1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc.).
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

During scrubbing, the World Health Organization has outlined the following steps:

1. Rub your hands together, palm to palm.
2. Rub the back of each hand with the palm of the opposite hand with fingers interlaced.
3. Again, rub palm to palm, but this time with fingers interlaced.
4. Rub the backs of your fingers using opposing palms with fingers interlocked.
5. Rub around each thumb with the palm of the opposing palm.
6. Finally rub the palm of each hand with fingers of the opposing hand.

By using this model for hand hygiene, you can protect yourself and others—especially children—from the spread of germs.

To view Betco’s comprehensive line of flu-fighting hand soaps, please click here.

Clearly, it is of critical importance to properly mix concentrated cleaning solutions, and the first step in doing so is to consult the product label for the dilution ratio. If a product is multi-purpose, the label will often indicate different dilution ratios for different applications, so it is important to select the appropriate ratio for the task at hand.

Dilution Ratios and Ounces per Gallon
Dilution ratios are written as 2 numbers separated by a colon. The number to the left of the colon represents the amount of concentrated chemical, while the number to the right of the colon represents the amount of water. For example:

In this example, the dilution ratio can be verbally expressed as 1 part chemical to 32 parts water.

In place of or in addition to the dilution ratio, the label may supply the number of ounces of concentrated chemical per gallon of water.

If given the dilution ratio only, ounces per gallon may be calculated by dividing 128 (the number of ounces in a gallon) by the amount of water (the number to the right of the colon). In continuing with our previous example of a 1:32 dilution ratio:

128 (ounces in a gallon) ÷ 32 = 4 ounces per gallon of water

If given ounces per gallon only, the dilution ratio may be calculated by dividing 128 by the recommended number of ounces per gallon. The quotient is the number of parts water to 1 part chemical, and as such goes to the right of the colon. For example, if a label indicates 4 ounces per gallon:

128 (ounces in a gallon) ÷ 4 = 32, or a dilution ratio of 1:32

Other Units of Volume
If you would like to calculate ounces of concentrated chemical per a different amount of water, simply swap 128 for the appropriate number of ounces:
• 10 gallons = 1280 ounces
• 5 gallons = 640 ounces
• 1 gallon = 128 ounces
• 1 quart = 32 ounces
• 1 pint = 16 ounces
• 1 cup = 8 ounces

For example, if you want to know how much concentrated chemical to use with a quart of water, and the dilution ratio is 1:32:

32 (ounces in a quart) ÷ 32 = 1 ounce per quart of water

To download a chart with ounces per gallon for common dilution ratios, click here.

The Metric System
If calculating milliliters per liter from dilution ratio or dilution ratio from milliliters per liter, the same logic holds. Using a dilution ratio of 1:32:

1000 (milliliters in 1 liter) ÷ 32 = 31.25 milliliters per liter

1000 (milliliters in 1 liter) ÷ 31.25 = 32, or a dilution ratio of 1:32

If conversion between metric and imperial is necessary, here are some common metric volume equivalents:
• 1 ounce = 29.6 milliliters
• 1 cup = 236.6 milliliters
• 1 pint = 473.2 milliliters
• 1 quart = 946.4 milliliters (or 0.9464 liters)
• 1 gallon = 3.8 liters (or 3785.4 milliliters)
• 5 gallons = 18.9 liters (or 18927.1 milliliters)
• 10 gallons = 37.9 liters (or 37854.1 milliliters)
• 33.8 ounces = 1 liter (or 1000 milliliters)

Real-World Applications
Most of the time, the ready-to-use solution will go into a receptacle with an actual volume that is slightly greater than the advertised volume. For example, a 5-gallon pail really holds approximately 5.75 gallons. For this reason, it is often easiest and most expedient to use 5 gallons of water plus the appropriate amount of concentrated chemical, even though this results in more than 5 gallons. Using our familiar 1:32 dilution ratio example:

4 (ounces of concentrated chemical per gallon of water) x 5 (gallons of water) = 20 ounces of concentrated chemical

20 (ounces of concentrated chemical) + 5 (gallons of water) = 5 gallons, 20 ounces of ready-to-use solution

The total volume of 5 gallons, 20 ounces will usually not be a problem.

