Microfiber: By: Aaron Baunee, managing editor A True Wonder Fiber There are endless benefits to incorporating microfiber into your hard floor care regimen. M Microfiber is a synthetic fiber derived from a blend of polyester and polyimide whose individual fibers are roughly 1/16 that of a human hair but are able to hold more than six times their weight in liquid. When used as directed, microfiber can help reduce chemical usage or eliminate it altogether. And, according to Peter Sheldon, vice presi-dent of operations for Coverall North America Inc., microfiber is extremely durable and can last up to 100 times longer than traditional textiles. Because of its ability to attract and trap mois-ture and soils at the microbial level without rede-positing them onto surfaces, microfiber is increas-ingly becoming the go-to solution for janitors, cus-todians and maintenance professionals alike. Aside from its ability to drastically reduce cross-contamination issues, microfiber can help increase the efficacy of cleaning regimens by increasing worker productivity and delivering a superior clean compared to that of traditional cot-ton mops and cloths. Increase Productivity According to the ISSA 540 cleaning times, utiliz-ing microfiber flat mopping is 54 percent faster than traditional string mopping methods. Studies have shown that the increased mechanical agitation of microfiber enables it to remove matter more quickly and with significantly less effort than older processes. Because microfiber can remove dirt, dust, water and other soils from surfaces more effec-tively than conventional cotton cloths and string mops, members of cleaning staffs appreciate them and find them much easier to use. “Overall, the worker is lifting less and maneu-vering lighter tools,” says Ying Zhang, senior product manager of hard surface cleaning for Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC. Image courtesy of Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC for more info Visit www.cmmonline.com and type in search keyword: Floor Care . For more information on related products, visit www.cmmonline.com , select SUPPLIER SEARCH from the main navigation bar, and enter keyword: Microfiber . Because of its ability to effectively clean at the microbial level with little or no chemicals, microfiber is ideal for sen-sitive areas such as hospitals and health care facilities. 22 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • April 2010
CMM – Archives Apr 2010: 22
