Category: Clean Hire

cleaning machines

When you’re making use of an industrial cleaning companies services it will be useful to understand some of the terms that are used. It’s not a completely new language you need to learn but being able to explain what you want and whether there is a problem with something will improve communication.

Industrial cleaning machines are very similar to those you might use in the home, so using the right terminology will also benefit you in your daily life. Understanding the terminology will be very useful, should you ever be looking for the best machine to buy. The terms we’re about to introduce are used by manufacturers and service providers.

Industrial Cleaning Machine Glossary

Dimensions – As well as the actual dimensions of the machine itself, manufacturers also give details of the cleaning/working width and the squeegee width. Knowing the dimensions of the actual machine will be useful to know to ensure it can fit through doorways. However, the most important, when it comes to the actual process of cleaning, is the cleaning and squeegee width. Knowing these dimensions will allow you to determine how long a job will take.

Vacuum Power – a vacuum with a weaker suction power may take more than one single pass to clean the floor.

Tank Capacity – this figure will give an indication as to how long the scrubber can work before it needs refilling or emptying.

Brush/Pad – industrial floor cleaners use a cylindrical or roller brush or a disc pad. Which one is best really depends on the type of floor. Machines with a disc pad tend to be cheaper, simpler to maintain and replacing discs is less expensive.

Brush Pressure – this figure indicates the pressure the cleaning brush exerts on the floor and how efficient the cleaning process will be.

Brush Speed – this is how fast the brush rotates, agitating the detergent. More effective scouring is achieved with a faster speed.

Traction – some walk-behind machines have a traction drive that helps the operator move the machine. This feature can be very useful for larger and much heavier machines.

Max Area Performance – this figure is usually given as square metres per hour.

Machine Weight – this refers to the total weight of the machine and is usually given in kgs.

Power Source – it can be battery or mains powered. Both of which have their own advantages. For example, a battery powered machine can be used anywhere. However, mains powered machines can be used for as long as needed.

Sound Level – the acceptable level is 63dBA.

Nilfisk is a leading manufacturer of industrial vacuum cleaners that provide a unique experience and high value. Their vacuum cleaners are specially designed with the operator needs in mind. The compact design of their industrial vacuum cleaners makes their machines easy to use and highly manoeuvrable for enhanced reliability year after year.

Last year, the company ran a competition seeking to find out the oldest working Nilfisk cleaning machine. The competition was meant to put to the test the confidence that the company has in its cleaning machines. After the competition, Nilfisk GAE vacuum cleaner which has been in operation for over 60 years was crowned the oldest working Nilfisk cleaning machine.

The Nilfisk GAE Vacuum Cleaner

The Nilfisk GAE Vacuum Cleaner was specifically designed to be used in the dangerous industrial environment mainly to collect dust and debris. For over 60 years, the machine has been in use serving different clients across the UK. The vacuum cleaner can be used both onsite and offsite.

Built from the strongest materials, the Nilfisk GAE Vacuum Cleaner is a real manifestation of the quality and durability of industrial cleaning machines designed by Nilfisk. The GAE vacuum cleaner has stood the test of time to become the oldest working vacuum cleaner in the country.

Highly Portable

The last thing you can worry about when using the Nilfisk Vacuum Cleaner is excess weight. The machine is lightweight and highly portable which provides the much-needed convenience. Its exceptional versatility and durability provide a unique performance that is required by the operator.

Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner can be used in both stationary and portable applications. The GAE vacuum cleaner is still an unparalleled cleaning icon in different industries. It is easy to use, and it allows the operator to quickly vacuum some of the common areas such as the stairs and corridors.

An Efficient Vacuum Cleaner

Unlike other vacuum cleaners that tend to leave behind dust and debris, the GAE vacuum cleaner is efficient and will leave you with a clean surface without any dust traces. The GAE’s unique and dynamic filtration system features a two and a quarter gallon capacity paper bag, High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) exhaust filter, a microfilter and an extra-large main filter.

Maximum Particle Retention Capacity

The Nilfisk GAE Vacuum Cleaner is also capable of retaining at least 99.97% of all particles including those that are 0.3 microns in size.

The strong and unique combination of its quiet performance, powerful sanction, and greater filtration capabilities makes the vacuum cleaner suitable for use in a wide range of industrial applications including but not limited to hazardous dust removals such as lead and asbestos, contamination control in research labs and other dust-sensitive areas within the premises.

The vacuum cleaner also features an optional Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA) exhaust filter capable of retaining up to 99.99% of all particles including those that are 0.11 microns in size.

