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Hello, my name is Brian and I am the Jan/San Manager for CleanFreak.com. I will be bringing you new specials and informational articles to help in your cleaning endeavors. The hints, tips and educational pieces that we will be featuring here will hopefully help you become more efficient in your day to day routines. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions, or with comments and ideas for future articles.
You can reach me by e-mail at brian@cleanfreak.com, or by our main phone number of (888) 722-5508, I'm here to help!
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04/01/13 - 3 Tips for Cleaning Auto Upholstery
- Vacuum – By removing dirt and sand, you will reduce the amount of wear on the upholstery and carpet fibers. This will also prevent the debris from being ground into the fabric, saving both time and elbow-grease.
- Spot Clean – To treat stains before shampooing, use a spotter like Trusted Clean Spot Care II to dissolve away both water and oil based stains. For the random stains between shampooing, use a stain remover like Encapsulation Carpet Stain Remover which does not require a final rinse or shampoo to prevent the area from attracting soil.
- Shampoo Carpets and Upholstery – Just like regularly extracting your home carpets will help them stay nice looking longer, regularly shampooing your vehicles carpets and upholstery will refresh fabrics and lengthen their life as well. This will also remove any remaining dust and dirt missed by the vacuum.
For more spot-cleaning tips, please visit our Spot & Stain Removal Guide or for other janitorial questions, please visit our Resource Center.
NOTE: Remember to always test cleaners in a small, inconspicuous area before treating.
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03/25/13 - Keep the Bathroom Smelling Fresh
Bathrooms are notorious for being areas of unpleasant odors because of, well, we all know what happens in a bathroom. The question is how to keep the bathroom from smelling like what happens in it. That’s where I come in. Here are a few ways I’ve found to keep those “bathroom smells” from becoming a problem, and they really work!
Scheduled cleaning is key!
The number one rule for keeping the bathroom smelling fresh is to clean it on a regular basis. It sounds simple enough, but it really is the key to preventing most "bathroom smells" from becoming overpowering. CleanFreak offers a wide selection of Restroom Surface Cleansers & Cleaners that will work everywhere from that guest bathroom to office restroom, and using a Disinfectant Spray will help to maintain a healthy environment for everyone.
How do you “freshen” the bathroom smell between cleanings?
Aerosols work great at deodorizing throughout the day. The handheld spray cans work well for sporadic deodorizing, but for convenience, I’d recommend an aerosol dispenser. The Door Pod Restroom Air Freshener attaches to the back of the door, and simply catches the breeze when the door is opened, releasing the fresh aroma through the vented dispenser. This model has no batteries so it is very environmentally friendly. For timed air freshening, a programmable aerosol dispenser can be set to release scented spray at set times throughout the day. These aerosols can also be programmed to spray more for high-usage times, such as after lunch, to cover any extra smells.
A little something extra for the men’s room.
Urinals can make for a quicker bathroom stop, but can become overpowering with odor by the end of the day. We’ve all seen the pink Urinal Blocks in the bottom of urinals. These help with deodorization throughout the day and are relatively inexpensive. Scented urinal screens also work great at deodorizing, and when placed over the drain in a urinal will also catch any debris before it clogs up the drain. They also come in different scents!
Mineral deposits can also become a problem in urinals, building up around the drain and in the pipes, causing the liquids to drain slowly and cause odors. A Pee Pod Urinal Cleaning Block attached to the upper inside rim of the urinal will solve this problem by cleaning and deodorizing with each flush! As the water passes through the Pee Pod, the cleaning solution drains down the inside of the urinal, cleaning the urinal walls and helping to eliminate urine crystals and other mineral deposits from building up over time. They last 2-3 months and no tools are required for installation. Take a look at the Pee Pod product page for a time lapse of photos showing what the Pee Pod can do at 14 days, 45 days, and 3 months.
Don’t forget about the floor!
The bathroom floor is a catch-all for everything that misses the toilet and urinal, such as mis-aiming and splash-back. Urinal Mats can be placed on the floor below or around the urinal to absorb these fluids. CleanFreak also offers a Commode & Toilet Floor Mat that fits around the base of the toilet and absorbs moisture and helps combat odors. Both of these mats will reduce the amount of cleaning necessary around toilets and urinals and prevent fluids from getting onto the grout or other porous flooring. When these fluids soak in, it can become extremely difficult to get them – and the smell of them – out of the floor. Why not just prevent it all together?
