Microfibre Cleaning Systems

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By George Rodrigues, PhD

A major innovation in cleaning products is based on microscopic technology: man-made fibres much finer than a single human hair. Microfibre fabric was first invented in the 1970s for the fashion industry but its potential as a cleaning product wasn't realized until the 1990s. Even then, it was used primarily as a dusting and polishing cloth for eyeglasses, cars and household use and wasn't a practical choice for heavy-duty, large scale cleaning. That is no longer the case.

Now there are whole systems of microfibre pads, cloths and scrubbers for specialized cleaning applications with lightweight, ergonomically-designed handles, frames, wringers and buckets to optimize microfibre's use in settings such as laboratories, where cleanliness is essential.

Benefits of Cleaning with Microfibre
Extensive research has been conducted by institutions such as the University of California Davis Medical Centre, Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C. and the University of Massachusetts into the validity of microfibre as the basis of a healthier, chemical-free cleaning system. The results of the studies show that a microfibre-based system is superior to traditional cleaning systems in several ways.

- Improved Cleaning Performance - Bacteria cultures taken after cleaning reveal that microfibre used with water cleans as well and even better than traditional cloths and mops used with many conventional cleaning agents.
- Faster - Cleaning times are cut almost in half.
- Safer - Fewer chemicals and allergens result in healthier environments. Ergonomically designed handles and lightweight buckets result in fewer worker injuries and minimizing surface moisture on cleaned surfaces reduces the chance of slipping and falling.
- Cost-effective - The University of California Davis Medical Centre found its program resulted in a 60% lifetime cost savings for mops, a 95% reduction in chemical costs associated with mopping tasks and a 20% saving in labour costs per day. Royal Roads University reported significant savings in energy costs. The University of Massachusetts found that although its microfibre mops cost twice as much as its loop mops, they lasted 10 times longer. Its water, sewer and chemical costs were reduced and the shorter mopping time freed up staff to perform other productive tasks.
- Environmentally Responsible - Reducing chemical and water usage is great for the environment and having to replace cleaning pads less often results in fewer mop heads, cloths and paper products filling up the garbage.

What is microfibre and why does it clean so well?
Microfibre cleaning products are made from polyester and polyamide (nylon), which are well-known for its strength, durability and absorbency. Very fine filaments of polyester and polyamide are chemically split into millions of even finer fibres with wedge-shaped cores and microscopic 'hooks' which grab and hold onto dirt and bacteria. There are approximately 200,000 microfibres in every square inch of microfibre cloth.
Good quality cleaning cloths are made from Ultrafine Microfibre of 0.2 denier but the best cloths and pads are made from fibres of 0.13 denier or lower. A denier is the unit of measurement or weight-to-length ratio used to describe the fineness of a fibre (one denier = 1 gram per 9000 metres of fibre). The lower the number, the finer the fibre. Microfibres, by definition, are less than one denier. By comparison, 'fine fibres' such as silk are 1.0 to 2.4 denier, 'normal fibres' such as most cottons and wools are 2.4 to 7.0 denier and 'coarse fibres' are 7.0 denier and higher.

Microfibres are combined and woven in different ways to suit a range of applications. There are cloths and pads for everything from dusting delicate equipment to scrubbing tile floors. Traditional cotton wet mops, with its thick, round fibres, tend to push around and redistribute dirt instead of picking it up, but the minuscule 'hooked' fibres of a microfibre pad reach right into the tiny cracks and pores in surfaces to grab every bit of dirt and bacteria. Since there are millions of fibres in each cleaning pad and each fibre is split into many sections, the actual surface area available for picking up dirt is enormous.

When used dry, microfibre cloths and pads generate a static charge causing dirt and dust particles to literally jump onto the cleaning pad. When used damp (not wet like traditional mops), the wedge-shaped core of the fibre cuts into tough grime, loosening it without being abrasive to the surface being cleaned. Specialized high absorbency pads are ideal for soaking up liquid spills and leave behind very little surface moisture, resulting in fewer slip and fall injuries.

Mike Oakes, food services account manager for Rubbermaid Commercial Products, lists more ways microfibre helps in a laboratory setting. "You want the surfaces and equipment to be free of contaminants and microfibre can do that. It can clean bacteria out of scratches in Petri dishes, it won't leave lint behind on equipment like paper towels or terry cloth will and when you dust the tops of measuring tools and cases, you won't knock the dirt onto the surfaces below. The microfibre dusting sleeve grabs it and holds onto it."

The polyester and nylon content of microfibre is chemically resistant to petroleum-based products, making it extremely effective in cleaning up grease, oil and lubricants. Disinfectants like Quats, Phenols and Hydrogen Peroxide won't degrade microfibre, provided the manufacturer's dilution instructions are followed.

