It’s a term you’ve heard for years, that we’ve come to understand is something that helps protect us, but what exactly does antimicrobial mean anyways and how does it help us? We’ll answer those questions here!

So, what does antimicrobial mean?

Antimicrobial products kill or slow the spread of bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi such as mold and mildew.¹ You can find antimicrobial products everywhere – in your home, workplace or school.

Antimicrobial technology typically contains one of three active ingredients² :

1. Silver ion – used in a wide range of materials and applications including medical coatings, plastics and food-contact products
2. Zinc – which is commonly used as an antifungal
3. Copper – used as a preservative on hard surfaces

Which ingredient that is added is determined by the product type, where in the world it will be sold, and what efficacy claims the manufacturer is looking to make.

But how does it help protect me?

By using products with an antimicrobial protection, not only will you protect yourself from picking up potentially harmful bacteria but you will reduce the spread of such bacteria on any shared surfaces. In addition, the enhanced protection will also help extend the life of your product by protecting it from deteriorating quicker, staining and developing odours. This protection also doesn’t wash off or wear away, so you can enjoy the benefit of having continuous antimicrobial protection.

Some of us may be re-entering the workplace after several weeks, if not months, of self-isolation at home.  Naturally, both employers and staff are concerned that their work environments are adequately set up to help people to stay safe, while still remaining productive and comfortable at work. 

We wanted to help!  So, we’ve compiled this list from the various health authorities of tips for helping to physically distance in the workplace.

1. Have sanitizing and PPE supplies (ie. masks) readily available to each employee and in high-touch areas such as by the photocopier and breakroom. 
2. Post arrows to direct traffic in the office one-way only to avoid unnecessary contact. For example, always have people walk clockwise.  
3. If in a cubical workspace, have every other person in a workstation to keep physically distant.
4. Avoid shaking hands with others, and if you feel contact is absolutely necessary, try an elbow bump in lieu of a handshake.   
5. Stay home if you are feeling unwell and avoid contact with people who are sick.
6. Discourage the sharing of telephones, keyboards, desks and workstations, and if this can’t be avoided sanitize between users. 
7. Conduct virtual meetings as an alternative to a face-to-face meeting.
8. Have only a half capacity of employees be in the office at a time (working on a rotating schedule A/B rotation).
9. Stagger start times, breaks and lunches to limit any unnecessary contact. 
10. Suspend all group activities and gatherings for the time being.
11. Consider bringing back employees as gradual as possible, to limit both the employer and staff from being too overwhelmed with the change in procedures. 
12. Posting positive notes or motivational messages around the office to show you care about staff’s mental health during this time is also very important.  This can help to reduce any increase in anxiety and stress due to the new environment. 
13. Where you can’t follow physical distancing, install barriers such as Plexiglas to separate people.
14. Restrict visitors and limit workplace entry to only essential personnel.
15. Consider re-arranging the office layout by moving furniture or using visual cues such as tape on the floor to enhance physical distancing.
16. Have tissues or paper towels conveniently located to be used to turn off light switches, open doors, push buttons, etc.
17. In the washrooms, mark off any sinks and urinals that are not at least 6-ft away from one another to ensure sufficient physical distancing.

We hope this was helpful and you find comfort in knowing that we are all in this together as we learn how to navigate these challenging times! 

Sources:

https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/netherlands/six-feet-office

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/mental-health.html

https://www.pshsa.ca/covid-19/rtwp

Whether you’re moving a package from one office to another, shipping a product to a customer or sending a gift to your Aunt; the same methods of packing a package should typically apply. The overall goal is to protect the item from point A to point B in its journey, in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. We have some tips that might help you out next time to pack that package in confidence!

Choosing the right material:

• Quality counts! New boxes are the smartest to put your package in for durability and safety of your item(s). But for a more sustainable approach, recycled boxes are just fine as long as their integrity is still solid and there are no rips or holes.
• Packing tape is an important part of packing a package. You may want to consider the many different types of tape, and which one serves your purpose of packing best. Typically for a package, it is the best practice to use a 2-inch wide variety of packing tape that reinforces the bottom of the box and all of the seams.
• Add cushioning and filler material such as: bubble wrap, airbags, newspaper, tissue paper, foam or cardboard inserts when appropriately needed to secure your items within the package and prevent any damage.
• For understanding shipping requirements and general packaging guidelines, you can reference FedEx’s How to Pack Guideline for more helpful information.

