At one time, it was pretty easy to select a spray-and-clean or spray-and-vac cleaning system, typically referred to as a no-touch cleaning machine. That's because just one manufacturer made them.
However, now that end-users have found these machines to be very effective at cleaning restrooms, restroom fixtures, floors, and other areas of a facility, low and behold, several manufacturers have now introduced their own versions of the no-touch system.
But this means cleaning professionals must do their homework before selecting one of these machines because the different systems are simply not all the same. They can vary significantly as to effectiveness and function.
For instance, let's look at the different power systems installed in the different units.
Some of the newer spray-and-clean or spray-and-vac cleaning systems use two-stage motors with about 100 CFM. Pump pressure maxes out at 200 psi and waterlift—an important element in effective cleaning—is about 80 inches.
On the other hand, at least one system has a three-stage motor. This provides considerably more cleaning power: CFM tops 112, instead of 80; pump pressure is more than doubled; and waterlift on comparable models can be as much as 60 percent more powerful.
You might wonder just how important these issues are. In some settings, such as a school, selecting the wrong machine can increase cleaning times, prove to be minimally effective at eliminating germs, bacteria, and odors, and cause considerable customer dissatisfaction.
When selecting a no-touch cleaning system, take your time, consider where, how, and how often you plan to use it, and the results you expect from the equipment. In this case, selecting the right machine can pay dividends and the wrong unit…well, I think you know the answer.