The Latest Technologies in Commercial Cleaning

The COVID-19 outbreak forced us to increase attention on the hygiene and sanitation in our workplaces. Though the pandemic was a highly stressful situation, it fueled innovation. We’ve shifted how we clean, integrating new technology and digital processes. What are these innovations and how do they benefit us?

• Electrostatic sprayers are a new and innovative way to evenly disinfect large areas. The sprayer electrostatically charges liquids (sanitizers, disinfectants) as they leave the spray nozzle, generating charged droplets that repel each other and seek a surface. This allows the cleaning substance to uniformly coat all sides of a surface, including hard to reach areas. The result is an optimal level of cleaning.   

• UV-C disinfection: Ultraviolet light can be used to eradicate various types of mould, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. Using wavelengths between 200 and 290 nm, the DNA of bacteria and viruses is broken apart, effectively disinfecting and sterilizing. For this technology to be efficient, attention must be paid to the type of virus/bacteria, the intensity of light and the distance from the light source.  

• Robots: Robot cleaners (vacuums, scrubbers, window cleaners) are programmed for efficient, effective cleaning, allowing a cleaning team to spend time and effort on other cleaning tasks. They reduce the labour needed. These machines determine the size of the area to be cleaned, detect obstacles and recall the best routes to use in navigating their environment. As the machine takes on more cleaning, it learns from the data that it gathers and improves its future efficiency. 

• Antimicrobial surface coatings: Whether manufactured into a surface material or added after the fact, these coatings work. Cleaning companies apply an antimicrobial coating to surfaces (countertops, phones, computer keyboards, toilet seats, hospital bed rails, anywhere bacteria could grow) in offices, schools and other locations. The effects last between 60 and 90 days. 

• VCT Floor Cleaning Technology: Most office floors are protected with several thin coats of polymer or wax finish. This glossy, reflective coating is subject to wear and becomes damaged over time. VCT technology allows cleaners to minimize the use of high-pressure cleaning that can damage floors, strip paint/coatings and loosen grout. This unique wash, scrub dry technology uses 90% less water and detergents than traditional methods. 

• Battery powered equipment: With an increase in the energy density of batteries there has been a reduction in the weight and size of cleaning equipment and an increase in durability. This results in quicker and more efficient cleaning. 

• The Internet of Things (IoT) allows for autonomous monitoring of spaces that need periodic cleaning. By tracking chemicals (dust in HVAC systems, clarity levels in water, etc.) a cleaning company uses data to make an effective cleaning schedule. 

• Green cleaning: From cleaning products to equipment, green cleaning provides a more sustainable, environmentally conscious way of cleaning and a healthier work environment. 

• Steam cleaning: A steam cleaner is a device that uses a tiny amount of water heated in a boiler to remove dirt and grime. With this technology, you can sterilize, clean, and deodorize any area without using detergents. It saves time and money, is beneficial to the environment and combats the spread of germs. Though this technology has been around for some time, the COVID-19 epidemic has caused a resurgence in usage. 

• QR codes make it simple for cleaning staff to access checklists and schedules and assist office managers in learning the details of how and when an area was last cleaned. 

• Janitorial management software: The right software helps cleaning companies track inventory, communicate with office management, manage work orders, take care of scheduling, conduct inspections and more. It increases the efficiency and communication of your cleaning team. 

Though all these technological innovations might not be right for your business, they are the latest developments intended to save companies time and money while improving working conditions and keeping employees healthy. Ask your commercial cleaner if they utilize any or all of these technologies. Let them know which technology you are interested in. 

Looking for a thorough and efficient commercial cleaning company for your office space? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com. Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial and office cleaning. Contact us today!