Why Consider Alternative Mopping Techniques?
Using conventional loop mops for wet mopping of patient care areas has long been the standard in floor cleaning for janitorial operations in hospitals. However, the health care industry has taken a recent interest in evaluating hard floor maintenance techniques in terms of employee, patient, and environmental health. Many floor cleaners used in hospitals contain harsh chemicals such as quaternary ammonium chlorides and butoxyethanol, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. To reduce the risk of cross-contamination for patients, conventional mopping techniques require janitors to change the cleaning solution after mopping every two or three rooms meaning that cleaning solutions (including both chemicals and several gallons of water) are constantly being disposed of and replenished. Some facilities have begun using a new mopping technique involving microfiber materials to clean floors. Microfibers are densely constructed, polyester and polyamide (nylon) fibers that are
