Pressure Washer Do's and Don'ts - Cleaning Equipments

Do’s

1. Always verify the GPM output of the supply hose is adequate for machine.  Check supply filter.
2. Always check engine and pump for proper level and color of oil before every use.
3. Always shut unit down when letting go of the gun jet more than 30 – 45 seconds.
4. Always change oils regularly every 250-300 hours of use (pump and engine).
5. Always shut down burner first, run for 1-2 minutes or until cold, and then shut the engine down. (Applicable only to hot water units).  Always run at full throttle while burner is on.
6. Always make sure supply valve (house or jobsite) is open all the way.
7. Always get valves adjusted every 300 hours or warranty is void.
8. Always run antifreeze through unit during the winter months, and if more than two months will elapse between uses.  If using during freezing temperatures, run antifreeze immediately after each use.

Don’ts

1. Never walk away from a unit while running in by-pass for more than 45 seconds.
2. Never kink supply or high pressure hose, or run over with a car or forklift.
3. Never run a unit with water leaks anywhere on the machine (gun jet, hose, fittings, etc.).
4. Never continue to run a unit with milky or metallic oil.  Running a unit until it quits just to finish a job is costly.
5. Never throttle down an engine while the burner is running, or shut down a unit while the burner is on.
6. Never tip a machine over or run it at an angle: the oil will not properly lubricate the internal parts.
7. Never allow the unit to freeze.  Just blowing out water will still leave enough water in the unit to cause major damage when the unit freezes.

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Consumer Pressure Washers - Cleaning Equipments, Cleaning Services

Pressure washers designed with the casual user in mind; someone who will be using the machine less than 100 hours per year.  We sell units that have brass pump heads and are economically repairable.   These are a cut above the units sold in the big box stores.   Most have commercial style couplers and can take advantage of a wide variety of accessories to handle your diverse cleaning jobs.

 

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Cleaning without Chemicals - Vacuum Cleaner

Many people are concerned about using chemicals during cleaning as they are perceived to be potentially harmful to the environment and the person using them. No one wants to use chemicals unless they have to, so cleaning methods that reduce or remove the need for them are becoming more popular and dry steam cleaning is one of them.

Using dry steam for industrial cleaning

The efficacy of steam as a cleaning medium has been known for many years and has demonstrable benefits in carrying out industrial cleaning. The basic principle of a dry steam cleaner is that, by putting the water in the boiler under pressure, the boiling point of the water is raised to achieve saturated steam i.e. steam with insignificant water content – usually 5-6%. Steam produced in a pressure washer, for example, has a high water content which may be adequate for some cleaning, but it does not effectively sanitise a surface. Effective sanitation is only achieved where the temperature of the steam is above 140°C when micro-organisms such as bacteria and dust mites will be killed. The high temperature of the steam emulsifies oil and grease as well as destroying germs, which allows the liquefied residue to be removed by vacuum or other means such as a micofibre cloth. A dry steam cleaner can be used on most surfaces except those that are very sensitive to heat. The advantage of this type of cleaner means both a reduction in the use of chemicals and also in water usage, which benefits both the environment and the personnel using it.

Why use a dry steam cleaner

A dry steam cleaner is a versatile cleaning machine that has the advantage of leaving a surface not only looking clean but also being thoroughly sanitised. They can be used in a variety of industrial and commercial settings including hospitals, schools, shopping centres and office buildings. There are also machines designed specifically for chewing gum removal which is a problem for many local authorities and businesses.
Before buying or hiring a steam cleaner there are a few things to consider including:

• The boiler should be made of stainless steel to provide more resistance to lime scale.
• Does the cleaner have continuous water fill?
• The dry steam cleaner should be robustly constructed as it is being used in an industrial environment, with possibly a number of different operators.
• There should be accessories which will enable a thorough cleaning job to be carried out. For example, different brushes and lances suitable for cleaning particular areas.
• Is a vacuum facility required to remove residue?
• Is the machine easily portable?
• What steam pressure is required
• Is a detergent delivery system required
• The surface to be cleaned and sanitised

Using a dry steam cleaner will drastically reduce the need for detergents used in other cleaning methods. It is anticipated that detergent use would be reduced within a range of 80 to 90% and the use of water by up to 95%. Using a dry steam cleaner gives not only environmental advantages but also economic ones as well.
There are many factors to consider before buying or hiring a steam cleaner and before entering into a contract, be sure that the machine will do what you expect it to. If in doubt get expert advice and you can always hire for a period before buying to make sure it does what you want it to. See some examples.

Natural Floors - How to Clean Stone - Scrubber Dryer

Cleaning a stone floor may seem a simple task but stone, being a natural material, has to be treated carefully and because there are so many different types of stone flooring each has to be treated in its own particular way.

Stone varies in durability and texture, for instance marble is dense and hard wearing whereas sandstone for example is also hard wearing but also less dense than marble making it susceptible to staining. The best way to keep a stone floor looking good is regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of deposits and stains which can accumulate over time. In a commercial environment efficient cleaning is important as it limits the time that the cleaning operation potentially interferes with the working day.

