WAXIE Blog

WAXIE Mesa Equipment Rodeo & BBQ - May 15th, 2013

Briana Smith — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:42:00 GMT

Here are several pictures from WAXIE Mesa's Equipment Rodeo & BBQ event. Thanks to all those customers who came up from Tucson to join us. It was great having you all at the Rodeo. Customers had a great opportunity to check out demos of various cleaning equipment from Windsor, ProTeam Vacuums, Advance, NSS, and more, plus an occasional autoscrubber joust.

We appreciated all the time & effort our employees and vendors spent getting ready for the Rodeo. Thanks for making the event a success!

If you have any questions on any of the products or equipment you saw at the Rodeo or how to incorporate a piece of cleaning equipment into your facility's cleaning routine, give us a call at (800) 995-4466 or leave us a comment below.

Service & Repair | Leasing Information | Hard Floor Care Solutions

WAXIE Nor Cal 8th Annual Golf Classic Event - May 15, 2013

Briana Smith — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:54:00 GMT

It was so nice to see everyone at the 8th Annual Golf Classic Event on Wednesday! We had a wonderful time and we hope you did as well. Thank you for being great customers. We’re looking forward in continuing to provide you with quality products and the best service for all of your cleaning needs. Thank you also to all of our vendors who came out for the event to spend time with us.

Can’t wait to see you next year or at the next training event!

Looking for more information on Training Events or need help with your sustainability goals? Check out our Training Events page or by calling your local WAXIE location at (800) 995-4466.

Green Cleaning | Water Conservation | WAXIE-Green Microfiber

LEED EBOM - A Scorecard for More Sustainable Building Operations & Maintenance

Briana Smith — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

By: Keith Schneringer, LEED® AP O+M, Marketing Manager, WAXIE Sanitary Supply

Did you say LEED EBOM?

You may have heard of the “LEED® Green Building Rating System” before – and you may have also heard of “LEED EBOM” before. But even so, you may still be asking yourself right now, “What do all those letters stand for again”?

LEED EBOM – Acronym Explained

LEED = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – the LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED was developed and created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a way to define a “green building” by establishing a common standard of measurement, and also to serve as a “scorecard” to stimulate green competition (i.e. “is my building greener than yours?”).

LEED EBOM = LEED for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance Green Building Rating System – this version of the LEED rating system, as its name implies, focuses exclusively on the operations and maintenance of commercial buildings, with an aim of maximizing operational efficiency while also minimizing environmental impacts.

While the other LEED rating systems (like LEED for New Construction, or LEED for Commercial Interiors for example) primarily focus on the design and construction/tenant improvements of a building or building space (and the main users of these versions of LEED are building owners, architects, engineers and builders), the LEED EBOM rating system primarily focuses on what happens AFTER everything has been built and the building is being occupied and operated (and the main users of this version of LEED are building owners, property managers and facility managers).

What does LEED EBOM mean to me and my property?

Having your property earn LEED EBOM certification can potentially provide several benefits to a property and to you as its property manager. These benefits can be highlighted by measuring the impact on your property’s “Triple Bottom Line” of People, Planet, Profit – everybody knows about the “profit” bottom line, but there is a “human health” and “environmental” bottom line to operating and maintaining a building which are important to consider as well.

People: LEED EBOM certification provides third-party recognition that your property has paid attention to workplace wellness and offers a more healthy work environment

Planet: LEED EBOM certification provides third-party recognition that your property has paid attention to the environmental impact of building operations and that it has taken steps to minimize those impacts

Profit: LEED EBOM certification provides third-party recognition that your property has paid attention to maximizing efficiency of building operations and to lowering building operating expenses

LEED EBOM Certification and the Lease

In some cases, having your property earn LEED EBOM certification could be the difference between a tenant choosing to lease space in your building or perhaps looking elsewhere. Many building tenants are beginning to ask for LEED certified space as part of a “green lease”, and there is a growing list of examples of LEED EBOM Certified buildings throughout the country.

In addition, many building properties are viewing LEED certification as a way of substantiating and promoting the sustainable features of their property – including improved energy & water efficiency, improved indoor environmental quality, and recycling programs.

LEED EBOM Certification and WAXIE

WAXIE has LEED® Accredited Professionals and LEED® Green Associates on staff who can help you determine how a green cleaning program from WAXIE Sanitary Supply can potentially assist you with earning LEED EBOM certification for your property.

For more information on WAXIE's green solutions: www.waxie.com/green

Keith Schneringer is the Immediate Past President for the Chapter and Founding Chair of the Commercial Real Estate LEED EBOM Committee for the San Diego Green Building Council, and is also a member of the Energy & Sustainability Committee for BOMA San Diego.

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Read More:
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
LEED Rating Systems
The Green Lease – Integrating Sustainability Into Your Leasing Process
WAXIE GPS: Sustainable Cleaning Solutions
Workplace Wellness: Learn What You Can Do To Stay Healthy

PDIR: P is for Preventative (Cleaning)

Briana Smith — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

From Windsor's Cleaning Tip of the Month eNewletter April 2013

When creating a green cleaning program for your facility it is important to focus on the right processes, equipment, and chemicals. Windsor’s PDIR program is based on industry proven methods that achieve the best possible results at the lowest possible cost. Our program is green because it reduces chemical and equipment usage, it also saves money and will prolong the life of your floor. Constructing a program that focuses on preventative, daily, and interim maintenance allows you to reduce your dependence on costly time-intensive restorative cleaning. PDIR stands for Preventative, Daily, Interim, and Restorative cleaning processes. This issue focuses on the “P” for preventative cleaning, the rest will follow in future issues.

Why preventative cleaning?

The goal is to stop the soil before it enters your facility. By keeping soils outdoors, you will reduce the amount of cleaning needed indoors. Sweeping in front of your building can reduce the amount of soil tracked into the building up to 66%. Once dirt has entered the door, more expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive methods need to be followed to remove the dirt.

What is preventative cleaning?

If we could keep all soil outdoors, we would need little cleaning indoors. Try to implement a program of sweeping outside and entrance cleaning. Also spot cleaning in the entrance area or in highly frequented public areas will stop dirt from getting dragged farther into the building, thus keeping the clean appearance of your floors.

What equipment is required for preventative cleaning?

For preventative cleaning, use sweepers and/or pressure washers for the outside as well as proper exterior and interior matting. Choosing the right matting system will immensely support your efforts to keep dirt from spreading. For interior entrance and spot cleaning, use electric brooms, battery sweepers, or a small spray-mop system for wet or sticky dirt. These machines are both small and low noise, so spot-cleaning during business hours does not bother people in your facility. From case to case, the use of detergents may be required with a high pressure washer; but in general preventative maintenance is very green, using little or no detergents. Download the Mat Placement Guide.

PDIR Process: A Brief Overview

P—Preventative cleaning focuses on stopping the soil before it enters your facility. By keeping soils outdoors, your reduce the amount of cleaning indoors. Sweeping in front of your building can reduce the amount of soil tracked into the building up to 66%.

D—Daily cleaning is all about removing the soil in your facility on a daily basis to minimize the damage to both carpet and hard surfaces. When you maintain carpet and hard floor surfaces daily; you extend their useful life.

I—Interim cleaning is about maintaining the appearance of your floors with low moisture, low chemical encapsulation. This increases productivity and is budget friendly. Interim cleaning reduces the frequency of restorative cleaning.

R—Restorative cleaning restores your carpet or hard floor finish as close as possible to its original state with this intensive cleaning process. This requires the most amount of time and money of any of the four cleaning methods.

For more information on Windsor Commercial Cleaning Equipment products.

SLC BigBelly Solar & Green Cleaning Seminars - May 1, 2013

Briana Smith — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:42:00 GMT

We had a great time on Wednesday with Keith Scheringer, WAXIE's Marketing Manager, who taught two educational training seminars, one on BigBelly Solar and the other on Green Cleaning. Thank you to our attendees and Joe Albrecht from BigBelly Solar for coming to the seminars.

Here are a few pictures from both events.

BigBelly Solar – Morning Seminar

Green Cleaning – Afternoon Seminar

Want more training seminars like this? Let us know by either leaving a comment below, filling out the form on our Training Events page or by calling your local WAXIE location at (800) 995-4466.

BigBelly Solar System | Green Cleaning | WAXIE-Green Products

Workplace Wellness: How You Can Take Action

Briana Smith — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

This is part 2-of-2 blog posts with WAXIE Sanitary Supply’s interview with Peter Leahy from Kimberly-Clark Professional*

In case you missed the first half of the interview posted last week...Workplace Wellness: Learn What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

Last week we discussed the importance of Workplace Wellness, germ hot spots, cross-contamination and breaking the chain of germ transmission by the HYGIENIFY!* wash, wipe, sanitize protocol. But what can you do yourself to kick start a program at your work? Wouldn’t it be great if there were materials that you could just download or ideas on what other people have done? That’s exactly what Kimberly-Clark Professional* has developed with The Healthy Workplace Project*. Keep reading for more information on how you can take action at work to promote good hand hygiene practices and Workplace Wellness.

We also talk about royal warrants, promoting Workplace Wellness worldwide and the origins of some now commonplace hand hygiene related products.

Taking Action

What’s the best way a company or individual can accomplish educating and practicing Workplace Wellness?

Consistency, variety and engagement are the three key tenets. It’s all about keeping the educational materials fresh and customizing it for your workforce and for seasonal changes, such as for cold and flu season. The goal is to provide employees with engaging educational materials in conjunction with hand and surface hygiene products. That way they have the tools and knowledge necessary to break the chain of germ transmission in the office via the HYGIENIFY!* wash, wipe, sanitize protocol.
You have a program called The Healthy Workplace Project*, what exactly is it?

The Healthy Workplace Project* is a multi-faceted program designed by Kimberly-Clark Professional* to help companies provide their employees with a healthier and more productive office environment. It offers a unique approach to hand and surface hygiene that helps employees understand how germs are transmitted to help stop their spread throughout the workplace. It also aims to put a dent in the approximately 560 million annual cases of the common cold and reduce the absenteeism and productivity losses from colds, the flu and other illnesses.
On The Healthy Workplace Project* website people can take a pledge?

