greening your lodging - cleaning and maintenance

Money Saving Tips - Cleaning and Maintenance
Reprinted with permission from www.GreenLodgingNews.com

• Implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.
  
  
• There is a direct connection between temperature, humidity and mold. In the hot, humid season, do not turn off room air-conditioning when room is unoccupied.
  
  
• Close guestroom drapes and shades when cleaning is completed. This improves the insulating value of the window.
  
  
• Maids should not be allowed to run TV for personal viewing when making up rooms.
  
  
• Use non-toxic cleaning fluids. White vinegar, baking soda, borax, hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are alternatives. Several companies also offer green cleaning products.
  
  
• Offer bilingual green tips and reminders to housekeepers.
  
  
• Do not use toilet tank cleaning tablets or powders.
  
  
• Use mechanical methods to clean obstructed pipes—not toxic or corrosive drain cleaners.
  
  
• Switch to cylindrical floor machines. Cylindrical machines use little water and chemicals. They also use brushes, not pads as with a rotary machine, which counter-rotate underneath the machine. This helps minimize the amount of dust that can become airborne. Additionally, one set of brushes can last as long as 100 rotary pads, placing less of a burden on landfills.
  
  
• When refinishing furniture, tubs, tile, sinks and countertops, use water-based solutions.
  
  
• For pest elimination, consider non-toxic options such as heat treatments or freezing.
  
  
• Battery-powered rider burnishers produce zero emissions when compared with propane-powered ones.
  
  
• When used properly, ozone machines can be a safe alternative to chemicals for the elimination of odors.
  
  
• Air purifiers that use a cool photon UVC process produce less ozone than most ozone generating machines and enable housekeepers to work in the room with the machine.
  
  
• Eliminating smoking rooms improves air quality and cuts down on labor costs associated with residue and odor elimination.
  
  
• Use low VOC paint when renovating.
  

Reprinted with permission from www.GreenLodgingNews.com.