There are cleaning machines available for cleaning stone floors which are considerably quicker than a mop and bucket, and more health and safety friendly! For general cleaning of large stone floors a scrubber dryer would fit the bill as its rotating brushes together with a proprietary chemical solution suitable for the type of stone floor being cleaned, ensures effective cleaning. A more adaptable machine is the rotary floor cleaning machine also known as a single disc machine. This type of stone floor cleaning machine allows for the cleaning brush or pad to be changed easily to suit the cleaning purpose. For instance when cleaning marble floors a diamond finisher pad can be attached which grinds out the imperfections of the stone to return it to its original condition. There are various attachments for cleaning, buffing and polishing which means one machine can carry out a variety of cleaning actions. Once the floor has been cleaned it should be sealed with a good quality sealant to protect the surface and make any spillages or stains easier to remove.

So there is complexity in cleaning stone floors as there are so many variables. The type of stone, the degree of staining, even the accessibility to carry out the cleaning operation, all play their part is deciding how to go about it. The best way to decide how to clean a stone floor is to get advice at the outset about the type of cleaning machine and cleaning products that will be needed to get the job done.

In spite of all the advances being made in the category, there’s still independent testing and the human factor to consider. According to Rathey, managers in the market for a new backpack vacuum should consider one that is approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute. From there, the machine is only as good as the human factor it takes to maintain and operate.

“When you add the human factor as part of the machine, procedures need to center around maintenance and training,” says Rathey. “While current models are more ergonomic, employee training is the basis for the best results to help prevent injuries.”

When putting together a maintenance plan for backpack vacuums, first check with the equipment manufacturer. In addition to what’s outlined by manufacturers, staff should be checking filters and cords on a regular basis.

“Filters should be emptied after every two hours of usage and micro filters should be discarded every week and replaced with new ones,” says Walker. “Cloth and exhaust filters should be rinsed out on a weekly basis and replaced when they’re worn. This helps prolong the life of the vacuum.”

It is also important for staff to wind cords properly as they move through the building.

“If this doesn’t happen, in a very short period of time, the cords will end up looking like a 50-foot long ramen noodle,” adds Walker. “Once this happens, cord breakage and torn sheathing is next.”

When checking the cords, train staff to also examine the power plug prongs.

“I see broken prongs in almost every cleaning operation I visit,” says Walker. “Cleaning workers must know that broken prongs need to be reported and extension cords need to be replaced.”

With proper care, this equipment can remain a long-lasting staple for custodial departments. Managers looking to increase cleaning efficiency and productivity of their staff should add ongoing training and maintenance procedures as equipment is introduced. They should also keep on top of equipment advancements that can streamline existing carpet care programs. - See more at: http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Proper-Maintenance-Of-Backpack-Vacuums--17403#sthash.ZOPaPQgu.dpuf

In spite of all the advances being made in the category, there’s still independent testing and the human factor to consider. According to Rathey, managers in the market for a new backpack vacuum should consider one that is approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute. From there, the machine is only as good as the human factor it takes to maintain and operate.

“When you add the human factor as part of the machine, procedures need to center around maintenance and training,” says Rathey. “While current models are more ergonomic, employee training is the basis for the best results to help prevent injuries.”

When putting together a maintenance plan for backpack vacuums, first check with the equipment manufacturer. In addition to what’s outlined by manufacturers, staff should be checking filters and cords on a regular basis.

“Filters should be emptied after every two hours of usage and micro filters should be discarded every week and replaced with new ones,” says Walker. “Cloth and exhaust filters should be rinsed out on a weekly basis and replaced when they’re worn. This helps prolong the life of the vacuum.”

It is also important for staff to wind cords properly as they move through the building.

“If this doesn’t happen, in a very short period of time, the cords will end up looking like a 50-foot long ramen noodle,” adds Walker. “Once this happens, cord breakage and torn sheathing is next.”

When checking the cords, train staff to also examine the power plug prongs.

“I see broken prongs in almost every cleaning operation I visit,” says Walker. “Cleaning workers must know that broken prongs need to be reported and extension cords need to be replaced.”

With proper care, this equipment can remain a long-lasting staple for custodial departments. Managers looking to increase cleaning efficiency and productivity of their staff should add ongoing training and maintenance procedures as equipment is introduced. They should also keep on top of equipment advancements that can streamline existing carpet care programs. - See more at: http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Proper-Maintenance-Of-Backpack-Vacuums--17403#sthash.ZOPaPQgu.dpuf

In spite of all the advances being made in the category, there’s still independent testing and the human factor to consider. According to Rathey, managers in the market for a new backpack vacuum should consider one that is approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute. From there, the machine is only as good as the human factor it takes to maintain and operate.

“When you add the human factor as part of the machine, procedures need to center around maintenance and training,” says Rathey. “While current models are more ergonomic, employee training is the basis for the best results to help prevent injuries.”

When putting together a maintenance plan for backpack vacuums, first check with the equipment manufacturer. In addition to what’s outlined by manufacturers, staff should be checking filters and cords on a regular basis.

“Filters should be emptied after every two hours of usage and micro filters should be discarded every week and replaced with new ones,” says Walker. “Cloth and exhaust filters should be rinsed out on a weekly basis and replaced when they’re worn. This helps prolong the life of the vacuum.”

It is also important for staff to wind cords properly as they move through the building.