A bathroom is what it is, and therefore will most likely have a lot of different, unpleasant smells. The task of keeping the bathroom smelling fresh will be made a lot easier by finding ways to mask these odors and also preventing the causes of these smells from becoming overpowering. The key is to have the right products to help you do the job.
To keep your bathroom smelling fresh, check out all of our Restroom Cleaning & Maintenance Products.
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03/18/13 - 5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Floors
Daylight saving time just began, and with the “extra” hour of daylight in the evening people are getting Spring fever. And you know what that means: Spring Cleaning! It doesn’t matter if you clean at an office, school or hospital, floors really take a beating over winter. Ice melt, salt and water tracked in from the outdoors not only make floors look dirty and hazy, but can cause real damage to floor surfaces. Even though you’ve been tackling it the entire winter, spring is the perfect time to really freshen your floors.
- Vacuum and Sweep
The first step in deep cleaning floors is to remove as much loose dirt and debris from the surface as possible. Uncarpeted floors first need to be vacuumed or swept with an upright or push broom to remove the large dirt and debris. Second, it is recommended to go over the floors again with a fine microfiber dust mop to pick up all the remaining particles and dust. Doing both of these steps will best prepare hard floors for any other finishing.
Carpeted floors should to be thoroughly cleaned using a vacuum with a rotating brush roll to agitate the fibers and loosen dirt. The Royal 15 inch Edge Cleaning Vacuum is lightweight and effective at cleaning around furniture and baseboards. Many bagless and dual motor vacuums will also do the job.
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Shampoo Carpets
After a good vacuuming, carpets should be shampooed to remove the dirt stuck between the fibers. There are many types of carpet scrubbers on the market that can get the job done. The Big Green Carpet Machine by Bissell is a small yet powerful machine for home and small office carpet cleaning. Use it with an Extractor Shampoo Solution such as our CleanFreak® Carpet Extraction Cleaner formulated to clean soiled carpeting while safe for carpet fibers. For bigger carpet cleaning jobs, a larger Self Contained Carpet Scrubber or Box Extractor could save you both time and money.
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Scrub Tile Floors
It is important to use the right chemicals and equipment when Spring cleaning your tile floors. I recommend a cleaner designed specifically for grout and tile, like the Grout Scrubbing Floor Cleaning Solution. It will remove mold and mildew, restoring the grout naturally using hydrogen peroxide, and is Green Seal certified being both non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Use it with the Portable Bathroom Floor & Grout Scrubber to both apply the cleaning solution and then remove the dirty liquid to leave a clean, fresh-smelling tile floor. This machine has unique split level angled brushes and a squeegee specifically designed to clean the uneven surfaces of tile and grout.
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Freshen Wood Flooring
The beauty of wood floors cannot be matched, but maintaining these floors takes a little extra care. There are products made just for cleaning hardwood floors, like the Sealed Wood Floor Cleaning Soap. This Green Seal Certified soap will remove dirt and grime, leaving a beautiful shine without requiring a rinse or polish afterwards. To remove tough, ground in dirt on varnished hardwood floors, the Mr. Clean Neutral Floor Cleaner used with an Automatic Walk Behind Scrubber will leave behind a clean floor with a fresh lemon scent. If your wood floor needs a little more revitalizing, you may also want give the floor a quick buff using the appropriate Rotary Floor Scrubbing Buffer with a Wood Floor Buffing Bonnet.
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Wash Outdoor Rugs
Though they aren’t technically a floor, your outdoor rugs play a vital role in your indoor floor’s cleanliness. Outdoor rugs will have collected a large amount of dirt over the course of the winter, which is good since it prevents these contaminants from entering the building. It also means these heavy-duty rugs will need some heavy-duty cleaning. Since most outdoor rugs cannot be machine washed, Spring is the perfect time to bring out the hose and scrub brush to clean these rugs outside. First, rinse as much of the debris from the rugs as possible. Then, using a mild soap, scrub out all the remaining salt and dirt from between the fibers or bristles. Finally, give the rugs a final rinse, let them air dry, and your outdoor rugs can be returned to their original locations.
Maintaining your floors, especially after a harsh winter, will help ensure they last a long time. And just a reminder, when cleaning the floor could leave a slick surface (even when cleaning carpeting), it is always a good practice to put out Wet Floor Signs for safety. For more floor cleaning instructions and tips, please visit our Resource Center.
NOTE: Remember to always verify with the manufacturer that you are using the right products and procedures to maintain your floor before beginning any project.
