Professionally, we’re suspicious of a cleaner who can’t prove—through a test or certification—that s/he knows the scientific difference between “clean” and “disinfect”…because they are NOT the same thing.
As our friend Janice Stewart (owner of Castle Keepers of Charleston) is packing up to head to the CIRI Conference in Atlanta, we thought it fitting to remind you of why you had to take all of those science and chemistry classes from high school and college and especially how that knowledge is part of cleaning your home (or office or business).
Professionally, we’re suspicious of a cleaner who can’t prove—through a test or certification—that s/he knows the scientific difference between “clean” and “disinfect”…because they are NOT the same thing.
That’s why Janice will be talking about two things at the conference:
- the #1 method of testing microbial levels in a home environment: the ATP meter; this tool has been the essential cog in the development of the first Chemical Free Cleaning methodology (Modern Cleaning: The Evolution of Chemical Free Cleaning)
- the importance of the newly-approved House Cleaning Technician (HCT) certification program; this training program is based on best practices as validated by scientific testing.
The CIRI or Cleaning Industry Research Institute Conference is a key forum for scientists and engineers to share the latest developments in cleaning solutions, tools, methodologies, etc.
Janice Stewart is owner and Vice President of Castle Keepers of Charleston and ofModern Cleaning, a division of Castle Keepers. Bringing her medical training and experience in infection control to the testing and application of cleaning techniques, Janice led the way in pioneering the first Chemical Free Cleaning methodology to be adopted and promoted as the core service offering and revenue-generator of a residential cleaning service in the US. Janice has also been instrumental in developing the curriculum and test for the House Cleaning Technician (HCT) certification from The Clean Trust, training for which is provided primarily through the Institute for Service Excellence.
CIRI International Conducts Cleaning and Disinfection Survey
posted October 26, 2011 at Infection Control Today
The Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) International is conducting a survey in preparation for its upcoming symposium, “Cleaning & Disinfection: The Science, Practice & Controversy” to be held Nov. 10-11at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Global Conference Center in Atlanta. The survey has been designed to gauge industry knowledge of disinfection and its requirements while stimulating creative thought and discussion on this topic.
“There is a renewed interest in antibacterial technologies, antimicrobial products, disinfectants and sanitizing cleaners,” says Dr. Steven Spivak, chair of CIRI ’s Science Advisory Council. “One reason for that is the expanding supply of antimicrobial technologies, which now is up to 15 or 20 different types and methods! Previously, the average cleaner, building service contractor and restorer knew antimicrobials primarily as “quats,” phenolics, alcohol and blends. Today there is an explosion of types, claims and hype regarding all healthy cleaning products, methods, equipment and systems—with or without chemical disinfection.”
The program will attempt to answer questions such as:
– What are “green disinfectants” and can they be promoted?
– Are there means to reduce microbial contamination with wipes, squeegees and just cleaning?
– Which disinfection methods are reduced-chemical or chemical-free and how do they perform?
– What antimicrobial technologies work faster and better?
– Which are best for routine cleaning and use in higher risk environments, such as hospitals and healthcare facilities?
– Whose claims and labeling of disinfectant cleaners, sanitizers and antimicrobials are reliable?
To take the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VDBYJLW
