7 reasons to implement a rapid response cleaning regime with microfibre

Rapid response cleaning is critical when it comes to effective floorcare maintenance. Here Kelly Brierley, key account manager at Robert Scott, takes us through her top reasons why businesses should implement a rapid response microfibre cleaning system as part of their maintenance regime.

1. Reduce your risk of slip and trip hazards.
Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of accidents and injuries in the workplace, and often occur as a result of improper cleaning processes. By developing a rapid response regime with a product such as microfibre, which provides quick-drying results and in most cases requires only water, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of potential wet floor hazards or slippery surfaces caused by detergent residue.

Janitorial staff should develop a delivery protocol for their rapid response regime – trolley and caddy systems are an effective way to ensure employees are able to travel to the incident location with the necessary tools without risking their own safety by carrying equipment on their person.

2. Save time with a quick-drying system.
In order for rapid response cleaning to be its most effective, it is important to choose the right materials for the job at hand. Microfibre is by far the most effective material for immediate cleaning of busy environments with heavily trafficked areas. Microfibre mops and cloths are designed to clean surfaces without the need for chemicals which means that cleaners can improve sustainability and dramatically reduce costs, while eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and excessive amounts of water.

A damp microfibre mop dries in approximately two minutes, whereas a traditional cotton mop could take upwards of 10 minutes.

3. Minimising disruption.
As part of a rapid response regime, staff need to consider how they can minimise disruption to public areas as these are the most common locations for slip and trip hazards. It is worth considering how you will cordon the area – high visibility signage, cones or tape – and how long the signs are required to stay in position. By using suitable products, such as quick-drying microfibre, you’re able to clean the affected area quickly and could even use a double-sided mop pad to clean and dry in a short space of time, causing a minimal amount of disruption.

The fuss-free nature of microfibre also means janitorial staff are able to respond quickly as less preparation is required, so any affected areas can be cleaned in a matter of moments.

4. Reducing bi-product waste.
Another benefit of using microfibre as a rapid response material is its ability to significantly reduce waste. Microfibre mops and cloths can be washed and reused time and time again, minimising the need for volume of stock. As discussed, microfibre also requires very little water and can be used without chemical cleaning agents (unless required), making it a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly cleaning method.

Microfibre has been proven to remove over 99.9% of dirt and bacteria, while traditional systems often only remove 60%. Microfibre also removes dust completely leaving no cleaning films behind and therefore ensuring surfaces stay cleaner for longer.

5. A system that suits you – disposable vs. non-disposable.
The nature of the location will determine whether a disposable or non-disposable cleaning system is required. For example, if a school has access to a washing machine they would be able to use a non-disposable system to wash mops and reduce the need for surplus stock. Comparatively, a hospital will need to use a disposable system in certain areas to reduce cross-contamination risk.

It is good practice for your janitorial team to conduct regular walk rounds of the facility to determine which areas would require which system as in either of these circumstances it’s important to ensure you have the right tools for the job. Using a trolley or caddy system will allow staff to transport cleaning equipment to the location quickly and safely. Storing the right cleaning equipment in an easily accessible location for each area will also help to minimise response time.

6. An effective method for daytime cleaning.
Any rapid response regime must be effective for use during the daytime as this is when accidents are most likely to occur during times of higher footfall, and where a microfibre mop and cloth system can deliver further benefits as it enables cleaning without the need for noisy machinery such as vacuums and polishers.

Businesses where excess surface water is a potential hazard, such as restaurants and cafes, could also benefit hugely from implementing a microfibre rapid response regime as certain products can be used to clean and dry instantly.

7. Health and wellbeing for the whole team.
By implementing microfibre products to a rapid response protocol there are numerous benefits for the health and wellbeing of your staff. The lightweight nature of the material, and the modern design of most microfibre mops, significantly contribute to reducing the risk of strains or injuries from heavy lifting, and by using a trolley or caddy system you ensure that staff are able to respond quickly and safely to affected areas with the necessary equipment.

As well as this, reducing or eliminating the need for cleaning chemicals and hazardous substances by using microfibre, with dramatically reduce the risk of skin irritations or more long-term health implications that can be caused by use of these products.

What products to choose for rapid response cleaning?
If you’re considering introducing a rapid response cleaning regime, here are some of Kelly’s key product recommendations:

Stream double-sided microfibre flat mop
This unique magnetic mop head allows users to clean with two mop faces and interchange without the need to touch dirty mops – ideal for rapid response spot cleaning. The interchangeable pads save time, reduce laundry costs and halve stock. This product also comes equipped with a holdall that can be used to store, carry new and used mops, spare handle and other cleaning accessories.

Microspeedy microfibre system
This is a complete flat mopping system with a professional folding break-frame that’s impact-resistant and highly durable. It’s designed for use with flat mop heads with easy to use ‘eyelet and flap’ fittings, combined with aluminium handles and 20-litre King Speedy mopping combo bucket.

Rokleen microfibre system
This trolley-based cleaning system consists of a core range of products that can be tailored to suit the customer, designed to reduce cross contamination and maximise cleaning standards across site. The trolleys are also compact in size for easy storage and manoeuvrability.

For more information on Robert Scott’s rapid response cleaning systems, please contact us, phone 01457 819400 or email info@robert-scott.co.uk.