VSR is a Dutch association that carries out research into cleaning techniques such as microfibre mopping, reports Anton Duisterwinkel.
In September this year, VSR reported some initial results on microfibre flat mop cleaning in the publication Professioneel Schoonmaken. The effect of water content on cleaning efficiency, dirt retention and the force needed for cleaning was studied. Dried stains of simulated skin fat and of coffee were removed from linoleum and ceramic tiles. Although microfibre cloths of different makes and types did behave differently, some general conclusions could be drawn.
First, cleaning efficiency is markedly improved by adding water to the mop. That is: a damp microfibre flat mop shows faster and more complete removal of dried stains than a dry mop does. And the more water, the better and faster the stain removal. But this comes at a price: dirt retention decreases when the mop is wetter. In other words: more of the dirt is deposited on the part of the floor that was not stained.
Optimum water content
Thus an optimum water content exists that depends on the combination of mop, stain and flooring. For water soluble stain, the optimum typically lies between 160 and 240 per cent. In other words, 160 to 240 gram (or millilitre) of water need to be added to a mop of 100 grams. For greasy stains, less water yields better results: 120-160 gram per 100 gram
of mop. In both cases, this is wetter than one would typically use.
Importantly, the water content of the microfibre flat mop had little effect on force needed to work with it. The very first microfibre mops could be very hard to push when wet, but innovations in mop construction and make-up have ensured that the mops are now always easy to use.
Independent platform
The research is ongoing. Amongst other issues, the effect of adding detergent is being investigated by the same laboratory that performed this study - SOHIT in Wageningen, a spin-off from Wageningen University. The study is granted and closely monitored by VSR, the Association for Cleaning Research. This is a Dutch independent platform for all parties in contract cleaning, including cleaning companies and internal cleaning departments and their clients, suppliers and consultants.
The objective of VSR is to promote professionalism in the cleaning industry by promoting research, training and education. Since 1979 VSR developed a system for measuring cleaning quality in for example, offices, schools, hospitals and trains and coaches quality inspectors. It stimulated and granted research in cleaning safety, efficiency of different floor cleaning methods, all aspects of microfibre materials and also on the positive effect of cleaning on office environment and health.
Also VSR looked into market related subjects such as the innovative power of cleaning industry, pros and cons of different contract types, customer satisfaction and cleanable building design. The results are translated into practical guidelines that are also published in English. In fact, a growing number of publications of VSR are being published in English, making this valuable information available to the international community.
See also: www.vsr-org.nl |
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