“If this doesn’t happen, in a very short period of time, the cords will end up looking like a 50-foot long ramen noodle,” adds Walker. “Once this happens, cord breakage and torn sheathing is next.”

When checking the cords, train staff to also examine the power plug prongs.

“I see broken prongs in almost every cleaning operation I visit,” says Walker. “Cleaning workers must know that broken prongs need to be reported and extension cords need to be replaced.”

With proper care, this equipment can remain a long-lasting staple for custodial departments. Managers looking to increase cleaning efficiency and productivity of their staff should add ongoing training and maintenance procedures as equipment is introduced. They should also keep on top of equipment advancements that can streamline existing carpet care programs. - See more at: http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Proper-Maintenance-Of-Backpack-Vacuums--17403#sthash.ZOPaPQgu.dpuf

Spring Cleaning

The term “spring cleaning” can be daunting. Remembering all the little items and spaces that need attention can be difficult. Use this outline to help you quickly get through the cleaning tasks you might otherwise avoid during the rest of the year.

Wipe Down the Cabinets and Drawers
Depending on what your cabinets are made of, choose a cleaner that will not damage the surface. (A multi-surface cleaner will likely work on all cabinet surfaces, but check with the manufacturer first, or test the cleaner first in an inconspicuous area.) With a cotton cloth or paper towel, wipe down the fronts and edges of all of your cabinets and drawers to remove the grime and food buildup from dirty fingers and cooking. Then, wipe down all the handles of your cabinets and drawers with a disinfectant cleaner.

Wipe Down Backsplashes
Hopefully your counters are cleaned on a daily basis in the kitchen, but people often neglect cleaning the backsplashes behind counters, which can be susceptible to splashes from mixing bowls and pots and pans on the stove top. Wipe the walls behind the counters with a cloth rag, paper towel or sponge and multipurpose cleaner to remove cooking grime and dirt.

Clean Out the Refrigerator
Use a disinfectant cleaner and and cloth rags or paper towels to wipe out the fridge from back to front. If your fridge shelves and produce bins are removable, take them out and clean them in the sink with dish soap. Make sure you wipe down the inside of the door and the walls, as well as the front of the fridge. Use disinfectant cleaner on the handle.

Clean Appliances
This may include the toaster, microwave, coffee maker, blender or anything else that sits on your counter and is subject to daily use. Wipe evertything down with a cloth and multipurpose or disinfecting cleaning product. Remove the crumb tray from the toaster and empty that, run a pot of white vinegar through your coffee maker to clean the inside out and remove stains, and wipe down the inside of your microwave.

Clean the Oven
If your oven doesn't have a self-cleaning setting (or you just hate the smell of it) use this cleaning technique to remove grease, spills and buildup. Mix 5 tablespoons of baking soda, 5 drops of dish soap and 4 tablespoons of vinegar into a paste and use a sponge to cover the inside of the oven with it. Close the oven door and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, cover half of a lemon with salt and dish soap, and use that to scrub (and scrub!) the paste into the oven. When all the buildup is disintegrated, wipe away the cleaning solution with a damp cloth or paper towels.

Clean the Dishwasher
Freshen up the dishwasher and remove buildup by placing a glass cup full of vinegar in the top rack and running it through a cycle with the hottest water possible. (Make sure there is nothing else in the dishwasher besides the cup of vinegar.) After the cycle is done, sprinkle a a cup of baking soda around the basin and run it through another cycle with the hottest water possible. This combination of baking soda and vinegar will remove stains and soap buildup.

Sweep and Mop
Sweep and mop the kitchen floor, taking care to get into the corners and underneath cabinet edges that may be neglected during regular cleanings. Pull out the fridge and clean the flooring area where it sets. Yes, this will be a pain, but the combination of collected dust and moisture from the fridge can actually damage your flooring, not to mention cause your refrigerator to run inefficiently.

Bathroom

Clean Around the Base of the Toilet
Wipe down the base of the toilet (where it meets the floor) with a sponge or cloth and disinfectant cleaner. Pay close attention to the sides, front, and area behind the toilet, which can get dusty and are often ignored during routine cleanings.

Wipe Down the Inside of Cabinets
Take all products out of the medicine cabinet, drawers and other storage spaces. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp sponge or cotton cloth and multipurpose cleaner. Put all items back neatly when the areas are dry. Also take this time to toss any expired products and reorganize your space with what's left over.

Living Room

Deep Floor Cleaning
Pull all the furniture that sits on the floor away from the walls. This includes couches, coffee tables and any other furniture you can move. Sweep or vacuum underneath, or mop if you have tile. Put everything back and mop or vacuum one more time. You may want to rent a steamer from a grocery or hardware store to deep clean any carpeted areas.
 
Dust
Use a cotton cloth and a multi-surface spray to wipe down everything in your living room including electronics, knick-knacks, movies, books and shelves. Dust collects over time, especially in corners -- it’s time to get rid of it. Also remember to dust light fixtures, including ceiling fans. Dust collects easily on fan blades, especially over winter when you're less likely to turn the fan on. Dusting them will prevent the dirt from flinging into the air when you do start using it again.

Furniture
Give your couch and arm chairs a good vacuum with the upholstery attachment, removing the cushions to clean underneath them. Spot treat any stains the best you can, taking into account the material of your couch.