Using the right box/container:

• Try not to use a box that is too big for your item, rather select one that is just slightly bigger than the item itself. This allows enough room for packing materials to protect your item, but also restricts any unnecessary movement your item in a box that is too big. Plus, the smaller the box or envelope, the less costly it could be to ship your package!
• Weight matters, the heavier the product, the stronger the packaging material needs to be. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and use a new, sturdy box as opposed to a recycled box, and double-up on the packing tape when sealing the box and all its seams.
• Be mindful of where the label is placed, ensuring it is clearly legible and in a spot that can be easily seen, especially if the item is fragile.
• Here are some additional suggestions from Canada Post of outer packaging and packing materials for a safe delivery of your items.

Things to Avoid:

• Don’t over fill your package, and keep it organized. Heavy and crammed items can cause damage to adjacent objects, and also themselves.
• Make sure the address is correct and placed properly on the package before shipping to avoid misconceptions of delivery destinations. Also clearly mark the name of the recipient and/or department to ensure the package gets to the appropriate person once it arrives at its destination.
• Remove all other labels or old addresses from the box, and scratch out any additional markings on the box that cannot be removed with a black marker.

Ship Smart:

• Research your carrier by comparing services and rates. If you ship packages regularly, consider registering for a business account with your chosen carrier to take advantage of any discounted rates.
• If your package is heavier than average (55lb or over), give your carrier notice in advance with a “Heavy” label.
• It is always a good idea to write “fragile” or “this side up” in order for your package to avoid risk of damaging.
• Keep your package simple and tidy, avoid use of strings and cords that could get caught in shipping machines.

We hope this was helpful and you will be able to pack that package in confidence with the assurance that your items arrive safe & secure!

Did you know that 45% of consumers will go out of their way to buy Canadian-made products?  Why would someone want to go out of their way just to buy a Canadian made product you ask?  Well, we’ve compiled this list of some really good reasons!

1. Creating and giving jobs back to Canadians, thus keeping our dollars at home.  Independent Canadian businesses provide 77% of all private jobs in Canada.^[1]
2. Quality control.  Canadian manufacturers are highly regarded for their strict quality control standards. “Made in Canada” has earned its reputation of being high quality and durable.   
3. Direct communication.  The barriers that once existed between Canadian manufacturer and consumer are diminishing and never before has it been easier to directly communicate with the manufacturer to have any questions or requests answered. 
4. Products from Canada produce less carbon footprint for you to receive the goods, which is a tremendous aide to the environment. For example, a product made in Canada requires 25 times less transportation than a similar product made overseas. ²
5. No duty or brokerage fees are needed to bring the product into the country, which would otherwise need to be added to the cost of the product and therefore potentially making the product more expensive than its Canadian-made equivalent. 
6. Health and safety are carefully regulated in Canada, as opposed to overseas plants.  We can feel good about buying products made in Canada!
7. Supports our communities.  When we buy Canadian we are contributing to the enrichment of our communities and could be contributing to the survival of a struggling local family business. 

Ready to start buying more Canadian-made products?  Be sure to look for products from these Canadian manufacturers when browsing our catalogue or shopping online!

Sources:

^[1] http://canadianentrepreneurtraining.com/six-statistics-about-small-business-and-entrepreneurship-in-canada/

² https://buycanadianfirst.ca/why-buy-canadian-first

Communicate with customers and employees about your COVID-19 safety precautions with these clear, concise and vibrant printable signs.

Here are some helpful signs to help communicate inside or outside the office – from Open and Entrance signs to Do Not Disturb. Download these signs and customize them as you wish!

There are some great printable lists here, like “to do” lists, sign-in sheets and a washroom cleaning checklist.

These day planner printables will help to keep you organized and on track!

For Teachers

There are no shortage of handy printables here to help in the classroom!

1. Flash Cards
2. Worksheets
3. Charts, Signs & Other Organization Aids
4. Awards, Games & Other Learning Ideas

For Home

Create your own Holiday cards or decorations with these printables!

Stay organized at home with these charts, checklists, planners and more!

Here are some fun printables to create your own crafts & games.

We hope you take advantage of some of these free printables for your workplace, home…or both! Shop our store for all the supplies you need to really make these projects POP!