We are asking our customers to make a commitment – to HYGIENIFY!* wash, wipe, sanitize – and do their part in creating a healthier workplace. 98% of workers are affected by minor illness each year. By being mindful of germ hot spots in the office, such as objects and surfaces that everyone touches, employees can help break the chain of germ transmission. This helps to make the workplace environment healthier…which will benefit the employee, their co-workers, and their families.
What can employers do to encourage Workplace Wellness? Provide desktop cleaning supplies or hand sanitizer? Should there be fun initiatives like ‘clean your desk Fridays’ where employees make sure that their workplaces are cleaned & sanitized weekly?

Employers who adopt a program like The Healthy Workplace Project* can encourage worker wellness by giving employees both the knowledge and tools to reduce the spread of workplace germs. Research shows that more than one-third of employees are germ-conscious and care about the health and cleanliness of the workplace. Employees can even take a test to find out what their germ personality is at http://www.healthyworkplaceproject.com/survey/

Rotech Healthcare Inc., which won The Healthy Workplace Project* Award grand prize in 2012 for its thorough and effective approach to hand and surface hygiene, created a “Don’t Bug Me” newsletter to encourage employees to practice good hand and surface hygiene. The company also regularly disinfects work surfaces and shared equipment and collects data to demonstrate how its efforts are paying off. Another winner offered comprehensive wellness and education programs for employees and families, along with financial incentives to reward healthy behaviors.

More information about the award winners here: Rotech Healthcare of Orlando, Fla., is Named Grand Prize Winner Of The Healthy Workplace Project Award

As a side note: The Healthy Workplace Project* has downloadable materials at the bottom of the Take the Pledge page including newsletter ideas and office communication tools.
What about touch-free restroom products and accessories? How important are they?

Touch-free dispensers can limit cross-contamination in the restroom. They are very important for reducing the spread of germs in this environment. However, Kimberly-Clark Professional* has learned that the risk of germ transmission occurs throughout the office – in many places where the folks cleaning the office are not as focused on – the break room, your desk. That’s why we’re focused on the education and engagement of employees – giving them the information and tools to help manage their environments so they can break the chain of germ transmission.

The Fun Stuff

So…you have this video series called ‘Meet Eugene Hammer’ as part of The Healthy Workplace Project*. LOL. Who is Eugene Hammer?

Eugene Hammer, Certified Sanitology Consultant is the star of our “spoof” video series about the Widget corporation. He’s been hired to improve workplace hygiene habits. In his own unique and unorthodox way, Eugene helps turn bad habits into good, creating a healthier more productive environment for the whole office.
What do you think that Gene would say to you right now?

He'd say, "You'd better HYGIENIFY!* or I'm gonna find you."

For more information about 'Meet Eugene Hammer': https://www.healthyworkplaceproject.com/eugene.aspx
Kimberly-Clark Professional* UK holds a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales in the United Kingdom. A royal warrant basically meaning that you are a validated supplier for the royal households (per Wikipedia)…pretty cool, right?!

Yes it is. Kimberly-Clark Professional* is proud to supply many local, national and international businesses with a variety of products and solutions.
And speaking of Kimberly-Clark Professional* UK, their website has some fantastic graphics promoting Workplace Wellness and The Healthy Workplace Project*. I especially like the one banner with the line: "Everyone loves Samantha's Cake. Make sure it's only the good things that get passed around."

Actually, The Healthy Workplace Project* has been launched in 40 countries and each has their own spin on it. Another example is on the Kimberly-Clark Professional* Latin America website.

Literally means "Health is in your hands."
Any other questions we forgot to ask?

Yes. Based on the success of The Healthy Workplace Project*, we’ve since launched The Healthy Schools Project*. Schools face an absenteeism problem as they primarily receive funding based on the attendance number of full time students. Absenteeism leads to less income for them. We developed The Healthy Schools Project* based off of what we’ve learned in conjunction with The Healthy Workplace Project* on educating schools & students on how to break the germ transmission chain. This includes identifying those germ hot spots that are specific to schools (as opposed to office environments), providing lesson plans to teachers, making resources (like flyers and other educational materials) available for schools to use in the teaching of good hand hygiene practices, etc. Once again with the focus on the HYGIENIFY!* wash, wipe, sanitize protocol. It’s a benefit to schools as it helps to decrease absenteeism and minimizes additional costs associated with the spread of illnesses throughout classrooms, but it’s also great for parents as they won’t have to take additional time off work to care for a sick child.

Kimberly-Clark Professional* continues to provide the innovations that support the breaking of the germ transmission chain throughout various types of workplaces. For instance, we’ve developed materials geared towards an Industrial Workplace environment. We believe that being sick is like being impaired. If you come to work and try to operate machinery when you are sick it’s just not safe - for you or your co-workers. We have resources available that can be downloaded, such as big yellow signs that will stand out in a more industrial environment, bumper stickers for placement on forklifts, etc. to encourage people to think about and be more aware of germ transmission.

It is important to us that everyone, regardless of what industry or environment they work in, is healthy and safe. Wellness at work leads to wellness at home, school and beyond. Kimberly-Clark Professional* works with multiple distributors throughout the world to help promote Workplace Wellness, including our #1 partner in North America, WAXIE Sanitary Supply.
Hand hygiene and Workplace Wellness have come a long way. Your parent company, The Kimberly-Clark Corporation developed KLEENEX® Facial Tissue in the 1920's. It's amazing how hand hygiene practices have developed over the years.

Yes. It was originally made to be used to help remove cold cream for women taking off make-up and now we have a pack of KLEENEX® Facial Tissues so small it's wallet sized.

As to the origin of paper towels…
In 1907, a Philadelphia teacher blamed a severe outbreak of colds on the fact that so many students used the same cloth towel. To protect her students from germs, this resourceful teacher cut heavy paper into squares, so each student had an individual towel. When the Scott Paper Company/Kimberly-Clark heard about her ingenious solution, the paper towel was born!

As a side note: It was only in 1930 that Kleenex® started to be marketed as a disposable handkerchief (https://www.kleenex.com/BrandStory.aspx).

About Peter Leahy:

Peter Leahy works in Marketing for Kimberly-Clark Professional*, supporting the Cleaning & Hygiene business. He is focused on creating Exceptional Workplaces* with distributor-partners, helping to make workplaces healthier, safer and more productive. In his previous position, Peter launched The Healthy Workplace Project* in North America. It aims to keep people healthier by promoting hand hygiene and healthier environments, to improve business outcomes.

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To Learn More:
Hand Hygiene Solutions - Hand Hygiene is as Easy as 1-2-3
Hand Towel Systems - Kimberly-Clark Professional* MOD* System Towel Dispensers
Kimberly-Clark Professional* - http://www.kcprofessional.com/home
The Healthy Workplace Program* - http://www.kcprofessional.com/solutions/the-healthy-workplace-project
The Healthy Schools Program* - http://www.kcprofessional.com/solutions/the-healthy-schools-project

Workplace Wellness: Learn What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

Briana Smith — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:30:00 GMT

This is part 1-of-2 blog posts with WAXIE Sanitary Supply’s interview with Peter Leahy from Kimberly-Clark Professional*

Typically everyone spends at least 8 hours a day at work, which is sometimes more than you spend with your family during the week. So you’re at work a lot. It’s your home away from home for all intents and purposes. As such, Workplace Wellness is a very important topic no matter where you work, especially when colds and the flu start making the rounds, not to mention allergy season.

If there were easy things that you could do to reduce the chance of catching something you’d do it, right? Well what if everyone at your work practiced the same preventative measures? Stands to reason that everyone would be less likely to catch an illness at work and you’d be more productive at your job.

Workplace Wellness has been a particular focus of Kimberly-Clark Professional* and they’ve worked diligently in developing a solution to help employers and employees educate, promote and practice good habits at work, including but not limited to the importance of having a hand hygiene routine. They’ve come up with a program called The Healthy Workplace Project*, to combat illnesses in the workplace and to improve the general health of everyone.

WAXIE Sanitary Supply recently had the opportunity to talk with Peter Leahy, who works in Marketing for Kimberly-Clark Professional*; we discussed germ hot spots, how cross-contamination can be reduced, and the results from a 2012 study they conducted on the subject of Workplace Wellness that led to the creation of several effective programs specifically for offices, schools & universities, industrial workplaces and other types of work environments. We also talked about what people can do to take action in their own workplaces, as well as some fun facts and tidbits about Kimberly-Clark Professional* that you may not have known before.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional*

For someone who is not familiar with Kimberly-Clark Professional*, can you describe who you are in three words or phrases?

• We create Exceptional Workplaces*
• We help make workplaces safer, healthier and more productive
• We provide innovative solutions from trusted, well-known brands
What values does Kimberly-Clark Professional*, as a business sector, embody?

Kimberly-Clark Professional* partners with businesses to create Exceptional Workplaces*, helping to make them safer, healthier, and more productive. We deliver leading-edge health, hygiene and productivity solutions that provide tangible benefits and value every day, everywhere. Our parent company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, provides people with essentials for a better life by adding conveniences to daily routines with some of the world’s most recognized products.

Workplace Wellness

Why is Workplace Wellness so important, and why do you think it’s been such a hot topic lately?

I believe the primary reason is that it’s good business sense. Companies want to provide their employees with a healthier and more productive office environment. In addition, happier and healthier employees are generally more productive. As fewer employers provide sick days and convert to Paid Time Off (PTO), employees want to use their time off for vacations and other needs – not sick days. So it’s important to keep workers who are on the job healthy. Finally, having a robust worker wellness program can differentiate a company from its competitors, by demonstrating that the company cares about its employees enough to take extra steps to protect their health and well-being.
People always talk about germs and cross-contamination in the same sentence; how does cross-contamination happen?

Many people believe that cross-contamination occurs a) in the air, and b) only in places like restrooms. The reality is that in most offices, frequently touched surfaces are the primary sources of cross-contamination. These germs can be transferred by human touch up to six times. And often it’s the places you least suspect that are most likely to be contaminated.