Clean Window Treatments
If you have curtains, wash them according to the manufacturer instructions on the tag and hang them when dry to prevent wrinkling.
To clean blinds, fill a bowl with hot water and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Wipe each blind individually with a microfiber cloth that has been dipped into the cleaning solution. Always wipe blinds with a clean section of cloth so to not leave streaks.

Bedroom

Vacuum or Sweep
Sweep or vacuum as with the living room, moving furniture to clean underneath.

Dust
Wipe down all dressers, nightstands and knick-knacks with a multi-surface spray and cloth.

Clean Your Bed
Remove your mattress, bed skirt and box spring from your bed frame to wipe the frame down with a damp cloth. Also wipe down the wall and floor boards behind your bed. After removing the bedding from the mattress, make a solution of 1 cup baking soda and 4 drops essential oil, such as lavender. Use a kitchen strainer to sprinkle this mixture over the surface of the mattress. Let it sit for an hour and then vacuum up with the upholstery attachment. The baking soda will draw up dirt and deodorize while the essential oil leaves behind a fresh scent.

Miscellaneous Areas

Baseboards
In all rooms and entryways, wipe baseboards with a cotton cloth that has been dipped into a multi-surface cleaner. Pay close attention to corners and high traffic areas that can be easily missed.

Windows
If you don't want to hire a professional window cleaner, this is a task you can accomplish yourself, at least for first story windows. If possible, remove the window pane and screen from the track and hose them down in the yard with a high powered spray. For a thorough cleaning, use dish soap and a sponge, rag or bristle brush for the screen. Let the screen and windows dry thoroughly in the yard before you insert them back into the window track. In the meantime, vacuum the frame out with an attachment and wipe out any visible dirt or grime from the track so the window can slide smoothly.
For windows that aren't removable, a solution of water and white vinegar works as an effective cleaner combined with a clean cloth to wipe it down.

Vents
Take all your vent covers outside and spray them off with the hose on high power. Let them air dry outside before putting them back in the house.

Pressure Washers - Cleaning Machines

Pressure washers are a vital tool in the industrial environment ensuring that cleaning is carried out to the standards and regulations required. The pressure washer has been around for many years and has developed into a wide range of types. The basic principle is the same in that water is fed into a machine and is the pumped out via a lance, exiting through an adjustable nozzle. The spray can be altered by adjusting the nozzle to suit the cleaning job in hand, the narrower the water jet the stronger the cleaning force, but less area is covered.

Selecting a Pressure Washer

Selecting the correctly sized machine from the huge range of pressure washers available can be daunting. The selection criteria are based on the type of job the appliance is required for. An example would be oil or greasy deposits which are adherent may require a high pressure to remove them, however a large hard surface area requires a lower pressure but a higher water volume. Consideration should always be given to the duty that the machine will be required to give to make sure you select the correct machine.

Types of Pressure Washers

The sophistication of pressure washers has developed over the years and there is a lot of choice. Hot water washers as well as cold are now available which are more effective if degreasing or disinfecting are required. The other advantage is that because hot water cleans better than cold, lower pressures can be used. Pressure washers can be portable or static and there are advantages to both:

• Portable Pressure Washers have an advantage as they can be moved where the cleaning is required. If the washer powered by electricity the portability is obviously restricted by the length of the power cord. Some pressure washers are available with their own power source, such as a diesel engine and can be moved around the site or off site for remote cleaning.
• Static Pressure Washers are a static wash system for premises where there is a regular requirement for hot water pressure cleaning. This would useful say in a transport company where a static jet wash facility could be used by a variety of operators at different times or in a small food processing plant where a cabinet mounted pressure washer would enable efficient cleaning. This type of stand alone hot pressure washer can be attached to a ring main system for one or two operators to access at various points to clean around the premises.

For information about pressure washers and how they can help you keep your business spotless, contact Astol Cleantech (P) Limited for the best advice and prices available.

Cleaning Equipment - Vacuum Cleaners

The range of cleaning equipment available for cleaning the industrial environment is large and varied. There is equipment to assist in all areas and can achieve levels of cleanliness and hygiene in a remarkably short space of time, resulting in less downtime and a more efficient use of resources

Types of Cleaning Equipment - Floor

Floor cleaning is a job that has to be done in all environments large and small, and there is a machine for every task. For instance the vacuum cleaner can do more than clean carpets, being available in models that can remove wet or dry residue, or even deal with hazardous dust. The floor sweeper is quite a familiar sight in commercial premises, and mechanically replicates the action of manual sweeping. The dirt is swept back under the machine by the leading rotating brush and swept further by a horizontal brush, back into a collection vessel. There are a variety of configurations and sizes to suit all applications, and to achieve the optimum results. For more adherent deposits there is the scrubber dryer, which is similar in appearance to the floor sweeper but fulfils a different function. This machine also uses a leading rotating brush but also applies a detergent solution and literally scrubs the floor. The resultant residue is then removed by a system of squeegees to leave the floor dry. Both sweepers and scrubber dryers can be pedestrian operated or ride-on depending on size. Basically there is a floor machine for every type of surface and every type of deposit.

