Changing floor types and marketing conditions are leading to innovation in Scrubber-drier technology.
New types of flooring are driving cleaning methods and processes. New floor types are being chosen because they are easier to maintain, more hygienic, more comfortable for the users and/or in line with the image of the products sold or produced. Hospitals and schools are looking for more hygienic, easier to maintain and ‘low noise’ floors. Soft plastic (such as Linoleum) is replacing vinyl tiles which means the elimination of expensive layers of coating that need to be stripped and burnished constantly.
The scrubber-drier is the main machine used, offering flexible cleaning with the ability to give perfect and adequate result on different areas: from light cleaning in corridors (low pressure, low water flow and often without detergent) to more aggressive cleaning in lobbies where traffic is more intense (higher pressure, more water and some detergent).
Many retail shops are moving to polished concrete. With this there is no need for burnishers and expensive detergents. A scrubber-drier is often the only machine used but since concrete still needs to maintain the original finish, a diamond pad could be a good addition. Industries and car parks are changing their image and therefore their rough concrete floors with painted epoxy that looks smarter and cleaner. Besides the nice look, this is also helping to reduce the quantity of debris on the floor. Scrubber-driers with cylindrical decks are preferable for cleaning and collecting small amount of debris on epoxy floors, but there is no longer a need for a sweeper or a combi machine (dry sweeping and scrubbing). This floor trend is of course different from country to country and region to region. The US is still using burnishers and coating while the western part of Europe is moving rapidly away from it.
Customers needs
From our customers we see four main requests dominating the future scrubber-drier market.
Daytime cleaning – Customers want to be able to maintain the same level of cleanliness for the entire day. Supermarkets, for example, want their floors in perfect condition at all times. For a scrubber to be used during opening hours it needs to be:
- Easy to drive, with the correct level of ergonomics for safe control (one-touch scrubbing functions, full view on the area to clean and comfortable driving position are important).
- No water on floors. Residue water on floors makes them slippery, so scrubbers need to perfectly pick up water in all conditions. Water flow, machine speed and directions are all important.
- Safe working conditions. The purpose being to protect general public and operator, eliminating all risk of the machine striking someone. Good traction, efficient braking conditions, no exposure to moving parts, safety devices such as flashing beacon or working alarms and safety switches are important.
- Neutral design. The scrubber has to be a part of the environment and not attract any attention. A low noise level to work in sensitive areas, standard or optional devices to reduce shocks or impacts with shelves, palettes, doors and walls are important.
Contract cleaners are also focusing more and more on daytime cleaning as this is cheaper and more of their employees can avoid having to work during unsociable hours. This will in the end make it easier to keep employees and improve the perception of working as a contract cleaning operative.
Productivity – A scrubber should offer a reduction in cleaning cost, as well as a better service for an area. For example, gymnasiums are used more and more for different events and the time to do the cleaning has been reduced drastically in recent years. So a scrubber should be able to offer same cleaning result in a shorter time, higher working speed, longer running time, less dump and refill. A compact ride-on scrubber could also be the perfect answer for this purpose instead of a large walk-behind machine.
Cost of ownership – Most contract cleaners and institutions are now looking into the cost related to the usage of the scrubber, more than the price of the machine when it is bought. For example, an onboard chemical dispensing system can help the operator to control the detergent usage thereby reducing the cost of detergents in its lifetime significantly.
A customer could also benefit from spending more money on a new brush or pad, if this helps to simplify the cleaning task significantly (like removing a frequent burnishing operation on a stone floor) or to improve the cleaning result. Scrubber-driers are more and more understood to be a part of the cleaning solution.
Ergonomics – The easier and more comfortable our machines are to handle for the operators, the better cleaning result you get. Easier to drive, easier to control and easier to use!
- A comfortable driving position or handling with necessary adjustments in order to fit the operator’s size.
- Clear view of the area to clean
- Control panel with easy to understand functions and support of the operator interface
- No daily tool maintenance (clean tanks, change brushes/pads, charge batteries)
- Onboard detergent system
- Automatic solution flow control
- Low noise level for both the operator and the potentially sensitive environment.