If, however, an exact amount of ready-to-use solution is required, then click here to download and use a chart that takes this into account.

Cost per Diluted Gallon
Finally, it may be useful to calculate cost per diluted gallon.

For this calculation, the parts concentrated chemical and water expressed in the dilution ratio must be added together. For our 1:32 dilution ratio:

1 + 32 = 33 parts

Then divide the concentrated chemical’s cost per gallon by the total parts. For example, if the cost is $10.00 for 1 gallon of concentrated chemical:

$10.00 ÷ 33 (total parts) = $0.30 per diluted gallon

Safety
When manually mixing chemical, it is important to always add water before you add the concentrated chemical in order to minimize chemical splash and foam. As with any chemical, always read the Safety Data Sheet before use and be sure to wear the proper PPE, such as gloves and eye protection.

If you would like to avoid the hassle and safety risks associated with manually mixing chemicals, Betco® offers several closed dilution control systems that consistently provide the correct dilution for cleaning staff. Learn more here.  

1. High-solids topical coatings have been widely rejected, due to their insufficient adhesion to the substrate and failure when there is high vapor drive.

2. Guards are not susceptible to the same vapor drive and adhesion problems. Guards are also known as semi-topical coatings/sealers, because while they sit on top of the concrete surface, they also lightly fill in its surface pores. Guards successfully protect concrete floors from stain and etch, while also creating gloss on non-polished surfaces and augmenting gloss on polished surfaces. Their primary drawback, however, is the need to recoat due to wear. The number and frequency of recoats required is largely dependent on environment in which they are used, particularly foot and/or wheel traffic.

3. Penetrating sealers, as indicated in the name, fill in surface pores to prevent stain and etch. When using a penetrating sealer, none of the product remains on the surface of the concrete, unlike topical and semi-topical coatings. This penetration means that foot and/or wheel traffic, stain- and etch-causing substances, as well as sealant-infused cleaning and burnishing pads make direct contact with the concrete surface, instead of with a coating. This is the reason penetrating sealers are somewhat less effective against stain and etch than guards, but it is also the reason penetrating sealers wear less and require fewer reapplications than guards.

The Betco® Crete Rx™ system offers both a penetrating sealer in the form of our Stain Defense product, as well as a new guard in the form of our LiquiShield product. Wondering which product may be right for your concrete or terrazzo floor?

LiquiShield performs best in these applications:

• Floors that require heavy stain protection, such as cafeterias
• Providing gloss and protection to non-polished concrete floors
• Terrazzo floors that cannot be polished due to:
  -Bleed off from divider strips (zinc, aluminum, brass, or PVC)
  -Topical dyes that bleed when dry polished
  -Non-cementitious terrazzo
• Combination floors with topical guard/penetrating sealer for quick and easy avoidance of tedious edge work:
  -Polish the floor using the Crete Rx system
  -Apply LiquiShield along the edge, 3–4 inches wide, and it will shine like the rest of the floor
  -With little-to-no wear at the edges, LiquiShield will last for many years using the Crete Rx daily cleaning program

• Floors with very heavy traffic, such as grocery and retail floors or warehouse floors exposed to heavy forklift traffic
• Floors that require an extremely high DOI (distinctness of image)
• Floors that require high levels of scuff and scratch resistance
• Lowering annual maintenance costs associated with annual and/or semi-annual recoats
  

You may have noticed this language on safety data sheets:

EPA Statement:
This chemical is a pesticide product registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and is subject to certain labeling requirements under federal pesticide law. These requirements differ from the classification criterial and hazard information required for safety data sheets, and for workplace labels of nonpesticide chemicals. Below is the signal word as required on the pesticide label:

Or you may have noticed directions for “Pesticide Storage” and “Pesticide Disposal” on product labels (click image below to enlarge).

So why are disinfectants and sanitizers listed as pesticides?  People often use the term "pesticide" to refer only to insecticides, but it actually applies to all the substances used to control pests.  Disinfectants and sanitizers—as well as insecticides, herbicides, swimming pool treatments, and even leaf defoliants—are managed by EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs.  Disinfectants and sanitizers kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  According to the EPA these are considered pests just as insects, weeds, snails, and slugs are considered pests.  Therefore, the EPA classifies disinfectants and sanitizers as pesticides.