Other Types of Cleaning Equipment

Industrial processes are by their nature prone to create dirt and pollution within the workplace and outside; sometimes the dirt and pollution is created by the public (for instance graffiti); but it all requires an efficient clean up. The development of the pressure washer over the last 40 years has improved the ability to remove stubborn dirt and to do it in a shorter time (it is particularly useful in the field of graffiti removal). Pressure washers may use hot or cold water; cold for general grime but for stubborn stains or degreasing then hot water is better. The amount of pressure used to impel the water is important as too high a pressure could damage the surface being cleaned, yet too low would render the washer less effective. A pressure washer can be portable or static. The portable washer has the advantage of being able to be moved around or even off site, however, if the cleaning is part of a regular process, a static cabinet mounted pressure washer could be better as it is always in position ready to go and geared to the job in hand. For instance a pressure washer could be used as a static jet wash in the transport industry or as part of a centralised cleaning system where a number of operatives can use the pressure washer at the same time by using a ring main system.

For more specific and hygienic cleaning, then a steam cleaner may be the answer which as with the pressure washers these can be portable or static.

To find the right solution to your cleaning problem talk to people who know, like Astol Cleantech (P) Limited who have a wealth of experience in the cleaning equipment industry and have great advice and products at good prices.

Industrial Sweeper

The need for sweeping the floor in the industrial and commercial environment is a significant requirement of any cleaning regime. The industrial sweeper has evolved over time to be a significant tool in the fight against dirt in the workplace

Industrial Sweeper – How Does it Work?

The operation of an industrial sweeper is basically quite simple and consists of one or two disc brushes which rotate and sweep the dirt back into the machine. The dirt is swept by a cylindrical brush, back into a collection tank for subsequent disposal. On the face of it quite straightforward, but there are many factors to consider when operating or purchasing a machine

Industrial Sweeper – Salient Points

• Brush Type – depends on the type of dirt being collected. For instance, to collect heavy deposits a stiffer, rougher brush should be used whereas for lighter dirt or dust then a thinner more flexible brush should be used.
• Type – Does the machine need to be a ride-on or walk behind (pedestrian) version. This is dependent on the size of area being cleaned and the access to it.
• Power – If it is engine powered consideration must be given if it is to be used inside to ventilation with regard to exhaust fumes. If it is battery powered then the charge life and type should be considered.
• Ease of Use – It should be easy to use by a variety of operators and ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue.
• Adjustable- Things like the brushes should be adjustable to ensure good contact with the floor. Some machines has a self levelling system to maintain good contact on a variety of floor surfaces.
• Design – It should be robust as it is being used in an industrial environment. Consideration should be given to access for maintenance and cleaning.

There are many other things to consider such as filtration, programmable controls and auto stop safety features. There is undoubtedly much to think about before purchasing an industrial sweeper. To make the right purchase it is best to talk to the experts in cleaning equipment at Astol Cleantech (P) Limited, who have the knowledge and products to ensure you get best machine at the best price.

What is a pressure washer? - Vacuum Cleaner

A pressure washer is a mechanical device that uses a pump to generate a high-pressure stream of water to clean surfaces. The pump is typically powered by a gasoline engine, an electric motor, or a diesel engine. The pump is a positive displacement pump that forces a specific amount of water flow from the outlet.  By restricting the flow with the nozzle, much like you do by placing your thumb over the end of a garden hose, the pressure washer produces pressure. Without the nozzle the impact of the water from the end of the pressure washer hose is similar to that from a garden hose. The narrow diameter of the nozzle increases the water's velocity and, consequently, its impact and cleaning power. The smaller the nozzle orifice, the more pressure is potentially produced. However to produce greater pressure, more horsepower is required to force the water through the smaller hole. Each pressure washer calls for a specific size nozzle to match the flow of the pump and the horsepower of the motor. Putting too small a nozzle on your pressure washer strains the components and may cause excessive wear to the machine; too large a nozzle sacrifices cleaning power.

All pressure washers produce pressure and flow. Both are important to the cleaning process. Most pressure washers also provide a method for dispensing soap or detergents, either under low or high pressure. The proper use of soap is often key to the cleaning process. Hot water pressure washer are equipped a burner system to continuously heat the stream of water, further aiding the aiding the cleaning process. Most hot water pressure washer can generate wet steam of approximately 240 degrees F, by turning down the pressure to around 150 PSI. There also true steam cleaners that generate a dry steam of approximately 320 degrees F at 150 PSI. Understanding the basic concepts of pressure flow and cleaning units will help you pick the right pressure washer for the cleaning job at hand.

Pressure and flow
Pressure washers use the impact of the water to break the bond of the dirt to the surface you are trying to clean; the higher the pressure, the greater the impact. The type of nozzle you use makes a huge difference in how much impact your pressure washer creates. A zero degree tip gives you the full impact of your pressure washer but is almost useless for cleaning because it hits such a small area. A 15 degree nozzle increases the area you can clean at one time, but reduces impact by 70%. A 40 degree increases the surface area cleaned further, but has 88% less impact than a zero degree nozzle. This is why a turbo nozzle is so effective; for it is a 0 degree nozzle rotating thousands of times a minute creating a 25 degree cone of full impact.
The amount of water, or flow, a pressure washer puts out makes a big difference in cleaning. The flow is what carries the impact to the surface. The more flow, the more impact; there is a direct relationship. A 13 HP pressure washer putting out 4000 PSI at 3.5 gallons a minutes flow has one third less impact than a 20 HP unit putting out 3,500 PSI at 5.0 gallons per minute. Moreover, flow is what is needed for effective rinsing. This is especially true when cleaning large open surfaces, like driveways; or quickly rinsing vehicles in truck washing operation.

