One of the great challenges in the cleaning industry is to increase productivity while improving cleaning performance and worker wellbeing, all the while keeping costs to a minimum.

When it comes to floor care, end users want tools that will help them get the job done faster, easier and without back pain. Let’s face it, there’s a lot of labor involved in floor maintenance. In an industry where time is money and back injuries are the number one reportable workplace incidents — averaging $24,000 per worker’s comp claim — floor care tools need to offer cost-saving features and benefits that directly impact worker turnover, well-being and productivity.

Microfiber products such as mops, high performance wet pads, dry and dusting pads, and specialty pads (floor finishing and scrubber pads) clean better, faster and safer than traditional products. As a result, microfiber cleaning is an innovation that is gaining popularity across various businesses and facilities where cleaner is not only better, but better for your bottom line.

It is extremely important to understand that microfiber products vary widely before choosing a microfiber provider. First, there are two main types of microfiber available today for cleaning applications: unsplit and split.

Unsplit microfiber, also known as monofilament microfiber, is made up of small filaments (think microscopic threads) of just one material (usually polyester) and is the least expensive type of microfiber to manufacture. “Unsplit microfiber cleans better than traditional fibers such as cotton, but does not do a great job of picking up and retaining small items like fine dust, bacteria and viruses,” said Mark Hoyle, Global Business team leader—Hard Surface Cleaning at Rubbermaid Commercial Products, headquartered in Winchester, Virginia. “For optimum cleaning performance, demand split microfiber.”

Split microfiber is a blend of two materials such as nylon and polyester. These materials are extruded together as a small filament just like the unsplit microfiber. The difference is that the nylon is chemically and mechanically split apart from the polyester to create microscopic crevices and openings within the filaments.

When used dry, these crevices trap and hold dust particles and bacteria. In addition, when used with a liquid, dust, dirt, bacteria and viruses are sucked into these crevices by capillary action. Therefore, the best quality split microfiber has the ability to remove more than 99 percent of bacteria and 90 percent of viruses from a surface with just water.

Trends in floor care are usually based on performance and durability, but what needs improvement is the proven performance aspect—the third party proof that the product performs in accordance with its claims.

When comparing microfiber, require your product manufacturer to not only prove that its product is split microfiber, but also provide you with third party documentation that it removes bacteria and viruses. If the microfiber manufacturer cannot provide this extremely important third party data, they probably do not have high quality microfiber.

Without evidence to substantiate product value, it is difficult for end-users to make well-informed decisions before making a purchase or when comparing competitive products.

The Trend toward Training

Training continues to be a highly sought-after “tool” that supports the product line — it is about the process, a system solution and the training. There is a need for complete systems that tie together products and processes in order to achieve a more efficient and effective cleaning method.

Having an effective microfiber cleaning program requires expertise in how to best utilize textiles and tools. And when end-users make an investment in a complete cleaning solution, they should in return, receive on-going training such as educational videos, task-specific checklists, and online resources. In addition, end users should also have an on-going support system in terms of a field support team for training classes and site audits to insure product implementation and bestin- class cleaning practices.

The healthcare, hospitality and educational industries have taken a special interest in evaluating floor maintenance tools in terms of patient, guest, student and employee health and safety. Many floor cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the overall health and safety of a facility and its occupants. Premium quality, split microfiber textiles can positively impact those issues because they require significantly less water and chemicals—making them “greener” and better for the environment.

A cleaning staff appreciates microfiber mops because they are easier to use. Overall, the worker is lifting less and maneuvering lighter tools. Microfiber mopping completely eliminates the need to rinse and wring as you would with a traditional string mop. Microfiber mopping also streamlines tasks and saves time.

The cleaning solution preparation time is reduced considerably because you need less solution. Another benefit of microfiber is that it holds liquid without dripping, leaving only a thin layer of water on the floor which results in quicker drying time and less opportunity for a slip and fall hazard.

Cost Considerations

Although the initial purchase cost for microfiber mops is about twice that of traditional string mops, the useful life of a microfiber mop is about 10 times as long as a loop mop. Microfiber mops can be laundered in standard washing machines, while loop mops are usually sent out for commercial laundering at a higher cost. Microfiber mops require less space in the washers and dryers than conventional mops, saving on water, detergent and energy. This extended life cycle, along with the reduction in labor and chemical costs, results in a lower overall total cost.

When it comes to measuring cost effectiveness, it is about both hard and soft savings. The hard savings are the quantifiable economic cost savings. Does the product perform the same function for a more affordable purchase price? Will the product improve the productivity of employees? Is it more durable? The equation is durability equals life span—a product with a longer life-cycle provides more value to the consumer. These areas of savings have a measurable impact on the bottom line.

As for soft savings, this is more qualitative in nature. These savings may not be immediately apparent to the end buyer but, depending on the specific needs/concerns of the customer, it can come to be valued as much or more than the hard savings.

Can it help prevent injury for the employees through ergonomic enhancements? Are there additional features that address worker well-being that could enhance working conditions and increase morale? Will it prevent injuries for the business’ customers and limit possible liability risks? These are also areas of “savings” that are the result of well-designed products.

They may not be immediately measurable, but they do influence buying decisions. ❑ Chris Olenski is a senior product manager— Hard Surface Cleaning for Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC. For more information about RCP, visit www.rcpworksmarter.com.