Ridgefield Public Schools

Kaivac’s No-Touch Cleaning^™ systems have been designed from the start to clean thoroughly in an environmentally responsible manner. Kaivac believes its commercial cleaning systems are among the “greenest” in existence today for the reasons listed below.

Cleaning Chemicals

INTRODUCTION

Cleanliness

• The deep cleaning capability of Kaivac’s No-Touch Cleaning systems is designed to remove soils and bacteria thoroughly.

• Kaivac’s cleaning chemicals are specifically formulated to attack the complete continuum of soils.

• Kaivac’s continual usage of fresh cleaning solution and rinse water along with complete soil extraction eliminate cross-contamination.

• The efficiency of Kaivac’s floor care program frees cleaning resources that can be applied to other areas of the building.

 The Healthy Worker

Over the last several years, the concept of “green cleaning” has been gaining momentum in the marketplace. However, there currently is no standard definition of the term that is agreed upon across the industry, leaving it open to misinterpretation or even abuse by marketing hype. Buyers are generally on their own to deduce its meaning and significance. As a result, many assume that green cleaning is solely an issue of chemistry. However, Kaivac believes that green cleaning encompasses a number of other aspects as well, such as indoor air quality, noise pollution, cleanliness, productivity as well as ergonomics, safety and more. The overall goal of “green cleaning” is to protect the health and safety of a building’s occupants and workers without harming the environment. Regardless of definition, Kaivac’s No-Touch Cleaning systems have been designed from the start to clean thoroughly in an environmentally responsible manner.

Chemicals

There is no doubt that chemicals play a large role in green cleaning. But their relevance goes far beyond the issue of correct chemistry. Kaivac believes that other chemical-related issues are equally important, such as ensuring proper dilution ratios, reducing the number and variety of chemicals used in a cleaning process, and reducing the amount of chemicals required to remove soils in order to achieve the desired cleanliness levels.

Environmentally Friendly Chemistry

Kaivac has developed a truly multipurpose cleaner, KaiO^™, which combines orange oil, the most natural form of citrus d-limonene, with hydrogen peroxide. As a result, KaiO is an environmentally friendly and pH neutral cleaner that is safe for people and nearly all building surfaces. In fact, KaiO has been certified by Green Seal, a third party non-profit independent organization dedicated to achieving a healthier, cleaner environment, to be:

• Safer to use than other more traditional cleaning chemicals used for the same or similar purpose

• Just as effective – if not more – as traditional cleaning chemicals

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a powerful disinfecting agent. While in use, this ingredient breaks down naturally into oxygen and water, and the remaining surfactant quickly biodegrades.

Highly concentrated, KaiO addresses a full range of cleaning needs, from light to extra heavy duty, simply by adjusting the dilution ratio. As a result, depending on the dilution rate, this single product can replace a variety of common cleaning products, such as: ammonia, bleach, all-purpose cleaners, butyl cleaners, carpet bonnet cleaners, carpet extraction cleaners, carpet shampoos, carpet spotters and stain removers, deodorizing liquids, glass cleaners, heavy-duty degreasers, mold and mildew cleaners, neutral floor cleaners, odor eliminators, Plexiglas cleaners, restroom cleaner, sanitizers, soap scum removers, spray and wipe cleaners, stainless steel cleaners, tile and grout cleaner, and many more.

Kaivac recommends the use of KaiO in nearly all cleaning situations unless soil conditions require a specialized formula.

Proper Dilution

It doesn’t matter how “safe” the formula of a chemical is if it isn’t applied in the proper proportion. Kaivac systems utilize a system of color-coded metering tips to ensure accurate dilution of chemicals from one, two, four, eight, and 20 ounces per gallon. All of our chemical bottles include up-to-date charts to help match color tips with appropriate dilution.

Fewer is Better

In the past, many cleaning professionals, often encouraged by chemical and equipment vendors, believed it was necessary to use specialized products for different surfaces and areas within a building. This resulted in cleaning procedures that specified using seven or eight different chemicals for a restroom alone --which, in turn, multiplied costs and inefficiencies.

