An alternative to standard janitorial work

An alternative to standard janitorial work
The idea, at first, seems almost like science fiction: Items — from window blinds to smoke-damaged silk flowers — can be placed into a machine and cleaned in a matter of seconds, without chemicals. But this isn’t just a futuristic concept from The Jetsons; ultrasonic-cleaning technology is available today.

Ultrasonic cleaning has been described as “the most thorough cleaning process known to science,” and it is revolutionizing the cleaning industry.

“Traditional cleaning is chemical and mechanical because it requires applying cleaning solution to the item’s surface and scrubbing to remove soil and dirt,” says Lisa Morantz, vice president of S. Morantz Inc., a Philadelphia-based manufacturer. “But ultrasonic-cleaning machines are able to penetrate into very deep areas, such as niches and crevices, that are not accessible to chemicals or machines or scrubbing.”

Ultrasonic cleaning machines consist of a generator, a transducer pack and a tank. The generator converts electricity into a frequency and feeds it through the transducer, which is immersed in water in the tank. The transducer radiates sound waves, which permeate through the water in the tank and produce microscopic bubbles that are imperceptible to the naked eye. The bubbles implode, generating heat, and a vacuum is created which lifts dirt away.

Ultrasonic cleaning has several advantages compared to traditional cleaning techniques, says Morantz.

“Almost any job can be done faster by ultrasonic cleaning, because items can be cleaned in approximately 15 seconds,” she says. “This saves money, time and manpower, and can increase profit margins substantially.”

Ultrasonic cleaning also can be more environmentally friendly than traditional cleaning because fewer chemicals are required.

Widespread applications
Ultrasonic cleaning methods can be used for a wide variety of tasks, such as cleaning dental products, fine jewelry and aviation equipment. BSCs began employing them in recent years primarily to clean window blinds, but have quickly found that they have a variety of other uses.

“Ultrasonic cleaning is used in so many applications, and for things most people never thought were possible,” Morantz explains.

For example, ultrasonic cleaning allows contractors to dip electronic equipment, such as computers, in water to clean them without damaging their sensitive systems. Silk plants, antiques, lamp shades, heating duct covers, patio furniture, computer keyboards and medical equipment are all easily cleaned with ultrasonic technology.

For instance, light lenses — the reflective lenses, treated with an aluminum coating, which accentuate florescent tubes found in most indoor lighting — rapidly accumulate dirt that blocks the amount of light shining through. Although these lenses are difficult to clean by hand, ultrasonic cleaning can more easily help restore the 20 percent of footcandles (a measure of light intensity) that typically are lost to soil build-up.

Fire restoration is another rapidly expanding area for ultrasonic cleaning, says Steve Spencer, senior specialist for Bloomington, Ill.-based State Farm Insurance.

“I’m not sure how well the insurance industry has explored the expansion of ultrasonic cleaning markets yet, but the industry definitely has a need for this specialized service,” he says. “Our claims people are interested in establishing local networks of ultrasonic cleaning companies. Because ultrasonic cleaning can restore items damaged by smoke and carbon, it has the potential to save policy holders and our company a lot of money.”

In the past, the high cost of ultrasonic cleaning machines have discouraged BSCs from investing in the equipment. As demand for the machines has increased, however, prices have fallen dramatically. A high quality machine can be purchased for around $10,000, and the investment usually generates profits quickly.

“One of our customers bought a $30,000 machine and it paid for itself in the first month of use,” Morantz says. “Ultrasonic cleaning machines seem to pay for themselves much faster if they are used to diversify an existing business that is already established.”

Purchasing tips
When evaluating ultrasonic cleaning machines for purchase, it is essential that BSCs find a machine that is tailored specifically to their needs.

“Contract cleaners are best served by a machine that uses a 40-kHz frequency — a multipurpose cleaning frequency that provides efficient power if you need aggressive cleaning,” explains David Mazur, president of Ultrasonics International Corp., a manufacturer located in Huntington Beach, Calif. “It also is important that you find a machine with a power ratio [a watts-per-gallon ratio] that fits your needs. It makes no sense to have a big machine with a small power ratio.”

Morantz recommends machines that include built-in heating systems and temperature monitors, since the water must be kept at a constant temperature (between 100 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit) during the cleaning process.

“It’s always better to clean with hot water, and if you don’t have continuously heated water, you won’t be as effective, because you’ll only be able to clean a small amount before the water cools off,” she explains.

Another convenient feature is an immersible transducer pack, an interchangeable component that allows the transducer pack to be easily removed and reinstalled in another size tank. This allows diversification in the size of the items which can be cleaned.
Morantz recommends BSCs check to make sure they can receive free, hands-on training for any employees who will operate the equipment.

“Ultrasonic machines are fairly simple to operate, but the operator needs to know what adjustments, such as temperature variations, drying techniques, and cleaning times, are required for each item,” she says.

Mazur agrees.

“Just like with traditional cleaning methods, you should first determine your cleaning needs and then devise the appropriate cleaning method,” he explains. “You must select the proper chemical, water temperature, pre-rinsing chemical, and rinsing and drying procedures to get the best results.”

Lynne Knoblach is a frequent contributing writer to Contracting Profits. She is based in Mishiwaka, Ind.