With the current increase in pool use, proper maintenance and attention to safety are imperative to keep the pool clean and people safe from chemical misuse. Chemicals are important for maintenance but unfortunately can cause chemical burns, respiratory problems, and eye irritation, to name a few. I recently spoke with Theresa Bellish of NSF to learn more about pool safety. Bellish has over twenty years of experience in testing, auditing and certification services for drinking water treatment chemicals, distribution system components, recreational water products, onsite wastewater treatment systems and electrical safety services. Bellish shared a few simple steps hoteliers...

Who stayed in your hotel last night? Were they already sick, or had they been exposed to possible illness? Did the room attendant thoroughly clean the rooms? Hotel managers never know if a hotel room has been exposed to airborne or surface germs, but there are precautions that hoteliers take that can help hotel guests leave their stays unscathed by germs. Hotel guests increasingly care about health and wellness. For instance, before booking a hotel, I always check the reviews for comments about cleanliness and housekeeping. And the very first thing I do upon entering a hotel is wash my hands....

OMAHA, NEB.—CleanCore Solutions, Inc., developer of the patented aqueous ozone technology that works as an all-purpose cleaner, announced that Byrd Hotel Group, an owner and operator of hotels and extended stay facilities for more than 70 years, will be installing a variety of the company’s products at the first four of its locations, with a commitment to deploy the company’s products across all of Byrd’s locations. Byrd has been in business for over seventy years and currently operates hotels and extended stay facilities throughout Phoenix. CleanCore products to be installed include Power Caddies, O3 Cleanpaks, Ice Machines, Fill Stations, and Laundry units. For more in-depth...

With the busy tourist season here, many hotels focused on protecting the environment and sustainability are taking a second look at their green cleaning arsenal and asking themselves, “Are these still the best green cleaning products available?” Asking this question is not only timely but a good idea. It’s easy to get into a pattern of ordering and reordering the same cleaning products year after year, unaware that new or more advanced technologies may be available that are more effective, sustainable, and cost-effective. The first step in rejuvenating your cleaning supplies is to meet with your janitorial distributor. Your distributor, if...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—In a recent survey by Bradley Co., nearly 70 percent of Americans reported having a particularly unpleasant experience in a public restroom due to the poor condition of the facility. The top restroom aggravations include clogged or unflushed toilets, an old, dirty or unkempt appearance and unpleasant smells. Unfortunately, hospitality establishments that neglect restroom cleaning and maintenance are jeopardizing their image. Almost 60 percent of respondents believe an unclean restroom shows poor management, 56 percent are left with a tarnished opinion of the business and half vow not to return or will think twice about doing so. On the...

Sofidel Sofidel--Leading the Paper Products Industry Sofidel is known for its commitment to producing high-quality paper products utilizing environmentally friendly, energy-efficient processes. It continues to find innovative, sustainable solutions to help the planet and its people thrive by applying strict procurement policies for raw materials of forestry origin and managing water responsibly by constantly monitoring production processes. Its Papernet brands, including HyTech Seas dispensers and Dissolve Tech paper towels, offer hospitality properties sustainable hygiene options to best meet guests’ cleanliness and quality expectations. All are fantastic options to help keep your hospitality property restrooms smelling fresh and leave guests with a...

Move over caustic chemicals, a new era of cleaning and disinfectant solutions is in town. Electrochemically activated solutions (ECAS) continue to make a splash and shake up the cleaning industry. Easy-to-use, sustainable and effective, they are a trusted cleaning source for many consumer, commercial, institutional and industrial applications. From stadiums, breweries, bakeries, and senior living facilities to indoor agriculture facilities and more, businesses and consumers are ditching archaic, toxic cleaning programs for these sustainable solutions. More cleaning-focused companies are also making it a part of their service offering. But what exactly are ECAS? ECAS, commonly referred to in the past...

VISTA, CALIF.—A little-reported fact is that heat wave frequencies in the United States are increasing. In the 1960s, we averaged about two major heat waves per year. Today, we are experiencing more than six. Further, these heat waves are lasting longer. In the 1960s, heat waves lasted about 22 days. Now, they average 72 days. And one more heat stat. The number of people in emergency rooms due to heat exposure has increased from 151 out of 100,000 emergency room visits a few years ago to more than 180 today. So, what steps should employers take to protect workers from extreme heat...

MONROVIA, CALIF.—VivoAquatics, a leading water management solution company, announced the results of a recent independent survey, which revealed that pools and hot tubs are one of the most important amenities for people when booking travel accommodations. However, many guests have experienced unexpected closures of these amenities during their stays. Additionally, while people reported that they are concerned about water cleanliness, chlorine levels and bacteria, they almost never receive information from hotels and resorts on these matters. According to the survey findings: Nearly 75 percent of respondents ranked pools and hot tubs as one of the top three most important amenities...

In the dynamic landscape of facility management, one principle stands as an unwavering cornerstone: sustainability. Far more than just a buzzword, sustainability has become an indispensable guiding principle for facility managers tasked with optimizing operations, minimizing environmental impact, and futureproofing their facilities. At the heart of sustainability lies a fundamental commitment to environmental stewardship. Facility managers play a pivotal role in minimizing resource consumption, reducing waste generation, and mitigating environmental impact. By implementing energy-efficient systems, adopting eco-friendly practices, and embracing renewable technologies, facility managers can contribute to the preservation of our planet for future generations. Over the past thirty years, corporations...