Chemical Free Cleaning Making Inroads  

Mr. Ashkin described several chemical-free methods now used in commercial settings: 

• steam vapor systems
• spray-and-vac cleaning systems
• activated or electrolyzed water systems
• dry ice blasting 

He cited early studies that show that these methods clean and sanitize well.

I agree that the chemical-free cleaning movement is worth following. These are my questions about it: 

• Environmental impact: Mr. Ashkin says that chemical free cleaning "eliminates cleaning's impact on the environment." However, the systems he cites do use energy, which affects the environment. I will also point out that electrolyzed water is not truly "chemical-free." I would like to see a more robust comparison of the various cleaning methods so hoteliers could know when chemical-free cleaning is indeed environmentally-preferred.
• Cost: Mr. Ashkin says that under certain circumstances, chemical free methods are a "major cost savings for hotel owners." What are those circumstances?

I will explore this issue in future newsletters. We have already had speakers on electrolyzed water. I will schedule a speaker on steam vapor cleaning in 2015.