Home Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning & Maintenance

From the housekeeping department, where green cleaning is considered and implemented, to engineering, where mechanical systems are maintained and fine-tuned, hotel operators have implemented innovative products and processes to save energy and minimize the impact on the environment. Got news or a story idea to share? Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Home Cleaning & Maintenance
From the housekeeping department, where green cleaning is considered and implemented, to engineering, where mechanical systems are maintained and fine-tuned, hotel operators have implemented innovative products and processes to save energy and minimize the impact on the environment. Got news or a story idea to share? Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

Sensor Systems Provide Evidence Showing When & Where Smoking Occurred

NATIONAL REPORT—Even though guests may sign a waiver acknowledging that smoking is not permitted in the guestroom, that policy is increasingly being violated—by cigarette smokers, marijuana users, and by those who vape. In fact, currently 24 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana use for adults 21 years and older, while 38 states have legal medical marijuana programs. Fortunately for hoteliers, there are now smoking detection systems that can send an alert immediately if smoking is taking place and that can provide time-stamped, scientific proof that a room has been smoked in—critical information when a guest or even...

The Many Advantages to Maintaining Solar Panels

If you own a building, be it a hotel or the site of another business, chances are you’ve toyed with the idea of reducing your energy costs by installing solar panels. Maybe you’ve already taken this step. This strategy makes a lot of sense, as solar energy is more cost-effective than the conventional power grid, allowing you to start saving money from the very first gas bill after installation. Since solar systems pay for themselves after only a few years, yet have very long lives, they keep money in your pocket for each additional year. Solar energy also has the advantage...

ABCO Products’ Natura Yarn Mops Sweep ISSA Show Innovation Awards

MIAMI—ABCO Cleaning Products, a leading provider of sustainable cleaning tools, won two 2023 ISSA Innovation Awards for its Natura Yarn Wet and Dry Mops—the Environmental & Sustainability award and the Distributor’s Choice award. “For over 40 years, we’ve been dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable products that help people maintain clean and healthy facilities, sustainably,” said Carlos Albir, Jr., Director of Operations, ABCO Cleaning Products. “Winning not one, but two ISSA Show Innovation Awards, was an incredible moment for our team during this year’s ISSA Show.” The mops are produced using sustainable manufacturing processes at ABCO’s plant in Choloma, Honduras and are...

Cold & Flu 101: How to Minimize the Spread of Germs in Your Facility

NATIONAL REPORT—Minimizing the spread of germs should be top-of-mind for facility managers, especially this time of year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 11 percent of the U.S. comes down with the flu each year. Businesses can help facility occupants stay safe from infections, like influenza or the common cold, by taking the time to analyze and enhance their cleaning programs. Upticks in infections lead to increased absences in schools, offices and other businesses, resulting in lost productivity. Outbreaks can also negatively affect the public’s perception of a business. Implementing cleaning and hygiene best...

Scandic Meets Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s New Stricter Environmental Requirements

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic has reached a sustainability milestone by recertifying all of its previously ecolabeled hotels according to the Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s new, tougher environmental requirements. More than 88 percent of Scandic’s hotels are ecolabeled and the company is continuing its efforts to ensure that all hotels are certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is the official environmental certification in the Nordic countries. It updates its requirements approximately every four years, and the most recent update in 2023 included higher environmental goals. To continue to be certified, Scandic’s ecolabeled hotels have now undergone a rigorous recertification process...

Tork Showcased Sustainable Hygiene Innovations at ISSA

PHILADELPHIA—Tork, an Essity brand, exhibited at ISSA Show North America 2023, the leading resource for information, education, innovation, networking, and commercial opportunities within the worldwide cleaning industry, in Las Vegas. At ISSA Show North America 2023, Tork carbon neutral dispensers were nominated for the ISSA Innovation Awards, a program recognizing the latest advancements in the cleaning industry and were recognized as an honoree for the Environment & Sustainability Award. As of October 2023, a select range of existing Tork brand innovative dispensers in North America are carbon neutral certified. Carbon emissions have already been reduced by using purchased renewable electricity...

‘Lawn Care Goes Electric’ Report Makes Case for Giving Up Toxic Liquid Fuels

Here in Florida, I know too well the sound and fury of the gas-powered lawn mower and other gas-powered lawn equipment. Fortunately, we have hit the dry season, and it will be quiet for a while. In a new report entitled, “Lawn Care Goes Electric,” the authors address the problems associated with gas-powered mowers and other equipment and highlight the advantages of their electric counterparts. Be sure to give the report a read. In the report’s Executive Summary, the authors get right to the problem of gas-powered mowers. “The inefficient engines in gasoline-powered lawn equipment can emit as much pollution...

UMF PerfectCLEAN Introduces QUICKfoam for Drain Biofilm

NORTHBROOK, ILL.—UMF|PerfectCLEAN introduces QUICKfoam>10, a game-changing product developed to transform the fight against biofilm in drains. QUICKfoam>10 is a 10-gallon, battery-powered foaming unit that generates high-density Klorese disinfectant foam to treat any size drain. Klorese is the only chemistry with a neutral pH that is EPA-registered to kill bacteria in biofilm and meets the legal requirements of EPA regulation 40 CFR 403 for sanitary sewer disposal, meaning it is safe to pour down the drain. Biofilm is a protective slime that makes pathogens highly resistant to disinfectants. QUICKfoam>10 foams away bacteria in biofilm safely, efficiently, and thoroughly. “The pathogens that cause preventable healthcare-associated infections (pHAIs), many...

Westgate Las Vegas Resort Chooses PathoSans Cleaning Solutions

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, ILL.—PathoSans, a leading provider of sustainable and socially-responsible cleaning and disinfecting solutions, has teamed up with Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino to provide a healthier environment for guests and staff. Westgate Las Vegas, an iconic Las Vegas property known for its legendary entertainment and spacious guestrooms, is using PathoSans sustainable and socially responsible cleaning solutions to clean guestrooms efficiently, safely, and sustainably. “People would rave about the cleanliness of guestrooms, and we would explain how we use safe and effective products with PathoSans,” said Deborrah Ong, Vice President of Hotel Operations for Westgate Las Vegas. “Clean has no smell....

A ‘Simple’ Fix to Dryer Lint Issues That Can Easily Snowball

I never knew laundry dryer lint could create so much havoc, but it makes a lot of sense and if you have an on-premise laundry, you understand better than I do. The lint dust easily spreads, causing a cleaning and indoor air quality issue. Each lint screen needs to be cleaned daily or more and if the lint is exhausted on your rooftop or other problematic spot it can be sucked right back in by your HVAC system. Hardened lint on HVAC coils is not what you want to see. If lint is not removed in a timely manner, it...