You might think that colour coding sounds a big step when it comes to cleaning. However, colour coding for cleaning, especially for a commercial cleaning company, is incredibly important. But why? Why should you make an effort to colour code your equipment, tools and materials?

The basics of colour coding

Before we look at why colour coding is important, let’s take a look at how it actually works. The idea is that you apply a coloured label or use fully colour coded cleaning tools, equipment and products, these will then be assigned to a particular area of the premises and only be used there. The usual colour coding approach to take is red in bathrooms, blue for general areas, green for kitchen areas and yellow for areas where clinical cleaning is required.

Why colour coding is important?

So, why make the effort to colour code? There are a variety of reasons for this. The first, and possibly the most important one is that it stops cross-contamination. You really don’t want to use a cloth that you have just cleaned the toilet with on a desk or a countertop in the kitchen. If everything that you use is colour coded, then there can be no confusions as to where it needs to be used and in turn, the risk of bacteria being spread around the different areas of a building is cut down. Another great benefit to colour coding your cleaning products is that you don’t have to worry that your staff won’t know what is right to use. Not only is this important to minimise mistakes, but it is also a useful way to help to train any new staff that you might take on. A final benefit to colour coding, one that you might not have thought about, is how it makes your business look to your clients. It shows that you care about following cleaning procedures, that you take cleaning seriously and that you want to protect your clients, all things that are going to make sure that you appear a professional, reliable and high quality cleaning company.

These are just some of the great benefits to using a colour coded system in your cleaning company. The most important thing is that you make sure that you use all the right equipment and in no time at all you will not only have perfectly clean premises, but you will also have incredibly happy clients too. Both of which put you in a good light as a business.

Who says NETWORKING ISN'T WORKING?

We have just completed some work for someone we met over 17 years ago when networking, they also still had my original business card. We are looking forward to a few networking events this month at the Rising Sun, Warsash, PBE on the Mary Rose, HSDC breakfast, Fiander Tovell and Heelan Hub. We would like to attend more meetings, so why not invite us to your networking events or any that you know of or are attending? If you would like the info for any we are attending or the above, contact us.

In the dynamic and constantly evolving world of commercial cleaning, cleaning professionals and business proprietors are actively seeking avenues to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This pursuit is driven by the need to meet contemporary demands and maintain a competitive edge in the market. One of the many transformative products gaining prominence in this quest are multi-purpose cleaners. Aimed at providing an all-in-one cleaning solution, these versatile agents have emerged as a game-changer for the commercial cleaning industry.

What are multi-purpose cleaners?

Multi-purpose cleaners are products formulated to perform a wide range of cleaning tasks on various surfaces and materials. These cleaning agents are designed to simplify cleaning routines by replacing the need for multiple specialised cleaning products with a single versatile solution. Multi-purpose cleaners are commonly used in commercial settings to streamline cleaning processes and maintain consistent standards across facilities.

What are the main features of multi-purpose cleaners?

Surface Compatibility: Multi-purpose cleaners are formulated to be suitable for a variety of surfaces, including but not limited to: glass and windows, countertops (such as granite, marble, or laminate), hardwood and laminate flooring, tile and grout, stainless steel appliances, bathroom fixtures (sinks, showers, and toilets), kitchen surfaces (stovetops, ovens, and countertops), upholstery and fabric and carpets and rugs.

Stain Removal: They are effective at removing various types of stains, including grease, oil, food, beverage, ink, and pet stains, from these surfaces.

Degreasing: Many multi-purpose cleaners excel at degreasing tasks, making them suitable for kitchen cleaning, especially on stovetops and ovens.

Disinfection: Some formulations offer disinfecting properties that help kill germs and bacteria on surfaces, enhancing hygiene in bathrooms and kitchens.

Odour Control: Some multi-purpose cleaners also address odours, leaving a fresh scent behind after cleaning.

What are the benefits of using multi-purpose cleaners in commercial settings?