One study found that coworkers spread viruses to 50% of workplace surfaces within 4 hours of arriving at work due to shared contact with those surfaces.  Help reduce the risk of illness by being aware of the more common surfaces in the workplace where germs are spread:

1. Desk.  This is one of the least hygienic areas in the workplace.  The average desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! 
2. Hands.  It is common courtesy when in a business environment to greet or say good-bye to someone with a handshake. During peak virus seasons, it is becoming perfectly acceptable to decline a handshake with an explanation that you’re concerned about spreading germs.  In fact, many will admire you for your thoughtfulness!  A wave and a nice smile can be just as welcoming. 
3. Door Handles. This one is an obvious one, but did you also know that 1 in 4 office workers don’t wash their hands after using the washroom! Yikes!  Use your elbow to open doors, or paper towel when leaving a washroom.  
4. Keyboards & Mice.  Sharing desk equipment greatly increases the spread of germs.  Reduce the risk by ensuring each person has their own set of regularly used, high-touch desk equipment.
5. Phones.  These are the most contaminated surfaces in the workplace.  Ensure these are cleaned on a regularly basis to help reduce the risk of picking up any harmful germs.  
6. Vending Machines.  You could be grabbing a whole lot more with that 3 o’clock snack craving from the vending machine!  And it’s not just the buttons you need to be concerned with, the door where you reach in to grab your goodies is also a major culprit. 
7. Drinking Fountains.  Sure, we’ve been taught since we were children to not put our mouths on the drinking fountain, but even without making any contact you could be ingesting more than just water in your drinking glass.    
8. Printers and Fax Machines.  With the average photocopier being touched up to 300 times each day, you’ll want to ensure these machines are being disinfected daily, or even better, keep a bottle of disinfecting wipes nearby the machines so people can clean after each use. 
9. Elevator Buttons.  Hopefully you get lucky and jump on an elevator with someone already going to your same floor.  Otherwise, there’s not much you can do to avoid having to touch the buttons.  You could attempt to use your elbow, or better yet, take the stairs for an overall more healthy solution. 
10. Railings.  Railings are in place to help keep people safe, but often the thought of grabbing on to one can seem scary!  Sometimes you just can’t avoid having to hold the railing, so just be sure to wash your hands as soon as you can after. 
11. Refrigerator.  It’s not just the refrigerator handle you need to ensure is cleaned regularly.  Keep an eye as to what’s inside the refrigerator for any built-up bacteria or mould that could cross-contaminate and cause illness.

We can all do our part to ensuring our workplaces stay safe and healthy.  Knowing what areas to be mindful of is the first step to reducing the spread of germs to others.  Have a look around your office and see if you can identify any other areas that could be potential areas for concern!

Wearing a face mask is a new experience for many of us.  We’ve had to learn how to properly wear one for the first time in our lives, but now after mastering wearing one, the question is – how do I care for my face mask now?   Here are some tips!

Storing

When you are finished wearing your face mask, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you first fold the mask so that the outside of the mask is folded inward and against itself, then place in a clean paper bag.  We’ve all seen the masks hanging from rear view mirrors in cars recently (a replacement to the fuzzy dice from back in the day) but this is actually not encouraged as a used masked could be spreading contaminates into the air of the car.  In fact, it’s actually illegal to hang your mask from your rear view mirror in many states in the United States.

Washing

The disposable, surgical-type masks that are often blue in colour are just that, disposable.  They are not reusable and therefore should not be washed, but rather thrown in the garbage after each use. 

For reusable masks, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates masks should be washed after every use.  You can wash these in your regular laundry using hot water, and then drying them on high heat in your dryer.  You can also hand wash your masks, using hot, soapy water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.  To dry your masks you can put them on high heat in the dryer or you could air dry with laying out in direct sunlight being optimal.

And of course, before and after handling your mask you should always clean your hands by washing with soap for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.

For many of us, looking natural on video doesn’t come very easy. Now throw in the added element of being live on a video call, and that adds a whole other level of awkwardness!

Here is a great video that provides some excellent tips for prepping for a video call, and then how to ensure you appear as your best self during the video call.

We hope you found these tips helpful and will use them on your next video call!  Leave us a note in the comments to let us know how you’ve improved your video calls, or if you have any tips that you can share! 

Coming Soon!

When it comes to the world of garbage bags, there are so many choices! Density, size, strength and colour are all features you need to consider when determining which bag is right for your application. Let us help you to navigate the various choices and help you determine which bag is right for you!