In addition, the EPA further classifies disinfectants as antimicrobial pesticides: “Intended to disinfect, sanitize, reduce or mitigate growth or development of microbiological organisms or protect inanimate objects, industrial processes or systems, surfaces, water or other chemical substances from contamination, fouling or deterioration caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, or slime.”

For more detailed information from the EPA, please click here or here.

So, the term “pesticides” covers a large range of products, from your well-known insecticides and herbicides to less well-known disinfectants and sanitizers, and the inclusion of this term on product literature, including labels and safety data sheets, should not be considered cause for concern. Whether from Betco or a different chemical manufacturer, all disinfectants and sanitizers in the United States must be labeled as pesticides.

All of Betco’s safety data sheets are up-to-date and available online. Simply click the “SDS” tab in the red navigation bar at the top of our website to access Safety Data Sheets for all products, or check the “SDS and Resources” section of each product page.

Betco® offers a complete line of high-performing finishes to satisfy a variety of facility and maintenance program needs. Whether you have time constraints to maintain finishes properly or you want the highest appearance level, we have a floor finish for you.

If an unexpected and unpleasant odor is emanating from your autoscrubber, we recommend removing the tank and inspecting it. If the tank has…

White Residue

Cleaning chemicals that were used in the autoscrubber were too dilute, resulting in an interaction with hard water ions (calcium and magnesium). Alternatively, cleaning chemical residue was left behind in the tank due to water evaporation. While these white mineral films themselves do not usually have an odor, their formation at low temperatures is usually accompanied by bacterial biofilms, which are malodorous.

If the white residue is not coupled with a smell, our recommendation is to treat the tank with dilute acid solution, such as MAD, according to the label directions. If an unpleasant odor is present, we advise treating the tank with a mild bleach solution due to the presence of bacteria, again according to the label directions. Symplicity™ Destainer is about 12.5% bleach and can be diluted at a ratio of 1:20 for such a purpose.

Gummy Residue

Incompatible cleaning chemicals were used in the autoscrubber, resulting in cross-contamination in the tank. Similarly to mineral films, gummy residue itself does not smell, but it is often present alongside bacteria in the form of biofilms. Regardless of whether or not odor is present, we suggest treating the tank and cleaning the filter with a mild bleach solution according to the label directions.

Malodor

With or without residue, bacteria is present in the autoscrubber’s tank. We advise treating the tank with a mild bleach solution according to the label directions. Appropriate bleach products, such as Symplicity™ Destainer, will not leave a residue nor potentially lead to excess foaming in the scrubber. 

NOTE: Never mix acids and bleach solutions when cleaning, as it produces a toxic gas.

Do you have different autoscrubber or other equipment issues? Tell us about it at social@betco.com, and our experts will address your problem in an upcoming blog post!

Also, educating your staff about the disease is very important. Knowledge is power! Below is a list of frequently asked questions so you can better understand measles and take measures to keep everyone healthy.

What are measles? Measles is caused by a single-stranded enveloped virus. Humans are the only natural hosts of the measles virus.

What illness does the measles virus cause? Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. It causes a high fever (up to 105° F), cough, nasal congestion, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of transparent covering of the eye), followed by a rash that appears as a flat, red area with small bumps. The rash usually appears 14 days after a person is exposed and can spread all over the body. Patients are considered to be contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears. Some high-risk patients do not develop the rash.

How does measles spread? Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases. Up to 9 out of 10 susceptible persons with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles. The virus is spread by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.

Who is at high risk for contracting measles? Anyone born after 1957 who has not been vaccinated is at a high risk for contracting measles. Infants and children younger than 5 years old, adults over the age of 20, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are at a high risk for having complications from measles.

What are common complications from measles? Pneumonia, bronchitis, and diarrhea are common complications.

• One out of every 1,000 measles cases will develop acute encephalitis, often resulting in permanent brain damage.
• One or two out of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory or neurological complications.

How can I prevent getting the measles? There is only one sure way to prevent contracting measles, and that is through vaccination. The vaccine is usually given as a combination MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella). The MMRV vaccine can be used for children aged 12 months through 12 years for protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox). One dose of MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles. Two doses are approximately 97% effective.

