Electrolyzed water (EOW), or HOCl (hypochlorous acid), is an all-natural, no-rinse, non-toxic, non-irritating, and environment-safe antimicrobial solution, produced through an electrochemical reaction of water, salt, and electricity. It serves as a particularly potent antimicrobial agent, being approximately 100 times as effective as chlorine bleach. Electrolyzed water (EOW) is generated by the electrolysis of a dilute NaCl (table salt) solution interacting with an electrolytic cell. This process creates an anolyte solution predominantly of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). EOW is highly biocidal and can kill common foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter in less than 30 seconds on contact. It has been proven to be effective against bacterial spores and viruses that are highly resistant to other disinfectants. EOW is also capable of dislodging and removing biofilm, which can be a major contributor to contamination in pipes and clean-in-place (CIP) systems, i.e. in the systems behind beverage and dairy manufacturing. Unlike other oxidants, such as ozone (O₃) and chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), which are gases and rapidly leave the solution in seconds to minutes, HOCl is a liquid that is stable in solution, and it maintains biocidal concentrations for up to several months. This stability in solution allows for HOCl to be used in many applications in the food industry, from the farmer to the table—not only for direct food contact but also for the disinfection of food contact surfaces. When stored in ideal conditions in closed containers protected from oxygen and light, HOCl has been proven to be stable in solution for several months. Even if it is stored in buckets or other open containers, it will still remain stable for several hours. When HOCl is applied on food or contact surfaces, it behaves as an oxidizing agent. When reduced by organic matter, it leaves no harmful residues and therefore no potable water post-rinse is required. The aforementioned features make electrolyzed water (hypochlorous acid) a superior operational solution for any food service provider, saving time and resources and enabling frequent, real-time application. There are a broad range of applications for the use of this technology in industries such as agriculture, food and beverage, hospitality, healthcare, and water treatment. EOW can be safely and efficiently utilized through a variety of methods such as direct application, pressure spraying, dosing, and fogging.

CROSS-CONTAMINATION AND THE SECRETS THAT HIDE IN CLEANING TOOLS.

THERE IS NO PRACTICAL WAY FOR YOU TO ELIMINATE ALL OF THE MOLD SPORES IN THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL HELP, BUT THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO HELP CONTROL MOISTURE AND MOLD GROWTH IN YOUR HOME. HERE IS A PARTIAL LIST: Fix leaks in pipes, and any damp areas around tubs and sinks, so that biological pollutants don’t have growing environments. Rebuild, or retrofit, with water-resistant building materials such as tiles, stone, deep-sealed concrete, galvanized or stainless steel hardware, indoor/ outdoor carpeting, waterproof wallboard, water-resistant glues, and so on. Prevent the seepage of water from outdoors into your house. Rainwater from gutters or the roof needs to drain away from the house. Cover dirt in crawlspaces with plastic to prevent moisture from coming from the ground. Ventilate the area as much as possible. Clean fabrics and carpets at your office often. Soil promotes mildew growth. Store clean fabric items in well-ventilated areas. keep them dry. Consider having air ducts cleaned if you suspect mold exists on the duct’s inside surface, or if duct insulation has been wet. In moisture-prone areas, choose carpets of man-made fibers Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows or air conditioners, especially in hot weather. Do NOT use fans if mold may already exist. Try to keep the humidity in your home below 40%. Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE 101 REMEMBER THAT THE CONDITION OF YOUR BUILDING CAN HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT ON THE NEED FOR SERVICES SUCH AS CARPET CLEANING AND REMEDIATION. THIS WEEK WE ARE GOING TO HIGHLIGHT SOME AREAS OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND HOW THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO MAINTAINING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. IF THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR BUILDING IS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED MOISTURE CAN GET IN THROUGH THE ROOF, WINDOWS, MASONRY, AND/OR BELOW GRADE. WHEN IT GETS IN IT CAN PROVOKE STRUCTURAL AND INVENTORY DAMAGE. PREVENT UNEXPECTED REPAIRS, REMEDIATION SERVICES, INSURANCE CLAIMS, AND PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT.