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03/11/13 - Keep Carpets Clean for Everyone’s Health
Carpets come in endless styles and are found in just about every building. They keep rooms feeling warm against bare feet by insulating the floor. Carpeted floors don’t get slippery like hardwood, vinyl or tile floors, and the fibers and padding beneath provide a cushion against falls. Carpets covering a floor are even sound absorbent, reducing the echoing of footsteps and other noises. However, not everything about carpeting is positive.
Effects on Health
Did you know that unclean carpets can cause health problems? Everything from headaches and itchy eyes to coughing and difficulty breathing has been attributed to dirty carpets. The fibrous material catches and holds everything that falls on the ground or gets scraped off shoes, becoming a vast collection of dust, dirt and bacteria. There’s even the chance of severe asthmatic episodes and respiratory infections if moisture has caused mold to form in and under your carpets.
The good news is that there are products available to combat all of these issues. Vacuums with HEPA filters will filter more than 99% of debris, including the microscopic particles and allergens. Specialty Chemicals, such as those specific for Pet Urine and Feces, are great at eliminating offensive odors and keeping carpeting and pet bedding smelling fresh. And to prevent mold from growing under moist carpeting, there are fans called Carpet Blower Dryers specifically designed to blow air along the surface of the floor, for more efficient drying of the carpeting especially after shampooing or flooding. There are also steps that can be taken to reduce health effects associated with carpeting.
Basic Cleaning
Regular cleaning is the first step in combating the accumulation of debris in carpets. I know it seems simple enough, but truly understanding how much foot traffic the different areas of a home or business gets is often underestimated. You’d be surprised how much dirt can accumulate in entryways after a month, week, or even just one day! It’s even worse when that foot traffic is extra dirty, like from a warehouse or dirty outdoor chores. It’s important to clean and vacuum these areas long before piles of dirt start to form.
There are a variety of vacuums on the market to fit every need. The traditional Upright Vacuums, Dual Motor Upright Vacuums and Bagless Vacuum Cleaners are ideal for standard home or office cleaning. Backpack Vacuums and Hip Style Vacuums work better for vacuuming around a lot of furniture, stairs, or tight spaces. A Wide Area Vacuum will save you a lot of time for long hallways and large, open carpeted rooms. Vacuuming is one of the easiest tools for day-to-day carpet cleaning.
Deep Cleaning
Regular vacuuming will only keep carpets clean for so long before a deep cleaning is required to get all those particles embedded in the carpet fibers. Depending on how heavily trafficked the area is, this could be as little as twice a year, or as often as once a month. For places with pets or people smoking, you’ll want to deep clean your carpets more often.
Deep cleaning usually involves a special machine like a Carpet Scrubber or Box Extractor. These machines work with a cleaning solution, such as an Extractor Shampoo to really agitate the carpet fibers to work out the dirt and suck up the dirty solution. There are even Carpet Chemical Packages that include things like pre-spotters and deodorizers for a discounted package price.
Exterior Scraper Rugs
Preventing the dirt from making its way into the interior carpets in the first place will also help. Scraper rugs are mats with a very rough or textured surface for catching dirt from the bottom of shoes and feet. Placing scraper rugs outside entryways will remove a lot of dirt from shoes as well as hold any excess moisture, such as snow or rain, before it’s tracked inside.
Replacing Old Carpeting
All carpeting has an expiration date, no matter how well it is cared for and cleaned. Eventually the fibers start to loosen and the padding starts to break down, and it is just not possible to keep it looking clean. Recognizing when it is appropriate to replace old carpeting is just as important as vacuuming and shampooing. The installation of new carpeting can also bring some health issues, but taking a few simple steps can help lessen these affects.
New Carpeting
The collection of dirt, allergens and bacteria isn’t the only aspect of carpeting that can affect a person’s health. New carpeting, including the padding and adhesives, often emits chemical fumes that can cause eye and lung irritation, headaches and shortness of breath. Some brands of carpeting and padding emit more chemicals and fumes than others, so always research before buying. Look for carpets labeled “low-emission” or “green”, and request that the adhesives used for installation are low-emission.
No matter what kind you choose, see if the new roll of carpeting can be unrolled and aired out before being brought into the building. This will allow the carpeting to release a lot of the trapped chemical fumes. After carpet installation, remember to keep that area well ventilated with fans and open windows for a few days to get the fumes out of the house. It’s even a good idea to leave the building when the carpeting is being installed, giving as much time as possible for it to air out before returning.