What can I do if there has been a confirmed or suspected case of measles in my facility? Whoever has a confirmed or suspected case of measles should stay home for four days after developing the rash. Ask your doctor when it is safe to be around other people again.

Good practices to stop the spread of any disease:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in the trashcan. If you do not have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing drinks or food utensils.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, and counters. Standard disinfectants will readily kill the measles virus.

Why have we seen such an increase in measles? I thought the disease was eradicated in the US? Measles is still common in many parts of the world, including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Travelers with measles continue to bring the disease into the US. Measles spread when these travelers visit US communities with pockets of unvaccinated people. As of April 26^th, 22 states have reported measles cases.

Betco has a complete line of skin care products and programs to encourage frequent handwashing and also has numerous disinfectants that help reduce disease transmission.

Proliferation of bacteria is particularly problematic with regard to regular and antibacterial hand soaps and cleansers, as bacteria can overwhelm any active ingredients and render the product ineffective, ultimately leading to increased spread of potentially harmful germs.

In order to inhibit undesirable bacterial growth, preservatives are commonly used in hand hygiene and other cosmetic products. To properly defend products against contamination, it is important that manufacturers use a preservative package that is effective against a variety of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. One of the most common preservative packages is MCI/MI: a combination of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. The MCI component provides quick initial protection from contamination, while the MI component holds off bacteria in the long term. 

Although preservatives like MCI/MI often get a bad reputation, these and all other ingredients in cosmetic products such as soaps and cleansers are regulated by the FDA to ensure the safety of consumers. It is true that MCI/MI has been associated with skin irritation, but those associations were largely formed in previous decades with relation to leave-on products and when MCI/MI was used at higher concentrations. Now primarily used in rinse-off products and at much lower concentrations, rates of contact allergy or irritation from MCI/MI in rinse-off products are extremely low. Indeed, MCI/MI has been repeatedly proven safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations up to 15 ppm.

Beyond the FDA, MCI/MI has been ruled safe for use in rinse-off products at appropriate concentrations by other organizations, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Neither MCI nor MI have been listed by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a known, probable, or possible human carcinogen.

MCI/MI is an effective preservative package that plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficacy of cosmetic products, including hand hygiene products. When products that contain preservatives are manufactured as stipulated by regulatory agencies and used as directed by consumers, the preservatives therein are not only safe, but are furthermore necessary to safeguard the health of consumers. Betco is committed to using preservatives to maintain hand hygiene products that are both safe and effective for the end user. 

Polished concrete, as we know it today, was accidentally developed in the early 1990s in a Tunisian palace by workers. They polished the floor dry, and as a byproduct of their mistake, sparked a fervor for polished concrete that took off around the world. 

Modern Times

In modern times, there are 3 different types of polished concrete floors, for which the Concrete Polishing Association of America created standards:

1. Bonded abrasive polished concrete floors are achieved using a machine to cut fine microscopic peaks and valleys.
2. Burnished polished concrete floors are achieved using friction and abrasive pads on a machine.
3. Topical polished concrete floors are achieved using an applied liquid coating, delivering a polished gloss.

The Betco Crete Rx™ System is the simplest concrete system on the market and exceeds the standards set forth for bonded abrasive and burnished polished concrete floors. Our innovative process seamlessly integrates chemicals, pads, and tools to achieve better-looking floors, with a depth of gloss and stain resistance in less time, with no liquid coating necessary. Learn more here.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows the science behind handwashing and how washing your hands with soap and water removes germs and viruses from hands. 
Here’s how to wash your hands according to the CDC:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
   • Why? Using soap to wash hands is more effective than using water alone because the surfactants in soap lift soil and microbes from skin, and people tend to scrub hands more thoroughly when using soap, which further removes germs.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc).
   • Why? Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from skin.  Microbes are present on all surfaces of the hand, often in particularly high concentration under the nails, so the entire hand should be scrubbed.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
   • Why? Based on several global studies and research, the optimal length of time to wash hands is 20 seconds. This removes more germs from hands than washing for shorter periods.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
   • Why? Soap and friction help lift dirt, grease, and microbes—including disease-causing germs—from skin so they can then be rinsed off of hands. Rinsing the soap away also minimizes skin irritation.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
   • Why? Germs can be transferred more easily to and from wet hands; therefore, hands should be dried after washing.

