MOPS Defining the basics of Professional Cleaning

No doubt, technology today governs most of our activities, including that of professional cleaning. However, it is equally true that one reaches out for the humble mop on many occasions. It too has a tale behind its evolution and today is as much sophisticated in its making as it is in its usage. Clean India Journal brings to you the story of mops and how they have evolved over time. Contributing their expert and varied views are, Alessandro Constantin, Export Sales Manager, TTS CLEANING SRL; CRG Prasad, Sales Director- India, Vileda Professional; Sami Memili, CEO President, ARCORA International GmbH and Debtosh Chatterjee, MD & CEO, Mrinmoyee Supply Pvt. Ltd.

Why did the cotton mop fail?

Alessandro: One of the main trends in the professional cleaning sector has been the gradual substitution of the cotton mop with the more efficient microfibre mop.

Cotton mops are less expensive, but they do not last beyond more than 60 washing cycles, whereas the microfibre mop can be laundered over 350/400 times. The cotton mop is also a good dirt absorber but, it is not as abrasive as the microfibre one, which cleans much better and deeper. Moreover, cotton is less hygienic than microfibre as it favours the proliferation of bacteria.

Comparing the cotton string mop with microfibre flat mop, it is easy to understand the reasons why the first cleaning system is not efficient. The cotton string mop puts only a limited pressure on the floor whereas the microfibre flat mop performs a consistent pressure on the floor. Differently from the microfibre flat mop, the cotton string mop is also unsuitable for vertical surfaces as it becomes heavy when wet.

CRG Prasad: The durability of cotton mops has gone down primarily, because the quality which we used to get earlier was better due to the decent price. But FMS companies are more price driven today and they negotiate the contract on an annual basis. The only segment on which they can squeeze out margins is tools. So, less expensive mops with lesser quality are imported from China.

Sami: The cotton mop – the danger mop– has a high dead weight. When it is used wet, the weight doubles or even triples. That makes the handling difficult because more force is needed to move it properly. The biggest disadvantage is that the mop absorbs the dirt poorly and just spreads it from one corner to the other. So, everything contrary to a hygienic cleaning result is achieved. In addition, the corners are not cleaned, which results in microorganisms and germs multiplying in the remaining soil. Because of the prevailing temperatures, the conditions for multiplication of microorganisms is very high.

[box type=”shadow” ]Italy has turned public administration into an active player of environment protection by introducing new sustainable habits like purchasing only microfibre for cleaning and sanitization activities.

– Alessandro Constantin[/box]

Debtosh: It is not true that the cotton mop has failed. It is the answer for places where it is needed. One cannot use microfibre / rayon / or any manmade fabric in places like kitchen where there is an open fire or surface with oil and grease. It is also useful in high traffic areas or areas where reuse is not possible.

What are the solutions that came into the market following cotton mop?

Alessandro: The change from cotton mop to microfibre mop is increasing the hygienic level, as well as saving costs and time.

In particular, the microfibre flat mop ensures high performance which can remove up to 99% of microbes and viruses just because of its deep cleaning capacity. The microfibre flat mop also favours the daily cleaning activities and protects the health of the operator because it is ergonomic, light and easy to use. Finally, it reduces the quantity of water required, which means less chemical consumption and more environmental protection. It is quite clear how these features make the microfibre flat mop the best solution for professional cleaning.

The latest technology in this field is represented by double side microfibre flat mop which can be used both sides, cleaning twice as much compared to traditional systems. In addition, it easily releases the dirt during laundry and gets dry quickly because of its composition.

CRG Prasad: The best solution which was introduced is the micro fibre mop which can be referred to as polyester micro fibre. 100% micro fibre can be very expensive, so the polyester micro fibre is a good option. In that there are many grades. One is non-particle shedding, other one is mid-range and third is slightly more durable. So, these are the mops which exist in the market with the Tier A suppliers. If you go to Tier B suppliers, you will probably end up finding Chinese micro fibre!

Debtosh: Cotton mop mixed with rayon or other synthetic fibre, full acrylic mop and microfibre mop were introduced into the market.

[box type=”shadow” ]Sami: Here are a few —

Cotton flat mops

Cotton flat mops slide easily on a variety of floor coverings. Handling is a lot easier which gives better results even in the corners.

Microfibre flat mops

Microfibre has a really big advantage in that lot of water or rather dirt will be absorbed.

Mixed fabric flat mops

Mixed fabric (cotton & microfibre) combine the advantages of cotton with those of microfibre.Due to cotton, the mop is particularly smooth, and the cleaning solution can easily be distributed. It is very hygienic, as polluted cleaning solution water will be absorbed.[/box]

What are the different mops for different applications?

Alessandro: The importance of research about the new & efficient solutions for different floor and surface cleaning is being understood. The best approach is to consider different important variables like the kind of operation, the surface to clean and the level of dirt.

Nowadays the operator can clean floors as well as vertical surfaces using only a reversible frame combined with specific microfibres depending on the different applications. Looped microfibre is suggested for porous and absorbent floors, as well as high traffic areas, while microfiber with short loop is ideal for smooth floors and maintenance cleaning.

Another innovative solution is the microfibre flat mop with polypropylene inserts; this combination is ideal for removing stains and stubborn dirt using a very low friction.

