Rising to the Challenge with Electrostatic Sprayers
Current Harvard University guidelines for cleaning commercial aircraft include disinfection before every flight as well as a daily deep cleaning. The quick turnaround time of flights as well as the varied types of surfaces in aircraft present a particular challenge to airline cleaning crews. As a result, many airlines have turned to electrostatic sprayers for the application of disinfectants. Electrostatic sprayers work by applying a positive charge to the particles of approved disinfectant solutions. This positive charge causes the particles to cling to negatively charged surfaces, efficiently handling a large area of various hard non-porous surface types. Tests run by the EPA showed good spray deposition and “wrap-around” effect – that is, good coverage – when using approved disinfectants according to manufacturer’s directions. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is one such approved disinfectant.
Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution
Our Botanical Disinfectant Solution is a ready-to-use all-purpose solution capable of cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and deodorizing in one step. In addition to being approved for electrostatic sprayers, the Botanical Disinfectant Solution is on the EPA’s List N. The EPA expects all products on this list to kill all strains and variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to the label directions. Our solution actually features a 55-second kill-time against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). It also kills 99.9% of bacteria in two minutes, 99.9% of mold and fungi in three minutes, and 99.9% of viruses in four minutes.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are very effective, but come with an added cost: they’re harsh, toxic, and terrible for the environment. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power of these chemicals. With a formula that is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals, Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings. Powered by Thymox technology, it utilizes Thymol, a cutting-edge antimicrobial agent present as a component of Thyme Oil, to quickly power through grime and destroy the germs that it encounters.
Global Standards from the International Air Transport Association
The International Air Transport Association, or IATA, is a trade association that sets technical standards, including cleaning guidelines, for airlines. These cleaning guidelines include “informed selection and the correct use of chemical products” which is “vital in ensuring effective cleaning and disinfection of an aircraft without damaging the aircraft interior, systems, and equipment while minimizing the likelihood of the transmission of COVID-19 or any other communicable diseases.” The IATA’s number one priority is safety, and these guidelines ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and other employees.
The EPA List N
The IATA recommends that airlines refer to local authorities for recommendations of products effective against COVID-19 and other contagious pathogens. The EPA maintains List N, a group of products expected to kill all strains and variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to the label directions. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is included on this list. The IATA also advocates referring to the aircraft manufacturers’ guidelines for the most recent recommendations.
SAE International
The IATA also states that “cleaning and disinfection products should comply with and be certified or tested according to OEM standards and/or industry test standards, such as SAE International standards.” Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution has AMS 1452C & BSS7434 approved testing, in accordance with SAE International standards.
A 55-Second Kill-Time
Finally, the IATA directs airlines to “refer to the cleaning and disinfection product manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the proper application, frequency, quantity, ventilation and personal protection equipment is used.” Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution includes a 55-second dwell time for effective use against coronavirus. Furthermore, it is a ready-to-use all-purpose formula safe for everyday use without the need of personal protective equipment.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are very effective, but come with an added cost: they’re harsh, toxic, and terrible for the environment. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power of these chemicals. With a formula that is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals, Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings. Powered by Thymox technology, it utilizes Thymol, a cutting-edge antimicrobial agent present as a component of Thyme Oil, to quickly power through grime and destroy the germs that it encounters.
Harvard-Recommended Cleaning Measures for Airlines
Airlines have always presented a special challenge when it comes to ensuring a clean environment. Passengers are grouped together in close quarters with plenty of high-contact areas and fast turnarounds. Fortunately, a study by Harvard University found that a comprehensive, multi-tiered strategy can effectively reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during air travel. This layered strategy consists of federal masking guidelines as well as enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures. These Harvard-recommended cleaning measures include:
HEPA Filters
High-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters in their ventilation systems. Columbia University professor Faye McNeill explains here that these filters can actually catch the particles that cause coronavirus. Furthermore, these filters refresh cabin air every two to four minutes, offsetting the close quarters that travelers endure during their flights.
Masking Guidelines
Mandatory face coverings for all travelers and staff. Harvard found this to be the number one deterrent for the spread of coronavirus during airline flights.
EPA-Approved Disinfection
Disinfection of all high-touch surfaces with an EPA-approved product before every flight along with a daily deep clean. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is on the EPA’s List N, and features a 55-second kill-time against SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19).