For instance, break room sinks and microwave door handles were found to be the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis, according to a 2012 Kimberly-Clark Professional* study. Other germ hot spots include refrigerator door handles, keyboards, water fountains and vending machine buttons. If these surfaces aren’t sanitized, or if workers touch them and don’t wash or sanitize their hands afterwards, they could be exposed to illness-causing bacteria right in their own lunchrooms, as well as elsewhere around the office.
What can we do to reduce occurrences of germ cross-contamination?

There’s a simple way to help reduce the spread of germs on hands and surfaces. We call it the HYGIENIFY!* wash, wipe, sanitize protocol. This easy, three-step process enables people to take hygiene into their own hands by washing hands, sanitizing hands when soap and water aren’t readily available, and wiping and disinfecting surfaces – especially germ hot spots. This helps break the chain of germ transmission. It’s a common-sense approach to hand and surface hygiene.

For instance, if you eat lunch at your desk, try to sanitize your hands and wipe down your desk before placing your sandwich down and eating it. The same goes for your computer keyboard and mouse – two other germ hot spots. The good news is you can significantly reduce your chances of catching a cold, flu or other illness by 80 percent practicing effective preventive measures like our HYGIENIFY!* wash, wipe, sanitize protocol.
What exactly are germ hot spots and how does someone go about identifying them in their facility?

Germ hot spots are frequently touched surfaces that can harbor bacteria and viruses, some of which can live for 24 to 48 hours. In a 2012 study, hygienists from Kimberly-Clark Professional* The Healthy Workplace Project* collected nearly 5,000 individual swabs from office buildings housing more than 3,000 employees and identified the most common hot spots. The above infographic provides more detail. In the same study, half of all computer mice and desk phones were found to have Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) levels above 100, suggesting that while people appear to be taking more responsibility for the cleanliness of their personal spaces, there is still a need for increased awareness of the importance of hand and surface hygiene in the office.

A little bit about ATP: ATP is present in all animal, vegetable, bacteria, yeast and mold cells. Detection of ATP indicates the presence of contamination by any of these sources. Everyday objects with an ATP reading of 300 or higher are considered to have a high risk for illness transmission.
If someone is washing and drying their hands with soap and water, why do they need to use hand sanitizers?

Sanitizers can help remove 99.9% of germs in locations and situations where soap, water and paper towels are not available and/or not convenient.
Too much sanitizer can cause skin to be dry, what can someone do to prevent that?

You can look for a moisturizing hand sanitizer. KLEENEX® Moisturizing Foam Hand Sanitizer, which has 62% ethyl alcohol, also features a proprietary formula that contains moisturizers and conditioners to hydrate the skin.

Part 2 continues next week with Workplace Wellness: How You Can Take Action where we discuss The Healthy Workplace Project* from Kimberly-Clark Professional* with examples of program award winners, their international efforts to improve worker health, and their partnership with WAXIE Sanitary Supply.

About Peter Leahy:

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To Learn More:
Hand Hygiene Solutions - Hand Hygiene is as Easy as 1-2-3
Hand Towel Systems - Kimberly-Clark Professional* MOD* System Towel Dispensers
Kimberly-Clark Professional* - http://www.kcprofessional.com/home
The Healthy Workplace Program* - http://www.kcprofessional.com/solutions/the-healthy-workplace-project
2012 Kimberly-Clark Professional* Study -
Where the Germs Are: New Study Finds Office Kitchens and Break Rooms are Crawling with Bacteria

100 Tips to Help Property Professionals Go Green for Earth Day

Briana Smith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:30:00 GMT

April 22 is Earth Day, and you may be thinking about ways to commemorate this day at your building. In an effort to raise awareness of sustainability-related ideas on this day, it is worth revisiting the 100 tips for Earth Day for Property Management Professionals which was originally created by BOMA International.

These tips can be utilized to make going green a priority at your property on Earth Day (and can in turn help to make every day Earth Day in 2013)!

Energy Efficiency

1. Benchmark energy consumption through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager
2. Regularly inspect building equipment
3. Calibrate thermostats and air handlers
4. Adjust dampers within code to reduce excess outside air
5. Install power management software for monitors
6. Harvest daylight by locating work stations adjacent to windows
7. Clean windows to allow more natural light
8. Change incandescent lights to CFLs, HIDs and LEDs
9. Convert inefficient lamps and ballasts to T8, T12 and T5 lamps
10. De-lamp and disconnect unused ballasts
11. Perform full-floor lighting sweeps to ensure EMS system is performing
12. Install occupancy sensors
13. Use high-efficiency LED signs
14. Use work station task lighting
15. Install heat recovery equipment
16. When available, sub-meter major systems and equipment
17. Conduct security patrols to ensure all lights are off
18. Manage sequence of operations so all equipment is not running at once
19. “Green” your roof to reduce heat load to the building
20. In hot/dry regions, add tinted glass or window film
21. Install VFDs on air handler units and cooling towers
22. Seasonally adjust schedules for HVAC equipment
23. Automatic “lights out” at 7 p.m. with tenant override mechanism
24. Install CO2 sensors to reduce outside air intake
25. Consider a light roof in hot/dry climates to reduce the heat island effect
26. Install interior solar shades to block heat
27. Take advantage of federal tax credits on energy efficiency improvements
28. Perform annual thermal scans to identify electrical hot spots
29. Install solenoid values on heat pumps
30. Verify all HVAC units are on the EMS schedule
31. Recommission building mechanical systems
32. Have buildings cleaned during the day when lights are on
33. Hold vendor/tenant Q&A events
34. Team clean your building floor-by-floor to reduce electricity

Water Conservation

35. Benchmark water consumption through ENERGY STAR
36. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
37. Use drip irrigation for ornamental shrubs
38. Install in-ground moisture sensors
39. Use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle
40. Use a broom or to clean driveways or sidewalks
41. Landscape with perennial plants
42. In arid climates, landscape with native, drought-resistant plants
43. Install aerators in bathroom and breakroom sinks
44. Install low-flow or waterless urinals
45. Install low-flow toilets
46. Monitor activities with sensors, such as motion-sensor faucets
47. Reduce water pressure
48. Reset hot water thermostats to the lowest setting possible
49. Turn off hot water heaters while building is unoccupied
50. Schedule an annual review of your property’s irrigation system
51. Harvest rainwater for landscaping

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

52. Recycle old cell phones for the needy
53. Hold an e-Waste day and collect electronics
54. Recycle everything – paper, plastic, batteries, light bulbs, computers, copiers, etc.
55. Invest in a fluorescent bulb “crusher” and invite tenants to drop off their bulbs
56. Use recycled material in restroom paper products
57. Check into local/state tax credits for recycled material
58. Use local and recycled building materials
59. Add composting to your landscape maintenance plan
60. Use coreless bath tissue
61. Work with vendors who have recycling programs
62. Establish disposal methods to discard electronics and hazardous waste
63. Institute a food composting program
64. Utilize mixed recycling
65. Hold furniture recycling fair
66. Hand prune plants
67. Use mulching mowers in landscaping

Tenant Awareness

68. Give away CFL bulbs to tenants in exchange for incandescent bulbs
69. Organize energy efficiency and sustainability tenant councils
70. Give away pine tree samplings on Earth Day
71. Encourage tenants to power down during off hours
72. Institute an Energy Awareness Program
73. Encourage tenants to use ENERGY STAR equipment
74. Set up “by request only” for supplying HVAC on nights and weekends
75. Reduce tenant access to thermostats
76. Ask a car dealership to bring hybrid vehicles to property for test drives
77. Include sustainability tips in monthly newsletters
78. Post information on car pools and mass transit
79. Install bicycles racks in the garage
80. Allow bikers to use gym showers
81. Offer preferred parking spots for compact cars and hybrid vehicles
82. Encourage tenant work-from-home policies to reduce workplace energy consumption
83. Host “Go Green” fairs for tenants
84. Offer tenant training for recycling and composting programs
85. Ask tenants to switch off overhead lights when daylight is sufficient

Indoor Air Quality

86. Give away free samples of green cleaning products
87. Invite green vendors to exhibit/discuss products on Earth Day
88. Use air filters and HEPA vacuums to improve IAQ
89. Use low-VOC paints/sealants/adhesives for building improvements
90. Make sure cleaning products meet Green Seal or EcoLogo standards
91. Insure that your janitorial service uses green cleaning products
92. Use microfiber cloths when cleaning to reduce chemical use
93. Dispose of garbage promptly and properly
94. Do not block air vents or grilles
95. Develop a preventative IAQ management program
96. Integrate IAQ concerns into purchasing decisions
97. Store food properly
98. Use walk-off mats in lobby to reduce contaminants
99. Promote your green cleaning program to tenants
100. Use high performing HVAC filtration systems

Do have any other suggestions? Please feel free to share your suggestions with us and we will see if we can add a “101st” tip to share in a future article.

Thanks for reading and Happy Earth Day!

List Compiled By:
Keith Schneringer, LEED® AP O+M, Marketing Manager, WAXIE Sanitary Supply

Behind the Scenes - Windsor Machine Demo at Universal Studios

Briana Smith — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:30:00 GMT

**As described by Mike Anderson, Machine Specialist from WAXIE Ontario**

Every so often we get a really “cool” demo. In this case at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Not only Universal Studios, but BEHIND the scenes, where I was able to drive my WAXIE truck right onto the lot/sets of Universal, right past Jaws and WaterWorld. A really neat experience for me.

Anyway, note the photo below. Universal Studios has a “Red Carpet” that all patrons walk across (through the front gate) to get into the park. This carpet is hundreds of feet long and probably 15 feet wide. TONS of daily foot traffic.

They needed a solution. Currently they replace it about every 2-3 weeks, actually throwing it away, and replacing with a new one. We were able to do some minor discovery only to find out it was in excess of $3,000 each time.

Along comes the Windsor Chariot iExtract (#573534) and our WAXIE-Green Encapsulating Carpet Pre-Spray (#070663) and Extraction Cleaner (#070660). What a miracle solution. We estimated it would take 30-45 minutes of running the iExtract across it. They currently spend more than 2 hours daily just cleaning it, and more time maintaining it. Along with the Chariot iExtract, we recommended using the Windsor NuWav Wide Area Vac for multiple daily vacuuming.

