How to Simplify Your Environmental Surfaces Cleaning Program

An emerging technology designed for cleaning and disinfection is making the job of healthcare environmental services more efficient, safer, and more responsible. Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) technology allows for all-in-one capability to achieve excellent cleaning efficiencies without having to change products for different cleaning tasks or surface types. Not only does AHP technology allow for fewer SKUs, the product has been proven to be safer and has a reduced environmental load.

How does AHP technology increase cleaning efficiency?

Instead of using a variety of products to clean floors and hand-contact surfaces inside healthcare facilities, environmental services workers and hospital personnel can select the dilution desired using one AHP product and apply it to the surface. With an appropriate dilution system, AHP technology allows environmental cleaning and disinfection with multiple dilutions of just one product. This facilitates procurement, reduces inventory requirements, simplifies training, and provides environmental services workers with added flexibility in performing their jobs.

When combined with a microfiber system, AHP technology speeds up the cleaning and disinfecting process while also reducing product use. For example, a microfiber mopping system eliminates the use of a traditional mop-and-bucket system. After selecting the product dilution level on the bottle or canister, environmental services workers spray the AHP solution directly on surfaces and then wipe or mop the area. With some novel microfiber mopping systems, the product is sprayed onto the floor through a canister connected to the mopping tool. This system of applying the product eliminates the need for workers to stop and change the bucket solution between cleaning tasks or areas. Workers carry lightweight microfiber mop heads and cloths with them and change the mop head or cleaning cloth in between areas.

How does AHP technology reduce product use?

With the appropriate microfiber mop, the AHP product is applied directly to surfaces, so only the amount needed to clean the area is used. This means workers no longer need to fill buckets with large amounts of water and cleaner, increasing the likelihood of waste. Additionally, the multipurpose capability of the technology reduces the need for using different chemicals for different tasks which ultimately reduces waste, spillage, and overall chemical consumption in the facility.

How does AHP affect the health and safety of workers and patients?

Some AHP products currently on the market come in tamper-proof packages, which make it very difficult for workers to come in contact with the concentrated product. The products actual dispensing system is on the package and is very accurate. Workers can be ensured that they are getting the required amount of product. When diluted, the solution is non-irritant and has low toxicity. Chemicals that are safer for users provide a healthier indoor environment for patients as well. Precise dilution also reduces the risk of using the product at too weak of a dilution.

How does AHP reduce the environmental load?

The formulation of AHP technology is based on a Green Seal-certified technology, which means that it has passed stringent standards on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content, toxicity levels and performance. The formulations active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which is non-persistent, unlike other traditional disinfectants widely in use today.

Reducing the load on the environment whenever possible is a responsible thing to do. Sustainable solutions include safer ingredient choices. 

Jose Ramirez, PhD, is North American director for technology development for JohnsonDiversey. For more information, visit www.johnsondiversey.com.