Electrostatic sprayers can be especially effective in the application of disinfectants. These sprayers apply a positive charge to approved disinfectant solutions resulting in particles that are attracted to negatively charged surfaces, allowing them to cover a large area and a variety of hard non-porous surfaces. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is one such approved disinfectant.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and ammonia are harsh and toxic. Bioesque Solution was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power found in these chemicals. Powered by Thymox®, every Bioesque® Solutions product is designed to work together harmoniously like in nature, to bring the future of disinfecting and cleaning to our customers today.
Green Cleaning Products are a Natural Choice for Airlines
Green cleaning practices were once thought to be a passing fad. Businesses believed they were destined to be forgotten as environmentally conscious consumers moved on to the next cause. It didn’t help that early green cleaning products were often much weaker and more expensive than their traditional counterparts. However, the green cleaning products market accounted for $3.6 billion in 2019. Furthermore, it is expected to reach $11.6 billion by 2029. Clearly, the ecologically friendly market, driven by highly aware and concerned consumers, is here to stay. Industry experts point to this awareness, along with increased efficacy and competitive price points as the major factor. With the close quarters of an aircraft and a rigorous cleaning schedule, green cleaning products are a natural choice for airlines.
Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution
Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is the perfect choice for airlines looking to make the move to a greener clean. Capable of cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting and deodorizing in a single step, our Botanical Disinfectant Solution is powered by Thymox technology, free from harsh and toxic chemicals. It utilizes Thymol, a cutting-edge antimicrobial agent present as a component of thyme oil, to quickly power through grime and destroy the germs that it encounters. Furthermore, Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution has AMS 1452C & BSS7434 approved testing, in accordance with SAE International standards. It is also included on the EPA’s List N, featuring a 55-second kill-time against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). It kills 99.9% of bacteria in two minutes, 99.9% of molds and fungi in three minutes, and 99.9% of viruses in four minutes.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are very effective. However, they come with an added cost: they’re harsh, toxic, and terrible for the environment. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power of these chemicals. Every Bioesque Solutions product is designed to work together harmoniously like in nature, to bring the future of disinfecting and cleaning to our customers today.
When they initially arose, businesses were hesitant to adopt green, environmentally friendly practices, thinking they were just a fad. Compounding the problem were the inflated prices and diminished effectiveness of green cleaning products. However, industry surveys show that environmentally conscious consumers are here to stay. Luckily, a move toward sustainability is not just one that satisfies your customer, but one that can help your bottom line. Green products have dramatically increased their effectiveness from both a performance and a cost standpoint. Meanwhile, reducing and recycling waste reduces cost. Here are some examples of sustainable practices that sports facilities can use to keep their fans happy and help their bottom line.
LED Lighting
Most venues have made the switch to LED light fixtures by now and it’s easy to see why. LED lights are far more energy-efficient than incandescent or fluorescent light fixtures, using an eighth of the energy. In addition to using less energy, these bulbs have a much longer lifespan.
Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures
The huge volume of fans that sports facilities see plus the alcohol and soda they consume means that the water is running continuously on game day. Switching to low-flow plumbing fixtures can reduce water usage by 30%.
Green Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are often full of harsh, toxic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and chlorine. In the dark ages, though, this was the only way to ensure the job was done right. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing any effectiveness. Our products are powered by Thymox and designed to work together, harmoniously like in nature, to bring the future of disinfecting and cleaning to our customers today.
Keeping the Fans – and Mother Nature – Happy
These are just a few ideas to build a sustainable sports facility. Energy management systems, EV charging stations for your fleet, and other moves can reduce your energy usage, waste, and cost. It’s a move towards a better future, keeping the fans happy and extra dollars in your pocket.
Locker rooms present a particular challenge for the owners of sports facilities as they are among the dirtiest areas of the premises. A high amount of traffic means that high contact areas are hotspots for the normal strains of bacteria and viruses. However, the nature of locker rooms means that they’re also subject to fungi like athlete’s foot and ringworm. Furthermore, as they’re the place in which athletes attend to their personal hygiene, it’s absolutely essential that janitorial crews meticulously clean these areas in order to maintain their health and safety. The following checklist should help ensure a safe, sanitary locker room.
The Lockers
First, the tops, fronts and sides of all lockers should be thoroughly scrubbed using an environmentally friendly disinfectant and allowed to dwell and dry according to the manufacturer’s directions. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution kills 99.9% of bacteria in two minutes, 99.9% of fungi and molds in three minutes, and 99.9% of viruses in four minutes. It also features a 55-second kill-time against SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). For vacant lockers, the interior should also be disinfected.