Carpeting can make a great addition to any home or business. Keeping it clean and maintained can ensure the carpeting will be safe for those who use it while increasing the life of the carpet. For more information about carpet cleaning, please check out our selection of Carpet Equipment, Carpet Chemicals, and Vacuums, or bundle and save with our Carpet Cleaning and Vacuum Package Deals.
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02/25/13 - Microfiber – The Wonder Cloth
Did you ever wonder why so many jan/san businesses use microfiber cloths for cleaning? There are materials already on the market meant for cleaning. Cotton cloths absorb liquid, seem to clean up dirt and debris just fine and can be laundered for multiple uses. Paper toweling also absorbs liquid, picks up dirt, and is disposable and relatively inexpensive.
So why use microfiber? Simply put, it’s just better. Better quality, more efficient, and they will save you money. Microfiber is one of the best things to happen to the jan/san industry since the invention of the vacuum!
What is Microfiber?
The microfiber used for cleaning is usually a blend of polyester and nylon with very fine fibers that are split to create very tiny “spaces” that absorb liquids and trap dust and dirt. The little fibers also hold the liquid and debris, not redepositing it back on the surfaces being cleaned. Cotton cloths and paper toweling don’t have these fibers, don’t absorb nearly as much liquid, and actually redeposit dirt and bacteria back onto surfaces while cleaning. This isn’t just gross, it’s inefficient and counter-productive.
Absorbs More Liquid
In comparison to cotton, microfiber can absorb a lot more liquid, up to 8 times its weight in water. This makes a microfiber mop a noticeable improvement to traditional mops. The material will absorb and hold significantly more liquid, meaning fewer trips to the bucket for rinsing and ringing. The traditional wet mop can be replaced by a smaller and lighter mopping system, making the entire cleaning system easier to use. It’s also a safer alternative because the final surface is a lot drier immediately after cleaning than with traditional mops preventing accidental slips and falls.
Removes Bacteria
Microfiber cloth doesn’t just remove the visible dirt, dust and liquids. It is also effective at cleaning the “invisible” debris like germs and bacteria. The specially designed material removes and traps up to 99% of bacteria on surfaces. Compare this to regular rags that only remove about a third as much bacteria. Microfiber is clearly the healthier choice.
Reusable and Saves You Money
Microfiber can be easily laundered, usually hundreds and even thousands of times before it needs to be replaced. Compare that to the hundreds of rolls of paper toweling it would take to clean the same amount. Even the better, more expensive paper towels on the market don’t compare to microfiber. Not to mention the amount of garbage these rolls of paper toweling creates, filling up landfills. Though they may cost a little more up-front than ordinary rags, microfiber will last much longer and save you money in the long run (and are better for the environment).
Launder On-Site!
There is even a Microfiber Washing Machine that will prolong the life of your microfiber products. This portable machine can be used on-site, and washes up to 6 pounds of microfiber products in about 5 minutes!
Microfiber is better for cleaning, healthier, easier on the pocketbook in the long run and even eco-friendly. Please check out our selection of Microfiber Mopping Systems, Dust Mops, Wet Mops, and Wipes and Rags.
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02/18/13 - Dry Stripping Floors Saves Time and Money
I’ve been in the jan/san business a long time, and like other businesses, it’s seen a decline in budgets in just about every area. This is especially evident in schools where the cleaning and maintenance budgets have been whittled down to almost nothing. Jan/San professionals have been searching for products and procedures to save both time and money to make up for these cuts. Dry stripping floors is one of these great alternatives.
Dry stripping your floors means you are removing the top coats of wax and finish from the surface of the floor without the use of chemicals. Instead, you use a Dry Stripping Floor Machine, like the CleanFreak® Dry Surface Strip Machine and dry strip pads like our 20 inch Rectangular Dry Strip Pads. This machine is great because it gets into corners easily with its square edges, and it works on low voltages so even the old buildings with limited power will no longer be an issue. You’ll save money since dry stripping doesn’t require the purchase of any chemicals. There’s also no need to worry about cleaning up the used solution and debris known as “slurry” left on the floor, which saves a lot of time. When using chemicals for floor stripping, it’s also possible to do real damage to the floor so it’s very important to always read and follow the directions carefully. With dry stripping, there’s no worry of chemicals accidently damaging the floor.
The process of dry-stripping your floors can also be eco-friendly. Traditional floor stripping chemicals are often very concentrated and can be dangerous if not used properly. Not only can they damage floors, but they can also cause physical damage such as skin burns, eye irritation or damage, and internal injuries from inhalation of toxic fumes. Even the disposal of these chemicals can be hazardous and costly depending on where you live, or harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Dry stripping prevents all of these possibilities.
