Environmentally responsible cleaning solutions help lend support to facility owners and managers who strive to work in more environmentally sustainable ways, by helping facilities earn points toward certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), without reconstruction or renovations. The U.S. Green Building Council describes the LEED Green Building Rating System as the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. To earn LEED credits health care and educational facility operation managers need to consider products that assist in improving a building’s water efficiency, reducing chemical use and increasing indoor environmental quality.

Benefits for Patients, Students and Employees
The health care and educational industries have taken a special interest in evaluating floor maintenance tools in terms of patient, student and employee health and safety. Many floor cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the overall health and safety of a facility and its occupants Premium quality, split microfiber textiles can positively impact those issues because they require significantly less water and chemicals—making them "greener" and better for the environment.

A cleaning staff appreciates microfiber mops because they are easier to use. Overall, the worker is lifting less and maneuvering lighter tools. Microfiber mopping completely eliminates the need to rinse and wring as you would with a traditional string mop. Microfiber mopping also streamlines tasks and saves time. The cleaning solution preparation time is reduced considerably because you need less solution. Another benefit of microfiber is that it holds liquid without dripping, leaving only a thin layer of water on the floor which results in quicker drying time and less opportunity for a slip and fall hazard.

Cost Considerations
When it comes to measuring cost effectiveness, it is about both hard and soft savings. The hard savings are the quantifiable economic cost savings. Does the product perform the same function for a more affordable purchase price? Will the product improve the productivity of employees? Is it more durable? The equation is durability equals life span—a product with a longer life-cycle provides more value to the consumer. These areas of savings have a measurable impact on the bottom line.

As for soft savings, this is more qualitative in nature. These savings may not be immediately apparent to the end buyer but, depending on the specific needs/concerns of the customer, it can come to be valued as much or more than the hard savings. Can it help prevent injury for the employees through ergonomic enhancements? Are there additional features that address worker well-being that could enhance working conditions and increase morale? Will it prevent injuries for the business’ customers and limit possible liability risks? These are also areas of “savings” that are the result of well-designed products. They may not be immediately measurable but do influence buying decisions.

Although the initial purchase cost for microfiber mops is about twice that of traditional string mops, the useful life of a microfiber mop is about six times as long as a loop mop. Microfiber mops can be laundered in standard washing machines, while loop mops are usually sent out for commercial laundering at a higher cost. Microfiber mops require less space in the washers and dryers than conventional mops, saving on water, detergent and energy. This extended life cycle, along with the reduction in labor and chemical costs, results in a lower overall total cost.

So as the need to increase sustainable initiatives rises and becomes more complex across all aspects of health care and educational facility management, the decision to integrate new green products and a complete cleaning program is simple. Use a product, like microfiber, which will help a facility make improvements that earn LEED credits, while providing superior cleaning and adding value to your bottom line.

Ying Zhang is a senior product manager—hard surface cleaning for Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC, manufacturers of the Rubbermaid HYGEN™ Microfiber Cleaning System. For more information about RCP, visit www.rcpworksmarter.com.

1 When used with detergent or QUAT cleaners.
Detergent cleaner w/microfiber mop-94.5%
Detergent cleaner w/standard
string mop- 67.8%
QUAT cleaner w/microfiber mop-95.3%
QUAT cleaner w/standard string mop-94.8%

William A. Rutala, Ph.D. M.P.H., ed., Disinfection, Sterilization, and Antisepsis: Principles, Practices, Current Isues, and New Research. (Washington, DC: Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.) 99-101. ©2007 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.