Kaivac has always believed that “fewer is better” when it comes to cleaning chemicals. The true multipurpose nature of KaiO reflects this belief that for training, safety and management reasons.

Research has shown that simplifying the work routine by using fewer multi-purpose products can result in strong “positive” benefits, including:

Less is More

Chemical efficiency has always been a design requirement of Kaivac systems. For example, Kaivac’s No-Touch Cleaning processes combine built-in dwell time with the blasting action of its pressure washer in order to minimize the need for chemicals while cleaning. Also, Kaivac’s QuickDraw^™ instant chemical injection accessory eliminates any chemical waste while drawing or purging chemicals during cleaning procedures. The built-in, extended dwell time of this process enables the finish-friendly cleaning solution to penetrate and float soils for easy removal.

In addition, Kaivac’s KaiMotion^™ floor care system utilizes flat microfiber mopping technology, which uses up to 90% less cleaning solution than traditional mops and auto scrubbers. This is not only environmentally responsible, but it saves money.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)

One of the most significant factors in determining the quality of an indoor environment is the condition of its air. Poor indoor air quality is known to contribute to allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments. While a number of factors play a role in the quality of the air within a facility, effective cleaning methods can make a significant difference.

Dust is a major contributor to poor indoor air quality and is known to be a carrier of various organisms and particles, such as dust mites, pollens, hair, skin cells, food crumbs, bacteria, and more. Ironically, byproducts of certain cleaning equipment and processes can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. These include pulverized or powdered floor finish, which is stirred up into the air, as well as fumes from harsh chemicals, including strippers and finish.

Kaivac’s philosophy of cleaning involves the thorough removal of dust as well as minimizing the need to scrub, burnish, strip and finish floors, all of which factor into the quality of indoor air.

The traditional method of cleaning involves sweeping floors with a dust mop, which leaves all sorts of dust and debris behind. Then, the custodian usually finishes by shaking the dust mop and sweeping any visible soil into a dustpan. Not only does this throw dust and dirt into the air, which can remain airborne for up to two hours, but it leaves even more dirt behind. Many hard to reach areas, like light fixtures, high vents, under registers, etc. are rarely touched.

Realizing the shortcomings of traditional dust mopping, many facilities also use auto scrubbers to clean the floors. But an issue with auto scrubbers is that their scrubbing action can actually grind away at the floor finish and dull it prematurely. Auto scrubber pads, when first installed, don’t significantly harm finish. However, after only a few moments of use, particulate matter becomes trapped in the pad, which then grinds and scratches the floor finish. This harsh scrubbing action actually pulverizes the top surface and throws it into the air and onto the floor along with dulling the finish.

A burnisher is then required to restore the shine. The “sanding” action of the burnisher essentially removes the top layer of floor finish and blows it into the air. This degrades indoor air quality further while creating additional work for the cleaning professional --including frequent recoats. Moreover, the propane fuel inside a building poses a risk of explosion as well as Carbon Monoxide exhaust. The frequent stripping and recoating of floors also introduces avoidable chemicals and associated fumes into the building

Kaivac helps improve indoor air quality by eliminating the need to dust mop as well as extending the time frame between burnishing, stripping and finishing floors. In addition, Kaivac’s No-Touch Cleaning systems provide a “high dusting” capability, which enables dust and other soils to be removed from hard to reach areas. This also enables air vents to be cleared for increased ventilation which, in turn, helps improve IAQ.

Wet/Dry Converter

Kaivac believes that dry vacuuming is more effective at dust and soil removal than mopping. Therefore, it has equipped all of its No-Touch Cleaning systems with a dry vacuuming capability which has also been incorporated into a number of its procedures, including cleaning hard surface areas such as hallways and classrooms. This capability is delivered through the Wet/Dry Converter, which instantly transforms a No-Touch Cleaning machine into a dust free, bag-less dry vacuum system. The water spray line attaches to the Wet/Dry Converter in seconds to produce a wet spray in the vacuum hose, which soaks the dry, dusty air and converts it into a wet slurry that is collected in the recovery tank. The waste is then eliminated in its liquid form through a drain where it has no chance of entering the air. This bag-free approach means better indoor air quality with no reduction in suction power and no bag replacement costs.

