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Holiday Schedule from Croaker, Inc

Tips for using Degreaser

Degreasers are one of the most effective cleaning solutions that custodial workers can have in their cleaning arsenal. While most cleaning solutions are designed to help loosen soils, so they can be wiped away, degreasers are engineered to breakdown and dissolve grease, oil, wax, and other water-insoluble soils so that they can be removed from surfaces. 

Degreasers are used most frequently when cleaning commercial kitchens. It would likely prove very difficult to clean a commercial kitchen today without a high-quality degreaser.

However, to take advantage of these powerful cleaning solutions means learning how to use them properly. 

To get you off to a good start, here are eight tips for using degreasers, according to Avmor:

1.Know when to use a degreaser; in many cases, an all-purpose cleaner will do the job. Degreasers are used for removing heavily soiled areas and water-insoluble soils

2. Never mix degreasers with any other cleaning solutions

3. While some degreasers are fast-acting, it's best to allow them to “dwell” on a surface for a few minutes to help dissolve soils

4. Wear protective clothing; gloves are a must. If cleaning tile and grout manually, goggles should be worn

5. Select degreasers that are green-certified and look for the Greenguard Gold Certification label. Greenguard certification puts much greater emphasis on protecting indoor air quality

6. Some degreasers come in multiple sizes for different needs. Ready-to-use (RTU) degreasers have a special advantage. Water may be "hard" water or contain minerals, which can impact performance. RTU products ensure the water from the factory is matched optimally to the degreaser being produced, for ultimate performance.

7. Some degreasers are used with auto scrubbers to clean floors; in winter months, a blue pad may prove more effective than a red pad

8. If mopping floors, use a dual-bucket cleaning system to help separate rinse water from the cleaning solution; this will keep the cleaning solution cleaner.

"One thing more cleaning professionals should know is to use cold water when diluting degreasers," says Mike Watt, head of training and new product Development at Avmor. "This will help prevent foaming and ensure the degreaser is diluted properly.

Croaker, Inc has a great selection of degreasers for every application.

Click here to learn more!

The Most Contaminated Object in a Restroom is.......NOT the Toilet!

What are the most contaminated objects in a restroom?
According to a study published by Biocote, sinks were found to be the most contaminated surfaces in public washrooms. The radiator, tap (faucet), handrail, toilet paper dispenser, floor, side wall and the waste receptacle all rounded out to top eight surfaces harboring bacteria. It wasn’t until No. 9 that the toilet seat made the list, and behind the toilet rounded out the top 10.

It is a common misconception among many building occupants that the toilet seat would be the most contaminated surface in a restroom. But according to the findings, the toilet only measured 150 colony forming units (CFUs), whereas sinks measured 50,000 CFUs.

A review of lists like this could help facility cleaning managers prioritize their cleaning protocols and direct staff’s energies towards those surfaces that are frequently contaminated. The challenge is that the bacteria cannot be seen by the naked eye, so managers must train staff on frequency and proper cleaning procedures. Proper disinfection, on the right schedule, is the only way to minimize germs in the restroom.

Croaker, Inc has all the products and supplies to properly clean and disinfect your restrooms, as well as soap, towel and tissue systems that will upgrade your facility.

Contact us today!

Facility Managers Look To Spring Cleaning

Pay attention to sticking locks; sidewalk cracks; tile and grout; the gutter, roofing fascia or shingles; window sealants and caulking; and fire extinguishers or security lighting.

Take the opportunity to get rid of clutter, inside and out. Make an effort to get the common areas cleaned up.

Getting junk out of the way can improve worker productivity and keep the facility safe. A 2018 survey found a distinct connection between safe, hygienic and orderly work environments, and the overall happiness of manufacturing employees.

After dealing with the clutter, consider cleaning carpets, and refinishing and sealing hard floors.

In addition to maintaining any failing window elements, get them all cleaned inside and out. This could help save on lighting costs — clean windows allow in more natural light. This is also probably the time to service any lighting that needs repair and replace blown bulbs.

Regarding following through on the assessment, address issues immediately, when they are still small and manageable. In some cases, all that's needed is a good cleaning.

"Hot Spots" Are Areas To Watch During Flu Season

Sure, we know to wash our hands when we leave the restroom, but germs are lurking everywhere and now is the time to use extra precautions to prevent getting sick.

"Hot spots are the most frequently touched areas of the building," said Eric Burcham, Stratus Building Solutions in Antioch. "For example, doorknobs, push plates on doors, computer keyboards - buttons such as the microwave touchpads as well as vending machine buttons. The reason we call these hot points is because they are the most contaminated surfaces in an office."

Burcham said it is important that those hot spots be routinely disinfected throughout the day and that EVERY surface should be disinfected at least once a week - even more often during flu season.

