A reader asks: "Being the lowest bid means that we all have to make sacrifices and cut corners where we can. I realize the ideal is to sanitize/disinfect everything every day but it simply is not practical. Any suggestions on when enough is enough?"

The reality is that we have to keep our labor, supply and equipment costs under control if we are to be competitive. Some people keep confusing going "green" with the necessity to disinfect key surfaces on a regular basis. Each year, as the flu bug makes its way through our country, we allow for contagion to spread when we fail to properly disinfect key touch points that can hold and transmit various bacteria and viruses to an unwitting population. It is very important that while we make every effort to protect the environment from unnecessary carcinogens and utilize sustainable processes we also realize that there is an even greater need for disinfecting than ever before.

Actually, proper disinfecting and sustainable green practices complement each other in many ways. For instance, one should identify the safest disinfecting product available, read the label, train to OSHA standards and document that the product is being used correctly for maximum effectiveness. This is where the green process comes into play. Rather than using a slick paper towel or old shop towel, consider using color coded microfiber cloths that have the ability of picking up dead and live germs on a surface that has been properly disinfected. When used correctly (folding/laundering/limiting use to key areas), microfiber can radically assist with the disinfecting and sanitizing of key areas.

Remember one key element in preventing contagion is a clean, dry surface exposed to light and air.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 1/8/2015