Does cleaning in a green sustainable manner cost more or less than cleaning in what might be referred to as the standard way? Good question.

What I’m Seeing
A transition is taking place from the standard way of cleaning to what is commonly referred to as green or sustainable cleaning. This normally refers to at least the use of green chemicals and possibly green equipment and processes. The more advanced thinking companies (and better customers), along with health care, education and government are demanding or expect that their cleaning contractor will at least use green chemicals. Many companies now want to see a more comprehensive package of services that includes green equipment, processes along with support for their recycling program.

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Filed under: Green Cleaning by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM July 2013

The first time I heard the term self-cleaning was in 1995 at an Indoor Air Quality symposium in Seattle. One of the speakers mentioned the self-cleaning of air, as it passed through an air duct. Being I had never heard of self-cleaning I cornered the guy after the talk and hit him up with a few questions which lead to my writing an article on Self-Cleaning Surfaces in the Sept/Oct issue of CleanFax in 1996.

Over the last 6 months I have come across at least six different practical applications of self-cleaning technology and my guess is that within the next year or two, you will see the release and marketing of self-cleaning carpeting and other fabrics. In fact, I believe we are already seeing manufactures edging closer to the marketing of self-cleaning carpeting. An example of this is the warranties for PET fibers. Shaw Industries now warrants the PET product they sell, against basically all common household stains, including pet urine. Another indicator is the recent development of self-cleaning fabric for use as tenting material, roofing and military uniforms. Lastly, the carpet and fiber manufacturers are desperate for a new and flashy innovation that their marketing departments can use to revive what has been a 10 plus year slide in the sales of wall to wall carpeting.
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Filed under: Carpet by William Griffin
Originally Published: CleanFax July 2013