The Sustainable Impact of Steam Cleaning Technology
In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses across various sectors are seeking ways to reduce their ecological footprint while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. One industry that has seen significant advancements in sustainable cleaning practices is the commercial cleaning sector.
A recent case study comparing traditional chemical-based cleaning methods with innovative steam cleaning technology has shed light on the remarkable benefits of switching to steam cleaning, particularly in terms of sustainability.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the findings of the case study and explore how steam cleaning offers commercial customers a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for their cleaning needs.
The Case Study:
The case study in question focused on comparing the cleaning of a quick-service bakery oven using two methods:
1. Traditional chemical-based cleaner (Suma Oven Cleaner)
2. Steam cleaner (SteamKing Classic with Cart).
The study analyzed various factors, including labour hours, supplies used, electricity consumption, water usage, and waste generation.
By examining these aspects, the case study provided valuable insights into the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of each cleaning method.
View the case study
Environmental Impact:
One of the most significant findings of the case study was the substantial reduction in environmental impact achieved by switching to steam cleaning.
When using the Suma Oven Cleaner, the cleaning process required 4 litres of water and generated a minimum of 2 litres of dirty, chemically contaminated wastewater. In contrast, the SteamKing steam cleaner used only 2 litres of water and produced no toxic wastewater, as it relied solely on the power of steam for cleaning.
Moreover, the traditional cleaning method consumed a staggering 12,500 watts of electricity over a 2.5-hour cleaning period, as the oven needed to be preheated and kept warm throughout the process. On the other hand, the steam cleaner used just 1,750 watts of electricity over a 1-hour cleaning session, resulting in an impressive 86% reduction in energy consumption.
Waste Reduction:
Another key aspect highlighted in the case study was the significant reduction in waste generation when using steam cleaning technology.
The traditional method required the use of disposable items such as J-cloths, scrub pads, gloves, masks, and a portion of the cleaning chemical itself.
Over the course of a year, this amounted to 208 dirty cloths, 104 scrub pads, 52 pairs of gloves, and 12 bottles of cleaning products being thrown away, contributing to landfill waste and environmental pollution.
In stark contrast, the steam cleaning method eliminated the need for most of these disposable items. The only consumable used was a microfibre cloth, which could be reused multiple times before being discarded.
Even the steam cleaner itself, at the end of its useful life, could be recycled as scrap, further minimizing waste.
Cost Savings:
While the environmental benefits alone make a compelling case for switching to steam cleaning, the case study also revealed significant cost savings for commercial customers.
By amortizing the cost of the steam cleaner over its useful life, businesses could save $8.93 per month on cleaning expenses for just one oven. When considering the potential savings across multiple cleaning tasks and facilities, the financial impact becomes even more substantial.
The case study estimated that if a business used the steam cleaner for five different cleaning tasks, the monthly cost savings would jump to $51.53. Furthermore, if the equipment expense was not included in the calculation, the savings would reach $62.18 per month for a single person cleaning one oven.
Extrapolating these figures to a 40-hour cleaning period, a business could potentially save over $1,200 per month in time, product, and wage-related expenses for each cleaning staff member.
Scalability and Impact:
The implications of the case study extend far beyond a single oven or facility.
When considering the scalability of steam cleaning technology across multiple tasks and locations, the environmental impact becomes truly remarkable.
For example, if the water savings from cleaning one oven were extrapolated to 10 tasks in 2,500 facilities, it would amount to filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool with conserved water.
Moreover, by eliminating the use of chemical cleaners, steam cleaning prevents the release of harmful substances into the ecosystem. In the case study, switching to steam cleaning for one oven in 2,500 facilities would prevent 12 litres of cleaning chemicals per oven from entering the water system. Additionally, it would divert 440 items per oven from ending up in landfills.
Conclusion:
The case study comparing traditional chemical cleaning with steam cleaning technology provides compelling evidence of the sustainability benefits that commercial customers can achieve by making the switch.
From significant reductions in water usage, energy consumption, and waste generation to cost savings and scalability, steam cleaning offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
As more companies recognize the importance of sustainable practices, the adoption of steam cleaning technology is likely to grow. By embracing this eco-friendly alternative, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, contribute to the preservation of natural resources, and create healthier, safer environments for their employees and customers.
In a world where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, steam cleaning technology emerges as a powerful tool for commercial customers to reduce their ecological footprint and drive positive change. By making the switch, businesses can not only enhance their cleaning efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also play a crucial role in building a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.