Dry stripping floors can be a great alternative to traditional floor stripping with chemicals, for your wallet, your time and your health. For more time and money saving tips, as well as a wide variety of how-to’s and procedures for the jan/san industry, please check out our online Resource Center.
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02/08/13 - ProTeam Solves the Problems of Traditional Backpack Vacs
First off, I want to say congratulations to Richard W., the winner of our "Upgrade Your Pro-Team Backpack Vacuum Christmas Photo Contest Giveaway". Richard will really enjoy the great benefits of his new ProTeam Super Coach Pro 6 Qt. Vac!
If you've ever used a traditional backpack vacuum, you know how clumsy they can be. Feeling unbalanced, bumping into corners, and backaches at the end of the day are just a few of the issues we've had to deal with over the years. Well, someone finally addressed these issues with the new ProTeam Backpack Vacuums. Thank you ProTeam!
The redesigned FlexFit harness feels a lot more comfortable, actually making the vacuum feel lighter so you don't get as tired. It is designed with an open-weave material, creating a space between your back and the machine, helping you ... continue reading » stay cooler. Unlike traditional harnesses that pinch, pull and restrict movement, this harness material is designed to stay comfortable even when you're moving around.
Changing the shape from a circle to a triangle? Genius! It conforms to your back, giving a closer fit and actually making the vacuum feel lighter. And since the shape tapers in the back, it doesn't stick out awkwardly like the traditional round vacs, meaning you're less likely to accidently bump into things. There's even a pivoting ball joint between the harness and machine that keeps the weight of the vacuum centered, improving your balance.
The filtration system was also improved, making it better for everyone's health. A HEPA filter catches almost all those tiny dust particles you can't even see, meaning the stuff you are sucking up with the vacuum isn't ending up back in the air. They were really thinking when they decided to put this filter after the motor. It ensures the filter will catch any particles or emissions coming from the motor. You'll also notice how much quieter the vacuum is, meaning less strain on your ears after long periods of use.
If you're looking for a new vacuum, I highly recommend checking out the ProTeam Super Coach Pro 6, the Super Coach Pro 10 and the GoFree Battery Powered Backpack Vacuum. Or browse our full selection of CleanFreak vacuums and accessories.
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02/01/13 - It's easy to be GREEN!
GREEN. It's not just a color anymore. It's a buzz word for “environmentally friendly”, “sustainable”, or tagged to products and activities that have less of an impact on humans and/or the environment. Being eco-friendly is everywhere, and the janitorial industry is no exception. Green cleaning has exploded over the last few years and is only becoming more popular.
What exactly are “green” cleaning products?
The term “green” is a generic word with varying definitions. For example, a cleaning product is often considered “green” if it is one of the following:
- Non-toxic
- Biodegradable
- Made from sustainable resources
- Made from recycled materials
- Uses less energy
- Uses fewer resources
Because of the ambiguity of the term “green,” it is often overused by companies wanting to seem more environmentally friendly. This is known as “greenwashing.”
To combat this misuse, certifications have been established to recognize those products that meet certain criteria to help set a standard for public trust, such as the Green Seal (http://www.greenseal.org/), Any product on CleanFreak with these certification logos meet these qualifications.
To combat this misuse, certifications have been established to recognize those products that meet certain criteria to help set a standard for public trust, such as the Green Seal Certification, DFE (Designed for the Environment) , or EcoLogo. Any product on CleanFreak with the Green Seal Certification logos meet these qualifications.
Are there any other products for “green” cleaning?
Yes, a lot! Microfiber cloths are a great example of a cleaning product that is good for the environment. A dry microfiber cleaning cloth will remove up to 98% of contaminants from surfaces. When used with the proper amount of cleaning chemicals (which will be less than what would be used with ordinary rags), they work even better! Microfiber cloths are also known for their long-lasting properties, withstanding hundreds of washes.
Products made from recycled materials also help the environment by reducing land-fill waste. Wet mops made from recycled materials are a perfect example of a recycled cleaning product. They often match or out-perform the traditional cotton mop. The 24 Pound Green 100% Recycled Wet Mop is made from 100% post-consumer materials. It holds 200% more liquid and releases 23% more liquid when rung out, saving time when cleaning up those wet messes. This makes them not only an eco-friendly choice, but a smart choice.
What about “green” cleaning equipment?