Again, a really neat demo, with awesome pile lifting results. I wanted to share, as this is a GREAT machine.

The photo shows what I pulled out of the debris hopper, and up inside where the brushes are located. This was only about ½ of the way through our demo. (The $ was not part of the debris, it was put there for size reference).

WAXIE-Green Encapsulating Carpet Care products are Formulated in Partnership with the EPA's Design for the Environment Program and have the Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) Seal of Approval.

Want to learn more about Windsor's Chariot iExtract, the WAXIE-Green Encapsulating Carpet Care System, or would like to schedule a demo at your facility? Give us a call!

Ask Sadie: First Impressions and Standards of Cleanliness

Briana Smith — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Q: Sadie- Why should I care about people’s first impressions of my building? I have a daily cleaning schedule? So what if the trash cans are a little full, I’m trying to keep costs down so I’m trying to get my trash liners to stretch a little further. -Jacob

A: As the main header in Windsor’s Cleaning Tip of the Month March 2013 eNewsletter so aptly says, “The First Impression is What Counts.” This is so true. How many snap decisions do you make when you walk into a store to go shopping? Are clothes all disorganized on the rack? Is there trash littered on the floor near the entrance of the grocery store? Are you at the movie theater and the soap dispensers are all out of soap? Makes you think twice about frequenting that establishment or just flat out causes you to immediately turn around and walk right back out.

But how can you make the best first impression? By having Standards of Cleanliness; it’s sort of like a cleaning bill of rights in which you have committed to yourself, your employees and your customers that you value and uphold a certain level of sanitary cleanliness in your facility. If you keep your Standards of Cleanliness high, your first impressions will turn into lasting impressions that will keep your customers coming back again and again. So spend time coming up with a list of your Standards of Cleanliness and share them with your employees. Not only will your entire team know what your expectations are, but your customers will definitely take notice as they walk in.

So what should be on your Standards of Cleanliness? Well...what are your expectations of clean?

Do you think that it’s okay to clean common areas daily or do high-traffic areas need to be spot cleaned twice a day?
Do you have matting to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked into your building?
If you walked into a room, is there anything you hope someone cleaned before you touch or use it?
Are there certain things that you have a reasonable expectation of being clean? What are the expectations of your clientele?
Is there anything you especially appreciate when you notice that it’s clean, like a countertop full of coffee supplies? I bet a sticky & cluttered coffee area makes you cringe, whereas you feel quite happy when you stroll up to a neat, clean and organized coffee area.

Let questions like that be your guide. And get feedback from employees! They may think of something that you missed.

And let’s not forget how important finishing touches can be to those first impressions. It’s those little finishing touches that you really notice that can make a big difference. In a restroom I notice if there are any excess wadded up paper towels on the counter because the trash can is overflowing. Or if there is no toilet paper left in the stall, or in any of the other stalls for that matter. To me this shows that someone does not really care about restroom cleanliness/hand hygiene and makes me nervous about even washing my hands! But of course, usually in this scenario there is no soap left in the dispenser either and the paper towel dispensers are broken. On the flip side, I really do take notice if a restroom is clean and well stocked, and I take note of things like soap that is a little more luxurious and has a pleasant refreshing fragrance, especially if I’m at a restaurant.

And sometimes finishing touches are not necessarily something your customers see. As WORKSHOPbrand mentioned on our Facebook page, “Flowers are nice, but around here the finishing touch is to clean your tools before putting them away.” It’s part of a job well done that you and your employees can be proud of and that’s something your customers will pick up on.

So make sure that you take the time to come up with or review what your Standards of Cleanliness are and share them; you’ll see what a positive lasting impression your efforts will be to your customers.

WAXIE Sanitary Supply Announces Corporate Vendor of the Year

Briana Smith — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:30:00 GMT

(pictured from left: Don Ward, Jeff Roberts, David Wax, Scott Light, Charles Wax, Dennis Shearer, and Rick Hazard)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Diego, CA - WAXIE Sanitary Supply recognized Georgia-Pacific Professional as the Corporate Vendor of the Year for 2012 in an award ceremony recently at WAXIE’s headquarters in San Diego, CA.

WAXIE annually recognizes one supplier from a field of over 300+ vendors to receive this prestigious award. This best-in-class award goes to the supplier who performs at the highest level relative to a set of stringent criteria WAXIE uses to measure results; namely, top line growth, organizational alignment, and business development, to name a few. Georgia-Pacific Professional performed superbly in all areas.

“We are happy to honor GP Professional as Vendor of the year,” remarks Charles Wax (Chairman/CEO, WAXIE). “Our history together goes back to 1947 when my dad and my uncle were buying products from Crown Zellerbach,” says Charles. “We have made many great industry friends along the way and the GP team of 2012 is no exception.”

WAXIE representatives who presented the award were Rick Hazard (VP, Marketing), Jeff Roberts (President/COO) and Charles Wax (Chairman/CEO). In attendance from Georgia-Pacific were Don Ward (RSVP), Dennis Shearer (VP, Sales) and Scott Light (President).

Tucson Wood and Sports Floors Clinic & Expo - March 22, 2013

Briana Smith — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:52:00 GMT

First off, THANK YOU Sierra Middle School and the Sunnyside Unified School District for hosting WAXIE Tucson's Wood & Sports Floors Clinic and Expo. Also, we'd like to thank all those who attended. It was great to be able to help each of you with your wood floor care needs.

At the training we got all of the built-up gunk off the gym floor using WAXIE Unbelievable Hard Surface Cleaner. Next we cleaned the floor with Ultra Clean Wood Floor Cleaner with an autoscrubber to prep the wood floor for the protective coating using Ultra Sport Premium Wood Coating. Ultra Sport, in particular, is great for gym floors due to an advanced reactive urethane/acrylic blend, which produces an extremely high-gloss, durable coating.

Want more training seminars like this? Let us know by either leaving a comment below or by calling your local WAXIE location at (800) 995-4466.

Hard Floor Care Solutions | Ultra Guard Floor Care Program | Machines & Accessories

San Diego March Madness Mini Trade Show - March 21, 2013

Briana Smith — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:08:00 GMT

Thanks to all of our customers and vendors in San Diego who participated in WAXIE San Diego's March Madness Mini Trade Show down at the Valley View Casino Center last Thursday. We had a great time. Below are a smattering of the photos taken at the event, with even more posted on our Facebook page.

We also have an album dedicated to some of the photo outtakes...make sure to check them out and comment on who your favorite musician is!

Let us know what your favorite booths & demos were in the comments below.

For more information on any of the products you saw at the trade show, call your local WAXIE location at (800) 995-4466.

Chemical Dilution Control Systems | Machines & Accessories | Hand Hygiene Solutions

Las Vegas Green Cleaning Trade Show - March 21, 2013

Briana Smith — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:15:00 GMT

We had a fabulous time with everyone who attended our Green Cleaning Trade Show at WAXIE Las Vegas last week!

Karen Shepard (WAXIE Contract Administrator) and Theresa Cummins (WAXIE Regional Sales Manager) greeted customers to the events with their cheery smiles.

WAXIE's Lou Richards (VP & General Manager - Las Vegas) and Keith Schneringer (Marketing Manager) were in attendance, helping customers with all of their green cleaning questions. The WAXIE-Green booth had lots of info on both our array of green cleaning products, as well as our GPS® (Green Partner Support™) program. Geremie Fiorini (from Midlab) was also on hand to show customers the latest & greatest cleaning products that they manufacture.

WAXIE Sanitary Maintenance Consultant Barbara Arias accompanied customers from the MGM Signature, while WAXIE Chemical Specialist John McPhail helped out another customer (in the background).

And of course, none of this could be a sucess without our UNBELIEVABLE customers. Thank you for attending and let us know if there is anything at the show that you'd like further information on. We'd be more than happy to help.

WAXIE-Green Products | GPS (Green Partner Support) | What is Green Cleaning?

How To Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections

Briana Smith — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Cleaning techniques and technologies that help reduce hospital-acquired infections

Originally published in Housekeeping Solutions on Clean Link Online
By Kassandra Kania

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 5 percent of all hospital admissions result in infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions. These hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, result in 99,000 deaths each year and $28 billion to $33 billion in excess costs.

Despite the financial implications of government regulations and savvy consumers, a hospital’s priority is to protect the health of its patients. In so doing, many hospitals are turning to their environmental services departments to reduce hospital-acquired infections and prevent their spread.

A Clean Approach To Hospital-Acquired Infections

While cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces are important steps to ensure that HAIs are contained, housekeeping departments find that many custodians aren’t doing an adequate job.

“I think too often we look at the disinfecting side of things, and we don’t do as good a job as we ought to on cleaning,” says Darrel Hicks, director of environmental services and patient transportation at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo. “We depend on poisoning rather than removing.”

Laurie Tostenson, training and quality assurance manager for the housekeeping department of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H., agrees that more emphasis needs to be placed on cleaning techniques and less emphasis on products.

“So many times we get caught up in the tools: Are you using a phenolic? Are you using bleach? Are you using a quat?” she says. “But good cleaning and disinfecting comes down to basic fundamentals: Are you removing the gross matter before you start to disinfect? And when you do remove the gross matter, are you using force and friction? If you just spray or wipe something on, but you don’t use force or friction, you’re not cleaning the surface.”

To improve cleaning procedures that target hospital-acquired infections, environmental services departments need to focus on training custodians, as well as allowing them enough time in which to clean patient rooms. That is why Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center has increased the amount of time its housekeepers spend cleaning a patient room from 20 minutes to 35 minutes. With the extra time, cleaners can focus on proper dwell times and hitting every high touch surface.

“Technology is being used in patient care and electronics are becoming part of the landscape at the bedside,” explains Tostenson. “These monitors, touchscreens, etc. have become our housekeeping responsibility, so we want to make sure these are also cleaned thoroughly between patients.”

