Developing A Microfiber Cleaning Program For Your

Facility NCAPPA Conference

May 13-14, 2013

About Your Speaker

2

Today’s Agenda

• The Science of Microfiber

• Benefits of Cleaning with Microfiber

• Microfiber Cleaning Tools

• Developing a Program to Fit the Facility

• Training the Staff

• Q & A

3

4

What is Microfiber? • According to Wikipedia,

Microfiber or microfibre refers to synthetic fibers (fiber) that measure less

than one denier. The most common types of microfibers are made from

polyesters, polyamides (e.g., nylon, kevlar, nomex, trogamide), and or a

conjugation of polyester and polyamide.

Different Types of Microfiber

• Un-split Monofilament

Microfiber

o Made of one material:

Polyester

o Larger fiber size: 0.52 denier

o Better cleaning efficacy

and cleaning

performance than cotton

• Split Blended Microfiber

o Made of two materials

with different properties • Polyester: cleaning

performance

• Nylon: absorbency

o Finest fiber size: on

average 0.13 or 0.23

denier

o Best cleaning efficacy, cleaning performance and absorbency

5

Split Microfiber

6

Polyester

Nylon

Before Splitting

• Polyester and nylon are

extruded together to form

one filament

• Each filament is 2.08 denier

After Splitting

• The alkaline environment

causes polyester to separate

from nylon

• Each filament is split into 9 or 16

micro fibers

• Each fiber measures on

average 0.13 or 0.23 denier

Chemical Process

Alkaline

Why Microfiber Cleans Better?

• Wedges and stars trap and retain dust, bacteria & mold spores

• Superior microbe removal capability

• The importance of microbe removal o Dead microbes will become food for live pathogens and allow them to proliferate if

not removed from the surface

• Microfiber has great absorbency as the splitting process multiplies the number of strands available on the same volume and increases surface areas – 40x surface area vs. regular fiber

• Microfiber attracts small particles of dust due to an efficient electric field created by polyester and nylon (only for dust mopping)

7

Why Consider Microfiber?

• Superior cleaning efficacy

• Better ergonomics

• “Greener” cleaning… less chemicals/water

• Easy to use

• Lower cost per use vs. traditional cleaning methods

• Products for every cleaning application

•

STUDY RESULTS:

Microfiber requires less chemical and cleans better

(99% bacterial reduction vs. 30% for string mops).

60% lifetime cost savings for mops.

95% reduction in chemical costs needed for mopping tasks.

20% labor/day savings.

2002 UC Davis Medical Center - Case Study

Highlights

Microfiber Tools –

Ergonomic Advantages

• Weight….Wet Mop on a stick weighs approximately 8 - 12 lbs. versus

2 – 4 lbs. for Microfiber…approx 70% less

• Flat mopping requires 45% less time to do the job vs. string mops.

• Mop with the same ease as applying floor finish…

Just cover the surface and let the microfiber do the work…

Much less twisting and scrubbing.

• Reduce work related injuries associated with cleaning –

back, shoulder, arm, wrist

• And….Microfiber mopping qualifies as “light duty” assignment

Microfiber vs. Traditional Mopping

Environmentally Preferred

•Lasts Over 6x Longer for a 90% cost savings

•Reduces Chemical Usage 95%1

•Reduces Water Usage 90%1

Improves Productivity

•Cleans 45% Faster1

Safer for Workers

•Equipment 75% Lighter2 to reduce worker strain

•Less Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals

Microfiber and Green Cleaning

Note: 1- When used with the RCP Q950 Charging Bucket 2- Microfiber mop, frame & handle =3lb, String mop & handle = 12lb

Laundering/Durability

• High quality, traditional looped-end mop heads withstand 50-75 cycles

• Handled properly quality microfiber pads/cloths hold up over 500 cycles

• For best results….