The use of eco-friendly equipment can have many benefits, such as reducing water consumption, chemical consumption and reduced labor time. The Green Eco-Friendly Auto Scrubber can reduce water consumption by up to 12,000 gallons annually and needs less chemicals (meaning fewer empty plastic containers) to do the job. Using less water and reducing landfill waste is definitely good for the environment! The ROI (Return on Investment) of a “green” machine will be greater when used properly* due to less resources being used all-around. Some “green” equipment is even being designed to not use any chemicals at all!
There are also accessories for this cleaning equipment that are environmentally friendly, such as this floor scrubbing bonnet. Its use conserves water and chemicals, while also being reusable after washing. Eco-friendly pads are not just for these “green” machines. The 15 inch Blue Floor Clean/Scrub Pad is made from 100% post-consumer products (primarily recycled soda and water bottles) and fits a standard 15 inch Floor Buffer. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to those plastic bottles you put in the recycling bin, now you know!
Where do I use these “green” products?
The answer: just about everywhere! Since so many traditional cleaning products now have a "green" counterpart, it's easy to find them for almost any area. Hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, and even toilet bowl cleaner have an eco-friendly alternative. This Door Pod is considered eco-friendly because it uses no batteries and it's air-freshener is activated simply by the opening of the door. Even the use of green paper products, such as paper towel and tissue, are good for the environment because of their use of recycled content. These are only a few examples of all the "green" products available on the market today.
Is anything NOT “green”?
There are two notable exceptions missing from the “green” cleaning products counterparts list: disinfectants and sanitizers. Disinfectants are registered with the EPA as a pesticide, basically meaning it “kills things” and are not considered a “green” product. Sanitizers, like disinfectants, also cannot be a “green” product because they generally have the same ingredients as disinfectants, just at lower concentrations. However, advancements are being made everyday so I wouldn’t be surprised if they find a “green” alternative to these too.
I’ve only touched the surface of all there is to know about eco-friendly cleaning products. For more information about our “green” products or to learn more about the Green Seal Certification, visit CleanFreak’s Green Seal page.
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* Over the lifetime of the machine.
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01/14/13 - Chemicals in the Workplace
In the cleaning industry we are surrounded by chemicals every day. There are lots of dangers and you should be aware of what you are touching or possibly inhaling. Did you know that as an employer, there are certain guidelines that you have to adhere to when dealing with chemicals? As an employee you have the need and right to know the chemicals to which you are exposed, their hazards, and how to protect yourself when working. This concept is the purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Visit the ISSA website's Cleaning Chemicals in the Workplace for more information.
Here is a list of requirements for an employer with chemicals on-site*:
- Identify/list all hazardous chemicals (hazard evaluation)
- Retain MSDS's and labels for hazardous chemicals, or obtain these materials if they are not passed along.
- Develop and implement a written Hazard Communication Program, covering the labeling, MSDS's, other record-keeping, and employee training required by the standard.
- Communicate hazard information to employees through labels, MSDS's, and a formal training program.
* This list is in no way designed to replace the actual written requirements by OSHA and should be verified for complete, up-to-date, accuracy.
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11/22/12 - Thanksgiving Stain Removal Directions & Instructions
Do you have a cranberry stain left over from Thanksgiving that you just can't seem to get out? Or a spot from where someone dropped a piece of pumpkin pie? I have some tips to help now and for furture stain mishaps.
1. Immediate Action - Immediate action is important! Whenever anything spills on carpet, upholstery, or clothing, lift off or blot up as much of the staining matter as you can right away. Do not rub in!
2. Identification of the Spot (if Immediate Action is not possible) - There are several ways that can help to determine what the stain is, including; owner's explanation, general appearance of spot, location, touch or feel (stick, oily, stiff, etc.), and by odor.
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11/19/12 - Black Friday Specials
It's hard to believe that the holiday shopping season is already here. For Black Friday, our team at CleanFreak.com picked some of their favorite pieces of cleaning equipment and we want to offer some fantastic deals to our most valued customers. With this wide array of equipment you should be able to maintain almost every kind of hard floor and carpeting to keep them clean and looking like new. Order now because these Black Friday Specials will be gone before you know it.
While you're on the website, don't forget to check out our resource center for lots of helpful information about cleaning and equipment use and if you have questions feel free to call or click on the "live help" button to talk to one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives.