Commercial facilities, such as office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and healthcare centres, all have their own unique set of cleaning needs and challenges due to the varying nature of their operations and spaces. For example, in facilities such as hospitals, strict cleaning and hygiene standards are required to be followed in order to keep vital operations running smoothly, and ensure patients and staff are kept safe. Complex commercial settings like this therefore require specialised cleaning solutions and agents in order to tackle the varying requirements of the space. However, the use of multiple different cleaning agents poses challenges in terms of cost, sustainability and efficiency. This can lead to increased procurement expenses, complexities in inventory management, and potential variations in cleaning standards. To address these issues, multi-purpose cleaners stand as a turnkey solution that streamlines cleaning routines. Commercial cleaning tasks benefit significantly from multi-purpose cleaners for several reasons:

Versatility: Commercial spaces often have diverse cleaning needs, including various surfaces and materials. Multi-purpose cleaners are formulated to address a wide range of cleaning challenges, from hard surfaces to glass to upholstery. This versatility allows cleaning staff to use a single product for multiple tasks, reducing the need for a complex array of specialised cleaners.

Time Efficiency: Commercial cleaning tasks are typically time-sensitive, especially in high-traffic areas or during business operating hours. Multi-purpose cleaners streamline the cleaning process by eliminating the time spent searching for and switching between different cleaning products. This efficiency helps cleaning staff complete their tasks more quickly, minimising disruptions to business operations.

Cost-Effectiveness: Commercial cleaning operations often have budget constraints. Multi-purpose cleaners may have a slightly higher upfront cost compared to specialised cleaners, but they provide long-term cost savings by reducing the need to purchase multiple cleaning products. Buying in bulk quantities can further lower costs.

Reduced Storage Needs: Multi-purpose cleaners reduce storage requirements since one product can replace many specialised ones, making it easier to manage inventory and storage space.

Standardised Cleaning Processes: Consistency is crucial in commercial cleaning, especially in settings like hotels, restaurants, and office buildings. Multi-purpose cleaners help standardise cleaning processes by ensuring that the same product is used consistently across different areas. This leads to more uniform cleaning results and a professional appearance.

Environmental Considerations: Many businesses are increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint. Eco-friendly multi-purpose cleaners are available. Using fewer cleaning product containers also results in less plastic waste.

Reduced Training Complexity: Training cleaning staff becomes more straightforward when they only need to learn how to use one multi-purpose cleaner for various tasks. This simplification can lead to faster onboarding and more efficient cleaning teams.

In the fast-paced world of contract cleaning, where efficiency and effectiveness are essential, the environmental impact often takes a back seat. The routine use of conventional cleaning chemicals, laden with harmful toxins and pollutants, poses a significant challenge to the well-being of our planet. However, the contract cleaning industry now finds itself at a critical crossroads, presented with a unique opportunity to embrace sustainable alternatives that not only uphold rigorous cleaning standards but also prioritise environmental responsibility.

In this blog, we will shed light on the pressing environmental challenges faced by the contract cleaning industry and explore some eco-conscious cleaning chemicals that are helping reduce the footprint of the cleaning industry. By making this pivotal shift towards sustainability, you can pave the way for a greener, cleaner, and more environmentally responsible future.

What is the environmental risk of traditional cleaning products?

While traditional cleaning products have long been favoured for their effectiveness, they come with a host of concerning health and environmental effects. These hazards can pose significant risks to both cleaning operatives and occupants of the spaces being cleaned. Many of these products contain harmful chemicals that can cause eye and throat irritation, headaches, and other health issues. The presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these products is particularly alarming, as these chemicals can lead to long-term breathing problems, allergies, and headaches, especially for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions. Moreover, the ethos surrounding the use of traditional cleaning products is often unsustainable, with outdated practices leading to an abundance of single-use plastic packaging. The importance of proper disposal and environmentally conscious packaging is often overlooked, exacerbating the problem of plastic pollution.

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In addition to their impact on human health, these chemicals can have severe consequences for the environment. Many of the substances found in cleaning products are slow to degrade or fail to break down entirely, leading to water pollution. As these chemicals find their way into pipes, sewers, and water treatment plants, they wreak havoc on water sources and ecosystems. Despite efforts by wastewater treatment systems to remove these harmful substances, they often fall short, allowing many chemicals to reach freshwater and marine environments. In turn, this poses a serious threat to animals, plants, and ultimately, our own drinking water and well-being.

How can the environmental impact of your commercial cleaning products be minimised?

Green inventory Management

Sourcing greener products. Creating a code to help cleaning companies select more environmentally friendly supplies is a great idea. Having a set of values or codes will help organizations align and make the right decisions when selecting more environmentally friendly products.