Combustible Dust

In February 1999, an explosion in a Massachusetts Foundry killed three people and injured nine. The same scenario repeated itself in January 2003 when an explosion in a pharmaceutical plant located in North Carolina killed six and injured 38 individuals. The same year, another explosion in a Kentucky acoustics insulation manufacturing firm killed seven and injured 37. Five years later, an explosion took place at a Georgian sugar refinery that ended up killing 14 and injuring 38 people. The list seems endless. However, in all these explosions and many more, one thing was clear. The culprit was dust.

What are Dust Explosions?

A dust explosion is defined as the fast combustion of small particles suspended in the air, most notably but not always in enclosed locations. Dust explosions could take place in locations where dispersed combustible materials are present in high concentrations in the atmosphere or any other oxidising gaseous elements such as oxygen. Tiny particles of metal dust and metal particles are the by-products of the manufacturing process, and a cloud of them requires a spark to explode – which, in turn, can loft even more dust that triggers further explosions.

Dangers of Dust Explosions

Dust explosions are dangerous and harmful. Since 1980, more than 133 people have been killed by dust explosions in the United States alone. Despite killing people, these sorts of explosions have the capability of destroying buildings and hurling individuals across a room. Individuals caught in dustexplosions are often burned by the intensity of heat within the burning cloud of dust or get injured by flying objects and other falling structures. Furthermore, reports of people who have lost their sight or the ability to hear clearly as a result of dust explosions are not new. These are some of the dangers of dust explosion.

How to mitigate Dust Explosions

Dust explosions continue to kill and injure people. The statistics and staggering figures on the number of people killed or injured by these explosions are worrying. Something needs to be done urgently to eliminate incidences of dust explosions.

First of all, it is important for industries to invest in industrial vacuum cleaners among other industrial cleaning equipment tocontrol fugitive combustible dust. These equipment collect combustible dust into disposable bags which could then be piped outside. Furthermore, to avoid such explosions, the following needs to be done:

• Heated surfaces and systems should be separated from dust
• Dust residues should be cleaned at regular intervals
• Cleaning methods that do not generate dust clouds should be adopted
• Only approved vacuum cleaners for dust collection should be used
• A hazardous and dust inspection, housekeeping, testing, and control program needs to be developed and implemented
• Industries should utilise surfaces that minimise the accumulation of dust while facilitating cleaning
• Escape of dust from ventilation systems or process equipment should be minimised.

Ride on floor scrubbers are a revolutionary piece of kit that allow cleaning floors to be done in half the time and twice as effectively. Industrial floor care machines have given the cleaning industry a much needed tool to get the job done and there are many on the market that can make floor cleaning a painless task. There are two big players that dominate the market: Tennant and Comac. But the question is, which one is better?

Tennant Ride on Floor Scrubber

Tennant have incredibly high productivity rates and boast being able to clean 2,500 square metres per hour. One of the main benefits of the Tennant range is that a lot of them offer a scrubber-dryer combination that means you can minimise the risk of slips and falls.

Tennant T3 Scrubber Dryer
Tennant T3 Traction drive scrubber dryer.

The patented NanoClean technology converts water into cleaning solution and is a lot more efficient at waste disposal than cleaners offered by competitors. Tennant also have the added bonus of offering a range of ride on floor scrubbers that can suit any company of any size. They range from their Micro Ride On Floor Scrubber to the Industrial Floor Cleaner so even if you have a small space that needs cleaning it is likely you will find something that you can use in your setting.

Comac Ride on Floor Scrubber

Comac Innova 85B ride on scrubber dryer.

Comac also offer a wide range of industrial cleaning machines and like Tennant they strive to ensure there is something available for every position in the market. What Comac really specialise in heavy duty cleaners that can tackle dirt conditions associated with heavy industry. They also have an in house efficiency system called CDS that can enable to operator to dose water and detergent separately to reduce waste. Comac machines are also well known for being easy to use, so although they are designed to tackle heavy industry, anyone can use them.

Which One is Best For Me?

Deciding between a Tennant and a Comac ride on floor scrubber is something that can take a lot of thought. If you are a professional cleaning company this is a large investment which could change the way your company works, and if you are a company tackling its own industrial cleaning issues then you will also want to ensure that you get the most out of your spend.

Heavy duty industry like the medical industry or anything that is centred around food may well leave you with no choice but to go for a Comac. If you have strict regulations to adhere to their consistency will provide you with peace of mind.

If you are just a small company or you are just starting out your own cleaning company – then a Tennant may be your best option. Not only are they efficient but they are affordable enough to buy if you feel you may not use it that often. Their models make a great starter option for those who want to test the water.