Restroom and Shower Areas
After disinfecting the lockers, all toilets, sinks and showers of the locker room bathrooms should be thoroughly attended to. Make a list of all high-touch areas – toilet, sink, and shower handles, stall door handles, towel dispensers, air dryers, soap dispensers – and make sure they’re given special attention.
Benches and Chairs
These spots see bare skin contact so make sure to disinfect them with an environmentally friendly solution.
The Floors
These surfaces see bare skin contact, meaning things like athlete’s foot and ringworm can spread quickly. Schedule them for a thorough mopping before and after the athletes visit. Also, make sure that the tools you’re using for the job are clean using a two-bucket system.
Athletes need to maintain peak physical performance in order to succeed. Ensuring that their locker rooms will give them peace of mind and allow them to focus on the next challenge. Stock your supply closets with Bioesque cleaning products. Powered by Thymox®, every Bioesque Solutions product is designed to work together, harmoniously like in nature, to bring the future of disinfecting and cleaning to our customers today.
Keeping Sports Facilities Clean for Millions of Fans
Millions of fans make their way through stadiums, arenas, and other sports facilities each year. To give you an idea of the traffic that these venues see, the 2018-2019 season brought 805,264 fans to FTX Arena, home of the Miami Heat. The Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium hosted 504,540 individuals the same year while the Marlins saw 811,302 fans come through their doors and the Florida Panthers had an attendance of 493,671. That’s over 2.6 million fans in one city during one sports year. Furthermore, that’s just fans at games. That’s not counting the special events that these venues routinely host, plus all the employees and staff that run them. It’s a huge amount of people and it raises the question: how can we possibly keep these places clean?
Sports Facilities Are Like Cities Unto Themselves
The Miami Dolphins averaged 64,374 fans per home game in 2021. That’s like a medium-sized town moving into a venue every Sunday. That’s an awful lot of feet on walkways and hands on rails. Furthermore, these are massive structures with a number of specialized areas. There are the seats, walkways, and entranceways, sure. But there are also carpeted suites and administrative offices, kitchens, restaurants, restrooms, locker rooms, and more. Sports facilities, then, need more than an accomplished and coordinated team of professionals to take on the job. They need a wide array of products able to handle all the areas the job requires.
Bioesque Solutions Has an Answer
Bioesque offers a full line of botanically-based cleaning products for all areas of sports facilities. For example, our Botanical Disinfectant Solution is a ready-to-use all-purpose solution, capable of cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing in one step. Meanwhile, our Cleaner and Degreaser is perfect for tough jobs in kitchen and garage areas while our Botanical Carpet Cleaners feature a deep cleaning formula that effectively removes tough spots and stains while simultaneously deodorizing.
Winning Big with the Fans
Part of the fan experience is walking into a gleaming stadium or arena. To a lot of fans, these venues are like a second home and they take a lot of pride in it. They also want to know that the staff at sports facilities are doing everything they can to make sure their game day is taking place in a safe, healthy environment. Keeping your supply rooms stocked with Bioesque Solutions will help keep your fans healthy, happy, and coming back again and again.
Stadiums, arenas, and other sports facilities see millions of guests walk through their doors each year. And a good number of these fans will make their way to the concessions areas to buy, among other things, soda and alcohol. It’s a high-traffic, high-energy environment. As a result, restrooms at sports facilities can take an absolute beating.
Restroom cleanliness, then, has always been a top priority when it comes to sports facility upkeep. Furthermore, the post-COVID era has led to a new awareness of public health and safety. Studies show that 80% of respondents feel more unsafe using an unclean public restroom now compared with how they felt prior to the pandemic. These sentiments are likely the new normal for the foreseeable future. Sports facility management and janitorial crews must respond accordingly.
High Frequency and High Visibility
A clean appearance and pleasant smell in your venue’s facilities are a must. However, fans today need more. They need to feel safe. They want to know that the venue’s staff is taking care of them while they’re having a good time. So not only does your cleaning crew need a detailed and complete schedule and cleaning protocols, as well as effective disinfecting supplies. They need to maintain a degree of visibility to your guests to put their minds at ease. The following is a list of best practices to make sure your janitorial crews are ensuring a safe, sanitary environment for the fans.
