The 'Going Green' movement is a powerful one and today many business owners are joining the ranks of their environmentally friendly competitors, but we wonder if green cleaning supplies like split-stream water technology will really replace already established industrial strength powders and bleaches?
The safety of cleaning staff has always been a big concern for cleaning companies. It's true that serious injuries are not very common, however the Occupational Safety & Health Administration has been working tirelessly to bring the public's attention to the prolonged exposure of harsh chemicals.
While switching to pre-portioned chemical packets may undoubtedly save your company money and help to promote a safer workplace practice, the idea that chemicals of any sort can be replaced entirely is a strange notion.
Is Chemical-Free Cleaning Even Possible?
We’ve known for some time that steam is perhaps the most effective means of cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and that it kills 99 percent of germs and bacteria.
The split-stream system uses a chemical-free salt-based process whereby water is circulated in a specific way to give an electrical charge. According to deputy assistant director of housekeeping at North Carolina’s State University, Randy Reed, this new cleaning method when trialed was just as effective at killing germs as regular sanitizer.
This technology is still very new so we don't have any industry figures as yet, however Stephen Ashkin, the Executive Director of The Green Cleaning Network believes that about 30 - 50 percent of corporations and institutions across the United States are already using eco-friendly cleaning chemicals, or aren't using any at all.
So What Constitutes Chemical-Free Cleaning
The terms 'chemical-free' and 'eco-friendly' are quite often used interchangeably. A lot of cleaning professionals believe that chemical-free cleaning is not possible or practical, and many business owners would strongly agree with them.
The OSHA defines eco-friendly cleaning as independently certified cleaning supplies deemed safe for use, and less harsh to one's health or the environment than conventional products, like ammonia and bleach. Click here to find more about commercial vacuum cleaners.
The Idea Behind Chemical-Free Cleaning
The main aim of all business should be to create a safe working environment for their staff, at the same time minimizing any risk to its cleaning staff. Microfibre cloths which effectively clean and remove germs by using only water should also be considered.
Ashkin believes that floor finishes and heavy duty-cleaning products will likely never be replaced by these newer cleaning methods however, their use is just one more tool that janitors and professional cleaners will have at their disposal in the near future.
For most small-to-medium enterprises the cost plus installation of split-stream water technology will be the main obstacle, costing business about $5,000: this investment could be recouped if utilized on a daily basis.
We certainly can't speak highly enough about these new and emerging technologies. It does seem though, that even with all their advantages it will take a while for this trend to evolve and to ultimately facilitate a shift in both perception and cleaning habits.
The safety of cleaning staff has always been a big concern for cleaning companies. It's true that serious injuries are not very common, however the Occupational Safety & Health Administration has been working tirelessly to bring the public's attention to the prolonged exposure of harsh chemicals.
While switching to pre-portioned chemical packets may undoubtedly save your company money and help to promote a safer workplace practice, the idea that chemicals of any sort can be replaced entirely is a strange notion.
Is Chemical-Free Cleaning Even Possible?
We’ve known for some time that steam is perhaps the most effective means of cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and that it kills 99 percent of germs and bacteria.
The split-stream system uses a chemical-free salt-based process whereby water is circulated in a specific way to give an electrical charge. According to deputy assistant director of housekeeping at North Carolina’s State University, Randy Reed, this new cleaning method when trialed was just as effective at killing germs as regular sanitizer.
This technology is still very new so we don't have any industry figures as yet, however Stephen Ashkin, the Executive Director of The Green Cleaning Network believes that about 30 - 50 percent of corporations and institutions across the United States are already using eco-friendly cleaning chemicals, or aren't using any at all.
So What Constitutes Chemical-Free Cleaning
The terms 'chemical-free' and 'eco-friendly' are quite often used interchangeably. A lot of cleaning professionals believe that chemical-free cleaning is not possible or practical, and many business owners would strongly agree with them.
The OSHA defines eco-friendly cleaning as independently certified cleaning supplies deemed safe for use, and less harsh to one's health or the environment than conventional products, like ammonia and bleach. Click here to find more about commercial vacuum cleaners.
The Idea Behind Chemical-Free Cleaning
The main aim of all business should be to create a safe working environment for their staff, at the same time minimizing any risk to its cleaning staff. Microfibre cloths which effectively clean and remove germs by using only water should also be considered.
Ashkin believes that floor finishes and heavy duty-cleaning products will likely never be replaced by these newer cleaning methods however, their use is just one more tool that janitors and professional cleaners will have at their disposal in the near future.
For most small-to-medium enterprises the cost plus installation of split-stream water technology will be the main obstacle, costing business about $5,000: this investment could be recouped if utilized on a daily basis.
We certainly can't speak highly enough about these new and emerging technologies. It does seem though, that even with all their advantages it will take a while for this trend to evolve and to ultimately facilitate a shift in both perception and cleaning habits.