A UV-Light Touch

But environmental services personnel are not only cleaning equipment, some hospital departments are turning to technology in the fight to eliminate hospital-acquired infections. For example, Mercy St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo., is preparing to study the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) light in hospital infection control.

“We’re going to be looking at UV light versus [disinfecting] wipes and how these two relate to stop the spread of infection,” says Doug Green, director of environmental services.

The hospital plans to introduce UV light to some of its isolation units while continuing to disinfect with wipes in other units. After a set amount of time, Green will compare the results.

“UV light technology has been around a long time, but using it in hospitals for cleaning is fairly new,” says Green.

That said, interest in the technology is growing. In fact, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, has been using UV light for the past six months in its isolation rooms.

“We just finished a study on C. diff, and right now we’re monitoring MRSA,” says Babette Beene, environmental services manager. “After we disinfect the room and before we put the linens in, we run the UV machine to kill germs.”

The results have been encouraging.

“The doctors conducting the study test the room after we disinfect it and again after we use the UV machine,” explains Beene. “The outcome has been really positive, and they’re not finding any residuals left in the room.”

In addition to using the UV machine, MD Anderson Cancer Center relies on the APPA cleaning standards, as well APT testing of high-profile areas to keep as hospital-acquired infection rates low.

But despite the success of these technologies, housekeeping managers are quick to point out that there is no substitute for hand washing and proper cleaning procedures.

“Even with the technologies available to us, if everyone washed their hands like they’re supposed to, what would that do for infection?” asks Green. “And if housekeeping cleaned the room perfectly, covering every high-touch point, how would that affect the infection rate?”

Science has proven that reported cases would decrease. And, after all, these infections are what departments are working so hard to eliminate.

Kassandra Kania is a freelance writer based in Charlotte, N.C.

Source: http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/How-To-Reduce-HospitalAcquired-Infections--15216

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Read More:
Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections - http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Preventing-HospitalAcquired-Infections--15215
Vomiting Larry Teaches Us About Norovirus -
http://info.debgroup.com/blog/bid/271088/?utm_campaign=blog&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=653418b5-8cab-4172-b92d-1a7e3633d89a
Hand Hygiene Solutions - http://info.waxie.com/hand-hygiene-easy-1-2-3
Ask Sadie: It's Flue Season! How You Can Stay Healthy - http://info.waxie.com/blog/bid/90839/Ask-Sadie-It-s-Flu-Season-How-You-Can-Stay-Healthy

Cleaning, Maintaining, and Encapsulating Asbestos Tile

Briana Smith — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Cleaning a facility that was built pre-1989? Chances are the flooring is asbestos tile. What is asbestos tile you might ask? It all starts with understanding what asbestos is. Keep in mind, asbestos tile is generally safe if the tiles are in good condition, but there are several things to keep in mind when cleaning or maintaining asbestos tile.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos has been around since the days of the Ancient Greeks & Romans and was prized for being fire-resistant. Asbestos is defined as being one of six types of naturally occurring silicate minerals. Asbestos was used a lot in building materials because it is great for sound absorption (think popcorn ceilings), insulation, its strength, and its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage. In fact asbestos means “inextinguishable” in Ancient Greek.

What are asbestos tiles?

The only way you can officially tell if your tile is asbestos tile is to get it tested. But typically you can make a fairly accurate guess if your building is older than 1980 (especially between the years 1920-1960) that has the original floor and your tiles are 9”x9” or 12”x12” (1960’s onward). Many of these tiles tend to be black, brown, gray or some combination of the three due to an asphalt binder, although it’s not unusual for them to be in other colors – none of which are all that pretty. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) didn’t ban asbestos until 1989, but for the most part, asbestos tile wasn’t used after 1980.

What not to do when cleaning & maintaining asbestos flooring…

Do not buff or sand floors
Do not remove, disturb or damage the tiles in any way; asbestos tile is considered to be hazardous materials & there are regulations for it’s removal
Do not use a stripper with asbestos tile flooring
Do not clean with a high pH or butyl cleaner; these will melt the surface, cause the color to bleed and the tile will loose it’s gloss

You can clean asbestos tile with a neutral or all-purpose cleaner, such as...

Solution Station 243 WAXIE-Green Neutral Cleaner (PDC)
#320007 3L 4/cs
WAXIE Balance Neutral-pH Hard Surface Cleaner & Odor Counteractant
#320024 gl/cs    4/cs
#320022 5/gl     pail
#320025 55/gl     drum

How to reduce/limit your exposure to asbestos fibers?

Asbestos flooring has asbestos fibers that can cause various health problems if inhaled, so never do anything that can crack, break, disturb or damage the tiles, which may cause the fibers to become airborne. Generally health problems only occur in people who have had lots of contact with asbestos over a long period of time due to occupational exposure, but safety is always important and it’s better not to risk anyone’s health. If tiles are damaged or cracked, take care in removing them & dispose of them as hazardous material per local & state regulations. Properly encapsulating or sealing asbestos tiles will help greatly in preventing the asbestos from becoming airborne as the process of encapsulating or sealing will bind the fibers together. As long as the tiles are intact, there’s no health danger.

What to do if you have asbestos flooring?

Encapsulate or seal your asbestos tiles, which helps to prevent damage and breaking. Not only will this increase indoor air quality safety, but it’ll be less expensive, as hiring a licensed asbestos professional and hazardous waste removal can be rather costly, and just as safe. You can take up asbestos flooring yourself, but you have to watch out for the tiles becoming friable. A tile is friable when it breaks into small pieces or is ground down to a powder or dust expelling into the air, which poses a health hazard due to inhalation. If your tiles become friable, some states require a special permit for removal & disposal. You also cannot encapsulate or seal friable tile. Removing the tile is your only option at that point.

Two ways to go about encapsulating or sealing your asbestos flooring:

Encapsulation with a sealant
Encapsulation with a sealant is probably the easiest way to go. Purchase a good sealant that is made for vinyl flooring as asbestos tile is a type of vinyl flooring material. Make sure that you have a full face respirator, gloves and any other recommended personal protective equipment. Read the directions for using the sealant several times. Carefully check that the tiles are not loose or chipping off. The floors should be swept & cleaned of debris, dust, dirt or anything stuck to the tile that may prevent the sealant from adhering, then mop and let the floor dry before applying the sealant. With good ventilation lay down the sealer per the manufacturer’s instructions and let the floor dry for as long as proscribed. Now you can lay down other flooring types (new tile/carpeting/etc.) as desired, or leave sealed tile as is.

Encapsulation with a 2-part epoxy process
The process is very similar to encapsulation. Purchase the proper epoxy kit for your asbestos vinyl flooring. Get all your personal protective equipment. Clean the floor thoroughly before the application of the epoxy like you would for encapsulating with a sealant. Once again, read the instructions and the safety measures on the product label several times before starting. No one wants to have to fix an epoxy mistake, as that may prove more problematic than dealing with the asphalt tile in the first place. Make sure the room is well ventilated. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for applying the epoxy to the floor. Let dry for as long as indicated on the epoxy product label. Apply a second coat of epoxy, once again per label directions, and let dry. Leave flooring as is, or put down other flooring types above it making sure not to chip the tiles in the process.

As mentioned previously, asbestos tile is safe as long as the tile is in good condition, but it’s good to make sure it’s well maintained to prevent safety hazards, and watch what cleaning processes and products you use in your daily, interim and deep cleaning routines.

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Read more:
General Knowledge - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos
EPA's Asbestos Info - http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/
Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis and Repair -
http://inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/asbestoslookB.htm
Princeton University: Asbestos Fact Sheet - http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/workplacesafety/asbestosfactsheet.htm
Minnesota Department of Health: Asbestos Tile Removal in Commercial Flooring -
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/asbestos/floortile/index.html#com

School Is In Session, So Are Germs

Briana Smith — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:30:00 GMT

By taking the simple step of implementing a hygiene program, schools can significantly cut their risk of illness.

Originally published in Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online
By Amanda Martini-Hughes

As the calendar turns from one year to the next, from December to January, we find ourselves in the thick of the cold and flu season.

It happens every year, but every year we seem to be caught off guard.

There are, however, plenty of ways to stave off the yearly crud, one of which begins with education.

A study conducted by Kimberly-Clark Professional over a period of seven months found that schools are extreme culprits of harboring and spreading germs that cause illnesses like the cold and flu.

With the help of the company, schools introduced hand hygiene and education programs and saw significant improvements in the levels of contamination within just a few months.

Recognizing A Problem

It’s not a new notion that schools can be great big breeding grounds for bacteria, in fact one of the worst culprits out there.

Students are in close contact with each other and their surroundings day in and day out, sharing everything from idle gossip to the toys at recess, which means that they are in close contact with the germs that their peers, and even teachers, may unknowingly be passing along.

Kimberly-Clark Professional recognized the impact that germ transmission can have on schools, both because of the illnesses that it can cause in students and teachers alike, but also because of how unchecked germs transmission can lead to absenteeism.

The study identified key germ “hot spots” in the schools and then went on to test the surface contamination of some of the most frequently touched objects in six elementary schools, utilizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing to determine baseline contamination levels; those schools then implemented the Super Germ Fighters program, a customized educational program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, along with The Healthy Classroom Station, which provides kid-friendly products in order to help teach students how to “wash, wipe and sanitize.”

Significant Findings

Initial contamination levels of the hot spots were surprising, with desks, door handles, water fountain handles, computer mice, bathroom stall door locks and cafeteria table being the top offenders.

However, throughout the seven months of the study, once proper practices and education were introduced those contamination levels dropped by impressive percentages, but better still, there was a significant increase in the students’ understands of germs and germ transmission, with teachers believing that understanding had increased by more than 300 percent.

This exemplified what we should have already known: Educating, from a young age, about the importance of good hygiene practices is extremely important.

“Good hygiene habits are instilled through education and engagement. Visual communication tools combined with lesson plans and the right product solutions will help motivate students to adopt good hygiene habits,” said Richard Marriott, education target market leader for Kimberly-Clark Professional.

“However, teacher engagement is equally important. To help promote the importance of proper hygiene practices, teachers need to have educational materials and tools available right in their classrooms.”