Build a checklist and a schedule – Stadiums are huge structures. Developing a list that addresses all high-touch areas and contact points – door handles, fixture handles, soap and towel dispensers, countertops will ensure that nothing gets overlooked while a high-frequency schedule will make sure these spots stay clean.
Personal protective equipment – instruct your staff to wear gloves and face masks while working.
Adhere to current local social distancing and masking policies.
Use clean tools – make sure staff is using clean mop heads, scrubbers, buckets, etc.
Use effective supplies – the EPA’s List N is a list of certified products known to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). This list includes Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution, featuring a 55-second kill time.
Use supplies effectively – apply disinfectants liberally to all restroom surfaces and let them dwell according to the time prescribed by the manufacturer.
Take Care of the Little Things
Going the extra mile to make sure the little things are taken care of goes a long way in fans’ eyes. For example, soap dispensers should never be empty and toilet paper should always be stocked. When fans see management taking care of the little details, they feel a lot safer and more satisfied. This ensures a great time at the game and many repeat visits in the future.
One thing the past year has taught us is that hospitals need to be prepared for a community coronavirus outbreak in order to maintain healthcare services. Headline after headline gives us news about hospitals being filled past capacity. Additionally, hospital-acquired infections have already been a risk to be cognizant of when managing a healthcare facility. Now, though, they have become a hot-button talking point. Facilities are full of patients with the highly contagious virus. In order to help facilities prepare for the influx of positive patients and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control has devised a checklist to ensure hospitals’ readiness.
An Outline to Develop a Comprehensive Plan
Hospitals of different sizes and various specialties will of course have slightly different needs. However, this outline can be altered accordingly and be used to develop a comprehensive checklist to meet each facilities’ demands. It outlines the development and implementation of a planning committee and written outbreak plans. It also includes the necessary elements for that plan. Additionally, it stresses the importance of communication amongst departments, screening and monitoring procedures for patients, and training and education for staff. Finally, it offers a plan for visitor access and management. The full checklist can be found here.
An EPA-Approved Disinfectant
In the section concerning medical equipment and supplies, the CDC recommends “EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants to allow for frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces and shared patient care equipment”. Additionally, the EPA maintains “List N“. This is a list of products “expected to kill all strains and variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to the label directions”. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is included on this list. It features a 55-second kill time against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Powered by Thymox technology, free of bleach and other hazardous chemicals, this all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant also kills 99.9% of bacteria in two minutes, 99.9% of fungi and molds in three minutes, and 99.9% of viruses in four minutes.
Cleanliness is always of the utmost importance when it comes to hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Hospital-acquired infections (also known as healthcare-associated infections, or HAI) are a very real danger. However, clean and sanitary facilities can cut down the risk of them considerably. During the coronavirus pandemic, though, this goal has taken on an even greater significance. Some experts from the University of North Carolina detailed some strategies that hospitals and other healthcare facilities are implementing to combat the spread of COVID-19.
An Effective Disinfectant at an Increased Frequency
Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhD, director of UNC Medical Center Infection Prevention, says that COVID-19 “is actually one of the easiest pathogens to eliminate with disinfection”. It’s important, though, that janitorial staffs are using a hospital and EPA-approved disinfectant. Furthermore, these staffs are cleaning more often than they were prior to the pandemic. For example, UNC Health’s Environmental Services team is disinfecting areas like the emergency department, lobbies, waiting rooms, restrooms, and hallways every two hours. In addition to the usual sweeping and mopping, they’re also paying special attention to high-touch areas like countertops and chairs.
Isolating Patients
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities take steps to separate COVID-19-positive patients from other patients. This helps to reduce the spread of the virus. Dr. Sickbert-Bennett speaks of screening processes integrated with electronic medical record systems. These measures can alert staff and keep track of patients with COVID. Hospitals are also taking extra steps to separate patients in the emergency room.
Transporting Patients
Patients in hospitals often need to be moved from one area of the facility to another. Accordingly, healthcare facilities are implementing extra steps to ensure their safety. For example, after taking a patient from a testing lab to their room, UNC Health staff returns the stretchers or wheelchairs to a new cleaning station in their equipment storage area where they get a thorough disinfection.
While these steps were designed to reduce the spread of coronavirus, many are bound to become the new norm as hospitals learn to provide a safer environment more efficiently.