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10/05/12 - Winter Floor Care
Once again Winter is nipping at our heels and with that comes the snow and slush getting tracked in on our carpets and floors. It seems like we are constantly cleaning and mopping the floors to keep them safe and dry. Another way to help stay on top of this is by using an air mover such as our 2800 CFM Air Mover or our 1600 CFM Air Mover to keep floors dry and prevent slips and falls. When you're dealing with carpet you should vacuum often to remove the salt and ice melt, and when you notice a white film on the carpets it is time to clean the carpets with an extractor such as our CleanFreak® Non-Heated Extractor or for spot cleaning or small areas try our CleanFreak® Carpet Spotter and use our Trusted Clean Film Off to remove the salt residue. When you are finished cleaning the carpet remember to use an air mover such as the ones listed above to dry the carpet as quickly as possible so as to prevent mold and mildew under the carpet and to dry the carpet to prevent dirt from being "washed" from shoes by the wet carpet.
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09/28/12 - This Winter, Save Your Floors & Carpets from Sand, Salt and Ice Melt
Winter can bring some challenging problems to maintenance personnel because sand and salt/ice melt can wreak havoc on floors and rugs/carpets. Ice melt is a high alkaline product and the white film or residue it leaves behind is basically the same product in powder form. When left on floors and carpets it can deteriorate the various finishes/fibers, and sometimes the floor itself, causing them to discolor or "turn brown". It can also destroy softer finishes and erode the surface causing early strip-out and refinishing. When promptly removed with the proper solution, such as our Film Off, and a floor scrubber such as our CleanFreak Electric Automatic Floor Scrubber, or a carpet extractor such as our 100 PSI Carpet Cleaning Extractor you can prevent most of these issues and save time and money by not having to refinish the floors prematurely. And remember, always make sure you sweep or vacuum before starting the cleaning process.
You can learn more about proper floor scrubbing techniques, by following our Scrubbing with an Auto Scrubber procedures.
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09/17/12 - Burnishing Your Floor to a High Shine
Burnishing gives floors a high shine, also known as the “wet look” primarily seen in commercial properties such as hospitals and grocery stores. The purpose of bunishing is to “skim across the floor”, just barely skimming the surface to smooth and harden the floor fininsh. You never want to push or bare down on the burnishing machine as this is likely to damage the machine and possibly the floor.
On a soft floor finish it is best to use a less-aggressive pad to prevent removing too much floor finish. A High Gloss Floor Burnishing Pad is ideally suited for regular maintenance burnishing. For harder floor finishes, use a more aggressive pad, such as a Horse Hair Burnishing Pad. These pads are designed for ultiment high-speed burnishing results, however, these pads are not necessarily designed for everyday use.
For a comprehensive step by step walk through on how to burnish a floor, please take a look at our Procedures for Burnishing a Floor.
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09/04/12 - Choosing The Right Auto Scrubber For Your Needs
Choosing the a proper floor scrubber for your needs requires you to consider the machine's size, power input, design type, and intended use. Floor scrubbers come in many different sizes. The area of floor that needs to be scrubbed, should ultimately determine the size of the floor scrubber your operation needs. In general, larger commercial floor scrubbers are more expensive than the smaller versions.
All floor scrubbers are powered by either propane, a battery or a power cord. Both propane and battery-powered floor scrubbers will have forced periodic downtime, while batteries are charged or the propane tank is switched out. The main benefit to a plugged in, electric floor scrubber is that it has no downtime as it maintains a constant supply of power. Users will however, only be able to work as far away from the outlet as their power cord lets them, before plugging into the next outlet.
Floor scrubbers are available as walk-behind or riding types. The walk-behind models are controlled by an operator walking along with the machine, with the floor scrubbing doing most of the forward propelling action. The larger riding floor scrubbers are meant for large floor scrubbing jobs, especially since the equipment is very expensive in this size range.
When choosing the best machine for your needs, take time to evaluate the various flooring materials that the scrubber will be used on. Some floor scrubbers are more powerful than others, which can cause some damage on fragile floor types such as antique hardwood floors. Industrial floors, such as in manufacturing or warehouse environments, can handle the most powerful scrubbers for the fastest cleaning.
When using an auto scrubber, please follow our Instructions on How to Use an Auto Scrubber, as it will help you avoid common mistakes.
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08/24/12 - Using a Solution Tank with Your Floor Buffer
Using a solution tank on your floor buffer will increase your productivity as you can easily dispense solution as you scrub. The solution tank can also be used to dispense solution on floors for scrubbing or stripping. A gravity fed stopper, when pulled, will dispense the solution down to the apron of the machine and onto the scrubbing pad. While cleaning, the amount of shampoo or floor cleaner is easily controlled, and the cleaner goes where it is most needed. This system makes for faster work than either mop application or stand alone tank sprayer applications.