Did you pay attention in your chemistry class? PH can be your friend or foe, depending on how you use your cleaning agents. Why does this matter? Alkaline solutions are better at cutting through dirt, grease, proteins, oils, and other organic items. Acids are better for removing calcium, rust, and other minerals. Knowing the PH can come in handy. Chemical reactions are happening all of the time. Some have inoffensive reactions but others can react negatively to our internal and external organs if they are not properly managed. To understand a little of the science behind cleaning we will be reviewing some of the things you might need to rethink when planning your cleaning project. (Picture #1) Lately, we've answered more questions than ever regarding disinfection. It's always good news when people are taking a close look at this matter and want to maintain best practices. Here some things to keep in mind. WHEN DISINFECTION CAN BECOME DANGEROUS Make sure that you do not skip the cleaning step before processing any surface with a disinfectant. Disinfectants should be applied sparingly and given their proper dwell time. Proper ventilation is key for the health of the one spraying the chemical and occupants of the space. Read labels to reduce the chances of side effects from active ingredients.

Written by Richard Klein & Vanesa Pereira Gandolfo Hiring a cleaning company can be a challenging process, filled with considerations that might not be immediately apparent. This article will highlight some of the things to consider when choosing a cleaning company. One of the common mistakes that many people make is using price as the primary, or sole consideration when making a selection. The adage " you get what to pay for" is true in cleaning as it is with most other businesses. Cleaning companies add value in terms of your company's "face" to your clients, in addition to preventing infection and disease. A clean, sanitary environment can help increase productivity and reduce the number of sick days taken by your staff. Valuing your cleaning services allows the company to properly recruit and hire, compensate their team members in a fair matter, invest in training and equipment and remain viable for the long term. Another often overlooked component is your cleaning company's perception of the relationship. Does your company view you as a partner or an adversary? Are communications open and proactive? Is there flexibility in scheduling and staffing based on your needs? Are billing practices transparent and fair? Involvement in professional and community associations should also be a prerequisite. Professional associations provide certifications, endorsements, and education that demonstrates the company's values and mission. As with many industries, technology, has produced a revolution in cleaning capabilities ,particularly in the area of measuring and verifying results. Is your company moving beyond sight and smell as their primary method of determining cleanliness? On a more basic note, it goes without saying that a cleaning company should be able to provide proof of insurance, a description of hiring and training protocols, proof of compliance with labor laws, safety compliace, and references. I hope this article has provided a helpful checklist to be considered prior to making a decision on which cleaning company to hire. While hiring any service provider can be complex, a little due diligence can go a long way toward ensuring a long term, mutually beneficial relationship.

Written by Vanesa Pereira Gandolfo With over 20 years cumulative experience in the industry VEPPA was born in 2018. The company was founded by Vanesa P Gandolfo who had started in the field as a cleaner and rapidly grew into positions of education and management. "Of course growth and profitability are sometimes a complex relationship to handle " . Within certain business models , Vanesa saw this generous industry as having the possibilities of scale, job stability and the people servicing component. After years in the field and with the unsatisfied desire for education and improvement she started questioning and challenging the cleaning processes. - " I had started searching for new ways to do things, because for me, determining cleanliness by smell and by sight were outdated methodologies!- . That was the spark which lit the flame that became the Veppa Services challenge. " At Veppa we see the people that we serve first, providing them and our team with the peace of mind that comes with having a safe space to work and live. As a data driven, technology and science focused company, Veppa is constantly exposing our technicians to the educational and quality control aspects of the industry, placing a substantial emphasis on pro-activity, statistics and creative culture. Science and how we apply and do things directly affects the people we serve. A plan that includes proper cleaning, electrostatic, ozone technologies and verification of the processes results in databased, no guesswork solutions. Fortifying strategy with education has been Veppa ' s immediate response to the the health crisis that is threatening our world, as evidenced by our motto, " WE DO IT BECAUSE WE CARE".