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

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.

Bottom - Line Burnisher Benefits

Burnishers can enhance a facility’s image with clean and shiny floors. Remarkably, experience indicates that distributors don’t aggressively market burnishers, or other high-end cleaning equipment for that matter.

These days, anything a distributor can do to lower costs - especially labor costs - is of interest to customers. In tight times, distributors can make their mark by informing end users of the increased productivity burnishers offer.

Though burnishers offer some unique benefits, they also create some challenges. The majority of these problems can be resolved with good training and a quality preventive maintenance program. Obviously, there are safety precautions that operators must follow when using any piece of powered equipment.

High shine floor finish: Since burnishers operate at high speeds, the interaction between the burnishing pad and the floor finish creates a high shine, often called the wet look.

Burnishers cover large areas in minimal time: Supermarkets are a good example of how burnishers cover large areas in minimal time. Often, one can visit a supermarket late at night and see dull floors, and only a few hours later, in the morning, the floors are clean and shining.

Saving labor dollars: Since burnishers decrease the amount of time needed to polish floors, there is a significant savings of labor dollars.

Image of the overall facility: When floors are clean with a high shine, the overall facility looks clean. Light also reflects better off a highly polished floor.

Safe floors: Clean and well-maintained floors are safe floors. A good floor cleaning and burnishing program provides a clean, slip-resistant surface for customers to walk on.

Compatibility with floor finishes: There are innumerable floor finishes manufactured today for use with high-speed burnishers. Indeed, many floor finishes are specifically designed to provide a high gloss level that is enhanced by high-speed equipment.

Ergonomics: When operated properly, a burnisher can alleviate some of the stress an operator experiences with slower-speed equipment.

Competitiveness: To stay competitive, end users are looking for every opportunity to produce quality floor finishes at the least possible cost. Burnishers are a great tool to use in controlling operating costs.

Power choices and sizes: Burnishers can be electric, battery-operated or propane-operated. In addition, machines have a variety of burnishing paths, suitable for small to very large areas.

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.

Buying guide for floor cleaning equipment

Some things to consider before buying or hiring floor cleaning equipment:

•  Think about what types of surface (or surfaces) are to be cleaned. If there are different surfaces will a single machine be able to cope?
•  The physical size of the cleaning area determines the size of machine needed. The cleaning width of the floor sweeper or scrubber dyer will give an indication of how much cleaning can be done, and most machines give a floor area performance indication in their technical details to show the area that can be cleaned in an hour.
• The power source is important – mains, rechargeable battery or engine powered. The type of motive power is determined mainly by the physical area being cleaned, for a smaller area a mains powered machine is probably adequate, but the complication of a trailing lead becomes more significant, and potentially hazardous, in larger areas where battery power would be better.
• The type of dirt or debris being removed should also be considered. Light dust or deposits will require a machine of different duty than oily or hard to remove dirt.
• An industrial floor cleaning machine is often used in an environment where it can be subject to knocks and bangs so robustness is important to ensure good service and machine longevity.

There is much to think about before buying floor cleaning equipment and before buying it might be an idea to hire a similar machine to make sure it is the right type for you purposes. Because of the complexity and variety of these machines it is advisable and obvious really, to get advice from a reliable source in order to make an informed decision, as it is a significant financial commitment.

Buying Floor Cleaning Equipment

There is a lot of floor cleaning equipment available to buy or hire, fulfilling different functions within a business’ cleaning regime. Things have moved on significantly from the simpler times of the broom or the mop and bucket, and now there are a plethora of sophisticated floor cleaning machines available to those managing commercial facilities. So what sorts of machines are there? And what should you look for before buying.

Types of floor cleaning machines

Floor Sweepers

The floor sweeper is a machine often seen in factories and warehouses, and effectively replicates using a broom, but there is much more to it than that. Using rotating brushes the floor sweeper effectively sweeps the dirt from the floor and deposits it into a hopper for emptying at a later date. These machines are available as pedestrian, where the operator walks behind the machine and pushes it along, and as a ride-on version where the operator actually drives the sweeper, which is more fun!

Floor Sweepers

Scrubber Dryers

As the mechanical floor sweeper imitates the action of using a broom; then the scrubber dryer replaces the mop and bucket in the modern workplace. Similar in appearance to the floor sweeper, the floor scrubber uses its brushes to agitate cleaning solution into the floor to remove the dirt and the resulting residue is the collected by a system of squeegees at the rear of the machine. This residue is then vacuumed into a collection tank for later disposal. The floor should be left both clean and dry which means the minimum of disruption to the business. Like the sweeper the scrubber dryer can be a pedestrian or ride-on model.

Scrubber Dryers

Floor Buffers and Polishers

Floor buffers are versatile floor cleaning machines capable of polishing various types of floors including wood or stone and some heavy duty machines are also capable of scarifying concrete floors. The machine pads can be changed to suit the job in hand such as cleaning or polishing.

Floor Buffers and Polishers

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