RZJ Janitorial Services » House Cleaning

How to Choose the Right Microfiber Cloth for the Job

RZJ Janitorial Services — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:48:38 +0000

If you use microfiber cleaning cloths, then you’ve probably discovered that there are different grades of cloth available for different tasks. Most manufacturers will carry at least 3 different types of microfiber cloths. So how do you know which one to choose?

Two things will help you to determine which type of cloth to use: 1) the type of surface you’ll be cleaning, and 2) the type of soil you’ll be cleaning.

Heavy-duty microfiber cloths are used for heavy-duty cleaning to remove deep soil and oils. These cloths are great for construction cleaning and locations like automotive shops.
Medium grade microfibers are used for dusting and medium-duty tasks like wiping countertops and sinks.
Microfiber cloths that have a suede-like texure are used for glass, mirrors and bright-work. These cloths are usually much thinner than the heavy-duty or medium grade cloths but are more tightly woven.

How do you know you’re buying quality microfiber cloths?

Size. You should be able to fold the cloth in half, and then in half again. It should still be big enough to fit your entire hand.
Polyester piping around the edge of the cloth. This helps the cloth to withstand many washings.
Look for 80% polyester and 20% polyamide.
Run the cloth across your hand. Does it seem to “catch”? This is caused by the dense fibers and indicates quality microfiber.
Do a test. Take a small dab of hand lotion and smear it on a mirror. Then wipe with your cloth to see how many passes it takes to remove the lotion. A good quality microfiber cloth will remove the lotion in only one or two passes.

These aren’t scientific ways to choose microfiber cloths or test for quality, but “seeing is believing”, and once you’ve used a quality microfiber cloth and use the right cloth for the job, you’ll immediately see the difference.

Copyright TheJanitorialStore.com. All Rights Reserved.
Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.thejanitorialstore.com.

Do’s and Dont’s of Caring for Microfiber Cloths

RZJ Janitorial Services — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:48:37 +0000

David Holly, co-author of Green Cleaning for Dummies and founder of Green Cleaning University offered this advice on the topic of laundering microfiber cloths:

“You really have no worry about machine washing in hot water – the typical hot water temperature of a home or commercial machine is below the temperature that can harm the fibers of a well made micro fiber cloth.

The two products to avoid are bleach and fabric softener. Bleach WILL damage the fibers. Fabric softener eliminates “static cling” or electrostatic energy – this is a critical part of what makes a micro fiber work. However, if you accidentally use some fabric softener – don’t panic – just rewash the cloth(s) and you’ll be fine. There is no permanent damage from this.

When washing, use a VERY SMALL amount of detergent. Micro fibers release the soil when washed very easily. Overuse of detergent is at best wasteful and at worst will load the cloth with detergent that remains after drying. A good starting point is 1/2 the amount you would normally use for a comparable size load. As with many chemicals in our business – more is NOT better.

A single cycle is fine for cleaning the cloths. There is no additional benefit from washing for more than one cycle – just wasting water and energy. The nature of the fibers helps prevent mold, mildew or other “nasties” from growing. By the same token, drying is not necessary either. They will air dry very quickly and will not mildew as they dry. If you choose to machine dry – this is where temperature IS an issue. Use a LOW setting. Dryer temps are MUCH higher than wash temps.

Do NOT dry any other cloths, rags, towels or other clothing with your micro fibers if you choose to machine dry them. They will pull all of the lint off these other materials and become so loaded that they may be worthless in the future.”

How to Increase Cleaning Productivity by Developing Routines

RZJ Janitorial Services — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:56:54 +0000

Whether you’re providing cleaning services to residential homes or commercial facilities, the amount of profit you’ll make is directly related to how quickly and efficiently you or your employees can clean. The less productive you are, the lower the profits.

Since every location is different, you’ll want to establish a routine for yourself or your employees so the same path is followed each visit. Generally, you’ll work in circular patterns, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

If possible, carry as much as you can with you so there’s no need to run back and forth to pick up and drop off equipment or supplies. You should be able to carry spray bottles of all-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner, as well as microfiber cloths. To keep things together, buy a portable caddy, which you can carry with you. If working in an office, use a brute (trash can on wheels), and attach an apron or caddy that can carry your supplies. This will enable you to collect trash, dust, clean the breakrooms and restrooms without having to go back to collect different cleaning supplies.

Avoid backtracking and moving about the home or office erratically. This wastes precious time, and increases the chance that one or more tasks will be missed. When each home or office is given a specific route, it’s much easier to get into a flow or rhythm each time it’s cleaned.

When deciding on a routine, think logically. In homes, you may start with the back bedrooms and move forward to the entryway, leaving kitchens and bathrooms for last. For offices, you’ll usually work your way around the office removing trash, dusting, and spot cleaning. Then you’ll clean break rooms, coffee centers and rest rooms, leaving the floors for last.

When routines are established early, you take the guesswork out of cleaning, which means a bigger bottom line for your cleaning business!