Germs are Always Lurking

Handwashing helps prevent infections because:

• Germs can enter our bodies through our eyes, nose and mouths. People frequently touch these areas with their hands – which come in contact with an average of 10 million germs per day.
• Germs from unwashed hands can get into food and drinks. Sometimes, germs can even multiply in certain food or drinks under certain conditions and make people sick.
• Germs know no boundaries – unwashed hands can transfer germs to multiple objects and surfaces like door knobs, table tops, toys or keyboards. These germs will linger on the surface until they’re eventually transferred to someone else’s hands.
• Removing germs through handwashing can help prevent diarrhea and respiratory infections, and could even prevent skin and eye infections.

By changing handwashing behavior, we can help individuals and their communities stay healthy. In fact, by simply washing our hands, we can:

• Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 31%
• Reduce diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%
• Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%
• Protect approximately 1 in 3 children who get sick

Ready to improve hand hygiene in your workplace? Implement the Compass^® Program from Betco^®. Compass is the only program that guides users to proper hand hygiene as recommended by the CDC. Click here to learn more.

To learn more about the science behind handwashing, click here.

October officially marks the beginning of the flu season. While influenza viruses are detected all year-round in the U.S., flu activity often begins to increase in the fall. Viruses that cause a common cold and the flu can spread easily. Shaking hands, opening a door and even petting an animal can result in germ-filled hands. In fact, 80% of germs and viruses are spread by your hands. By touching your eyes, nose and mouth you can infect yourself.

But don’t worry – there’s an easy way to combat these germs. It starts with washing your hands.

Samuel N. Grief, MD, an associate professor of clinical family medicine at the University of Illinois in Chicago, says “Hand washing is the best way to prevent colds and other respiratory and infectious diseases that are transmitted by hand to mouth or hand to nose and eye contact…soap acts as a vehicle to trap the germs that are loosened by the act of rubbing your hands together under water. These germs can then be rinsed away by the water."

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a six step process for washing hands. It only takes 20 seconds and is one of the best proactive methods to disinfecting your hands to stop the spread of germs and viruses.

Here’s how to wash your hands the right way:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc).
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Starting with the Basics

Always remember that there are 128 ounces in one gallon. This is important to know when working with dilution ratios. 

Dilution ratios are expressed in two ways:

1. Typically, you’ll see dilution ratios expressed as 1 to a given number such as 1:256.

If a dilution ratio is expressed in this way, you will have to calculate the ounces per gallon.

A common method to determine ounces per gallon is to take 128 (because that’s how many ounces are in a gallon) and divide it by the ratio number. Like this:

128 ÷ ratio number = ounces per gallon

Now let’s plug in some numbers! For example, a product that has a dilution ratio of 1:256 would be calculated like this: 

128 ÷ 256 = .5 ounces per gallon

In this example, 256 is our ratio number and by plugging it into our formula, we can determine how many ounces per gallon of product is needed.

2. Dilution ratios can also be expressed in terms of ounces per gallon such as .5 ounces per gallon – no math needed here!

Both ways mean the same thing – you would mix one part of the product to 256 parts water. This means that the gallon of product will make 257 total gallons of solution because to mix the proper solution, you would take the gallon of product and add 256 gallons of water which equals 257 total gallons.

Dilution Ratio Cheat Sheet

Take the guesswork out of it! To help keep things simple, here are some common dilution ratios:

Need a Metric Calculation?

Metric calculations such as liters can also be calculated. You just need to convert the metric figures to gallons or ounces prior to starting. Common metric volume measurements and their English equivalents are listed below:

1 quart = 0.946 mL
1 gallon = 3.785 liters
1 liter = 0.264 gallons
4 liters = 1.056 gallons

The FastDraw^® System

Many diseases and conditions are spread by improper hand washing. Germs and viruses from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects like door handles, table tops or toys and then transferred to another person’s hands. One of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs and viruses to others is by keeping hands clean.

Implementing a hand hygiene program at schools is a must and it’s a fact that good habits start when we are young. Learning the proper technique for hand washing proves to be valuable for a lifetime of healthy hand hygiene practices. When implementing a hand hygiene program, a school is committed to a healthy atmosphere for children, staff and families. Not to mention, hand washing with soap could protect approximately 1 in 3 children who get sick, improving attendance and increasing dollars for the school.

