood or bodily fluids of a person infected with the Ebola virus
• Objects like needles or syringes contaminated with the Ebola virus
• Animals (currently only mammals) infected with the Ebola virus

Both the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizers for effective hand hygiene and the prevention of spreading the Ebola virus. The WHO’s Medical Officer Dr. Sergey Eremin explains that alcohol-based hand sanitizer is faster, more effective and more sensitive to your hands than soap and water. Dr. Eremin recommends using the alcohol-based sanitizer as a routine even when hands are not noticeably soiled. The following alcohol-based sanitizers should be used to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus and many other infectious deceases:

• Purell Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer
• Pro-Link Proformance Series alcohol-based Sanitizer
• Hillyards Affinity alcohol-based instant hand sanitizer

Contact your janitorial supplies company for alcohol-based sanitizers and do your part as a facility in preventing the spread of this terrible disease. 

As your resource for janitorial supplies equipment in Central Florida, at Lawton Brothers we have a true appreciation for the ever-evolving janitorial industry. As technology continues to improve cleaning process efficiency we must continue to learn and adapt to these ...

As your resource for janitorial supplies equipment in Central Florida, at Lawton Brothers we have a true appreciation for the ever-evolving janitorial industry. As technology continues to improve cleaning process efficiency we must continue to learn and adapt to these better practices. In the last several years, microfiber has emerged and shown up its predecessors, including the traditional string mop. 

Corinne Zudonyi’s CleanLink article addresses the implementation and benefits of microfiber within the janitorial industry. While change is often difficult for facility management to implement, the advantages of microfiber are undeniable. The janitorial staff members at Michigan State were pleased to learn that they would be working with microfiber as it performs better than previously used materials. It is suggested that microfiber is capable of removing 99% of bacteria from non-porous surfaces without any chemical assistance when the microfiber has been treated with antimicrobial agents. The microfiber material captures the bacteria until washed. Michigan State janitorial manager, Brandon Baswell even devised a color-coding system to decrease cross contamination. Each different area type within a facility is designated a specific color microfiber cloth or mop. 

The benefits that microfiber technology is capable of having on your facility’s cleaning process are abundant. As your resource for janitorial supplies equipment we look forward to sharing more information about implementing microfiber in your facility in our future posts. 

As your resource for facility cleaning solutions in Central Florida we take pride in helping facilities enhance their cleaning process and in turn improving the health of their employees and customers. At Lawton Brothers we know that reducing the spread ...

As your resource for facility cleaning solutions in Central Florida we take pride in helping facilities enhance their cleaning process and in turn improving the health of their employees and customers. At Lawton Brothers we know that reducing the spread of germs is a constant battle for facility managers and their cleaning crew. That’s why we feel the need to share these germ-reducing tips from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. 

Recently a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control revealed the results of an experiment in which researchers took a glove covered in germs and shared several different types of contact greetings with a clean glove-wearing recipient. The actions included high-fives, handshakes, and fist bumps.
The study revealed that fist bumping is the least germ spreading gesture compared to handshaking or high-fiving. Authors of the study believe that implementation of a no contact greeting or the fist bump will greatly reduce the number of diseases transferred between humans. 

At Lawton Brothers we know that implementing new rules in your facility is not always easy. It’s important to remind and encourage your staff to practice good hand hygiene, even if it means saying goodbye to the classic handshake.