Cleaning units
A pressure washer pump creates a positive water flow, and by restricting that flow at the nozzle creates pressure. The more horse power driving the pump allows more flow to be pushed through the pump and the more pressure to be created at the nozzle. For a given amount of horsepower you can have only so much pressure and flow; there is a tradeoff. Most people focus on pressure (PSI), but you really need to consider both pressure and flow. One way of comparing pressure washers is to use the measure of “cleaning units”. To calculate cleaning units, multiply the pressure times the flow of the pressure washer. All other things being equal (i.e. chemical use and heat) a unit with higher cleaning units will clean better than a unit with lower cleaning units.

Cleaning unit application guidelines
Home use, light duty: 2,000 to 3,750 cleaning units.
Medium duty: 3,800 to 7,500 cleaning units
Heavy duty: 7,600 to 15,000 cleaning units'

The measure of cleaning units is a good way to compare the power of one pressure washer relative to another, with the following proviso. When two pressure washers have different pressure and flow specifications, but the cleaning units are equal, remember the unit with the higher pressure unit will make a rotary nozzle work better, while the higher flow unit will rinse better and make flat tip nozzles work more effectively. With that in mind, the following guide can be used on how much pressure and flow is needed to perform certain tasks. Some of these tasks may require a rotary Dirt Killer nozzle as well if you are using the minimum PSI. The minimum specifications are what are required to get the job done. Having more pressure and flow will make the job go faster. The column marked preferred CU shows how much cleaning power is required to get the job done more quickly. (CU means Cleaning Units: cleaning units = Pounds per Square Inch of pressure (PSI) times Gallons Per Minute of flow (GPM).

Carpet Cleaning and Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machines

Maintaining the carpet, or other floor covering, in a commercial environment is an important, if sometimes unconsidered, part of any good housekeeping regime. The question is why is it important? And how best to do it?

Carpet in commercial premises represents a significant investment so one major reason for looking after it is to protect that investment, a pretty good reason in itself. One less obvious reason for keeping a carpet well maintained is that it looks better, both from an employee’s and visitor’s point of view. If a carpet is dirty and has the appearance of being uncared for it sends a message to the workforce and others that the company is equally uncaring in other aspects of their business.

So we have established that caring for the carpet is a significant activity, the question then is how is it done?

Getting the basics right

• Starting from first principles, the ease or otherwise of cleaning a commercial carpet depends on the quality of the carpet installed. Selecting the right carpet for a particular application can determine the amount of maintenance required. For instance you wouldn’t put a handmade Turkish carpet in an office environment unless you wanted to replace it on a regular basis.
• The carpet selected should be fit for its purpose – high traffic areas will need one type, perhaps predominately nylon based, whereas in another area, say in a customer facing environment a more luxurious carpet with a wool base may be more appropriate.
• Colour is important as well. As we all know patterned or darker colour carpets show less signs of soiling in between cleaning.

Using carpet cleaning machines

• The most obvious cleaning machine is the vacuum cleaner. The efficient removal of dirt from a carpet is dependent to a large extent on the quality of the vacuum cleaner as well as how it is used. It is important that the dirt is collected in the machine and not allowed to become airborne and settle elsewhere. Particular attention should be given to heavy pedestrian traffic areas as well as the perimeter edges where dirt can build up, if not removed, which can leave dark lines.
• No matter how efficient the vacuuming regime may have been there will be occasions when deeper carpet cleaning is required. This is where a carpet machine to extract the dirt should be employed, which will remove the dirt which has lodged deeper in the pile of the carpet. By introducing chemicals in solution with water and agitating it into the carpet the dirt can be separated from the carpet fibres, which the extractor then removes by means of a vacuum. It is worth bearing in mind that as a carpet extraction machine is not something used every day there is always an option to hire.

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Cleaning commercial wooden floors

The use of wood as a floor covering has grown significantly over the last few years both in the commercial and domestic markets. Whilst using wood is an attractive and decorative material it does present its own problems when it comes to cleaning.

One thing that separates a hardwood floor in a domestic environment from that used in a commercial one is that there is a lot more of it. Most wooden floors have had a seal applied to it to protect against spillages, so regular vacuuming and a wipe over with a well wrung out mop is sufficient to keep the floor clean. In a commercial setting, however, this would be labour and time intensive and this is where floor cleaning machines come in.

To replace the mop the ideal machine is the scrubber dryer which gives the same result as mopping but without the aching back for the person wielding the mop! A scrubber dryer will vacuum, scrub and dry a floor surface in one pass, to reduce cleaning time and minimize any disruption. The machine uses rotating pads to apply cleaning solution and agitate it into the floor surface and the resultant residue is then collected by a system of squeegees and removed into a collection tank. These machines can be used on a variety of different types of floor which makes them an important part of many commercial floor cleaning regimes.