Build a Green Brand

By making the changes and branding your company with greener and more sustainable business practices, it will help partners and potential clients align their CSR goals by your leading example. Collaboration on sustainability will have great business development effects.

What are some environmentally friendly cleaning products?

Fenton Eco Handwash: Using a wash which is too strong may be harmful to the skin long term. Your operatives and clients will need a suitable handwash as it is used frequently therefore it is important to have a safe and pleasant wash with a nice aroma.

Fenton ECO French Lime & Basil Hand Wash: A luxury hand wash with a combination of French lime and basil extracts which use natural ingredients and are eco-friendly, these are perfect for thoroughly cleaning and moisturising hands.

Bio D Eco-Friendly Limescale Remover: To remove limescale buildup, you do not need to use extremely harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning products. We recommend the Bio D Eco-Friendly Limescale Remover. It uses a powerful, plant-based formulation, and can tackle limescale build-up on multiple surfaces, from taps and tiles to shower screens and sinks. A bonus is that all ingredients are 100% naturally derived.

Toucan Eco eSpray: Virus protection and sanitisation are critical in maintaining a sterile environment. The Toucan Eco eSpray is a revolutionary multi-purpose disinfectant cleaner that kills more than 99.99% of germs. The spray creates electrochemically activated water using a 240V, 13amp plug. In addition, it is certified to EN14476, EN16777 and EN1276. The product is compact and easy to use.

Triple 8 GREEN: Building on the point from green inventory management, a renowned brand or range such as the Triple 8 GREEN range. It has a comprehensive set of products ranging from sanitisers, a variety of cleaners and polishes. All products from this range are eco-friendly and are ideal for offices, commercial environments, leisure centres, schools or wherever optimum hygiene conditions are required. Cleaning with chemicals has become a norm which has negative consequences for health and the environment. Certain chemicals are hazardous to our wellness and our planet’s well-being. It is time for organisations to make the step to reduce as much harm as possible with more environmentally friendly cleaning products.

If Lion CCL can be of anymore help to you, Please get in contact with us.

Anyone working within the cleaning contract industry will understand the importance of investing in high-quality cleaning supplies. Unfortunately, many industry-standard cleaning products are often made from toxic chemicals and non-renewable sources that can be detrimental to the well-being of users, and the planet. As a result, a rapid shift towards more sustainable cleaning alternatives has emerged. Eco-friendly cleaning products aim to provide a high-quality clean that is much safer for users and the environment. In this blog, we explore the key benefits of swapping traditional cleaning products for more Eco-friendly alternatives. 

1) Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products are Better for the Environment 

The first and probably most obvious advantage of using sustainable cleaning products is that they are much safer for the environment. Plenty of common cleaning chemicals are known to cause detrimental damage to the environment. Being both toxic to aquatic life with links to an increase in smog. In contrast to traditional products, Eco-friendly cleaning products are often composed of biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients that easily decompose in the environment without causing any harmful impact. Our new Multi-purpose cleaner has been manufactured with the environment in mind. Giving a high-concentrated clean that doesn’t impact the environment. Packaged in recyclable bottles, and made from biodegradable chemicals.

2) Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Reduce Waste

Due to the toxic chemicals within, many conventional cleaning products are often packaged in single-use plastics and can’t be recycled. Shockingly, only 5% of the plastic produced worldwide is actually recycled, with most going to landfill. When these plastics get thrown away, the residue chemicals inside get released into the atmosphere and ground, polluting the air and nearby waterways. As Eco-cleaning products are made with biodegradable and non-toxic chemicals, they can be responsibly disposed of or recycled for use again. Some environmentally friendly cleaning products may be packaged in reusable packaging, or with refillable products.

3) Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products are better for the health and comfort of users 

Without toxic chemicals involved, cleaning is no longer a dangerous task. People in regular contact with chemicals can experience ‘build up’ which means they can experience skin problems and other health issues after years of exposure. Using the right dilution rates, sustainable cleaning products are just as effective as chemical cleaners but won't produce harmful fumes or be corrosive on the skin. This means there’s no need for commercial cleaning companies to spend money on protective uniforms and can ensure their employees remain healthy and don’t develop any respiratory or skin conditions. When cleaning commercial areas, the users of the space are also important to consider, not just the cleaners themselves.