Here are some quick tips to teach germs and viruses a lesson:

• Wash hands frequently – make sure hands are washed before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing and after recess.
• Follow the CDC model for hand washing – wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean water.
• Place hand sanitizer outside the restroom door for use after leaving the restroom.
• Don’t spread germs to others – stay at home when you are sick.

No touch is germ-free, but when it comes to keeping students and staff healthy throughout the school year, prevention by hand washing protects them from the spread of germs and viruses.

Want to reduce absenteeism at your school? Implement the Compass® Program from Betco®. Compass is the only Active Learning™ Hand Washing System that follows the CDC guidelines. Click here to learn more.

Handwashing may seem like a simple task – however, most people don’t wash their hands according to the recommended Centers for Disease Control model (the one that’s actually proven to prevent germ spread and cross-contamination).

A separate study done in 2013 by Michigan State University found that only 5% of people washed their hands according to the CDC model. This lack of proper handwashing contributes to the CDC’s staggering numbers like:

• 48 million Americans are sickened by foodborne illnesses each year
• 90,000 people die from Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) each year
• Over 22 million school days are lost due to the common cold each year

How do we break our poor handwashing habits and change our handwashing behavior? By following the CDC model – it only takes 20 seconds.

Here’s a simple break-down you can follow to make sure you are doing a good job when washing your hands:

Step 1: Wet your hands with clean, running water.

Step 2: Turn off the water and apply enough soap to cover your hands.

Step 3: Scrub, scrub, scrub! Make sure you get the backs of your hands, under your nails and in-between your fingers.

Step 4: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Step 5: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Step 6: Dry your hands with a clean, single-use towel or air dry them.

Pro-tip: Want to take extra precautions? Place hand sanitizer outside the restroom door and use it after you leave the restroom.

Think about it – no touch is germ-free. When we wash our hands correctly, we prevent the spread of germs and viruses to others.

Want to teach people in your facility how to wash their hands the right way? Implement the Compass^® Hand Hygiene Program from Betco^® today! Click here to learn more.

Consisting of six cloud-based applications, iBet is designed specifically to help cleaning and sales professionals assess, plan, implement, reinforce and manage the cleaning programs for their facility maintenance plan. Quite frankly, these tools are impressive!

Here’s a breakdown of the great tools in iBet and how they can help you manage your facility better:

Betco^® U
Enjoy on-site and online training for your new and experienced cleaning and sales professionals. Keep employees engaged via learning everything there is to know — from those who know the most.

Charter

Easily make custom wall charts to define the chemicals in use in your facility and how to use them properly. Nothing beats a quick cheat sheet right where you need it.

Task

Create customized visual aids with step-by-step instructions that make it easy for professionals to understand cleaning procedures, even guiding them to specific chemical products and equipment. Looking good!

Inspector

Increase efficiency and reduce costs by creating market segment-specific surveys to find out what changes need to be made in a cleaning and maintenance program. Together, we’ll get some answers!

Estimator

Assess your facility’s needs by estimating labor, general cleaning and floor care costs plus equipment ROI. Then see how converting to Betco’s superior innovative chemical and equipment solutions can improve every operation — in every way.

Proposer

Build modern, professional proposals that sales representatives can use in showcasing the advantages of using a custom cleaning and maintenance program (like a Betco^® program). Presenting the total package has never been so simple!

Betco is all about comprehensive programs for high quality cleaning and facility maintenance solutions. Making your life easier is what gives us — and you — the competitive advantage.

To learn more about Betco’s proprietary iBet Facility Resources Suite, click here.

With 80% of germs transmitted by hand-to-hand contact, keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. This flu season the highest rate of infection was among older adults aged 65 years and older, followed by adults between the ages of 50-65. As the baby-boomer population ages and requires more care, the impact of hand hygiene in nursing homes is extremely important for infection control, and it starts with following the model for proper hand hygiene.

The Science behind Handwashing

The Centers for Disease Control recommends a six step process for washing hands. It only takes 20 seconds and is one of the best proactive methods to disinfecting your hands to stop the spread of germs.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc).
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

This model for proper hand washing has been proven to remove the tiny microbes, germs and bacteria that may inhabit your hands throughout the day. By staying compliant with this model for hand hygiene, you can protect yourself and others from the spread of germs.

