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.

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.

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.

How to Maintain the Carpet on Your Staircase

A carpeted staircase adds color, texture, and extra tread for safety on stairs. While you can cover the carpet with plastic runners to protect it from gathering dirt, that is an unsightly solution that should only be temporary. Follow this advice to give the carpet on a high-traffic staircase some special attention to keep it looking new and clean.

Step 1 - Have the Right Vacuum

Just like the carpet in the rest of your home, the carpet on your staircase needs regular vacuuming. It removes dirt, tiny bits of gravel, and debris from the rug that can grind away at it and do damage over time. A standard vacuum cleaner really isn't designed for stairs. It can be heavy to carry and too big for the small steps, making it almost impossible to use properly.

To vacuum the stairs, invest in a lightweight, handheld model that's about the size of a small suitcase. It should include different attachments. You can hold the main unit in one hand and guide the attachment with your other. When vacuuming stairs, always remember to start at the top and work your way down.

Step 2 - Use a Brush Attachment

A hose is good for sucking up surface dirt and may even get some deeper dirt that's loose in the pile. For the best results, use the brush roller attachment, which is similar to the beater brush on your standard vacuum. Doing so loosens impacted dirt and can help your carpet last longer.

Step 3 - Get a Stiff Broom

A stiff broom is also helpful for cleaning your carpeted staircase. It is much more lightweight than any vacuum. Doing so will improve the appearance of the carpet, but vacuuming is still recommended for a deep-down clean. To sweep the carpeted staircase, start at the top and move down. Sweep each step until any debris is on the bottom floor and can be vacuumed or swept away.

Step 4 - Steam Clean

You can steam clean the carpet on your staircase just as you can any carpet. You'll need a steam cleaner with a handheld hose attachment to do this. If you don't want to purchase a steam cleaner, you can probably rent a machine from a local grocery store. Keep in mind that investing in a home steam cleaner will save you money over time.

Step 5- Hand Scrubbing

You can also opt to shampoo the carpet by hand. It is also the best method of spot-cleaning. Some stains, like those with oil bases, may require a pre-treatment solution that loosens the dirt so it can be lifted from the carpet fibers.

Mix specially formulated carpet shampoo with water until you get a light foam. Work it into your carpet with a scrub brush. If you have a Shop-Vac or other wet/dry vacuum, vacuum as much water as you can out of the carpet. Otherwise, use a soft, absorbent towel or cloth to blot the carpet and remove as much water as possible. Once the staircase is completely dry, go over it with a vacuum.

How to Use a Steam Vacuum Cleaner

A steam vacuum cleaner is a very important appliance in a home since its function of extracting steam to kill bacteria while cleaning thoroughly is highly appropriate especially in the case of carpets, floors, soft furnishings and upholstery. The moisture and any residuals and dirt is sucked up by the steam vacuum cleaner.

Step 1 - Read the Instructions Carefully

Although the function of a steam vacuum cleaner is the same for all models, there will obviously be a number of variations from one to another. Hence it is very important to read the instructions accompanying your steam vacuum cleaner carefully and in case you do not fully understand something make sure to ask the supplier or manufacturer. Keep in mind that incorrect use in some way or another may cause the stain you are trying to clean to penetrate further in the fabric, or else you may cause the vacuum cleaner some sort of damage.

Step 2 - Fill with Water and Soap if Desired

A steam vacuum cleaner operates with water. Remove the container where water needs to be placed for the steam cleaner mechanism to operate. Fill this container with water making sure not to exceed the maximum level. Some people also opt to use special soap products made for steam cleaners so as to clean better, remove stains and leave a pleasant fragrance. In such a case make sure to use a good quality product and follow the directions on the package. When ready carefully reinstall the container back in its place inside the steam vacuum cleaner.

Step 3 - Plug the Steam Vacuum Cleaner and Start Cleaning

Plug the steam vacuum cleaner to the nearest or most convenient electrical source and start to rub down on the carpet or other surface with it. It is best to move it in such a way so as to create regular strokes in the same direction, and then alternate the movement. This will ensure more thorough cleaning of the carpet fibers. On the first stroke press the lever or button which will release the steam onto the carpet. When changing the direction release the mechanism which will scrub the carpet and suck the moisture, residuals or dirt.

Step 4 - Repeat the Process

Move little by little, treating small areas at a time until you have cleaned the whole area of the carpet or surface. In areas where there is a persistent stain, you may need to spend more time on this area and go over it more than once so as to scrub more effectively and hopefully manage to remove the stain.

Step 5 - Allow it to Dry Well

Once finished allow the carpet to dry well. It is best to open a window to accelerate the drying process and make sure you avoid walking over the carpet or surface you have just cleaned.

Step 6 - Discard Any Water

Make sure to discard any water or soap that was not used, wipe the container dry and reinstall it in the steam vacuum cleaner.

By following these steps you will deep-clean your carpets or other upholstery effectively.