NATIONAL REPORT—In a recent article, Green Lodging News highlighted two companies that offer different types of steam cleaning systems. One company not included in that article was Advanced Vapor Technologies. The company takes a different approach with steam—it relies on steam vapor and its proprietary Thermal Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitation (TANCS) technology to disinfect and clean. The company offers machines appropriate for both residential (Ladybug Systems) and commercial environments (MondoVap and VaporJet Systems). Machines made by Advanced Vapor Technologies carry a yellow sticker indicating they qualify as a disinfection device by the EPA. TANCS is a factory installed internal component...

One of the most read articles on Green Lodging News, with almost 10,000 views, is “How to Better Accommodate Travelers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).” It is proof of the great interest in the topic. When I wrote that article in 2014, it was estimated that MCS affects about 12 percent of the U.S. population, but more than 30 percent of the population is fragrance sensitive. As much interest as there is in MCS, not enough has been done in our industry to accommodate travelers with MCS. If you google “chemical free hotels,” you will not find much. I spoke...

KENMORE, WASH.—When planning for her four-bedroom Enliven Bed and Breakfast in Kenmore, Wash., owner Teresa Molitor Luttrell decided to create a haven for people with chemical sensitivities. Luttrell suffered from Lyme disease for many years and understands the needs of the chemically sensitive. “I turned my house into a place for people with chemical sensitivities. Over the years I have really finetuned it,” Luttrell says. Millions of Americans suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity. According to the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation, “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a medical condition characterized by a heightened sensitivity to chemicals. People who have MCS become ill when...

ATLANTA—Oxy-Gen Powered, a leader in innovative odor control solutions, has unveiled TerminOdor, an odor eliminating spray that harnesses the power of the company’s proprietary malodor eliminator, Neutra-lox, to quickly neutralize odor molecules rather than mask them. “TerminOdor knocks out a variety of odors that can negatively impact people’s perception of a facility and its level of cleanliness,” said Chris Whiting, Executive Vice President—North America, Oxy-Gen Powered. “Fast and effective odor control makes TerminOdor ideal for a variety of environments, such as offices, hotels, hospitals, schools, fitness centers and more.” Available in 22-ounce spray bottles—sold individually or in cases of six—TerminOdor features a...

NATIONAL REPORT—While only a small percentage of hotels in the United States currently use steam cleaners in their daily cleaning, an increasing number of properties are discovering that steam cleaning is an effective way to disinfect, deodorize and clean while eliminating chemicals and using a minimal amount of water. Steve Marks, V.P. Sales for Vapamore, says steam cleaning goes hand in hand with other green cleaning methods and is ideal for the sanitizing and cleaning of mattresses, carpeting, drapery, furniture, grout, the coils in HVAC systems, any type of bathroom cleaning, and much more. “You can use it in the back...

PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services, announced that it will align its operations and supply chain to the U.N. Global Compact’s Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C, and will work to reduce its carbon emissions by half by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050. The company is committed to doing its part in limiting the rise of global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F) or less above pre-industrial levels, the limit deemed necessary by the U.N. to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. “Climate change demands urgent action, and it’s absolutely critical...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—Excel Dryer is now offering an improved product with 50 percent longer life and an industry-leading seven-year warranty, without increasing the list price. Effective December 1, 2019, all XLERATOR and XLERATOReco Hand Dryers are warrantied for seven years; this covers all parts, and most importantly, the motor. Many other hand dryers on the market offer a lesser, more restrictive warranty, typically 1 to 5 years. William Gagnon, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Excel Dryer recommends buyers thoroughly review the warranty of any dryer they are considering purchasing. He cautions, “Though some manufacturers offer longer warranties, a review...

ORLANDO, FLA.—A research study conducted on behalf of Clean the World by the University of Arizona (UA) showed a 100 percent bacterial contamination rate in refillable dispensers that contain shampoo, body wash, conditioner, hand soap, or lotion. Of 82 samples taken, 63 (76 percent) yielded bacterial numbers greater than 1,000 colony-forming units per gram of product (CFU per gram), and 40 samples (49 percent) exceeded 10,000 CFU per gram. According to The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, for non-eye-area products, counts should not be greater than 1,000 CFU per g or mL. An Executive Summary of the...

ATLANTA—Oxy-Gen Powered, a leader in innovative air-freshening solutions, has launched its Fab 30 urinal screens for men’s restrooms. Infused with high-quality fragrance and Neutra-Lox, a proprietary malodor eliminator, the screens eliminate rather than mask foul odors to keep urinals smelling fresh for 30 days. Fab 30 features a unique design to eliminate splashes and is available in 10 distinct fragrances that complement Oxygen-Pro air freshener scents for a total odor control solution. “Foul smells and urinal screens that don’t prevent splash-back can negatively impact the satisfaction of individuals using a facility’s restrooms,” said Andy Piucci, Vice President of Sales-North America,...

READING, PA.—To help businesses protect their customers and their brands from bed bugs, Rentokil Steritech, a Rentokil North America company and part of the world’s largest commercial pest control firm, is offering its on-site Bed Bug Symposium as a complimentary service to interested businesses. Bed bugs have become a prevalent issue across North America, impacting a variety of business types. In recent years, bed bug sightings and infestations have been reported in hotels, healthcare facilities, multifamily apartment and condominium complexes, schools and colleges, offices, public transportation, and more. However, many businesses do not have bed bug protocols in place and employees...