Get the most bang for your buck by ensuring your cleaning chemicals last as long as possible

Handling your cleaning chemicals incorrectly is not only dangerous but money wasting.

Read on for expert tips for extending the life of your cleaning chemicals.

Dilute appropriately

While some cleaning products come ready to use, many of them require you to dilute them to a specified ratio.

The listed ratio specifies the most effective dilution for the product to be used safely and effectively.

Under-diluting the product could lead to wastage, increased environmental impact, and increased costs as you’ll need to replace the product sooner than required. Additionally, depending on the cleaning application, using excess chemical can leave residue and/or streaking.

Over-diluting is equally undesirable, as your solution will be weaker than recommended. You risk leaving surfaces improperly sanitised which could lead to negative health outcomes for staff and customers.

Diluting appropriately avoids all these issues and saves you money.

Measure accurately

You can only dilute appropriately if you measure accurately. We advise to always use proper tools for measuring chemicals and never to eyeball it.

When it comes to liquids, we recommend using tools such graduated measuring cups, graduated cylinders, and graduated spray bottles.

Using a dilution ratio calculator can also make it easier for you to calculate exactly how much water and chemical you need for each solution.

Spot clean

When applying a new product to a new surface, always perform a spot test first!

We recommend applying a small amount of product (diluted in solution if appropriate) to a discreet area.

This can save you both time and money if it turns out the surface is incompatible with the cleaning chemical.

Additionally, some products are more effective at spot cleaning and tackling stubborn stains and soiling, rather than for general cleaning and sanitising.

Always refer to the product directions for the exact method and areas of application.

Consider microfiber

When appropriate, microfiber cloths and mop heads can be a more effective material for use with cleaning chemicals.

Microfiber tends to be highly absorbent, which helps it absorb and retain cleaning chemicals more effectively.

This may reduce the amount of chemical you need to apply to your surfaces for an effective clean.

Avoid cross-contamination

Chemical cross-contamination is not only highly hazardous, it leads to wasted chemical and money.

We recommend disposing of chemicals that have been contaminated by other chemicals and/or foreign substances.

To avoid this, there are a few practises you can employ to ensure your chemicals are kept pristine and last long.

Sanitise your cleaning equipment properly after each use

Store your chemicals properly. This includes storing them in a secure, cool, and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Some chemicals products also shouldn’t be stored together. Always refer to the SDS for full safety information.

Contact us for more info

If you’re unsure about how to optimise your cleaning chemical usage, contact our team and we’d be more than happy to help

Hydrogen Peroxide is a chemical that comes up a lot in the cleaning industry. What’s so great about it?

This article explains the importance behind this essential cleaning chemical.

How Hydrogen Peroxide works

Hydrogen peroxide is an often included ingredient in cleaning products that disinfect surfaces.

These are products that aim to destroy as many microbes as possible.

It is able to destroy a number of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.[1]

The way it does this is by releasing highly reactive hydroxyl free radicals.

These are unstable molecules that react with microbes, break them down, and renders them unable to spread or infect.

What makes it great for cleaning

There are a number of advantages with cleaning products that make use of hydrogen peroxide.

It’s generally compatible with many types of surfaces. That said, we recommend following your product’s directions, and testing on an inconspicuous spot.

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water, which makes it more environmentally friendly.

It also has a great shelf life.

According to some studies, hydrogen peroxide loses less than 2% of potency per year when properly stored. [1]

The chemical must be stored in tightly closed containers, in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place, away from incompatible materials such as acids, alkalis, combustible material and others.

When handling, proper use of PPE is essential.

Sources:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/disinfection-methods/chemical.html

This is the definitive guide on the best temperature for washing your laundry.

The best temperature is actually highly variable.

There is no one size fits all when it comes to the optimal temperature for washing laundry.

The optimal temperature depends on a number of factors.

Level of soiling

With more heavily soiled garments, such as underwear and workwear, you may wish to use higher temperatures to help remove soiling more easily.

The higher temperature helps chemicals in your detergent work more efficiently, which helps break down soiling at a faster rate.

According to a study [1], a minimum of 40°C is required to properly inactivate pathogens.

That said, there are some pathogens that can be killed in cold water, which leads us to…

Type of detergent

The use of detergent can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your washing cycle.

Typically, the higher the heat, the more effective your detergent becomes, however, some detergents are still able to sanitise and break down soiling in cold water.

According to this study [1], washing with detergent that included Activated Oxygen Bleach saw improved hygiene outcomes, even in low temperatures.

If higher temperature washes are not an option, then extending the length of the wash can help give your detergent more time to break down soiling.

This can be especially helpful when using detergents that contain enzymes, which are typically used when soiling might include sweat, blood, and food, for example.

Colours

When it comes to dark and brightly coloured clothing, it’s best to ease up on the temperature.

One study [2] found increased evidence of colour loss, and colour transfer when washing clothes at 40°C and higher.

This means if you’re ever washing loads with strong colours, more so when washing a mixture of coloured and lights, you can help avoid discolouration by choosing a shorter washing cycle, with a lower temperature.

Materials

Different textiles can only be washed below certain temperatures before risking degradation.

Delicate fabrics should be washed in cold water. These garments can be made of materials including silk, lace, wool, and linen, to name a few.

Hardier fabrics, such as cotton, can be washed at higher temperatures, such as 30-40°C.

When in doubt, check the care instructions on the particular garment.

Final recommendations

When it comes to more heavily soiled laundry, we recommend washing in temperatures of at least 40°C to help reduce the presence of pathogens.

With regular or lightly soiled clothing, we recommend washing in cold water, to maximise the longevity of the garments.

Referenced studies

[1] https://ami-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jam.12647
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143720819320431

It’s everyone’s least favourite chore, but this definitive guide will help you make cleaning the toilet a breeze.

What you’ll need:

• A clean toilet brush
• Rubber gloves (designated for toilet use only)
• Disinfectant
• Bleach
• Wipes, or paper towels

Step 1: Prepare to clean

Gather your tools and cleaners! Don those gloves.

You may also want to open a window, and/or turn on an extractor to boost ventilation.

Wearing a mask can provide you with additional protection from vapours and particles.

Step 2: Clean visible soiling

To get the most out of your disinfectants, surfaces should be visibly clean to start with.

So give the toilet surfaces, such as the seat and cistern, an initial wipe down. You can also do the same for the toilet bowl.

Step 3: Clean the bowl

Apply your disinfectant around and under the rim of the bowl, allowing it to run down.

It’s important to let your disinfectant stay in contact with the bowl for a few minutes before brushing it off. See the product label for the recommended contact time for your product.

Once ready, scrub the entire bowl, especially under the rim, then flush.

Step 4: Clean the toilet seat and exterior

Spray your cleaner, and let it stand for its recommended contact time.

Then wipe off, with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 5: Clean the toilet brush

Your toilet brush also needs cleaning to keep it from spreading germs around.

Create a diluted bleach solution by adding bleach to a bucket of warm water. Refer to the product label to determine how much to add.

Let the toilet brush sit in this solution for a good hour or so, then rinse off and let it dry.

And that’s it!

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.

Sources:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/bathroom/300730650/your-toilet-is-grosser-than-you-think-heres-how-to-clean-it-better
https://www.marthastewart.com/1532604/best-way-to-clean-a-toilet
https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/clean-toilet.html
https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-a-toilet-bowl-brush-other-cleaning-tools.html