Having the right tools and educational materials will help drive the behavior changes that are necessary for any kind of significant reduction in germs or spread of germs.

Starting this education on an elementary school level is significant because it allows students to begin to develop these healthy habits at a young age.

“The study results demonstrate that providing young students with age-appropriate educational materials and products designed to instill good hygiene habits can have a profound effect on behaviors, which in turn can reduce germs inside and outside the classroom,” Marriot explained.

“These results are even more significant when you consider the impact that illnesses can have on students, parents and teachers.”

Student Driven Success

The Healthy Classroom Station used in the study was invented by students in the classroom, all based upon their feedback and interactions during the design process.

Kimberly-Clark Professional found including the students in the design process was an important step because the product that was ultimately created was something that the students would like and would use, therefore supporting the program while also being fun, engaging and appropriate for the classroom environment.

Because the stations were something the students would actually use, they were engaged and able to learn more about how their own habits could impact those around them.

Schools alone, however, cannot fight the good fight against germs alone: The battle against germs, especially with young children, must be a two-front battle, both at school and at home.

“During our pilot study, 85 percent of parents said that hand hygiene should be an important part of the regular classroom lesson plan for their children. That said, ensuring these habits are reinforced at home, through both parental practice and communication is critical to ultimate success,” explained Dr. Kelly Arehart.

Healthy habits are usually learned at an early age and with their repeated success can be nurtured into adulthood, thus ensuring that the habit learned in childhood will continue to have a significant and lasting impact, not only on the individual, but on the health of those around them.

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About the Author
Amanda Martini-Hughes is the assistant editor of Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine. A graduate from Siena College, she can be reached at AMartini-Hughes@EBSCO.com. Since joining the publication, Martini-Hughes has worked on numerous industry articles and is responsible for populating the industry's only daily electronic newsletter, CM e-News Daily. Chat online: Facebook.com/CMMOnline and Twitter.com/CMeNewsDaily.

Source: http://www.cmmonline.com/articles/230101-school-is-in-session-so-are-germs

The 10 Commandments of Carpet Care During Winter Months

Briana Smith — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Having a maintenance program in place for taking care of your carpets is important in all weather conditions, not just winter, but some seasons need more attention than others. During the winter months we see a lot more rain, snow, dirt and debris entering our buildings and carpets can take a beating. Having an effective plan for daily/interim/deep cleaning is half the battle, but proper staff training is just as important for keeping your carpets in good shape.

Hang a calendar in the janitor’s closet, or have a log, to keep track of when non-routine tasks have been completed or use it to schedule seasonal extraction cleaning. Not only will you not have to remember the last time you deep cleaned, but multiple staff members will be in the same page. Better yet, consider using interim or deep cleaning tasks as training opportunities for teaching new staff or as a brush up reminder for experienced staff!

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The 10 Commandments (OK, maybe we should call them recommendations) of Carpet Care During Winter Months

Originally pulished in U.S. Products - February 22, 2013 eNewsletter

1) Keep outside dirt outside. More then 80 percent of the soil and moisture on indoor carpet is tracked in as people walk into buildings. Keep building exteriors clean so that less dirt ends up inside.

2) Place and maintain walk-off mats. Mats, at least 12-15 feet long, should be placed at all building entries to absorb soil and moisture before it gets on indoor carpeting.

3) Vacuum more to clean less. Vacuum all high-traffic areas, entries, and main hallways more often. Vacuuming not only removes dry soil, but it also keeps it from becoming airborne and spreading, covering desks, cabinets and surfaces.

4) Use efficient vacuum cleaners. Commercial, high-efficiency vacuum cleaners in good working order are essential to good carpet care. Vacuums with HEPA air-filtration systems help keep the indoor air clean and the environment healthy.

5) Have a spot-removal program in place, weekly or monthly. Also, keep a plan in place to deal with the build-up of ice melt or salt in carpets. More frequent deep cleaning will be required if you are in a snowy climate.

6) Focus on the lower floors first. Spend more time and effort cleaning and vacuuming lower floors. Soil removed on the lower floors has less chance of traveling throughout the building.

7) Carpet stairs and elevators. Stairs and elevators are among the first areas to collect tracked-in dirt. Carpeting these areas helps trap dirt, and frequent vacuuming will keep it from moving throughout the facility.

8) Deep clean with hot-water extraction. Hot-water extraction is generally recognized as the best way to revitalize and deep clean carpet. Heat is essential in all cleaning. To be most effective, the carpet cleaning solution should be at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit at the wand tip. As a general guideline, hot-water extraction should be carried out two to three times per year depending on traffic, area and use.

9) Pre-spray and then groom. Pre-spray visibly soiled and spotted areas on carpets and then agitate with a carpet groomer or rake. Allow 5 to 10 minutes of dwell time to loosen and emulsify soiled areas.

10) Involve the building's tenants. An effective carpet maintenance involves the building's occupants. The more actively involved building users are in the cleanliness and maintenance of their own facility the more likely the building's carpets will stay clean and the building healthy.

Source: www.usproducts.com

Forget the Car, Buy or Lease a Chariot by Windsor

Briana Smith — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Interview with Doug Pfaff from Windsor

Purchasing or leasing a machine can be like buying a car. You are looking for something that fits your needs, there are different makes & models available to choose from, you are learning to use something new, etc. And there are differences too. First off, you don’t have to walk miles around a lot, which is always a plus. When you buy or lease a machine from WAXIE you can get: hands-on training, a partner in managing your cleaning needs, a Service Center that can make on-site repairs & estimates (when applicable), and more!

Windsor has been in the cleaning industry for over 40 years and they know a thing or two about cleaning equipment & machines. Recently WAXIE had the chance to talk with Doug Pfaff, Windsor’s Director of Business Development, all about their machines and how they are an integral part of a facility’s cleaning program. In our interview, Doug explains what to look for when leasing or purchasing your own Chariot, not to mention how using equipment can help improve indoor air quality, and his favorite Windsor machine.

About Windsor

What values does Windsor, as a company, embody?
Windsor designs quality products that are built to last. We measure our success by the success of our customers.
In three words/phrases, describe your product(s).
Innovative
Reliable
Powerful Cleaning Solutions
Define what clean means to you.
A successful program must not only manage the people cleaning, the surfaces they clean, and the equipment they clean with, it must also reduce the environmental impacts of the cleaning process and provide a safer environment for the building occupants.

The Nitty Gritty

What should someone ask when they’re looking to rent or own a machine or other piece of equipment?
Renting equipment is usually for a one time cleaning application. A facility should have a maintenance program. The proper equipment will help maintain the cleanliness of the facility. Using equipment on a consistent schedule will reduce your total cleaning costs of a facility.
How does someone choose the right machine or equipment for their facility?
WAXIE Sales Consultants will help you choose the right equipment. They will ask about your cleaning program and what is the desired appearance of your facility. Then they will determine the correct equipment for your cleaning needs based on frequency of cleaning tasks performed, square feet to clean, labor hours of the facility, and the budget for your facility.
Is leasing a machine like buying a car?
Not really, leasing a machine is an inexpensive way to get the equipment you need to clean your facility. A lease is typically 24 or 36 months long but you tend to own the equipment once the lease expires. The monthly payments during the lease covers the cost of the equipment for most lease options.

The Green Story

Do any of your machines &/or equipment have the CRI Seal of Approval or other third-party certifications?
Yes, Windsor has virtually all of our vacuums and carpet extractors CRI approved. Many of our products are LEED^® Qualified - including our vacuums, carpet extractors, floor scrubbers, sweepers, and burnishers.
What’s your take on sustainability and the green movement when it comes to machines and cleaning?
Windsor manufactures our equipment to last, not for the landfill. Windsor’s green message focuses on three components - Process, Equipment and Chemical. Windsor conducts Green seminars across the country, educating our industry in the necessity to develop a Green Program for their facility. Windsor has implemented a Green Program at our manufacturing plant in Colorado.
Can your machines & equipment help improve indoor air quality?
Absolutely. Windsor vacuums have HEPA filtration which reduces the dust particles in the air we breathe. Windsor scrubbers can have maintenance free AGM batteries that reduce the risk of the operator coming in contact with chemical and atmospheric contamination.
Are there any new trends or exciting innovations in machines & equipment within the upcoming year?
Windsor has been inventing innovative equipment for over 40 years and this year we will have a few new machines. The Chariot platform has changed the industry by bringing a more productive method to cleaning programs. Stay tuned for some new products later this year.

The Fun Stuff

Best cleaning advice.
Create a plan before you get started. This will help you understand what to do, when to do it, and with the correct products to get it done.
Which one of your machines has the best name?
Chariot! Who doesn’t want to stand on a Chariot!!!
Name the one vacuum attachment or accessory that you can’t live without.
Expandable vacuum hose - allows the operator to extend the cleaning wand to reach up to 12’ high.
Is there a machine that should be invented?
If I knew one, Windsor would have already invented it.
What’s the one question you wish someone would ask you about Windsor?
How can a Windsor vacuum still work after 30 years?

WANT MORE?

Computer Cleaning - Hotspots for Germs in the Office

Briana Smith — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:29:00 GMT

Originally published on American Cleaning Institute® For Better Living

Think about all the "public" surfaces you touch on your way to work – railings, door handles, coins and tokens, cash machines, elevator buttons and more. Then, when you get to your destination, washing your hands probably isn't the first thing you do. Instead, you probably grab a cup of coffee and turn on your computer. If you power up before you clean up, all the germs and bacteria that commuted with you are transferred from your hands to your workstation. Ugh! And then, if someone else sits down at your computer, you've got all the germs that tagged along with them, too.

Before you begin, remember the two golden rules of computer cleaning:

Be sure the computer is off before you clean any part of it – keyboard, monitor screen, mouse, printer or housings.
Never spray cleaner directly onto any part of the computer. Spray it onto a cloth, and then gently wipe.