Sustainable cleaning products from LION C.C.L.

Here at LION C.C.L. we are passionate about shaping a better future for the generations to come. That is why we place sustainability at the core of our business. By continually challenging ourselves and our partners, we can optimise our sustainability through new initiatives and innovations to become more efficient, less wasteful, and positively impact the environment. Our range of commercial cleaning solutions are all manufactured with the environment in mind. By using our products, you can achieve a deeper clean without causing harming your health or the planet. To find out more about how we can help you achieve your environmental goals, contact a member of the team at info@lionccl.co.uk today.

In a recent post Nik Shore our M.D. and seasoned professional with over 30 years’ experience advises what businesses should consider to ensure their facilities are winter-weather ready. For many in the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry October begins the “Winter season” as this time of year always brings extra challenges. The combination of the clocks going back, the inclement weather and seasonal bugs becoming rife mean that businesses need to take additional steps to protect themselves along with their staff and customers and ensure they keep their premises & facilities safe clean and hygienic.

Give wet weather hazards the slip

Paying extra attention to flooring when the weather is bad is critical, since rainy days significantly increase the risk of slips, falls and accidents especially on hard floors. Drips from wet coats and umbrellas can very quickly become a slip hazard. To protect the health and safety of customers and staff (and the potential for ensuing legal action) businesses should ensure that their flooring is kept clean, hygienic and properly maintained. During this period this often this means amending cleaning operative’s checklists to ensure the flooring is wiped clean more often than usual. Carpeted floors also need additional TLC during the colder months. Wet footprints, dirt and grime trodden into them can be cleaned with a powerful shampoo, but why not stop them from entering in the first place? Installing a barrier matting system is one of the most effective ways to prevent a quick build-up of dirt and grime on the floor.

Infection control

October typically marks the beginning of the dreaded cold and flu season and with COVID still doing the rounds and showing concerning growth figures we must not become complacent about preventing the spread of germs and viruses. Thankfully whilst all restrictions have been officially dropped, it makes sense to keep, or reintroduce simple hand hygiene measures. You should look for hygiene products which conform to key standards including EN1499, EN1276, and EN13727, and have been proven to tackle pathogens effectively. Importantly, they should offer a positive user experience to encourage compliance. (Beware low-cost solutions which may not live up to their claims though.) This way, customers can be sure that the products they purchase are fit-for-purpose, meet industry standards, and are reliable both in terms of their high quality and the exact quantity promised on the packaging. Opportunities for hand hygiene should be available at entrances and exits , at point of sale and reception foyers, and in any communal spaces such as meeting rooms or staff rooms.

Ensuring a warm welcome

A welcoming washroom will help ensure hygienic behaviour, so now’s the time to review facilities and check that all equipment and sanitary ware is in good working order (as People can be reluctant to touch taps, dispensers, and dryers especially if they don’t look clean) operatives’ checklists must also include regular checks to ensure that soap, sanitiser, or paper dispensers do not run empty. If this happens, hand hygiene is prevented from being practised altogether.

Taking a proactive approach to cleaning and hygiene is key to ensure a healthier winter for ALL customers and staff, but it need not be complicated. A few simple but smart amendments to the current cleaning routine or specification can make all the difference. If you have any concern’s whatsoever with your existing specification or cleaning contractor don’t hesitate to contact me at nik@lionccl.co.uk and I will be happy to help.

Stay Safe, Clean and Compliant!

A LEADING testing expert fears the UK is facing a Covid resurgence, as cases and hospital admissions soar. He says the Government must resume the antibody testing programme it scrapped in March. There’s mounting evidence that Covid-19 cases are on the rise. The latest Government data reveals a sharp 10.4% climb in cases towards the end of July, and Covid-related hospital cases have soared 16.5% in England. Leading testing expert, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), clinical lead at London Medical Laboratory, said:

It’s the news no one wanted to hear.

The latest indicators point towards a resurgence in Covid, as antibody levels in the community start to fall. The Government’s latest figures show a surge in cases towards the end of last month in England, while the Zoe Health Study, which monitors cases across the UK, says estimated cases jumped from 606,629 on 4 July to 821,074 on 30 July. The Government scrapped free testing in April last year and, consequently, its official figures show a mere 3.5% rise in testing in England last month. But that is a complete red herring. During the same period, London Medical Laboratory has seen a 30% rise in Covid PCR tests and an even higher jump in its 4-in-1 PCR test, which identifies whether people are suffering from Covid or one of three other viruses with similar symptoms: influenza A or B or RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Similarly, The Times reports that the health retailer Boots reported a 33% rise in Covid test sales for the week ending 22 July.

