Cleaning Machine: Green Cleaning with Steam

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The challenge faced by most green cleaning programs is that while properly used disinfectants kill undesirable microbes, these products are pesticides (per the U.S. EPA), require precise dilution, and may have unhealthy environmental effects. With the rise of communicable diseases — and the recent media attention on flu season, Norovirus, and nosocomial infections in hospitals — the search has been on for alternative methods of surface disinfection more compatible with the goals of green and sustainable facility care.
 
AVT's TANCS steam vapor systems offer a simple water-only cleaning and disinfection process with scientifically documented results. With fewer chemical cleaners to purchase or manage responsibly, steam vapor makes staff maintenance efforts safer, faster, easier and more thorough. TANCS steam vapor kills bacteria and germs and emulsifies soil, grease and oil. It also removes deeply embedded contaminants and prevents their re-accumulation.
 
"The TANCS steam vapor technology has resolved the dilemma posed by cleaning and disinfecting agents that must use potentially harmful chemicals and/or long dwell times to be effective," according to David Mudarri, PhD, former Senior Indoor Air Quality Scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."Those interested in green cleaning, health and the environment should review the data validating this new technology using treated steam vapor from tap water as the only ingredient. Tests from Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Microbiotest Labs in Sterling, Va., consistently demonstrate effective disinfection of a variety of bacteria, viruses and mold with a 7-second application of the TANCS system."
 
Heat, not pressure, does the deep cleaning and disinfecting. Contained, sustained heat breaks the bond between soils and a surface. This results in a mess-free, low-water process that‚s easily controlled. Rather than spreading contaminated dirt around to adjacent surfaces, soil is removed at the point of contact.
 
"We now have the scientific data to demonstrate that the TANCS steam vapor system is many times more effective and works faster than topically applied chemical disinfectants without the associated risks for people," said Rick Hoverson, principal of Seattle-based Advanced Vapor Technologies. "It is an answer to the 'green dilemma' posed by chemical disinfectants, while delivering the labor savings mandated by tight budgets, and producing a highly sanitized surface cost-effectively."