Microfibre pads and cloths should be washed after each heavy use but are strong enough to withstand several hundred washings. Traditional looped-end string mops, by comparison, are unusable after about only 75 washings.

Establishing a Microfibre-Based Cleaning Program in Your Laboratory
On an intellectual level, most facility managers understand that microfibre is a great idea. But the reality is that when the cleaning closets are full of looped-end string mops and cleaning chemicals and the staff is used to cleaning with traditional methods, making the switch to a whole new program can seem like a monumental task. What costs are involved? Does the switch have to be made all at once? Does the staff need re-training? Will the system work in the facility?

Fortunately, making the switch isn't difficult. Outlined here are some easy, cost-effective ways to incorporate microfibre into the laboratory's cleaning program.

Research: Choosing the System
The first step is to check out the websites of companies that produce microfibre cleaning products. The best ones have lots of information about microfibre and the different products and tools that are available. "Microfibre is only as good as the tools you use," warns Oakes. Not all cleaning systems are created equal. Look for a manufacturer with a solid reputation that emphasizes research and development, technological advancements, top-quality materials and superior design.

Some companies offer detailed instructions and clear illustrations on their websites for how to correctly clean with microfibre products, but ideally a sales representative will visit the lab to let you see and try the products in person.

Guy Sabourin is the former housekeeping manager at McGill University Health Centre, who now works for LaRose et Fils, a distributor of cleaning products in Quebec. "I like to demonstrate how to use the products and train the staff on how to use them properly," he says. Sabourin trains the workers himself and leaves them with microfibre products and equipment on a trial basis. "Not all companies do this because it's expensive and takes time, but I think you have to be in there, hands on. It's a very positive way to introduce something new."

There may not be a distributor doing this in every area, but the distributor should at least be willing to provide some samples and give a demonstration. Choose a distributor who demonstrates a solid knowledge about microfibre cleaning systems and that promises to provide ongoing support during the transition to a new cleaning program.

Pre-Screen and Set Priorities
What works well is when the distributor's sales rep presents the cleaning system to a committee made up of selected cleaning staff, the staff supervisor and -- if it's appropriate for the laboratory -- the Health & Safety Officer and union representative. Involving the cleaning staff in the early stages results in a better program and smoother adoption by the people doing the work. The sales rep can help determine the best way to incorporate microfibre into the current cleaning program then set up a trial pilot program in a small area - one wing, or floor or with one group of cleaning staff.

Staff Training
Training staff how to clean with a new microfibre system is an essential part of the program. It's normal to encounter some resistance, especially among workers who have been cleaning with traditional methods for many years but veteran cleaning staff will get turned on to microfibre once they start using it. Tasks like applying floor finishes, for example, are traditionally heavy, messy, unpopular work. With the microfibre flat pad, however, the job is now much cleaner and easier to do. Sabourin says he "recently trained some staff who hated doing the floor finish and were reluctant even to try it with the microfibre, but after they used the new system they said, 'Hey, this is easy. I can do this.'"
If the sales rep can't do the staff training, ask the distributor or the company that manufactures the system for someone knowledgeable near the laboratory who can assist with the training program.]

The Pilot Program
Ultimately, the goal may be to adopt a microfibre cleaning program throughout the laboratory but it's wise to start small. Few facilities can make a total immediate switch to microfibre in all aspects of its cleaning program. The initial cost to replace everything at one time can be significant, so choose the areas that are top priorities.

There are other advantages to starting small. It's easier for staff to work through minor problems, and a small pilot project can be run within the current operating budget. Other sections of the laboratory can gradually convert to microfibre as the budget allows. An added advantage to gradual conversion is that the microfibre pads won't wear out and need to be replaced at the same time in all parts of the facility.

How long is the best trial period for trying out a new system? Two weeks is perfect. The trial shouldn't be too short, or the workers may not have comfortably settled into the new routine. If it drags on too long, enthusiasm can flag or old habits can start to creep back.

Invite feedback from staff about the system they've been using and discuss any questions or concerns with the sales rep. After the training and trial period, it's time to put the system permanently in place.

Keep Track of the Savings
Although there is the initial cost of buying the microfibre cleaning system, over time there will be significant savings in water, electricity, chemical, cleaning supply and labour costs. Keep track of expenses over the course of the year after implementing the microfibre cleaning system and there will likely be a positive surprise at year's end.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a 'calculator' for facility managers to estimate the benefits and financial implications of adopting 'green' cleaning practices. The calculator can be found on its website at www.ofee.gov/janitor/index.asp.

Award-winning author Wendy A. Lewis lives in Uxbridge, ON. One of her jobs before becoming a full-time writer was assisting with corporate communications for Dynacare Inc.