Key Advice For Determining The Right Cleaning Chemicals And Proper Inventory

By Jeff Dillman, General Manager, Masco Packaging & Industrial Supply, Inc. – Distributor Contribution

Choosing the right cleaning chemicals for a business and determining the appropriate amount needed to keep on hand is essential to successful cleaning.

One of the most important things to consider is how end-users select and use cleaning chemicals. The end-user should research the different types of cleaning chemicals available and understand their strengths and weaknesses to make an informed decision. They should also consider the type of equipment used, the cleaning environment, and the type of surface to be cleaned when choosing the most suitable cleaning chemicals. When choosing the correct cleaning chemicals, the following should be considered:

1. Are they affordable and do they deliver outstanding results when it comes to cleaning?
2. Can you tell me what content is used to make them?
3. Are they able to work on the surface without causing any damage to it?
4. Can you be sure that they are safe for the environment in which they are used?
5. Does your company have consistent access to them on a regular basis?
6. Should I choose a product with no odors or an odor-free product?

Keep in mind, different locations, types of facilities, equipment, and expectations all play a major role in deciding what’s right for a business. Different cleaning chemicals are designed to work on different surfaces, so you first need to make sure that the chemicals you choose are suitable for the surface in your business. Working with a distributor or manufacturer that can customize the most successful chemical cleaning program and provide all the necessary components is a good way to start.

I believe one of the major components of an effective cleaning and maintenance program are these two options:

Option #1: Use a multi-purpose cleaner that can handle most of your cleaning needs with very few dilutions. There are products on the market that will help you reduce training time, meet your green cleaning needs, and provide safer products for your staff and customers. They can provide general cleaning, a deodorizer, and a degreaser. You can achieve simplicity, savings, and easy training.

Option #2: Use a dilution control system. These types of systems are quick, easy, accurate, and will save you money. Generally, you can customize your system according to your facility’s needs. They are compact and easy to use, making it virtually automatic to properly dilute your products. On the sustainability side, these systems can involve packaging that eliminates tons of plastic from unnecessarily entering landfills compared to the rigid gallon containers you may be using.

How do I ensure I have the correct amount of cleaning chemicals on hand and won’t run out?

1. Develop a storage system and keep them in one place.
2. Invest in janitorial inspection software that allows you to keep an up-to-date inventory.
3. If you are using a dilution system, be sure to understand the dilution ratios.
4. Make sure your distributor has these products readily available.
5. Create a checklist of the products used and audit as you go.

There are several manufacturers within the United States that offer very detailed training on choosing the right chemical and maintaining an inventory to satisfy your needs. Distributors can also give you on-site training as well. Remember, if you make the correct decision for your business, you can provide a cost-effective way and a safer environment.

Masco Packaging & Industrial Supply, of Springfield, IL, is a wholesale cleaning supply and floor equipment distributor. It has a full line of cleaning products needed to maintain a clean and healthy environment including disinfectants, general-purpose cleaners, bowl cleaners, deodorizers, degreasers, floor finishes, floor restorers, chemical degreasers, and much more. The company also has hard goods such as mops, buckets, brooms, a full line of microfiber, trash receptacles, trash can liners, restroom paper products, dispensers, and products to safely eliminate soil and potentially harmful bacteria. Masco carries the biggest names in the cleaning industry as well as the latest technology to enable cleaning professionals to increase their productivity while staying within their budgets. The distributorship services all industry levels including hospitals and healthcare, manufacturing, commercial, office, and custodial. It carries green-certified and eco-friendly products; and can help customers meet their sustainability goals. Masco is a female, family-owned business. Visit: mascopackaging.com.