For your industrial floor cleaning machine to work effectively, and for it to give you long-term service, you have to condition it to regular servicing. Normally, the number of times to do the servicing depends on how frequent you use the cleaning equipment. Cleaning machines that are used often should be serviced more regularly than those that are less used. Hiring a floor machine servicing firm like Clean hire is important if you want the best cleaning service. Overall, you stand to gain the following benefits when having your floor machine serviced by an expert:

1. Avoid Unnecessary Costs

Regular servicing of your industrial floor cleaning machine protects you from paying extra or unnecessary costs. The costs can be seen as immediate or long-term. On an immediate basis, you get to avoid unnecessary expenditure related to repairs or replacement of parts. Most of the parts if checked early get to give you long-term service. On the long-term basis, servicing your cleaning equipment protects you from having to replace the whole equipment. Buying new equipment after a short-term use is not desirable. When you consult a industrial floor cleaning machine engineer, the specialist will inform you of what part needs repair and what part needs replacing. If repairs are to be done, you get to spend less than you would if the situation got worse.

2. Overall Assessment of the Machine Performance

Your floor cleaner machine does not need to break down or look worn out for you to consider having it inspected by an expert. Regular servicing ensures that the machine is checked effectively—part by part. Considering that cleanliness is a priority for most people, having the whole machine checked ensures that the levels of hygiene on your floor are maintained. If its lubrication that is needed or changing the coolant, the expert will advise you accordingly.

3. Maintaining the Consumable

Your floor cleaning machine has supportive features that need to be maintained so as to have an improved general cleaning performance from your equipment. The consumable include brushes, water pipes, filters, and power cord. Most of time, you may not know what part needs replacing and thus the need for expert input. The engineers will be able to give you direction pertaining to the consumables so as to avoid long-term costs.

4. For Operation Safety

A properly serviced floor cleaning machine gives you the benefit of doubt with respect to the usage safety. A machine that is poor in condition is a danger to you and can result in accidents. When having the machine serviced regularly, the experts are able to fix possible threats, allowing you to work securely. Parts such as the brakes, ignition switch, the motor, and filers need to be checked on a regular basis.

Conclusion

After buying the floor cleaning machine, you are mandated to keep it in a good working condition. The best way to do it is to have it serviced and inspected often. This will save you from spending unnecessarily on repairs and replacements. In the long run, servicing the floor machine makes sense for your investment. If you are looking for a industrial cleaning machine specialist, Clean Hire can solve all of your problems.

A handful of songs which could be dedicated to industrial cleaning – and the odd group with cleaning themed connections

Industrial cleaning songs record player image by Indigolotos (via Shutterstock).
You’re listening to CleanHire 320, and here’s today’s cleaning tune countdown… (Image by Indigolotos, via Shutterstock)

In the good old days of local radio, we at Clean Hire would have been familiar with Clive Tyldesley’s commentary on Radio City. Or Billy Butler’s wisecracks – also seen on the BBC and the long-forgotten Saturday morning television programme, The Mersey Pirate. Till Doctor Fox spoiled the party, Radio City, Piccadilly Radio, and the other independent stations had their own singles chart. Supposing Clean Hire had its own station, our ten songs would have a cleaning theme. Such as these seen below.

Continue reading “Ten Industrial Cleaning Themed Songs”

A clean sweep for Blackbrook JFC, thanks to Cleanhire’s support for grassroots sport

Blackbrook JFC treble winning side
Treble Winners: the victorious Blackbrook Junior Football Club.

In 1948, 1999, 2001, and 2017, what do Glasgow Rangers, Manchester United, Stalybridge Celtic, and Blackbrook JFC have in common? In their respective leagues, they have won trebles. Rangers with the Scottish First Division, Scottish Cup, and the Scottish League Cup. Stalybridge Celtic did with the Northern Premier League title, Cheshire Senior Cup, and the NPL President’s Cup. Continue reading “Blackbrook JFC’s Treble Success”

Eight cleaning products that no household should be without. Ever.

An office clean or household clean can be difficult without the right kind of cleaning products.  As well as all the usual household names like Mr. Muscle, your kitchen, living room, or shop floor can be cleaned with common and garden products like distilled vinegar.  Or baking soda.  What’s surprising is how they are inexpensive.

For the eight cleaning products, we at Clean Hire have also looked at the prices.  Most of which have been sourced from ASDA’s website.