The hygienic machine trend
Another trend that we see in the market is a new focus on the hygienic level and the clean look of our machines. A scrubber should not be a ‘vehicle’ for germs, so it has to be easy to clean in its own right, with easy access to the tanks for cleaning purposes. How and how often it needs to be cleaned is of course depending on where the machine is used, whether it’s in a hospital or in a more industrial application. Nevertheless, scrubbers have to be made in a lean design to help the operator keep it in perfect condition, as well as using materials that are easy to clean and disinfect, such as gaskets, filters and blades.
The drive for ‘green’
To be ‘green’ is an important trend in our industry, because environmental concern is a mega trend in the world and the buyers/users of machines demand more environmental solutions. A scrubber-drier has to save water, detergent and energy in its daily usage (and not only one of them), but a scrubber machine should also be made using less raw material (less lead into the batteries package for example) and materials that are easier to dispose off in an environmentally conscious way.
The challenge with the green orientation/solution is that it shouldn’t sacrifice or compromise the cleaning result. To be green and clean at the same time demands a flexible scrubber-drier. This means that a machine should be able adjust to the specific application: sometimes you just need to clean with water and brush, for example. Sometimes there is more dirt and you need to use more water and brush pressure and chemicals to clean satisfactorily.
A well made scrubber should be able to adjust the cleaning performances of a machine in order to match the cleaning task and customer expectations.
When it comes to the development of the scrubber-drier market we have many exciting challenges ahead. Listening to our customers is the most important thing, and we will do our best to live up to their expectations and their needs. After all, our most important job is to make them look good.
Nilfisk Advance
Cleaning carpets efficiently andeconomically using modern methods
Maintenance cleaning
Apart from the size of the area to be cleaned and the carpet’s surface structure, the most important factor for choosing the right vacuum cleaner is its performance. In many cases only the fan motor’s wattage is used for this assessment, but it is by no means the sole criterion for a high cleaning performance. Also important are the vacuum in millibars/kilopascals (mba/kPa) and the air flow rate in litres/second (l/s). Typical values for professional machines are a vacuum of between 210/21 and 250/25 mba/kPa and an air flow rate of 50 to 70 l/s.
In order to achieve high suction power it is also important to pay attention to the quality of the accessories. Only a floor tool that makes good contact with the carpet’s fibres can maintain the required vacuum, i.e. the floor tool follows the operator’s movements. This is accomplished only with the right type of joint or joints on the suction tube connection to the floor tool. The weight of the floor tool also plays an important part here. A metal glider is an advantage in this respect.
An agitator brush system should be chosen for long pile carpets (looped pile or plush) and where the rate of soiling is high because the roller brush reaches deep down to the bottom of the carpet pile and thus dislodges the more stubborn particles of dirt, threads and hairs. The air stream picks up the particles dislodged by brushing and conveys them into the dust bag. The added mechanical action greatly improves the results achieved and also the appearance of the carpet since the pile is freshened up at the same time.
More recently, double roller brush systems have appeared in the market for larger areas. They feature contra-rotating brushes and have the additional advantage of producing a shadow-free appearance (without a zebra pattern) – irrespective of whether they are used forwards or backwards. This is particularly important on velour/plush carpets
Stain Removal
Stain removal is an essential part of maintenance cleaning. The principle here is to remove spots and stains on the day they occur. This is generally accomplished with the aid of an all-round stain remover, which is sprayed onto the stain and, after waiting a brief period, dabbed with a light-coloured absorbent cloth. Care must be taken to ensure that the stain is not rubbed deeper into the carpet or made bigger. It is also advisable to first check the colour fastness of the carpet in an inconspicuous place because the stain remover normally contains a small proportion of solvent. On long-pile carpets, a shoe brush can be used to dab the sprayed-on stain remover deeper into the pile to dissolve the dirt there too.
An alternative to stain removal with the vacuum/dabbing method is the so-called rinsing method. In this process the stain is sprayed with stain remover and, after the required reaction time, rinsed with water and vacuumed away with the hand tool of a spray extractor. The procedure may be repeated as required and thus ensured that no residue of the stain remover is left in the carpet.