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Our chief concern is that the Government ditched its vital Covid antibody monitoring programme in March. It gave invaluable data on how well antibody levels in the community were holding up. It’s likely to have been many months since most of us had a Covid top-up jab. As a result, even its final set of figures, for the week beginning 13 February, showed antibodies at the recommended 800ng/ml level had already fallen to 66.6% among 25-34 year-olds and 66.8% among 35-49 year-olds. This could demonstrate a population-level vulnerability to any Covid-19 resurgence in the UK. Most Brits are now less concerned about the impact of Covid, as the latest variants appear to present milder symptoms than earlier cases. However, we should not become too complacent; the impact of long Covid cannot be underestimated. Again, the Government axed its long-term monitoring in March but, at that point, an estimated 1.9million Brits were suffering from long Covid, with 1.3m people (69% of all sufferers) having symptoms for over a year. Though they are no longer tracking the number of long Covid cases, or the duration of some symptoms, the Government has recently reported on the most common symptoms of long Covid. These are weakness or tiredness (60%), followed by shortness of breath (48%), muscle ache (42%), difficulty concentrating (37%) and joint pain (34%). In our view, the UK should reintroduce antibody monitoring at the very least. This will give a clearer picture about the potential impact of any Covid resurgence on the community. But is there also a need for more preventative measures?

We all breathed an unmuffled sigh of relief when we were finally able to ditch our face masks. However, last month the British Medical Journal reported that a group of Scottish healthcare workers suffering from long Covid are demanding a reversal of the decision that ended the universal wearing of face masks in hospitals and doctors’ surgeries. The Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition described withdrawing mandatory masks as playing “Russian roulette” with people’s lives. The best way to guard against catching Covid and developing long Covid symptoms is to keep fully vaccinated. If anyone is concerned about their current level of Covid antibodies, the new generation Covid antibody blood test available from London Medical Laboratory is highly accurate, quick and simple to carry out. This test can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer it across London and nationwide in over 95 selected pharmacies and health stores.

Eastman Kodak recycles expired hand sanitiser produced during pandemic

New York State has entered into an agreement with Eastman Kodak to help it dispose of a huge glut of out-of-code hand sanitiser. The product was manufactured by prison inmates at three US state correctional facilities in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. NYS Clean hand sanitiser was produced and distributed at no cost to the consumer. But following massive over-production, much of it is now past its sell-by date. Sanitisers generally last between two and three years before expiry because some of the alcohol evaporates over time, making the product less effective. The fact hand sanitiser is highly flammable means it has to be stored outdoors to meet fire code regulations around 700,000 gallons occupying 4,000 pallets has therefore been housed under tarpaulins. Eastman Kodak has now agreed to transport the 168 trailer loads of sanitiser where it will distil it to extract the isopropyl alcohol for reuse in manufacturing. The process is expected to take about 10 months.

New York State is said to have paid $1.4 million to Eastman Kodak for the isopropyl alcohol used in the production of the sanitiser, It will now have to pay the same company $2.3 million to dispose of it.

FAQ’s

How should you store hand sanitiser ?

Ensure you follow the regulations related to your country with regard to the storage of hand sanitiser. Store it in a secure, well ventilated location that does not experience extremely hot temperatures. Do not store above 40.5°C. Keep it out of reach of unauthorised personnel, children and pets.

Is hand sanitiser flammable?

Yes it is flammable. Store it away from all heat or flames. Allow your hands to completely dry before carrying out activities that involves heat, static electricity, sparks or open flames. This minimises your chances of becoming injured from vapour ignition. Clean up hand sanitizer spillages immediately to stop it from becoming a fire hazard.

What is the expiration date on hand sanitiser?

Dispose of a hand sanitiser as soon after its expiration date as possible as it will be no longer effective at fighting bacteria and germs. This is due to the alcohol content evaporating off. Where a hand sanitiser does not have a visible expiration date, dispose of it 3 years after purchase.