By Ben Maloney, Regional Sales Manager for Ontario

There is nothing more frustrating than setting out on a cleaning project, only to be disappointed by the end results. After doing the research to identify the right product for the job required and assembling the right tools for the job, oftentimes the actual process of cleaning is overlooked. 

And there can be many reasons for the process not being followed. Sometimes people are new to the job and unfamiliar with the correct method of cleaning. More often there simply isn’t enough time allocated to do the job properly.

Even with the right product and the right tools, if the correct process for cleaning isn’t followed, then the results are often not to expectations.

Most often, challenges with processes are typical in disinfection and floor care.

Disinfectants

When it comes to following the process, there is no more important or critical scenario than during disinfection.

If a disinfectant is not used correctly, it can have very significant implications, such as the bacteria and viruses on the surface not being killed.

It is very important to follow the process when using a disinfectant. This includes using a DIN certified product, which has a kill-claim for the particular virus/bacteria you are disinfecting against. 

Correct dilution ratio is also very important to the process. Too much water-to-product results in not enough concentration, and surface disinfection may not occur. Too little water and the concentration becomes too high and potentially harmful to the surfaces and the individual using the product. 

Before you begin disinfecting an area or surface, you want to make sure you have pre-cleaned it of any soil or debris. Disinfection needs to occur directly on the surface and any dirt or soil will compromise the disinfectant’s efficacy.

Additionally, when using a disinfectant you must make sure the product is given the correct length of time to dwell on the surface. This means the solution is wet for the required amount of time as detailed in the kill claims (Example – if a product takes 1 minute to kill the flu virus, then the surface must remain wet with disinfectant for that to be achieved). Some products have very long contact times, depending on the claim being disinfected. It is important to understand which kill-claims are published for the product and the time required to achieve disinfection.

5 Critical Steps to Disinfection

Floor Care

Floor condition is typically what a visitor first notices about a facility. First impressions are often made by the cleanliness of the floor. However floor care and maintenance is often one of the more challenging tasks encountered by cleaning staff.

For general cleaning and maintenance, it’s very important you remove all dry dust and debris prior to mopping. This can be achieved either through traditional sweeping/dust mopping or with use of a dry vac. Once the floor is clean of any dirt or debris, you can then apply the floor cleaner directly to the surface.

There are many types of floor substrates and it’s vital the correct cleaner is chosen for the type of floor being cleaned. Additionally, the correct dilution ratio is very important with floor maintenance. If the solution is too concentrated, there may be a residue left behind, resulting in a sticky/tacky floor.

When it comes to restorative or project floor maintenance (stripping, sealing, recoating, etc.) the importance of the process is even greater. The time and costs associated with larger project work can be significant. If process is not followed and an error occurs, it could result in twice as much time being required to do the job, or twice the cost.

Charlotte provides a number of educational bulletins to assist with your floor care requirements

Charlotte Product provides educational bulletins and video on their website to assist cleaning staff with the variety of tasks required to keep and maintain a facility looking hygienic.

Additionally, the team at Charlotte is always available to assist with any question or challenges you may have. The team at Charlotte often conducts training sessions with staff, providing both product and process education and hands-on training.