Want to increase hand hygiene compliance in your workplace? Implement the Compass Program from Betco®. Compass is the only program that guides users to proper hand hygiene as recommended by the CDC. Click here to learn more.

The main advantage microbes offer is in achieving a continuous clean: they work long after their application, and they won’t stop working until the substance — their food — is gone. Using it at the close of the business day or when foot traffic is the lightest lets them go to work. Plus, because they’re stable and biodegradable, they’re sustainable. Using them is quite simply the most environmentally friendly way to clean.

If the initial thought of using bacteria to clean doesn’t sit well, think of all the everyday ways we already use enzymes. For example, we eat them in yogurt and we use them to make cheese.

At Betco^®, our BioActive Solutions™ product line is formulated for specific applications to provide the right bacteria for the job. In addition to fats, oils and greases, they can clean sugar starches, urine, organic waste, hydrocarbons, industrial waste and malodors (very bad smells).

To learn more about how BioActive Solutions works, click here.

Want to know that #1 way to stop spreading germs? It’s quite simple: wash your hands!

Think about it – no touch is germ-free. That means every time you touch your eyes, mouth, face and even your food, you’re putting germs into your body.

This can be a big problem, especially since Norovirus is responsible for roughly 1 in 5 cases worldwide of acute gastroenteritis and the flu was 3x as widespread this year than last year. It’s even more of a problem in health care facilities. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that medical staff only wash their hands about half the time. The CDC states: "This contributes to the spread of healthcare-associated infections that affect 1 in 25 hospital patients on any given day."

One survey found that only 5% of its subjects washed their hands for 15 seconds or more – the CDC says to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Proper hand hygiene is important to stop the spread of germs. Here are some tips you can follow to make sure you are doing a good job when washing your hands:

• Use soap and water – apply enough soap to cover your hands.
• Scrub, scrub, scrub! Make sure you get the backs of your hands, under your nails and in-between your fingers.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands off and dry them thoroughly with a single use towel.
• Pro tip: Want to take extra precautions? Place hand sanitizer outside the restroom door and use it after you leave the restroom.

Want to increase compliance in your facility and help people become handwashing gurus? Implement the Compass^® Hand Hygiene Program from Betco^® today! Click here to learn more.

Life Cycle Cost for Floor Finishes
*Michael Doyle Partners, Flooring Comparison Report 2017 pp 12

Fact:  All flooring options require some element of maintenance.

• Abrasion – the finish on a grand piano may be flawless for years, but you don’t walk on pianos. Gloss reduction occurs over time as floors experience wear. This abrasion occurs from dirt and foot traffic, creating microscopic scratches.
• Dirt Embedment – Our shoes track dirt into facilities from the outside world. Porous materials are receptors for this dirt which becomes ground into the floor over time.
• Staining – Accidents happen. Custodians desire an easy, low-cost method to repair these stains.

What Are Some Polished Concrete Maintenance Challenges?

• Porosity – As concrete cures the evaporating water creates pores. Some of these openings are sealed by polishing but it’s nearly impossible to create a non-permeable surface. Have you noticed how wet concrete becomes darker? This is from water absorbing into the concrete pores. This porosity creates a challenge for dirt and stains.
• Stains – Also referred to as etching. You may be familiar with the splatter stain in your neighborhood grocery store pickle aisle. This is because concrete is etched when an acidic liquid is left to penetrate into the concrete pores.
• Reparability – Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) is very easy to maintain. Depending on the blemish, the spot can be scrubbed or stripped and recoated and burnished back to an even appearance.
• Upkeep – Many concrete polishing systems finish with a coating called a “guard”. These guards are usually topical coatings that help resist staining and emit gloss. Often guards are used to reduce labor from truly polishing the concrete to a high gloss appearance. The challenge with guards is that they are sacrificial coatings that need to be maintained through recoating and burnishing. Guards also exhibit characteristics similar to coatings used for VCT. Therefore, facilities find themselves facing the same challenges that they faced with VCT, but now with a flooring type that they are less experienced at maintaining.

To learn more about polished concrete, click here. The Crete Rx^™ System from Betco^® uniquely addresses all of the challenges mentioned in this article.