Disinfecting

I read an article recently that discussed how the JanSan industry responded to H1N1 and how it helped curbed an all out, outbreak by educating user, distributors, and the public about disinfecting procedures and hand washing/sanitizing importance. So the question was brought up What now?

The article encouraged to continue to disinfect thoroughly all areas and heading into the winter to consider disinfecting more our floors and bumping our disinfectant to a higher grade. Some may feel this is important to do in their facility.

I would feel that going into the winter it is important to increase our cleaning frequency and effectiveness. Is more disinfecting required? Not necessarily in all facilities, this is a decision that each facility needs to make for themselves. But if you have reduced your schedule over the summer it would be a good time to review your schedule and adjust where required. Winter will bring more particulates, and bacteria into your building and you want to be ready.

Another thing to consider this winter is to be prepared for a outbreak. One way to do this is by having an extra case or two of sanitizer and disinfectant on hand at the start of the season just in case. As the shelf life of most chemicals is 2 years then you may use it up in the summer should there be no need for it.

Phil-T
"Nothing is too filthy for Phil-T"

Matting

As summer winds down we begin to look at our facility and think about what we will need to keep it clean during winter. The first thing that comes to most peoples mind is matting. The problem is that matting is not a winter only solution. Matting should be left year round.

There are many stats when it comes to matting like, it cost 55$ to remove 1lbs of dirt or that each person in a facility will bring in 65lbs of dirt a year. What ever the case here are a couple of things to think about.

-It is easier to clean dirt when stopped at the door.
-Most hotels and casinos in Las Vagas have matting but no snow.
-Matting helps keep particulate down, which means that people are not breathing them in.
-It's cheaper to replace a mat every 3-5 years than a lobby floor or carpet.
-Less stripping or scrubbing of floors is always cheaper

Yes no matter how you look at it matting is a good option that will save you work and money all year around.

Phil-T
"Nothing is too filthy for Phil-T"

Window Cleaning

Window/Glass cleaning is probably on of the most neglected forms of cleaning in our homes and in most facilities is more of a necassary evil then a job anyone wants to do. I will discuss a few tips to help with window cleaning good for your home or facility.

When giving a full cleaning the following process is best.
   - Fill bucket with water and 1 or 2 tablespoons of dish detergent (something with good grease cutting properties)
  - Wet window surface thoroughly using T-bar or rag leaving the top 1/2 inch of window dry.
  - Using squeegee wipe window dry.
  - Wipe all 4 edges of window with a microfiber cloth starting with the top edge and finishing with the bottom edge.

When spot cleaning the easiest thing is to have your glass cleaner in a spray bottle, spray on to surface and wipe dry with either paper towel or a microfiber cloth. Important to note is if you are using any of the newer glass cleaners these do not have ammonia or alcohol so do not expect them to dry instantly like that old bottle of Windex did. These products will be slightly wet on the surface when finished but will dry streak free.

If you don't want to use glass cleaner for spotting then the other option is to get a high quality glass microfiber, apply a little water either to the spot on the surface or the microfiber and wipe all.

Yes since windows are the first impression of your facility then keeping them clean and spot free is of high importance. And not necessarily as difficult as it may seem.

Phil-T
"Nothing is too filthy for Phil-T"

Equipment Maintenance

In this industry one of the highest cost items is equipment. Equipment can make the toughest longest job easier and save lots of time. The problem with equipment is that maintenance is often lacking. I will take a few moments today and discuss some basic maintenance procedures for several pieces you may have in your facility.

Vacuums: Vacs are fairly simple. Check the bags daily to ensure they are not full. Filters should be checked to ensure they are not full of dust and that air is leaking somewhere. On uprights place the vac on it's side and check the beater bar for obstructions. On uprights you should also check and make sure that the belt is turning. An extra tip for vacs is: If maintenance is going to be an issue consider purchasing canisters rather than uprights.

Swing Buffers: Very simple maintenance. Remove the block. And ensure to wipe down after use, especially if stripping and waxing.

Autoscrubbers: This require much more maintenance, but here are a few tips to get a longer life.
       Completely drain vac tanks nightly.
       Rinse and wipe squeegee blade
       Check water level and add as required (Tip consider switching to Gel batteries, longer life and maintenance free)
       Clean or wipe machine after use
       Charge nightly after use
    
If you can add these basic few items at the end of your shift daily then you will extend the life of your equipment. In the next few months I will give you tips on each different piece of equipment that you can do on a monthly and bi-monthly basis.

Phil-T
"Nothing is too filthy for Phil-T"