Selecting Vacuum
When selecting the vacuum the following points should be considered
– Size,
– Waste container capacity,
– Weight,
– Sound level,
– Handling,
– Radius of action (length of power cord, hose, suction tube, hybrid or battery unit),
– Accessory holder,
– Filter retention rate and Hybrid unit.
It is important to make sure the filter or dust bag in the waste container has the space it needs to make full use of its capacity and thus accommodate the amount of dust and dirt for which it is rated. Fleece filter technology in particular has proven to be very efficient in this respect because – owing to its three-dimensional structure – it does not become plugged with fine dust particles as quickly as conventional filter bags and thus guarantees a uniform air flow. The dirt picked up is therefore deposited reliably in the filter bag right up to the limits of its capacity. As a result, the consumption of filter bags is reduced by about 50%. In addition to the very remarkable retention rate (99.99%), the high tear resistance is another advantage. Viewed overall, this makes it more economical.
Economy of operation is also influenced by choosing a specific type of vacuum cleaner. Backpack vacuums, for example, are highly efficient in cramped conditions or areas with a lot of furniture. Since the operator carries the vacuum, cleaning operations can often be shortened by up to about 20%: The operator is able to move more freely and faster and concentrate fully on the cleaning task.
So-called hybrid vacuums have proven to be ideal for in-between cleanups e.g. for cleaning small quantities of soil where there is public traffic in lobbies and reception areas. Such vacuums can operate in the cordless, battery-powered mode, but with reduced suction power. They achieve full suction power as soon as they are connected to the mains power supply.
Interim cleaning
Interim cleaning process brings about an optical improvement of the carpet surface. It is used in order to extend the time intervals between deep cleaning operations or to remove traffic marks in corridors or other areas where traffic is heavy, e.g. in front of lifts.
Apart from the methods used up to now (dry foam, powder, yarn pad or micofibre pad cleaning), there is now a new method on the market which employs encapsulation technology. It is characterised by its very simple application, efficient deep cleaning action, minimal detergent residue thus reducing the rate of subsequent soiling and short drying times. The cleaned floors can be used again very quickly. This method is therefore recommended for use in hotels, restaurants and office buildings in particular. Roller brush systems running at speeds of up to 500rpm have proven very successful for applying the special cleaning agent (6% solution). Soil particles in the carpet fibres are surrounded by the cleaning agent, their bonding force is neutralised in the process and, once dried, the dirt can be easily picked up. A brush-type vacuum should be used for this purpose.
In view of the low quantity of cleaning agent used (0.05-0.25 l/m²) only a very short drying time is required. It is between 20 and 120 minutes, depending on the quantity applied, its distribution over the carpet and climatic conditions.
It is particularly economical to work in the cleaning agent in the evening. After drying overnight, the encapsulated soil can be vacuumed away the next day in the course of routine maintenance cleaning preferably with a brush-type vacuum cleaner.
Deep cleaning
At present, only wet processes can be used for deep cleaning. There are therefore certain quality requirements that the carpet has to meet in respect of material, structure and how it is laid. It is also necessary to take into account the appropriate drying times. The carpet must be thoroughly vacuumed before wet cleaning. Any conspicuous stains must be treated in advance with a stain remover or wetted with the cleaning solution using a hand tool (optional accessory for the machine being used) or a sprayer. Wet cleaning is only suitable for moisture resistant carpets. This also applies to the carrier fabric and the adhesive.
Depending on the degree of soiling, the best known wet cleaning methods are:
– Spray extraction using single-step method
– Spray extraction using two-step method
– Spray extraction with power washing brush
– Combination of wet shampooing and spray extraction with clean water.
Furthermore, the use of carpet cleaners with an integral brush and vacuum head is becoming more widespread. We differentiate between single and double roller brush heads. The brush heads are float-mounted so that they can adjust to the type of carpet and depth of pile.