A rotary disc floor buffer is another machine invaluable for ensuring wooden floors are kept to a high standard. This machine uses a single rotating disc which is fitted with a cleaning pad suitable for the appropriate cleaning job. For instance for polishing, a pad with a fine fibre would be used which is specifically designed to achieve a gloss type finish. Other pads can be used with various levels of abrasiveness depending on the depth of cleaning required. Wooden floors are normally sealed to protect the surface from stains and marking but, over time this wears away and needs re-sealing. The old sealant then has to be removed to prepare the surface for a new protective coating and the floor buffer can be used to achieve that. Using a pad of a coarser texture the old seal can be stripped away and the surface made ready for the re-application of the sealant. This type of work is best done by a professional contractor who understands the capacity of the floor buffer and the best type of sealant to apply.

There is a huge variety of different floor coverings available these day and even wood is more complicated than it first appears. For example is the wood solid or a laminate, is it finished or unfinished and to what level can it be abraded if a new coating is required. These types of questions will determine what type of cleaning machine is best suited to the type of floor. Many floor cleaning machines have been developed to be suitable for a variety of floors, so when selecting one it is best to take advice from an expert.

Facts of Single Disc Scrubber Machines

Single disc scrubbers are the most versatile, multipurpose and general machines for maintenance and cleaning of all types of floors and carpets. As the name implies, it uses a single rotating disc which works on the floor to clean it. Different pads, rotation speed and motor power can provide the solution for any floor cleaning application: floor cleaning, scrubbing, polishing, marble/granite restoration, crystallization, buffing, spray buffing, scarifying, scouring, sanding, stripping, carpet shampooing, wooden floor sanding etc.

Theoretically, a single disc floor machine is a low speed machine with a horizontally rotating head attached to a large, round scrubbing pad or floor scrubbing brush which spins in a circle in one direction. The spinning of the pad or brush is powered by a small motor, ideally mounted directly over the centre of the machine head to distribute equal pressure on all sides of the brush or pad for proper scrubbing. Most scrubbers come equipped with solution tanks that can squirt floor cleaning solution directly into the scrubbing pad and onto the floor. Scrubbers are made to spin at a variety of speeds. The speed at which the pad or brush rotates directly affects the kind of floor cleaning job to be done.

Single disc scrubbers operate in a side to side or “swing” motion and are designed to handle scrubbing jobs, when the floor has in-ground dirt. Depending upon the accessory chosen, these machines can be used to remove old polishes from worn out floors or grind floors to bring a mirror shine finish on the same floors. Single speed scrubbers usually rotate at output speeds from about 150 to 175 revolutions per minute (RPM). Dual speed scrubbers will go from about 150-350 RPM. With new forms of engineering technologies coming in, many manufacturers have started producing variable or multiple speed floor scrubbers in which the brush/ pad speed can be regulated to suit the floor/ carpet maintenance operation being performed.

Single Disc Scrubbers

Criteria for Selection

The selection of a floor cleaning machine firstly depends upon many factors such as the cleaning operation that needs to be performed, dirt or stain prevalent on the floor, the area to be cleaned, the layout of the area, manoeuvrability of the machine to perform cleaning operations and presence of human traffic during cleaning hours. Usually, where no other machine can be suggested, a single disc scrubber can be the most general purpose machine to be used for any floor cleaning operation. The mechanical action of the floor cleaning process takes into account factors such as motor power, brush speed, brush orientation, weight on the brush and brush aggressiveness. Single disc scrubbers can be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Motor Power: This defines the strength of the motor to rotate the brush. As the situation becomes more difficult for the brush to rotate, higher should be the power of the motor. For example, for someone doing marble crystallization or dry buffing or carpet shampooing, the friction caused between the floors and pads is higher than the routine floor cleaning operation thereby obstructing the pad to move smoothly. In such circumstances, the motors with higher power will facilitate the pad or brush to rotate despite the resistance provided by the floors. Also, if the operation hours are longer, higher motor power will be more helpful.
• Brush/ Pad Speed: Every floor or carpet maintenance operation can be optimized with the ideal brush speed of the machine. For those who need to perform multiple operations, there are options of using single speed, 2-speed, 4-speed and variable speed machines.
• Drive: Usually, the motors rotate at a speed of 1440 RPM, but the brush or pad cannot be allowed to rotate at such high speeds for operator safety. Between the motor and the brush, there is always a speed or motion transmission system, which is usually a gear drive or a belt drive. The more the speed reduction ration, higher is the power transmitted to the machine from the motor. Machines with belt drives are the easiest to design, comparatively cheaper, noiseless and easy to replace. However, since they are not able to produce lower speeds and transmit more power to the brush, they are more suited for easier applications like floor cleaning. For other operations such as carpet shampooing, crystallization, scarifying, marble restoration etc, gear driven machines are most suitable. With gear drives, the speed reduction ratio is higher; therefore the force transmitted to the machine from the motor through the gear drive is higher. Gear drives can also be of different types and planetary gear drives are known to transmit maximum power to the machine.
• Brush size: If the area to be cleaned is too large, a smaller brush will take too long for cleaning and will render the cleaning job highly inefficient and time consuming. It will be a waste of the labour and money. Therefore, selecting the machine with the right brush size is most important. Most machines are available in 12”, 15” 17” and 20”. It is suggested that machine should be chosen of such a size which would support floor pads which are of fixed sizes as well.
• Weight and stability: Although single discs require operator skills to balance rather than lift it, weight still plays a crucial role for the machines. Brush pressure is important as the right kind of pressure applied on the brush or pad can optimize the cleaning result. Machine weights should be kept as low as possible without compensating the application. Higher weights can cause operator fatigue when working for longer hours. For carpet shampooing for example, higher weights are not advisable as the extra weights may not let the pile of carpets stand up. But when grinding needs to be performed on the floors, with higher weight, the grinding results will be faster, better and more uniform. If the motor is mounted on the centre of the base of the machine right above the centre of the brush, then the pressure distributed on the base will be equal on all sides. This will help in uniform cleaning, polishing and grinding results and better stability of the machine thereby causing lesser fatigue to the operator.
• Vibration: At higher weights or higher speeds also, the machine should be stable and should not cause vibrations. The machine operator could benefit from a lower level of vibrations – enabling the machine to be used for longer periods with minimum operator fatigue.
• Noise: Many single disc cleaners also enable the cleaning process to blend more into everyday working practices by offering a far lower noise option than many other types of floor cleaning machines. This ensures that floor cleaning tasks are able to be undertaken during working hours with minimal disruption to the surrounding workforce and therefore reducing the cost of the machine operators’ overtime or out of hours allowance.
• Accessories available for use with the machine: The machine should be compatible with all types of accessories so that it can be used for various applications. Except for the pads, most brushes for the machines are to be supplied by the manufacturer of the machine itself. Therefore, it should be checked first as to what are the accessories that will be provided with the machine and optionally.
• Availability of spares and services from the supplier: Spares and services should be readily available, as longer down times for the machines means loss of revenues to the service providers. Doing a background check for availability and cost of spares will always be helpful in the smooth operations of the machines in years to come.
• Reputation of the manufacturer: Every manufacturer in the market has certain products which are their core strengths and some products that are only to complement their product portfolio to make it an all round package. But if they are not known to supply some machines with the same quality they are usually associated with, their single disc scrubbers can be avoided.