Keyboard: Clean the keys with a cleaning wipe or a cloth sprayed with an all-purpose cleaner. Make this the first thing you do every morning before you turn on the computer. To remove the dirt, dust and other debris that gets caught between the keys, turn it upside down and shake gently to dislodge the particles. An air duster is also a great aid in removing all these bits and pieces that get lodged inside the keyboard.

Mouse: It's also a good idea to clean the mouse before the start of the workday. Use a cleaning wipe or a cloth sprayed with an all-purpose cleaner.

Monitor: Use a microfiber cloth, either dry or dampened with clean water, or a product specially formulated for computer screens. If you use anything else, you run the risk of damaging the screen. Clean the monitor several times a week, as a dirty monitor can cause eyestrain.

Surrounding surfaces (including computer housings and desktops): Since there are probably coffee and food stains lurking amidst the dust, use an all-purpose cleaner with a disinfectant.

Printer: Consider how often you push the button on the printer and how seldom you think about cleaning it!

Telephone: Even if you're the only one using it, it's still transmission central for germs and bacteria that cause ear, nose and eye infections. Clean it daily using a hard-surface disinfectant cleaner or a wipe.

Source: http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/computer_cleaning.aspx

Ask Sadie: The Benefits of Matting Programs

Briana Smith — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:29:00 GMT

Q: Hey Sadie- How do I know what kind of mat(s) I need for my facility? -Steven

A: Hello Steven, Having a matting program is the best way of adding mats to a facility. Not only are mats a great way to protect your floors, especially in inclement weather, but they can add traction for feet near pools (in gyms, schools, etc.), help prevent worker fatigue where people stand all day (such as in commercial kitchens, manufacturing facilities, etc.), and many other various applications.

Often it’s best to have different types of mats that are specific to the needs of the various areas in your building or facility. For instance, one would not use an anti-fatigue mat for an entryway, as you'd want it in an area that someone would be standing all day, as opposed to people wiping their feet of debris when entering a building. And that's why having a matting program is the optimal solution.

Understanding matting terms is important to figuring out what you need...wiper mats vs. scraper mats vs. wiper/scraper mats. CleanLink.com has published an article defining various mat-related terms that often need clarifying (read below for "Ten Terms Everyone Should Know About Mats").

Mats provide many benefits including:

Longer life for carpets & hard floor surfaces
Easy maintenance
Saves you money (by protecting your carpets & hard floor surfaces)
Provides traction for shoes in bad weather
Improves indoor air quality by keeping out more dirt, grime and dust
Prevents more slips & falls
Defends against worker fatigue (especially foot, leg and back pain)
Enhances the appearance of a facility, plus comes in a variety of colors & styles

If you’d like to implement a matting program in your facility, contact WAXIE (800) 995-4466 and we’ll help you create a customized program specific to your needs. We can also answer any of your matting questions.

Want to learn more about protecting your carpets? Download WAXIE’s Carpet Care Resource Guide.

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Ten Terms Everyone Should Know About Mats

Originally published on CleanLink.com

There are a variety of matting options that are designed for and used in a plethora of facilities. These options can cause confusion and, according to JoAnne Boston, business development head at Crown Mats and Matting, the various types can be misunderstood by cleaning professionals.

“A good example of this is the term high-performance mat,” says Boston. “While it sounds like it refers to how well a mat performs, it actually refers to how long it lasts. A high-performance mat is designed to withstand very heavy foot traffic and last between three and five years.”

Other mat-related terms that often need clarification are:

Wiper: Wiper mats are placed inside the doors of a facility to absorb any remaining moisture and soil on a walker’s shoes.
Scraper: Scraper mats are placed outside a facility and are intended to aggressively scrape soil and debris from shoe bottoms.
Wiper/Scraper: Wiper/scraper mats wipe and dry shoe bottoms and are placed following a scraper mat but before a wiper mat.
Ergonomic: Ergonomic mats offer a combination of softness (give) and support (resilience) to help reduce worker fatigue.
Anti-Fatigue: Anti-fatigue mats offer even greater comfort, bounce and support to help increase worker productivity and decrease pain, injuries, and soreness.
Anti-static: Anti-static mats are designed to help reduce static electricity.
Non-conductive: Non-conductive mats help insulate and protect workers from serious shocks that can be generated by high voltage.
Specialty: Something of a catch-all, this terms refers to a variety of different matting products; for instance, a mat placed under a chair to protect the floor below, a gym mat, even a meditation mat.
Bi-level: Bi-level mats store soil and water below shoe level for later removal. This prevents contaminants from being transferred onto floor surfaces.

“You’d be surprised how many people still think of mats as just being door mats,” adds Boston. “The entire matting industry has come a long way from just making door mats.”

Source: http://www.cleanlink.com/15187news/

Like this article? Leave a comment below.

Microfiber Technology and It's Return On Investment

Briana Smith — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Microfiber technology increases productivity for custodial departments

By BJ Mandelstam, the founder and president of Cleaning Matters, Denver

Twenty years after microfiber's debut and success throughout Europe, the United States is still slowly embracing microfiber technology. Often, it's a product that is misunderstood, underutilized and considered too expensive. Despite these perceptions, studies show that microfiber technology makes for a cost-effective cleaning tool that can reduce labor hours and dollars from the bottom line.

As demand has grown for microfiber technology — specifically mops and cloths — manufacturers have created products that are more effective, easier to use and more affordable. There are many new factors to consider when calculating the true return on investment (ROI). A properly implemented microfiber-based cleaning program can streamline cleaning tasks, improve cleanliness, while reducing water and chemical usage. It's also a cost-avoidance program — microfiber technology minimizes product replacement, and if used properly, helps preserve interior finishes, saving thousands of dollars and labor-hours in restoration.

Microfiber Technology Increases Productivity

Microfiber technology, specifically many of the miocrofiber mopping and dusting systems are designed with the user in mind. The systems significantly reduce heavy lifting and awkward twisting associated with wringing and using a wet string mop. This is primarily due to eliminating the need for repeated fillings, lifting, moving and dumping of mop buckets.

When using ergonomic tools, workers dramatically reduce the risk for repetitive stress injuries such as back strain, which cost millions of dollars in workers' compensation claims every year. At the same time, the lightweight microfiber mops are also ergonomically designed to maximize custodial productivity.

An evaluation conducted by one cleaning operation found that switching to lightweight microfiber technology flat mops increased custodial productivity by 18 percent. The cleaning times were also reduced because the lighter weight microfiber flat mop was faster to maneuver than a cotton string mop.

An important factor that is rarely considered when calculating ROI is the intrinsic value of microfiber technology. Introducing a new cleaning tool, such as microfiber technology, can impact the perception of the facility's occupants and the custodial employees. The move can also result in harder-to-quantify returns such as improved custodial staff morale.

However, a custodial manager can prove that microfiber improves health, hygiene and indoor air quality by conducting ATP measurements on surfaces within the facility. Areas properly cleaned with microfiber should show an improvement over areas cleaned with traditional tools.

Incorporating microfiber technology into a cleaning system can offer a rapid return on investment when every factor is quantified. Improvements in terms of increased labor efficiencies, reduced employee injury, improved cleanliness, reuse capabilities, and reduced water and chemical consumption, all impact the bottom line. The cumulative value of all these factors is what counts.

Tips To Selecting Microfiber Technology

Not all microfiber is created equal. Custodial managers should evaluate the following factors when selecting a good quality product:

• Durability – the number of times a microfiber can move across an abrasive surface before wearing through, degrading or developing holes.
• Abrasiveness – the higher the scrub factor the better the performance of the cloth in removing dirt and bacteria from a surface or microscopic crevice.
• Absorbency – the more liquid the cloth will absorb and hold.
• Wash Cycles – the longevity of the cloth through machine wash and dry cycles before deteriorating.

Source - Housekeeping Solutions: http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Microfiber-Technology-And-Its-Return-On-Investment--15031

For more info on BJ Mandelstam & Cleaning Matters visit www.onlycleaningmatters.com.

Total Restroom Care Seminar at WAXIE Tucson - January 24, 2013

Briana Smith — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:19:00 GMT

Our Total Restroom Care Seminars in both WAXIE Mesa & Tucson were an absolute success thanks to the hard work of the presenters, including Rob Abeln from Rubbermaid, and to all who showed up. Let us know what you liked best about the seminar or what you'd like to learn about in a future restroom care seminar in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!

Our highlights from the WAXIE Tucson seminar are below.

For more information on any of the products that we showed, click on the links below, stop by our facility or call your WAXIE Sanitary Maintenance Consultant.

Grouted Tile Maintenance System | Machines & Accessories | Hand Hygiene Solutions | Rubbermaid HYGEN Clean Water System

Paper Towels vs. Hand Dryers

Briana Smith — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:30:00 GMT

A predicament of personal preference for removing moisture from hands.

Originally published in Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online

For the 71 percent of Americans that a recent survey from SCA Tissue says actually wash after using the restroom — not just the quick rinse-and-dash, that doesn’t count — a solution is needed for removing moisture from their hands.

Hotels and high-end boutiques don’t much factor into this discussion because they tend to have linens to complete the handwashing process.

However, in other commercial locations like educational institutions, healthcare facilities and government-affiliated, state-owned or municipality-run complexes, staffs and other building occupants know the pros and cons of an age-old issue have been weighed out: Paper towels versus hand dryers.

After visiting handwashing stations or restrooms, their hand drying option — paper towels of various fiber contents, hand dryers in numerous configurations or the option of both — hinges on an important conversation that every individual in a supervisory or managerial level has had or absolutely needs to have with key personnel in the custodial, janitorial or maintenance department.

The predominant pair of problem-solvers presiding over this predicament are paper towels and hand dryers.

Some facilities managers provide their patrons with a choice; they both stock their restrooms with paper towels and have hand dryers installed.

Other decision-makers have taken choice out of the equation, selecting either paper towels or hand dryers as the exclusive drying option in their restrooms.

Price, maintenance and environmental footprint are generally factored into the selection process, as each has an influence on budgets, workloads and sustainability goals.

But, what is often not factored into the equation is what restroom patrons want to use and what frontline professionals want to maintain.

And, given that this is a service business of the utmost competitiveness — budgets are being cut, contracts are being underbid and entire operations are being outsourced to save money, remain competitive and increase profits — customer satisfaction is principal.