The single-step method is always used in order to avoid the carpet being soaked. The cleaning solution (mixed in a strength that suits the degree of soiling) is sprayed onto the roller brush by an integral pump and then worked into the carpet. In this process the cleaning solution makes contact with the dirt on the fibres, the bonding forces are neutralised and the dirt expands. As a result of the additional mechanical action of the brush, even heavy particles of dirt are brought up from the bottom of the pile and conveyed to the recovery tank together with the soil already dislodged from the fibres. Cleaning is performed one section at a time. The contact pressure produced by the brush head with integral vacuum ensures that only a minimum of residual moisture remains in the carpet. It is essential to perform a clear rinse using the same method in order to avoid subsequent soiling due to cleaning agent residue.
Machines with a higher capacity tank and double (contra-rotating) roller brush systems, which can be either pushed or pulled, are used for larger areas. For reasons of economy, a battery-powered carpet cleaner, which is operated like a scrubber-dryer, should be used for cleaning areas of more than 1,000sqmt.
Anotherproduct is available to dry the floor even faster: a powerful air blower. It can increase the speed of drying by up to 50%. It is important to ensure adequate ventilation during this process.
The deep- cleaned carpet must not be walked on until it is completely dry. It should be thoroughly vacuumed before it is walked on or furniture is moved back into the room in order to pickup any existing residue of cleaning agent. Carpets cleaned in the way described above have their original colour and structure restored and thus contribute quite considerably to the favourable image of the building.
Gerd Heidrich, Karcher, Primary publication
in “rationell reinigen” magazine/Germany
and Niels W. Buhrke Freelance Journalist
Personal hygiene + Proper cleaning = Kitchen hygiene
When it comes to kitchen hygiene, there is no area that can be kept unclean or left to be cleaned at a later stage. This also involves personal hygiene, says Chef Yogender Pal-Executive Chef, The Claridges, Surajkund, Delhi NCR.
There is no area in the kitchen that could be termed as less important. All the areas in the kitchen have to be kept clean and hygienic at all times. Each and every area has to be maintained through proper cleaning schedules, using good cleaning products and ensuring precautionary measures. This could be achieved through constant training of the hotel kitchen team on how to keep the areas clean. The food is the most critical area to deal with.
Maintaining proper personal hygiene ensures kitchen hygiene to a large extent. Some of the personal hygiene practices:
- Washing hands with hand wash and sanitizing with soft care gel
- Sanitizing hands after every 30 minutes or after every task performed
- Using laundered chef uniform which is provided by the hotel.
- The chef coat is changed twice in a day
- The chef cap is changed after every three hours
- Sometimes the chef has to use bare hands, especially in the hot kitchen, sanitizing hands before every such task
- After washing hands use of Diversey paper towels for wiping hands and also for wiping tabletops
- Using different shoes and aprons in the kitchen area
- Chefs have slippers which they wear when visiting the washroom
- The chefs in the kitchens always work with gloves which are changed after every task
- Periodic vaccinations are given to all the food handlers
Kitchen tools have maintenance schedule and specific procedures. Spatulas and knives are sanitized in the kitchen with 100ppm chlorine. Spatulas and knives used for different food are colour coded. The kitchen equipment is cleaned and sanitized regularly and also the designated piece of equipment is used for processing the appropriate item. Also after every use the equipment is dipped in the chlorine container kept in the various sections and used after cleaning for every new task.
Spillage at the time of cooking is inevitable. If there is spillage, say in the oven, it has to be cleaned as soon as they occur with the grease remover. Further, after every service ends, ovens are again cleaned thoroughly after dismantling them.
Special precautions are taken when it comes to handling raw food. At the time of receiving fresh fruits and vegetables, they are thoroughly washed in water solution with Suma tablets. This process has to be carried out at the receiving stage itself.
We also get microbiological testing done of the raw and cooked food samples by a independent lab (to check if the food items are being handled correctly or not).
Coloured stickers are used for storing the food items so that there is no mixing of cooked and uncooked items.
There are colour coded chopping boards and knives being used in all the kitchens which are used to avoid cross contamination.
Apart from these simple rules, use of pest control service is very important requirement to keep the kitchen free from rodents and insects. This service can be outsourced to a professional company and should be done twice in a week.