CRG Prasad: In GBC (general building cleaning), internationally, there is polyester micro fibre. There is also cellular based micro fibre. These are the two ranges. But in India, cotton mops are ruling the roost. There is a dust mop which is blended with polytherathane threads. But for GBC, if price is not a factor, one should go for micro fibre as it covers the cost parameter with the help of longevity and is much more durable than the cotton mop. Cleanliness, cleaning efficacy and ease of using are improved with micro fibre mops.

In the area of healthcare, cotton mops are not at all the right option as they shed particles which spreads in the atmosphere and settles on surfaces. There are non-linting mops which do good cleaning as well as picking up dirt. In speciality building cleaning (five-star, four-star, three-star hotels) where one need sparkling and spotless cleaning for attracting the guests, micro fibre will be the best.

Sami: Cotton flat mops are used for maintenance in public facilities, schools, office buildings, etc. Microfibre flat mops are best suited for cleaning in hospitals and nursing homes. Mixed fabric flat mops can be used in hygiene sensitive areas such as hospitals and nursing homes.

Debtosh:

a. Rayon or other synthetic mixed mops can be used in low traffic areas as it is a longer life than a pure cotton mop.
b. A 100% rayon mop is useful for applying gloss finish on hard floors. The flat acrylic mop is useful for dry mopping to ensure dust free flooring.
c. Microfibre mop is useful for cleaning finished flooring to reduce water as well as chemicals.

[box type=”shadow” ]There is a lot of work to be done in propogating and training in order to convince cleaning staff and their supervisors to use the new system.

– Sami Memili[/box]

What are the challenges in creating awareness in new markets?

Alessandro: High standards of hygiene undoubtedly improve the quality of life but it not enough these days. The next challenge is the effective protection of the surrounding environment and today, more than ever, we need a real general commitment on this matter.

Italy has turned public administration into an active player of environment protection by introducing new sustainable habits like purchasing only microfibre for cleaning and sanitization activities.

CRG Prasad: First and foremost, people talk about ‘price’ when the actual challenge is the end user. He must spread awareness amongst his colleagues. He runs his business to make money and is not bothered about housekeeping. For them, they think it’s an easy job. The jhadu-pocha that you do in a flat is completely different than that in the office. The owner does not want to understand because his business is primarily something else and cleaning is just one of the elements.

To put it into perspective, in a five-star hotel, cleaning is the first priority as it attracts business but in a quick service restaurant it comes last.

To bring the transformational shift in the owners, requires making them aware that cleaning is an integral part for the benefits of employees as well as visitors. Including cleaning as part of the business agenda would be good for the success of the business.

[box type=”shadow” ]Lack of awareness in hygiene and education is the current scenario in the market.

– Debtosh Chatterjee[/box]

Sami: It is quite hard to convince people of new products and to change the way they work, when they are satisfied with the existing system or do not care about improved hygiene. There is a lot of work to be done in propogating and training in order to convince cleaning staff and their supervisors to use the new system.

Many competitors are approaching the market, including those who make money on the overaged products or processes – but someone must make the change. When vendors comes from abroad, it is important to find the right partner to raise people’s interest and awareness – advertising is important, but also direct on-site support, demonstrations and proper training of the cleaning staff.

Debtosh: No law or standard procedure has been enforced in the market. There is no respect for the people who work in this industry. All these factors should be taken care of.

Interestingly the humble mop has moved up from its cotton character to the sophistication of a microfibre. However, the users still prefer the cotton over the microfibre even if it does simplify cleaning. In fact, India today is even talking of robotics but is the country ready for it?

Alessandro: Robotics can be a good ally in some fields: the machines introduced as an alternative to traditional systems can perform a part of the usual operations properly. However, we need to consider that robotics may entail some important issues like problem of reliability, management of unforeseen events and control of final result. These factors do not make robotics ideal for the cleaning sector: in particular, professional cleaning faces more serious problems than domestic environments so we need not only need professional but also reliable solutions.

CRG Prasad: It will take off especially in the commercial enterprises and premises as well as in healthcare. But not in speciality building cleaning such as hotels. The reason being most of the hotel rooms have carpet.

Sami: For operating cleaning robots, some basic knowledge must exist. It is not enough just to turn on the robot’; also required are knowledge of dosage, material, floor covering and kind of soiling as well as its correct treatments. Further, are the buildings and areas to be cleaned designed for cleaning with robots? It is very difficult to judge if the Indian market is ready for robots. Basic knowledge of cleaning and hygiene needs to be step one – if staff isn’t doing it right today, how can robots? This basic know how includes knowledge on materials, dirt levels, choosing the right chemicals and tools as well as performing a professional cleaning process, including quality control.

[box type=”shadow” ]To bring the transformational shift in the owners, requires making them aware that cleaning is an integral part for the benefits of employees as well as visitors. Including cleaning as part of the business agenda would be good for the success of the business.

– CRG Prasad[/box]

Debtosh: Only machine cleanable areas can be covered by Robotics which is very small in proportion. For any machine, clean areas cannot be more than 20%, which are mostly floor areas. Whereas wall, glass, ceiling, toilet fittings, kitchen /pantry need manual intervention. So, possibility and scope are very low.

Yash Sama