1. SELECT THE RIGHT BAG TYPE FOR YOUR APPLICATION

Linear Low Density

• Excellent tear strength, stretch and puncture resistance
• Ideal for heavy waste and sharp or jagged trash
• Available in flat and star bottom

High Density

• Limited tear strength and stretch
• Ideal for wet, bulky trash; not recommended for sharp objects

 2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE

Bag Width

• Use 1/2 of the outer circumference of the container

Bag Length

• The height of the container plus 1/2 of the diameter of the container bottom, plus 3” (for overhang).
• For square or rectangular containers, use the diagonal of the container bottom rather than the diameter.

3. DETERMINE THE REQUIRED BAG STRENGTH

How much does the liner need to hold?

• Typically, the thicker the bag the more weight it can hold
• Liners are identified as light, medium, heavy and extra-heavy

4. CHOOSE A COLOUR

Opaque

• Hide unsightly trash

Silver or coloured

• Great for aesthetics

Clear

• Prevent theft and/or recycling

Now that you’ve learned about the difference in garbage bags, you can confidently select the right bag for you!  

1. Gets rid of the paper clutter.

We all hate the paper clutter!  We’ve all had the ominous “to file” paper pile on our desk at one point.  Some people can’t even recall the colour of the desk because it’s been so long since they didn’t have papers decorating the top!  A cluttered desk, is a cluttered mind.  Try to do a daily roundup of your papers and scan documents you would like to keep, and recycle or shred those you no longer need.

2. Saves time.

There’s no need to spend time searching through a filing cabinet of file folders to retrieve your documents when you have an electronic copy easily retrievable.  According to a Harvard Business Review study, employees spend an average of 50% of their work time just finding documents.

3. Enables collaboration.

Storing files electronically allows anyone within your team to access them, no matter where they are located.  Updates can be made easily, and in real-time, supporting a productive workflow amongst team members and ease for collaborative working.  

4. More secure.

Paper is vulnerable to theft, loss and even disasters such as flood or fire.  Keep your documents safe and secure by scanning them and storing them electronically.    

5. Quicker response time.

Need approval or a signature?  Instead of sending something by mail or courier, digital transmission of scanned documents allow for a response within minutes.

Ready to start boosting efficiency? Visit our webstore and browse our full selection of document scanners!

When trying to create order within your workspace, a good place to start is with developing a colour code system to help keep your notes, files, appointments, etc all organized. Spend less time trying to decide how to organize something at the time, by doing just a bit of preplanning ahead so you will gain a tremendous amount of time in the end.

To get started, let’s first understand the psychological properties of colours in order to help you decide which colours to use in your new colour coded organization system!

YELLOW

• Associated with: Hope, happiness and positivity
• When to use: Production tasks or to communicate new ideas

GREEN

• Associated with: Stability and healing
• When to use: Financial tasks and environmental initiatives

BLUE

• Associated with: Loyalty, intelligence and focus
• When to use: Brainstorming, presenting and networking

PURPLE

• Associated with: Royalty and luxury
• When to use: Creative tasks

PINK

• Associated with: Compassion and love
• When to use: Personal labels and special occasions

BLACK

• Associated with: Prestige and power
• When to use: To make other colours stand out and for formal events

WHITE

• Associated with: Purity, success and perfection
• When to use: Marketing tasks, big meetings and announcements

Ready to get organized? Shop our online store for all your supplies!

We know paper rolls are important for your business, but trying to navigate through the variety of rolls can sometimes be overwhelming.  And in the end, are you really choosing the right paper roll for your application?  Below are some tips on what to consider when selecting the right paper roll for you!   

Size

There is no standard size when it comes to paper rolls.  They are available in several lengths and widths.  The width needed will be based on the width of your printer.  As for length, longer rolls will be more economical and more convenient as you don’t have to frequently change the roll, however you will need to make sure the longer length roll will fit into your printer.  

Quantity

Buying in a larger quantity will likely be more economical, however you will need to consider how much space you have to store them and understand how long it will take you to go through that stock as thermal paper does have a shelf life.  If you store thermal paper in a dark place at a low humidity level and a temperature below 25^oC, while also being properly wrapped to avoid toxins from entering, you can store the paper for at least 3 years from the date it was manufactured.   

Quality

The thickness and quality of the paper determines how neat and clear the print is.  A higher quality paper will ensure that the print does not get blotchy.