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Pressure Washing Techniques For a Deep Clean

While the success of many household cleaning tasks simply depends on choosing the right cleanser for the job, there are some cases where the labor involved in removing a film or stain is just too much. Perhaps the stain is bound too tightly to the surface of what you want to clean, or the affected area is simply too large for vigorous hand scrubbing to be a viable option. If this scenario sounds familiar, your solution might require a bit more power.

Common Pressure Washing Situations
You may have seen professionals pressure washing, or maybe even done it yourself. For handling enormous cleaning tasks like buildings, walls, parking areas, heavy equipment, or even statues, a pressure washer is often the right tool for the job. Pressure washing is the preferred cleaning method for removing pollution and fuel emission residue on structures in urban areas. It is also an excellent method of removing mineral, lime, and hard water deposits. Homeowners, especially those who like to work on their own cars, will find that pressure washing is great for grease and oil stains in the garage or driveway; it can even remove graffiti!

DIY vs. Professional Pressure Washing
There is most likely a home improvement center or hardware store in you area that will rent you a pressure washer (or at least point you in the right direction to find someone who will). Make sure that you talk to the people you rent the machine from about the task you plan to use the power washer for to see if they have any advice about technique or particular cleaning solutions you can add to make the operation go smoother.

In professional hands, this is an efficient, effective cleaning alternative that will often save money over more labor-intensive methods. If you've never used a pressure washer before and are unsure of how they work, you may consider hiring a professional for the job. Because of the amount of power involved in pressure washing, an inexperienced user can unintentionally cause a great deal of damage. Situations like cleaning windows or siding with a powerwasher require a delicate and skilled hand, so even if you are confident in cleaning stains from concrete in your driveway, you might consider hiring someone for these kinds of jobs.

Powerwashing Techniques
Power or high-pressure cleaning is a directed blast of internally heated water, often discharged at five gallons per minute, under up to 3,000 pounds per square inch of pressure. For specific cleaning and stain removals, certain chemicals or solvents are added. For specific or environmentally safe cleaning needs, there are several other blasting methods:

With soda blasting, there are the advantages of being environmentally safe, and no pre-masking is required. It cleans multi-layered surfaces, and it is non-corrosive and safe to perform around food equipment.

Sandblasting is intended for jobs that require some stripping and abrasion.

Dry ice blasting shoots dense dry ice pellets that turn to a harmless gaseous substance on impact. This option leaves an instantly dry surface, and it is also safe around food equipment.

The Importance of a Clean Workplace

Keeping a clean workplace is important for many different reasons. Not only will there be hygiene considerations to take into account, but also aesthetic ones and both staff and visitors are going to feel far more comfortable and think far more positively about your company if you ensure that you keep your offices as clean as possible.

Those who don’t employ the skills of office cleaners in London will almost certainly have a workplace that is far less healthy than it should be. An unclean and untidy workplace is a health and safety risk in itself and not only might dirt, bacteria and dust serve to make people ill or exacerbate allergies, leading to reduced efficiency or time off, but a cluttered, untidy and messy work space can also lead to trips, slips and other accidents.

Whether you use a company just to help you have a thorough spring clean once a year or to ensure your workplace is as clean as possible week in and week out, it is important to never underestimate the importance of the right level of cleaning.