KaiAuto^™ -Wide Area Squeegee

Another Kaivac accessory that can help improve air quality is the KaiAuto^™. This wide-area squeegee enables a No-Touch Cleaning system to clean hard-surface floors as effectively and quickly as an auto scrubber but in a way that extends the life of floor finish. Unlike an auto scrubber that relies on its harsh scrubbing action to achieve its results, the KaiAuto process – spray on, vacuum off – allows its environmentally-friendly and finish-friendly cleaning solution to penetrate and float soils for easy vacuum removal. In addition, because this process involves wetting down the floor first, it traps airborne and surface dust particles and bunnies in a soup or slurry on the ground, in much the same way that rain cleanses the air and settles dust on a ball field. All soils are then ready for complete removal by the wet vacuum. Instead of grinding dust and particulates into floor finish and throwing them into the air, KaiAuto gently removes the soils, protecting floor finish from premature wear. This frees facilities from the costly cycle of burnishing and premature re-coating so common with auto scrubbers.

This method not only eliminates the need to dust mop, but it also minimizes the wear on finish while improving air quality at the same time.

NOISE POLLUTION

Cleanliness

In addition to air quality, other factors, such as noise, affect the indoor envi­ronment quality (IEQ). For example, recent studies indicate that under noisy conditions, people become more fatigued, stressed, and their productivity suffers. Noise can slow recovery for healthcare patients and also contribute to the chaotic work environment found in many hospitals. Loud noise can interfere with normal communication as well as concentration levels. This is true for building occupants as well as maintenance personnel.

Addressing these issues and to appeal to facilities that are sensitive to noise levels, Kaivac is the first manufacturer in the industry to invest in innovative baffling and muffling technologies for its cleaning equipment. Kaivac has reduced the noise levels of its No-Touch Cleaning systems to 65 decibels (dB), which is typically the level of conversation or a muffled dishwasher. Specially made for use in “noise-sensitive” settings such as schools and healthcare facilities, Kaivac’s KaiZen machines can be used for round-the-clock cleaning in hospitals, nursing homes, dormitories, schools, fast food, and more.

Since its inception, Kaivac has believed that the best way to protect the health of a building’s occupants and workers is to clean the facility completely by totally eliminating soils. Kaivac refers to this concept as “decontamination through elimination.”

No-Touch Cleaning

As a result, Kaivac’s No-Touch Cleaning systems were designed from the beginning for complete soil and bacteria removal. No-Touch Cleaning systems combine pressure washer, chemical injection and wet vacuum into a single unit. Workers simply apply cleaning solution to target surfaces, blast-rinse the soils to the floor, then vac­uum the floor dry, completely removing all soils and bacteria. Unlike mops and wipes, No-Touch Cleaning ensures fresh cleaning solution and clean rinse water, preventing cross contamination between areas of a building, such as between the restroom and the kitchen.

Originally developed to sanitize filthy restrooms, Kaivac’s systems support a wide variety of quick connecting components, enabling them to tackle just about any surface, anywhere in a building. Now, one all-purpose No-Touch Cleaning system can deep clean restrooms, stairwells, kitchens, hallways, classrooms, walls, upholstery, hard-surface and carpeted floors, and so on.

At a time when most manufacturers are developing inventories of specialized machines and chemicals, Kaivac’s approach is to deliver fewer machines and chemicals that are truly multipurpose in order to simplify cleaning procedures and management.

Disinfecting vs. Cleaning

There has been much discussion around disinfecting, especially for cleaning heavily contaminated areas such as restrooms. Powerful chemical disinfectants are viewed by some as the most effective way to eliminate germs, mold and odor-causing bacteria.

