ROGERS, MINN.—Activeion Cleaning Solutions, LLC, announced the launch of its first commercial cleaning product, Activeion Pro, marking the first time the technology that transforms tap water into a powerful cleaner is available in a spray bottle. Activeion Pro is safe because it contains no added chemicals of any kind. Activeion Pro uses activated water technology rather than harsh chemicals to clean, making it a safe option for cleaning professionals, the customers they serve, as well as the environment. Activeion Pro is a versatile cleaner and ideal for use on glass, stainless steel, wood, stone and marble as well as carpet...

With all the “green” talk going around about reducing electrical consumption, one major energy user is rarely discussed—hotel PTAC/VTAC units. A dirty PTAC must often work twice as hard and consume twice the electricity to reach the desired room temperatures of demanding guests. Simply cleaning the filter on a regular basis is not enough. PTACs should be removed and thoroughly cleaned a minimum of once per year. Removing the dirt will increase efficiency significantly, and improve air quality immediately. Hoteliers that put an HVAC deep-cleaning plan into action for the first time can realize huge savings on their electric...

NATIONAL REPORT—Are your cleaning practices killing you? How about your guests and employees? If you are using toxic chemicals then the answer is yes. If you are using nontoxic products and supplies in a green cleaning program, the answer is no. Green cleaning, which isn’t at all the same as green washing, is one easy way to decrease costs and employee illnesses. It also increases the comfort of people coming into your hotel. Have a clean hotel, healthy employees, increase guest comfort, and save money by using natural or green and environmentally friendly cleaning products. With increased cleaning frequency, the quality...

WINCHESTER, VA.—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), a leader in durable facility maintenance solutions, introduces the Rubbermaid HYGEN System. This new microfiber cleaning system provides innovative solutions designed for proven superior performance in maintaining healthy, safe environments. The Rubbermaid HYGEN System delivers three critical components to ensure optimal cleaning for health: proven performance, a complete system, and training and support. “By providing a complete solution set, the Rubbermaid HYGEN System helps ensure that users derive the full benefits of microfiber cleaning,” said Mark Hoyle, senior product manager for Rubbermaid Commercial Products. “Rubbermaid’s comprehensive solution includes textiles for dry...

ATLANTA—Hotels now have a greener way to get their laundry clean thanks to new EnviroEdge Laundry Products from Zep Inc. The new line of earth-friendly products is specially formulated for superior cleaning using biodegradable ingredients that reduce environmental impact. “Today, everyone is concerned about protecting our environment,” says Robin Cantrell, director of marketing, Hospitality, Zep Inc. “Many consumers prefer the businesses they patronize to be environmentally friendly. Businesses that differentiate themselves by being eco-aware are able to build customer loyalty and create a competitive edge.” EnviroEdge Laundry Products use biodegradable surfactants and contain no harmful ingredients to contaminate groundwater. They also...

ANNAPOLIS, MD.—Thayer Lodging Group, an Annapolis, Maryland-based private equity real estate investment firm with a portfolio of 14 hotels, announced they will double their inventory of PURE Allergy Friendly rooms from 280 to 560 this year. Thayer has Pure Allergy Rooms in each of its hotels. Based on Thayer’s 2008 financial report, the group reported 171 percent cash on cash return for the PURE room investment. “These are remarkable figures, especially during tough economic times,” says Frederic V. Malek, co-chairman, Thayer Lodging Group. “In 2008, we generated incremental cash flow of $438,000, which increased the value of our hotels...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Rest Assured as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Rest Assured introduces Bugstop, mattress encasements that offer an effective way to prevent bed bug habitation of mattresses and box springs. The encasements are bed bug certified, waterproof and allergy friendly. The encasements are made from 100 percent polyester stretch knit fabric. Rest Assured is also the provider of dry vapor steam machines that can be used to clean, sanitize and kill bed bugs without using chemicals. Dry steam is pumped at 120 degrees Celsius. The extreme...

NEW YORK—As part of its proclamation to make “2009 the Year of Preventive Maintenance,” Stuart Dean, headquartered here, is unveiling a new, sustainable technology that reduces surface-cleaning maintenance costs up to 50 percent and reduces the water, energy, chemicals and labor expended in cleaning. Developed by joint venture partner CSG of Rochester Hills, Mich., the PURETi solution transforms any interior or exterior surface into a material that proactively eliminates grime and bio-film buildup, improves air quality, and eradicates organic malodors. As part of the agreement, Stuart Dean will serve as the exclusive hospitality sales, service and application partner for the...

FREMONT, OHIO—Crown Mats and Matting has just introduced two new lines of 100 percent recycled matting systems. The EcoPlus mats are wiper/scraper mats typically placed directly inside a facility; wiper/scraper mats are considered the second line of defense in capturing outdoor dust, oil, and moisture from shoe bottoms. The EcoStep mats are also placed inside a facility and are considered the final line of defense, capturing remaining soils and contaminants from shoes. Both systems are made from post-consumer P.E.T. (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic. P.E.T. is often used to manufacture plastic bottles for soda, bottled water, and similar products. As useful as...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Mattress Safe Inc. as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. Mattress Safe, a family-owned business, specializes in eco-friendly mattress protectors that are fire retardant, waterproof, breathable, hypoallergenic and impermeable to dust mites, bed bugs, mold and bacteria. The company’s new Bed Bug Solution Duo combines the strength and protection of the “Superior” Total Mattress Encasement with a “Simplistic” Overlay that can be easily removed for washing and maintenance. The “Superior” Total Mattress Encasement provides Bed Bug Certification, stretches to fit up to 18-inch deep mattresses, is waterproof...