Price

As with most things, you do get what you pay for with thermal paper rolls.  If you are in need of crisp, clear printing that won’t fade over time, a higher quality (and priced) roll is what you need.  However, if your application doesn’t require this, than a more economical roll would suffice. 

We hope these tips have helped you in selecting the right roll for you.  If you need any assistance in choosing a paper roll for your specific application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

It’s the season of giving. But between work, family and preparing for the holidays, you might not have much time or energy left to give.

The good news? Giving back doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Consider any of these options!

If you can spare your time

Contact a local shelter or donation centre and ask if they could use a few extra hands. Many charities are looking for more volunteers around the holidays. You can also go through a volunteer organization to find the right match.

If you can spare some funds

An office fundraiser is a great way to give back if you’re too time-strapped to volunteer. A simple option is to become the office fundraiser; pick a charity, then send out an office-wide email asking for contributions.

If you can spare coats or non-perishables

Winter clothes can be a big expense for low-income households. And no one should go hungry during the holidays. Set up two bins at the front of the office — one for winter clothes like hats, mittens and coats, and the other for non-perishables — then put up posters around the office asking for donations. Choose a cut-off date for donations, then take the items to your local food and clothing bank.

Having trouble choosing a cause? Make it a democracy. Choose a handful of charities and send out an email asking everyone to vote. The popular option wins!

Stumped on writing that perfect holiday greeting?  Or just looking for some inspiration to expand your regular repertoire of holiday messages?  We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for something short & sweet or something with a little humour, we’ve got some options below to help you craft that perfect message!

Messages to business associates:

Simple & straightforward – Everyone at [company name] wants to wish you a Happy Holidays and prosperous New Year.

More personal – Looking back on this past year, we see just how lucky we are to have people like you supporting us. Thank you so much for helping to shape our business. Happy Holidays.

Humorous – During this holiday season we wish that your heart be full…and your inbox empty! 

Messages to employees and colleagues:

Simple & straightforward – To you and yours, we send wishes of a happy Holiday season. We are grateful to have you as part of our [company name] family.

More personal – Our business couldn’t be luckier to have quality team members like you on board. Thanks for your ongoing hard work and support.  Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Humorous – Happy holidays from the guy/girl who bothers you five days a week!

Messages to friends and family:

Simple & straightforward – May the holiday season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter.

More personal – You always made the holidays a special time for me. Now, I hope you can feel my love and gratitude from far away. Sending you my warmest wishes and blessings.

Humorous – “It’s all fun and games until Santa checks the naughty list.”  Let’s hope he wasn’t paying close attention to us this year! Thanks for being such a great friend, it’s been fun spending time with you over the year. Here’s to a fabulous new year!

We hope these suggestions have helped.  If you would like to create your own personalized greeting cards, head over to our online store for some Do-it-Yourself options.  There you’ll also find envelopes, labels and a variety of coloured pens to make your holiday greetings extra special!

With the start of a new year most of us are starting or planning some sort of new year resolutions; whether you are starting a health regimen or simply looking to be more active in your community, sticking to a new year’s resolution can be tough. We all know that fitness centers are packed in January and usually back to normal near the end of the month!

Resolutions are not limited to the new year however, we all want to improve our business, health or some aspect of our life with resolutions. So what can we do to stick with our plans? How to keep resolutions?

According to an About.com article there are 10 tips for keeping your resolutions for the new year, but they span beyond just new years resolutions. They outline the following 10 tips (for a more detailed outline of each, you can visit the original article) for successfully sticking with resolutions:

1. Choose a specific, realistic goal
2. Pick just one resolution
3. Don’t wait until New Year’s Eve
4. Start with small steps
5. Avoid repeating past failures
6. Remember that change is a process
7. Don’t let small stumbles bring you down
8. Get support from your friends and family
9. Renew your motivation
10. Keep working on your goals

In December, our focus shifts toward family, festivities and vacation time. We spend lots of time relaxing and — hopefully — recharging, before returning to work in the new year.

But when we settle back into work life, things can feel a little drab. If you’ve got the post-holiday blues, or are finding it hard to get back into the swing of things, here are a few easy ways to reignite your gusto.

1. Create one work resolution. Nothing motivates like a new goal. Maybe you want to take a walk every day at lunch, or try a different position, or add three new clients to your roster. Give the goal some thought and, whatever you decide, track yourself to achieve it.