One thing Stratus does that helps control the spread of germs, that you can also do at home, is use color-coded cleaning cloths.

"We feel like a color-coded cleaning process really reduces the risk of cross-contamination," said Burcham. "For example, each colored cloth is used in a different part of the office during the cleaning process. For example, red can be used exclusively in the restroom. So, when used properly it reduces the risk of a flu outbreak."

In this system, the cloths used by Stratus have very special assignments. Here's what they use:

GREEN: Desks, counters and common areas.

RED: Restrooms ONLY

YELLOW: Food surfaces like in a break room or kitchen.

BLUE: Windows and mirrors.

Burcham said one place that harbors a lot of germs that many people don't pay attention to is the bottoms of purses, backpacks, and briefcases.

"Many people carry a purse, or perhaps a briefcase, and if you were to take that with you into the restroom and set it onto the contaminated floor or countertop then go back to your workspace and set it on your desk... you have cross-contaminated that area."

And then how many of us eat our lunch at that desk? Eeeek!

Here are some other things to keep in mind through the tail-end of flu season:

Top office germ hot spots:

• Women’s offices contain more than 2x the germs as their male colleagues. Make-up cases, phones, and purses have the most bacteria.
• Doorknob or handle – Use a paper towel to open and close the bathroom door (and to turn off bathroom faucets)
• Elevator button – Try not to touch the button, use a tissue, a key, or a piece of your clothing instead.
• Office kitchen -  microwave, refrigerator, vending machine, water cooler, sink sponges, food/food containers handled by others
• Another person’s keyboard or phone
• Office materials – Copier machine, shared books, pens, staplers, etc.

Key prevention tips:  

• Prevention is key. Get a flu shot!!! It’s not too late. (Studies show getting the flu shot in the morning is most effective) It takes about two weeks for protection provided by the vaccination to begin.
• If you feel run-down and sick, stay home from work! People are most contagious during the first 2-3 days of contracting a cold and about 5 days after being infected with the flu. 
• Wash your hands several times a day, especially following contact with the top office hot spots. 
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, or rubbing your nose.
• Relax because stress can lower your immunity.
• Drink more water! Decrease sugar intake. Get more sleep. Take Vitamins C & D.

Of course, Croaker has microfiber wipes, disinfectants, and everything else you  need to keep things clean and germ-free!

Experiment Shows How Germs Spread Throughout Facilities

A video on the Good Morning America website showed how quickly germs can spread in a classroom. The ABC morning show was looking at the issue to illustrate that, as of January 5, up to 7 million people are reported to have been infected by the flu.

Schools are prime places for the spread of germs. GMA demonstrated that fact by conducting an experiment on the spread of germs using a fifth grade class at Southwest Chicago Christian School.

Unknowing to the entire class, two students participated by allowing the application of a powder to their hands that was only detectable by blacklight. Those students were told to go about their day as normal. A few hours later a blacklight was used to illuminate the kids and various surfaces throughout the classroom. The findings showed the "germs" were everywhere, including on eight other students (out of the 26), desks and chairs.

According to the classroom's teacher, surfaces throughout the room are particularly difficult to keep clean while students are present.

For instance, within the first minute of the test, one of the "powdered" kids used the drinking fountain, touching the buttons and the spigot. Research shows that a water fountain spigot can have 2.7 million bacteria per square inch - more than 800 times the number found on a toilet seat. It's also a commonly touched surface, which makes it a culprit for cross-contamination throughout the school.

At the conclusion of the experiment, students were shown how easily it is to spread germs from hands. As a result, many pledged to practice better handwashing.

The American Cleaning Institute encourages custodial executives to work with school administrators and education professionals to ensure that each building has the hygiene supplies it needs, so students and staff can easily wash their hands with soap and water. On a daily basis, they are on the front lines of ensuring a healthy and safe environment inside every school building.

Contact us at Croaker, Inc for all your hand hygiene needs! 

HOLIDAY HOURS FOR CROAKER, INC

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

At Thanksgiving more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible.  And, in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely - Thank You and Best Wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Our showroom will be closed Thursday, November 22nd, and Friday, November 23rd in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

OPERATIONS RETURN TO NORMAL

Croaker, Inc is back to full operation this week.  Croaker Trucks have resumed our normal delivery runs, and UPS shipping has returned to normal.

Thank you for your concern and patience.  We appreciate the opportunity to serve you!

CROAKER, INC IS OPEN!!!

Croaker, Inc re-opened Wednesday morning after being closed during Hurricane Florence. 

Our showroom is open!  Local deliveries are limited to the Wilmington area.

Pick-up Service is available!  Call in advance and we will have your order ready.

Shipping by UPS will see delays as several roads in and out of the Wilmington area are closed due to debris or flooding.  If you placed your order online we appreciate your patience.