Industrial cleaninf

Spring cleaning of industrial spaces: how to choose the right cleaning agent

A clean place is a safe place. If you are part of a company that owns not only offices, but also a warehouse or a production hall, cleanliness, hygiene and safety of your spaces, employees and products is certainly a top priority for you. It is usually the case that you try out and test many cleaning products before you find the best option at a reasonable price. However, this year we will make spring cleaning easier for you by presenting a few smart tips from our hygiene experts so that you have an overview of the options before you start. 

Cleaning and organizing is a practice, not a project.

Cleaning agents and accessories are expected to clean various surfaces. The type and degree of contamination and the hardness of water must be taken into account. Choosing the right cleaner for a given surface is therefore crucial. Some surfaces, such as stone, ceramic, granite, are resistant to acids. However, there is a large number of other materials and surfaces that are sensitive to acids. These include marble, terrazzo, grouting materials (acrylic gel, resin ...) and various plastic and wooden parts.

Cleaning detergent

What types of cleaners are there?

There are three main types of cleaners: Water-based, solvent-based and water-soluble solvent:

Water-based cleaners are liquid and usually come in bulk. Cleaners on the more acidic side of the pH scale are suitable for removing mineral stains such as hard water deposits, rust or soap based dirt. On the other hand, products containing alkaline components are ideal for removing fats, oil, wax or grease.

Solvent-based cleaners use chemicals as their main component. They can be divided into two groups. There are solvent-based cleaners for treating chrome, steel or wood. But there are also versatile and multi-purpose cleaners suitable for more types of surfaces.

Water-soluble solvent-based cleaners are a hybrid of the two mentioned above. The main components are chemicals, which, however, dissolve in water. These cleaners are an excellent all-rounder because they can clean mineral stains, remove grease and clean up many other stains and dirt.

Senior Product Manager Hygiene

Hygiene as such is a time-consuming topic, but at the same time it can save considerable funds. Many customers ask us if the cheapest products are ultimately the most effective. Here I would emphasize professional cleaning products, where the working solution is certainly more cost-effective than consumer packaging of cleaning products.

Katarína Hanzlíková
Hygiene Senior Product Manager, Lyreco

How to know which products to buy?

You have chosen what type of cleaner you need and researched its key benefits. What else to consider? There are many options of industrial cleaners on the market which can make choosing the right one complicated. Several points need to be taken into account when making a decision:

Efficiency and quality: Even if there is a product on the market that you are really tempted to buy, don't do it if you know you will only use it a few times! You will lose your money by experimenting with a product that may not work for you. Instead, buy cleaners that you know you will use often. If you want to save money, also consider buying multi-purpose products.

Investment: Professional cleaning products are not cheap, so you want to buy one that will suit you in all aspects. Purchasing multiple types and kinds of cleaners to test them can lead to unnecessary expenses. If you find a product that is 100% suitable for your company, it is an investment. Over time, you will save a lot of money because you will avoid unnecessary purchase of cleaning products, the so-called testers. It is best to seek advice from experts with practical experience.

Buying sufficient quantity: If you need to regularly clean a large warehouse, store or industrial space, you should buy the product in bulk. In the long run, it will be cheaper for you and you will be sure that you will not run out the product during cleaning.

However, other product properties may be equally important, such as fragrance, packaging design for easier storage, ease of use and the environmental footprint of the product

Green alternatives

Ecological hygiene

Reducing the use of toxic cleaning agents is crucial to creating a healthier ecosystem and environment. Ecological hygiene products are cost-effective and effective but at the same time environmentally friendly:

  • only natural materials are used in their production
  • products achieve better results in safety tests
  • by using them, we contribute to the reduction of pollution of water and air. With fewer smog-producing chemicals we minimize the impact on ozone depletion and global climate change.
Sanitec

Possibility to consult with experts

Our colleagues meet with suppliers every year to participate in trainings focused on expertise in the field of hygiene. In addition to information on trends, news and recommendations, they can help you put together a package of everything you need to keep your specific premises clean. The picture shows Sanitec, our hygiene supplier, explaining product details to our teams.

Manufacturing

From safety, through cost savings to productivity ...

... there are many reasons to keep your work area clean. Browse our specialized hygiene catalogue for the industrial environment.

Hygiene means clean hands, as well as clean environment

  • Multi-purpose cleaner (look for packaging that explicitly says it is suitable for various surfaces )
  • Disinfectant (required for bathroom and kitchen surfaces)
  • Glass and window cleaner (spray and wiper solution used on mirrors, glass, plexiglass and windows)
  • Air freshener
  • Strong detergent or degreaser
  • Furniture polish
  • Pipe cleaner
  • Stainless steel cleaner (for kitchen appliances)
  • Toilet and shower cleaner (all-in-one solution for removing mold and dirt)
  • Dishwashing liquid (for cleaning plates, refrigerators)
  • Descaling or chemical descaling (removes limescale from kettles and coffee machines)
  • Carpet cleaner
  • Laudry detergent, soap, softener
  • Stain remover
  • Wood cleaner

Additionally, your cleaning base should also include supplies such as wipes, dispensers, racks and trays, sponges, mops, waste bags and more.

As soon as the summer heat comes, a faulty air conditioning unit is the last thing your business needs. These cooling systems are not usually used during the winter and are sensitive to dust and dirt, which could lead to lower efficiency, unpleasant odors, increased allergens or even unit failure. It is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned before the season.

Temperature: Find out when does the product work best. Some cleaners need hot, others cold water to be effective.

Time: Does the cleaner work immediately or should it be left on the surface for some time? This is one of the most important pieces of information. Short-term exposure may not be sufficient to disinfect, and prolonged application may damage the surface of the material.

Chemical concentration: How strong is the cleaning agent? Is protective equipment or clothing neccessary?

Application: How does the product work? Is it necessary to scrub it into the stain or simply apply it on the surface?

Continue reading