1. Use a detergent/combination with a “wash cycle” pH under11… Higher alkalinity degrades both face and backing of the pad

2. Chlorine bleach likewise degrades the pad…Use oxygen bleach

3. Do not use fabric softener…it relaxes the fibers. Rewash to recover.

4. Launder up to 200°F…CDC guidelines require 165° for 25 min.

5. Dry cool… 140°F maximum… then immediately remove from dryer.

What is a Microfiber Cleaning System

MOPPING

• Handles and

Frames

• Wet and Dry

Pads

• Delivery

Systems

HAND

CLEANING

• Cloths

• Mitts

• Dusters

Frames/Handles

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

• Aluminum…lightweight, easy to use

• Durable construction…withstands rigors of cleaning

• Quick connection…saves time with assembly and changeover

• Selection of sizes…right tool for the task

• Extension handles…length adjusts for height or task

Floor Cleaning Pads

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

• Selection of types and sizes

• Bound edges…more durable

Wet Mopping

• Microfiber blended pad…less surface

resistance/friction

• Looped fiber construction…more durable

Dry Dusting

• 100% Microfiber pad…more capacity to

hold dust and dirt

• Cut pile construction…more fibers/”hooks”

on the floor

Delivery Systems

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

• Selection…right bucket for the job

• Ergonomics…minimal physical strain

in use and to empty

• No-touch pad handling or wringing

• Durable construction…holds up under

repeated use

• Non-porous surface…helps prevent

growth of bacteria…easy to clean

• Capacity…optimum amount of liquid

and pads

•Juice on Board Systems

•Traditional Mop Bucket Systems

System Suitability by User Segment Charging Bucket System

Juice on Board

Systems

Pedal & Press Wring

Systems

Break Mop

Roller Wringer Systems

31 Qt Tandem Bucket

35 Qt Wave Brake DPW/ SPW

44 Qt Wave Brake DPW/ SPW

Heath Care X X X2 X Y Education X X Y Y Jan-San/BSC

X X X Y Y

Small Bus. / Retail

X Z

Industrial X Z Z Food Service

X X Y

Hospitality X X Z Floor Techs X1 X3 Z Z

Notes: 1- With Backpack system 2- Use in OR, Intensive and Acute Care 3- Q930 Finish Bucket

X= Microfiber Flat Mop Y= Microfiber String Mop Z= Traditional String Mop

Hand Cleaning

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

• Selection of 100% microfiber products

• Color coding…helps prevents cross-

contamination

• Glass/mirror cleaning options…

minimizes linting

• High-pile dusting tools…maximizes performance in

high/awkward places

• Double finished edges…holds shape and withstands

repeated use/launderings

Converting to Microfiber

Issues Resistance to

change

Training and

troubleshooting

Integration

w/other cleaning

equipment

Product Selection

by application

Start-up Costs

Proper pad care

Theft

How To Address

Professional, highly qualified sales force

Plenty of conversion experience

“How To” Printed instructions and DVD

Totally integrated systems

Site Surveys, Product Trials

Breadth of Line, Integration

Bleach/alkali resistant microfiber plus

“common terms” Pad Care Guide

Inventory Control Support

How to Evaluate a Microfiber Product?

20

End User Needs Evaluation

Cleaning Performance

• What’s the manufacturer’s claim on cleaning performance? • What is the composition of face material?

Efficacy

• What’s the manufacturer’s claim on microbe removal? • How fine is the microfiber? 9-split or 16-split?

Cost-in-Use

• What’s the manufacturer’s claim on durability? • What’s the material for backing? Polyester or nylon? • Any foam in the middle? • Are edges taped or just stitched?

Ease of Mopping

• What is the composition of face material? If the microfiber content is too high, it could make the mop very sticky when wet

Making a Successful Conversion

21

Get Everyone Involved

-- Understand purchase decision makers and influencers

-- Manufacturer, Distributor, EVS, Purchasing

Conduct a Site Survey

-- Identify room for improvement in the current cleaning process ie infection control, customer satisfaction, productivity, sustainability etc.

Do Product Testing

-- Trial should be at least two weeks with multiple users

- Determine which products best fit applications

-- Compare to current method on Productivity, Cleanliness,

Implement the System

-- All at once or in phases

-- Staff training to maximize success rate

Training and On-going Follow Up

-- Ensure staff using the products correctly

-- Reinforce proper cleaning procedures

Training & Support Matter!

22

What are you doing differently now that HCAHPS scores

are tied to reimbursement and compensation?

Please rank the following list of services provided by manufacturers

and service providers that are designed to help you better perform

your job or manager your department.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

TO DELIVER OPTIMAL RESULTS

Source: Association for the Healthcare Environment

2011 Annual Survey

Microfiber Program -

Benefits Summary

• High performance products improve

productivity

• More effective cleaning

• More durable, longer lasting products

• Better ergonomics – reduced worker

strain

• Greener cleaning - less water and

chemicals

• Average 25-50% cost savings (vs. wet

mops)

Question and Answer Session

24