However, there is a growing belief among cleaning professionals that the use of disinfectants isn’t the best approach for removing germs and odors. This is especially true when disinfectants are used in place of effective cleaning procedures. Not only is the over-use of strong disinfectants environmentally irresponsible, but repeated exposure to the chemicals in disinfectants can pose health risks to janitorial employees and others who frequent the building. In fact, some bacteria have been known to develop a resistance to certain disin­fectants, making them harder to control.

In addition, disinfectants alone do not remove soil, an ideal food source for harmful, odor-and disease-causing bacteria. Consider the following scenario: a worker washes restroom floors and fixtures with a mop or rag and bucket of disinfectant cleaner. The solution in the bucket quickly becomes contami­nated from the filthy mop or rag, so the dirt simply gets moved around from one area to another. Using a disinfectant does not compensate for the incom­plete removal of the soil, whose presence continues to serve as a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

In reality, the only way to disinfect is to eliminate the source of the problem -­the soil --and this can only be done by thorough cleaning. Once the soil is removed, the bacteria die, which also eliminates any associated odor.

The Elements of Cleaning (FACTS)

According to ISSA, there are three primary components to the process of cleaning: Agitation, Chemical, and Time/temperature, which are usually refer­enced by the acronym ACT. They all work together in direct relationship with one another; if one is changed, one or both of the other must change as well. For example, if dwell time is decreased, then either agitation or chemical strength must be increased to compensate.

Kaivac believes that there should be two more components for truly effective cleaning and has adopted the acronym FACTS. The F stands for fresh ingredi­ents and water and the S stands for suctioning away the soils. The reason for this is that by always using fresh cleaning solution and rinse water along with the suctioning away of all soils, facilities will be able to achieve maximum cleanliness while eliminating any threat of cross contamination.

The Myth of Shiny Floors

In response to aggressive marketing by chemical, high speed equipment and buffing pad manufacturers, many facilities have assigned an unhealthy importance to achieving high-gloss floors. Shiny floors may look great, but they require a large investment in floor finishes and strippers, high speed floor equipment, pads and so on. Moreover, the labor involved in scrubbing, burnishing, recoating, stripping, and finishing the floors is even more significant. In fact, it is estimated by some that as much as 20 percent of a facility’s labor budget is spent on shiny floors.

As a result, all too many facility managers neglect other areas of a building in order to “finance” their shiny floors. In addition, the associated procedures produce a number of unhealthy byproducts, such as airborne particulates and chemical vapors, which have a negative impact on the indoor environment. And in the end, there is no assurance that the floor is really clean.

Given that a clean matte finish is highly acceptable in the majority of situations, Kaivac believes that cleaning floors deeply with KaiAuto – the auto scrubber alternative – is a more practical, healthy and environment-friendly approach. KaiAuto extends the time between burnishing, stripping and finishing, enabling facility managers to focus more resources towards ensuring that the entire building is clean and healthy.

One of the primary design principles behind Kaivac’s cleaning systems is worker friendliness. When developing a system, Kaivac considers what factors will make the worker’s job more effective, faster, simpler, safer and satisfying. For example, No-Touch Cleaning systems not only improve the effective­ness and productivity of custodial workers, but they also protect the workers from unhealthy exposure to contaminated surfaces and disease transfer points. In addition, because of their ergonomic design, they protect workers from injury associated with lifting and all-day mopping while also eliminating the need to crawl around restrooms on hands and knees. The chemical injection system is equipped with a number of safeguards, including proportioning control, bottle safety caps and non-aerosolizing chemical application. Furthermore, because these systems leave floors clean and dry, they protect workers and occupants from slip-fall injuries.

Another employee-related benefit of these systems is that they enable many workers to excel on the job who may otherwise be restricted by physical condition or age. Even more importantly, by improving working conditions and raising the standard of custodial performance, No-Touch Cleaning inspires worker pride and job satisfaction.