fact-based management Ultrasonic Cleaning This technology is based on alternating high-pressure and low-pressure sound fre-quencies to create and collapse vacuum bubbles, a process known as cavitation. HEPA-filtered Vacuums Some of the leading high-efficiency par-ticulate air (HEPA) filtration units available today can reach an astronomical filtration efficiency rating of 99.995 percent, meaning they will let through one particle for every 20,000 that they capture. High-efficiency vacuum cleaners almost universally integrate HEPA filtration systems because the technology has been proven extremely beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers. Whether the application is through a large commercial scrubber unit or a handheld sprayer more suitable for light-duty utiliza-tions, the advantages of water-only cleaning strategies are clear by the elimination of com-plex, toxic and expensive cleaning chemicals. Melamine Sponges One often overlooked chemical-free tool is the melamine foam pad. Melamine pads are sponge-like foam scrubbing pads that are mildly abrasive like fine sandpaper with effective scrub-bing qualities due to their micro-porous construction. Pumice Stone Mineral deposits, often called hard water, on restroom fixtures often require a strong chemical to dissolve them. One chemical-free alternative is the use of pumice, which is solidified volcanic rock. This strategy uses a non-toxic, non-dam-aging abrasive product to remove buildup on ceramic surfaces. Combining independent expert analysis, years of extensive research and third-party validation, Extreme Green Cleaning, Second Edition serves as a guide for developing least harmful cleaning strategies. Oscillating Floor Machines The orbital scrubbing floor machine is an innovative product introduced as a toxin-free, chemical-free floor care strategy. Used in conjunction with the right pad — I touched upon diamond-impregnated pads last month — an oscillating floor machine can prepare resilient hard surface flooring for refinishing and recoating. Air Purifiers New air washing technologies have evolved to such an advanced level that they can be combined into air purifier and humidifier systems. These small units use only tap water and do not require any form of toxic or hazard-ous chemicals to inactivate and kill the viruses and bacteria that tend to live inside conventional air filtration systems. Autoscrubbers A growing number of manufacturers offering water-based floor care machines are enter-ing the market. You Haven’t Seen Anything Yet This is the third and final review of the least harmful cleaning strategies discussed in the book Extreme Green Cleaning , Second Edition . The last two articles in this series reviewed both transitional chemical-free technologies and enabled chemical-free technologies. The fundamental requirement for a toxic-free, chemical-free array of products must result in a strategy that will not ultimately harm us or the environment. The consistent goal, regardless of what technologies are used, is to create a clean-ing result that is inert or otherwise harmless if inhaled, ingested or absorbed by contact. In this three-part series, we have barely begun to explore the variety of chemical-free cleaning technologies and products available — and, the list grows daily. We must seriously consider the use of transitional, enabled and fully chemical-free technologies to meet our need for professional appearance, occupant safety and ecosystem health. Indeed, that means we ought to use tra-ditional and “green” products when better, safer alternatives just won’t work. Whatever products used, we must also find a way to reduce or eliminate any harm that might come from the chemicals utilized to achieve our goals. The evolving cleaning model is moving from the limited choice between traditional and “green” cleaning strategies toward natural and chemical-free alternatives as a first choice. CM When looking to adopt a least harmful cleaning model, fully toxic-free and chemical free technologies must be on your radar. Vincent F. Elliott is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Elliott Affiliates Ltd. of Hunt Valley, Maryland. For more information, visit www.EALtd.com. He is widely recognized as the leading authority in the design and utilization of best practice, performance-driven techniques for janito-rial outsourcing and ongoing management. Elliott is also the founder of the Chemical Free Cleaning Network (CFCN). More information about that initiative can be found at www.CFCN.info. 46 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • January 2013
CMM – Archives Jan 2013: 46