“Offering only paper towels or an air dryer in a restroom isn’t patron-friendly,”states Samantha Mehrotra of the Cascades Tissue Group.

Industry research says customers want a hand drying choice, claiming it is important to have paper towels and hand dryers as drying options.

A spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark Professional (KCP) says, “People use paper towels for more than drying their hands; paper towels are used to touch door handles and water faucets, wipe faces and spot clean clothing — tasks that an air dryer simply can’t do.”

Tit For Tat

It can be surmised that providing restroom patrons with a choice is preferred but, if that is not an option in your facility, which drying route do you go?

One type of hand dryer where the user inserts their hands from the top or the dryer & slowly pulls them out while a blast of air dries their hands

According to Bill Gagnon, director of marketing and key accounts for Excel Dryer, a quality high-speed hand dryer can eliminate the need for a paper towel dispenser in most cases, cutting waste as well as the expense of stocking and maintaining the dispenser.

“Increasingly, high-speed hand dryers are being specified to handle the bulk of hand drying needs in a restroom,” notes Gagnon. “For example, a facility that may have previously installed three or four paper towel dispensers may choose to install one to help augment the personal care needs of restroom patrons. This option meets the needs of patrons and the facility managers who wish to reduce maintenance, waste and create a cleaner, hands-free environment.”

As convenient as hand dryers are, it is difficult to dismiss research championing the hygienic properties of drying with paper towels.

Mehrotra proclaims, “A study conducted earlier this year in part by Dyson Ltd., makers of the Dyson Airblade hand dryer, conceded that ‘rubbing with paper towels appeared to be the best means of reducing bacterial loading on the fingertips.’”

The findings of the Dyson study are consistent with the results of an earlier research effort spearheaded the University of Westminster in London.

“The Westminster study found that, when participants used paper towels to dry their hands, the number of bacteria was reduced by up to 77 percent whereas air dryers actually increased the number of most bacteria on hands — up to 254 percent more for warm air dryers and 42 percent more for jet air dryers,” continues Mehrotra.

As one might expect, however, research has been conducted for both camps, and compelling arguments can be made regarding the superiority of either choice of drying apparatus.

Gagnon argues that, because of the dry atmosphere caused by constant heating, bacteria counts are often two to four times lowerinside a hand dryer than on other surfaces in the restroom, such as sinks, doorknobs and soap dispensers.

And, a pertinent study published in the December 2011 edition of the American Journal of Infection Control notes that bacteria was found on unused paper towels, meaning possible contamination can be spread unknowingly by some potential users of paper towels.

In response to a recent Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine poll, DeEon Phillippi, building maintenance supervisor for Century College, offered the following: “Hand dryers leave less of a mess on the floor. They also reduce other costs such as those associated with removing the refuse from restrooms, the cost of liners and overall waste removal costs.”

Countering Common Points

Countless studies, surveys and research undertakings can be cited and sourced to argue that one hand drying option is superior to another, but the truth is that the method chosen is more of a personal preference than anything.

Some say that paper towels add to deforestation and simply create refuse as an outdated hand drying option.

“Unlike paper towels, hand dryers leave no refuse behind, which can carry bacteria,” points out Gagnon.

To remedy this, many manufacturers now offer their paper towels with various levels of recycled content to show their commitment to source reduction.

Aside from the refuse issue, select paper towels are now being made with antimicrobial treatments that inhibit germ and bacterial replication.

“New innovations in paper manufacturing over the last several years have made it so recycled fiber sources can be produced to be just as soft, fluffy and absorbent as virgin fiber sources,” quips Mehrotra.

Some manufacturers are looking towards third-party validation to prove their environmental commitments and are choosing raw materials from sustainably-harvested forests and incorporating non-tree fibers into their offerings.

“It’s the next step on our sustainability journey — one that reinforces our commitment to ‘Reduce Today, Respect Tomorrow,’” asserts a KCP spokesperson. “Today, alternative fiber products use up to 20 percent fewer trees than conventional products.”

It is said that air dryers simply blow germs and bacteria around the restroom.

To counter this, some makers of hand dryers have fitted their machines with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that remove 99.97 percent of potentially present bacteria and particulates that measure .3 microns or larger from the air.

Responding to a Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine poll on hand drying, Alan Goytowski, custodial services supervisor for the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, opines, “I’m voting for paper. True, there is debris on the floor and more trees cut down. But, there is not the spray of soiled water against everything near the dryer.”

Others claim that paper towels do not penetrate irregularities in skin, leaving them moist.

Although paper towels are able to dry hands through physical means, scouring away fomites and other particulates, clinical research has shown that the warm air of heated air dryers can “penetrate all the crevices in the skin, whereas absorbent towels may not reach such areas, even though the skin appears dry.”

Hygiene Is The Important Discussion

An estimated 80 percent of infections in the U.S. are transmitted by hand contact.

And, according to the Mayo Clinic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), handwashing is the key to hygiene — regardless of which drying method is chosen.

“As a society, we’re lazy when it comes to hand hygiene,” offers Mehrotra. “Consider that post-H1N1, 54 percent of people aren’t washing their hands often or more effectively than they did before the pandemic started. The beauty of innovation is that it compensates for peoples’ imperfect hand hygiene habits and prevents them from getting sicker.”

This is why, regardless of whether you and your building occupants prefer paper towels or hand dryers, all thoughts, opinions and supporting data needs to be placed on the discussion table.

Only with all of the facts and figures can an informed decision — one that takes into account hygiene, costs, maintenance, sustainability and occupant satisfaction — be made that best meets the drying needs of those in your facility while augmenting your economic and environmental goals.

Source: http://www.cmmonline.com/articles/229763-paper-towels-versus-hand-dryers

The Difficulty of Keeping Restrooms Clean

Briana Smith — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:30:00 GMT

Six tips to efficiently sanitize restrooms, the locations of top priority in commercial facilities.

By: Steve Kovacs, Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online

It’s considered one of the most significant rooms to clean in any business or facility: The restroom. According to the 2010 Procter & Gamble (P&G) Professional “Cleaning in a Down Economy” survey, 65 percent of respondents said the restroom is the most important room to clean and 39 percent said it is the most difficult room to clean. This tough-to-clean area makes up five percent of a facility’s total square footage, yet it represents 20 percent of the total labor budget, 40 percent of the soil and 50 percent of consumer complaints, according to the American Institute for Cleaning Sciences (AICS).

With all of these statistics in mind, it’s no wonder this small but heavily used space should be considered a top priority when it comes to sanitizing in an effective and efficient way. In fact, a 2008 Harris Interactive survey reported that an unsanitary restroom will drive almost one-third of customers away. The level of restroom hygiene can greatly affect the overall impression of the facility or business.

Restrooms contain a dozen or more highly-touched objects like door handles, toilet seats, urinals, faucets and sinks, flushing levers, counters, partitions and soap, paper and feminine hygiene dispensers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if a patron touches one or more contaminated surfaces and then touches an area on his or her face, there is a greater chance for transmission of human microbial pathogens. Since restrooms can potentially harbor these bacteria and viruses, it is critical that they be cleaned regularly and correctly to maintain a clean appearance and remain odor-free.

The following tips offer best practices for any restroom sanitation program:

1. Educate cleaning staffs

The first step in a restroom cleaning program is to ensure that staffs understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning is the process of removing the soil from a surface, as soil harbors germs such as Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Salmonella and influenza. Disinfecting is the process of killing these germs. Cleaning well allows the disinfecting agents to work more effectively than disinfecting alone. FAQs about the differences between disinfecting & sanitizing.

2. Create a cleaning checklist

Workers will do what you inspect, not always what you expect. Put together a checklist inspection sheet to help ensure that every task is completed each and every time.

3. Get it right the first time

Multipurpose cleaning products can be a great way to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. Products that are formulated to remove a broad range of target soils and disinfect simultaneously can help get the job done right the first time while also saving time and money. Such multipurpose products are formulated with acid, surfactants and solvents to remove all types of restroom soil.

4. Allow proper dwell time

Whether using a multipurpose product or stand-alone disinfectant, the solution must be left on surfaces as indicated on the label instructions in order to be most effective. Cleaning professionals should avoid simply spraying and wiping and instead read and follow label instructions carefully, regardless of brand. Learn how to read a label.

5. Prevent cross-contamination

Preventing cross-contamination requires regular and thorough top-to-bottom cleaning of high-touch contact surfaces such as doorknobs, faucets and dispensers with the proper cleaning and disinfecting solution(s) and tools. It also requires cleaning and sanitizing the tools themselves. And, always place a trash receptacle by the door because patrons will often grab the door handle with a towel to prevent further germs.

Use microfiber to color code your cleaning tasks & to help prevent cross-contamination!

6. Exceed public expectations

Patrons expect to enter a clean restroom when they visit a business or facility.
This definition of clean can include:

• Surfaces free of noticeable soils and sanitized
• Emptied trashcans with new liners
• No visible graffiti or other vandalism
• Paper products restocked and operational
• No evident dust on vents, partition tops or ledges
• No odors
• Towel edges visible/extended
• Drains flowing freely
• Vents open with adequate airflow
• Toilet seats up
• Mirrors and chrome spot-free and shining
• No stains or discoloration on fixtures/dispensers
• Floors free of litter, build up and moisture.

These simple tips can help ensure an effective and efficient cleaning and disinfecting routine that promotes good customer service and makes the most of staffs’ valuable time and resources.

Like any other task in day-to-day life, if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right the first time.

A well-designed restroom hygiene program that incorporates cleaning and disinfecting best practices and the proper tools, equipment and chemicals will accomplish just that..

Source: http://www.cmmonline.com/articles/229906-the-difficulty-of-keeping-restrooms-clean

Steve Kovacs is the research and development section head for Procter & Gamble Professional where he leads product development and customer understanding for cleaning product solutions provided for the hospitality, healthcare and building, cleaning and maintenance businesses. Kovacs, who holds bachelors and masters degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisville and an MBA degree from Xavier University, is an inventor on seven U.S. patents.