You can learn more about this subject with our floor scrubbing procedures walk through.
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08/17/12 - Color Coded Cleaning
Color coded cleaning is the process of using designated colors for different areas when cleaning. Most businesses will benefit from this system by differentiating the color of buckets, towels and cloths while reducing confusion and increasing efficiency.
There are many benefits to this system including the prevention of cross contamination and controlling infections. Choosing to use one color only for bathroom toilets and another color only for food preparation areas will prevent the spread of disease and infection. It is also the best practice to clean in a specific order, namely start with the cleanest section and end with the areas that are the most dirty.
The color system is also a great tool for crossing the language barrier and simplifying the training of employees. Once the color system is in place, it is clear to everyone that specific colors are used in specific areas because colors are well understood by all cultures. This is a great opportunity to match all cleaning supplies to specific areas. For instance, red cloths, bottles and buckets are used only in bathroom toilets and urinals. The color system removes a lot of the guess work and confusion.
Though there is no specific guidelines, the most common color uses are:
- Yellow - Cleaning in lower risk areas, such as bathroom sinks.
- Blue - General purpose cleaning, such as mirrors and windows.
- Green - Cleaning food preparation areas, such as kitchens.
- Red - Cleaning high risk areas, such as toilets and urinals.
The bottom line is that using a color coded cleaning system is just good practice. It will simplify cleaning tasks and help prevent the spread of infection and cross contamination. It makes life a little bit easier and safer, and that’s a plus for everyone.
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07/30/12 - How to Burnish a Floor
Choose the correct burnishing pad for your particular floor finish and machine. Lean the machine back on its handle and attach the pad to the high speed driver. Typically there will be a centering device that will screw the into the driver and hold the pad in place. Make sure this piece is properly mounted and tightened to the driver.
For more in-depth precision, please check out our How to properly Burnish a Floor walk through, which is found in our Janitorial Resource Center.
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06/12/12 - Annual Before & After Picture Contest
CleanFreak and Mikey's Board have teamed up again for the 2012 Annual Before & After Picture Contest. Show us your cleaning success stories to receive a CleanFreak T-shirt and your chance to win more! Your pictures can be of carpet cleaning jobs, floor stripping jobs, bathroom cleaning, or even mold remediation. Last year we had over 45 entries, take a look and see how you stack up against the competition.
What You Can Win:
- 1st Place: $150 Gift Card
- 2nd Place: $100 Gift Card
- 3rd Place: $50 Gift Card
The Entries:
Rules and Details
- Submit your entry before Friday, July 20th.
- Winner announced July 24th and Featured on CleanFreak.com!
With such a great contest going on I thought I would help you out by giving some tips and solutions to removing common carpet stains. First I've put together a list of many types of stains and how best to remove them. Then there is my 9 fundamental Stain Removal Directions.
- Immediate Action
- Identification of the Spot
(if Immediate Action is not possible)
- Vacuum
- Removal
- Test
- Break Stain Down
- Blot
- Extract
- Dry
Good luck with all your cleaning adventures!
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05/23/12 - Stripping Your Floors
With Memorial day almost upon us, we should all take a moment to remember and thank those who have served so valiantly for our country. I hope you can take time to enjoy this long weekend and are able to do something special with family and friends.
This holiday also marks the beginning of summer, and the kids are getting excited for their days of freedom. With school letting out soon, it is time to get the floors stripped, cleaned and polished. If you’re new to this process or have been through it for years, I’ve put together a helpful tutorial on what’s needed and how to strip old layers of floor finish, or wax, from commercially tiled floors. The basic steps are as follows:
- Prep the Area
- Prep Your Stripping Materials
- Apply Stripping Solution
- Pick Up Dirty Solution
- Rinse and Dry Floor
- Clean Up
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05/07/12 - Flood Water Assessment & Clean Up
It is that time of year when we are all gearing up for impending floods that wreak havoc on homes and businesses around the country. To ensure proper clean-up, follow the easy steps listed below. For more in-depth analysis, please take a look at our full article of Flood Water Clean Up Procedures.
- Assess the Situation
- Stop the Cause (if possible)
- Removal of Water
- Drying the Area
- Clean Up
- Replace Damaged Materials
- Monitor for Residual Effects of the Water
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