  1. Shower Cleaner

There is nothing worse than stepping into a dirty shower.  Firstly, you shouldn’t have to leave the cubicle with dirty feet.  Secondly, a damp shower is prone to mildew and mould.  Not a pretty sight before you head off to work, nor a pretty one for the next person.

Which is why shower cleaner is a must for any wet room or bathroom.  The own brand one is 75p.  Mr. Muscle shower cleaner retails between £1.50 and £1.99

  1. A Magic Eraser

The second of our essential cleaning products sounds like the stuff of 1950s to 1980s comic strips (if there was a strip called Jimmy’s Magic Eraser, please tell us!).  Instead of being used to answer hard sums and blast through spelling tests, the cleaner’s magic eraser is more mundane.  It is used as a kitchen scrubber.

From our sources, Flash’s magic eraser goes for £2.00.  At the lower price of £1.50 is Minky’s magic eraser.

  1. Goo Gone

From our choice of online retailer, Goo Gone isn’t available for sale.  For this item, we had to turn to Amazon.co.uk, where Goo Gone prices range from £2.50 to £3.98.  Goo Gone is used for removing sticky items.  For example, the backs of stickers or double sided tape.  If you need to clean up after children and pets, this should be one of your top cleaning products.

  1. Baking Soda

For the fourth item, our preferred online supermarket let us down a bit.  They only offered small canisters designed for home baking.  Once again, Amazon came to our rescue with a carton of Duzzit going for £2.80.

As part of your arsenal of cleaning products, baking soda is a must for oven cleaning and as odour absorber from your fridge freezer.

  1. Microfibre Cloths

Microfibre cloths offer unbeatable value for money, being reusable and super-absorbent. They can last for several months to a year and work on a variety of surfaces. This time, ASDA offers two brands: their own brand microfibre cloths (£1.29 for two), and Minky’s (a cool £2.00 for four).

  1. Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is good for removing stains, cleaning windows and freshening your clothes.  It is one of the cheapest household items for any cleaner’s toolkit.  You can get a pint of white vinegar for a mere 45p.

One more thing: owing to its acidic nature, please refrain from using white vinegar on granite and marble worktops.

  1. Multi-purpose Spray Bottles

If you’ve prepared your own cleaning solution, add a multi-purpose spray bottle to your wealth of cleaning products.  Besides our chosen online retailer, you should have few problems in finding one at Wilkinson, B&Q or Homebase.

From ASDA, £2.00 gets you a 500ml spray can by Hozelock. On Amazon.co.uk, an 800ml one can cost you £1.69.

  1. Wire Sponges

For the last of our cleaning products, no toolbox is complete without a decent scourer.  Sometimes, the most stubborn of surfaces could be too much for microfibre cloths or bare hands.  If you’re looking for an alternative to Brillo pads, ASDA’s Spiral Scourers (£1.00 for four scourers) is a good choice.

All prices were correct at the time of press.  All product prices were checked on the ASDA.com website, apart from those for the baking soda and Goo Gone (checked on Amazon.co.uk).

How the seven metre tall Smog Free Tower improves air quality in China

 

The Five Great Avenues public square - Tianjin
The Five Great Avenues public square in Tianjin, the present location of Daan Roosegaarde’s Smog Free Tower. Image by Beibaoke (via Shutterstock).

 

It looks like a cross between a modern vase and four heated towel rails, but Daan Roosegaarde’s Smog Free Tower is more than a decorative piece.  In the city of Tianjin, it rids a given area of noxious airborne pollutants within a 20 metre radius.

 

The Smog Free Tower is seven metres tall and situated in the city’s Five Great Avenues, a popular public square and meeting place.  It has in China the same sort of iconic status as the Eiffel Tower has in Paris.  Roosegaarde’s tower aims to become the latest Chinese icon.

 

It captures 70% of PM10 (particulate matter of 10 microns), resulting in a maximum 45% reduction in PM10, within 20 metres of the tower.  With PM2.5 particles, as much as a 25% reduction around its radius.

 

In Video

 

Before moving to its present position, the Smog Free Tower was tested in Beijing, one of the world’s most polluted cities.  Courtesy of Mashable’s YouTube channel, here’s the structure in operation.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS60bf7EN2E

 

After being tested in China’s capital city, a single tower was akin to trying to turn a tidal wave over with a teaspoon.  Roosegaarde stated there needed to be one every 20 metres to provide lasting benefits.  Perhaps in our urban areas, they could be a new architectural feature of our office blocks and industrial estates.

 

As to what happens to the particulates, they are recycled to make jewellery.  Yes, with the Smog Free Tower, it is possible to turn muck into brass.  They could appear on our shopping channels as well as our favourite online retailers.