2. Reconnect with your colleagues. Remember, you’re not the only one who took time off over the holidays. Chances are, your colleagues are struggling to get back in the groove, too. This is a perfect time to recharge your social life at work. Commiserate, collaborate and remind yourself that you’re part of a community.

3. Get creative. Bring some zest to your existing work, and it will come alive. If you write press releases for a living, why not check out a webinar on creative writing? If your work isn’t inherently creative, think about adding a daily journal entry to your to-do list. Studies show that journaling sparks creative thought, helps you achieve goals and reduces stress.

Treat yourself. When we lack motivation, it’s important not to get down on ourselves. Instead, offer yourself rewards if you’re finding it hard to complete tasks. Every time you check an item off your to-do list, give yourself a treat. That could be a cup of tea,  a walk, a stretch or a chance to catch up with a colleague. When returning to work after a break, sometimes we need to take baby steps.

Working from home doesn’t mean you need to abandon the security safeguards put in place as there would be in a corporate office environment.  In addition to making sure your work-from-home setup is comfortable and efficient, don’t forget to also ensure you are following these best practices for a secure home office. 

1. Implement multifactor authentication

The benefit of laptops is that they are portable, allowing you to work from anywhere.  However this also increases the risk that your laptop can be lost or stolen.  Creating a multifactor authentication provides additional barriers for any hackers to try and access your device. Speak to your IT department about getting this setup for all your work devices.

2. Use strong passwords

Connecting your work computer to your private home network can increase the risk of leaked data. Prevent hackers from accessing your information by making it as difficult as possible to guess your password.  Consider using a password manager that generates strong passwords for you, using a less predictable series of lower and uppercase letters, numbers and special characters.

3. Follow company policies to the letter

Your employer likely has clear policies for accessing the company network outside the office. Those guidelines and rules should always be followed. Also be sure to report any suspicious behavior to IT immediately, and continuously run any updates pushed through for your operating systems and antivirus/malware software.

4. Keep your physical workspace secure

It’s equally important to make sure that your home office is physically secure, much like it would be if you were in a corporate office environment.  In addition to expensive equipment, you could have documents containing sensitive information that should also be protected.  Consider options for locking up equipment and documents within your home, like locking cabinets, or even installing a home security system.  

5. Don’t allow family members to use your work devices

Gavin Silver, director of operations at Blue Fountain Media, reminds remote workers that the computer they do their work on is for employee use only – it’s not the family computer.

“Treat your work-issued laptop, mobile device and sensitive data as if you were sitting in a physical office location,” Hay added. “This will help you continuously associate your actions with a security-first and data-aware mentality in mind. For example, in a physical office location … your child [couldn’t] use your work-issued mobile device for games or movies. If you think of your laptop and mobile devices as work-only assets, it makes it far easier to control access to sensitive data and remain data-aware.”

If you’re looking for more tips or product solutions for ensuring a safe & secure home office environment, we can help!  Contact us and one of our product specialists would be happy to discuss your specific needs.

Having to apply ice melt is not something many of us look forward to having to do – as the need is usually accompanied by blistery, wintery weather.  But it is a critical step in protecting against dangerous slip and fall accidents.  Although, as Canadians, we’re no strangers to applying ice melt, and it may seem like an uncomplicated process, many of us are doing it wrong!  Let’s have a look at these tips for applying ice melt:

Read Instructions

May seem unnecessary, but manufacturers actually include very specific instructions on their packaging for how to apply that specific product and when to best use it.  For example, certain temperatures require a specific ice melt product.  If you don’t use the right product, you’re wasting time applying a product that is not going to work for you.  

Don’t apply too much

More doesn’t mean better in this scenario.  Plus, any excess applied will just be tracked inside and all over your carpets and floors.  You also risk burning the nearby vegetation with the overspill.  Ice melt dissolves to liquid and spreads out with normal use. Below is a good example of the type of saturation for an area you should look to achieve.  For ease of application, you can use a handheld fertilizer spreader for smaller areas, or a walk-behind spreader for larger areas.  Scoops and shovels will almost always result in overuse, so best to avoid using these.

Wear protective gear

Wear gloves to protect your hands when handling ice melt, especially when using a calcium or magnesium chloride based product as its job is to absorb moisture, which will include that on your hands.  Also wearing something to protect your eyes is recommended, especially when pouring the product into any dispenser. 

Don’t apply on top of snow

This isn’t a hack for getting out of shoveling the snow – it will not melt it.  You must clear the snow and then apply the product.  In fact, ideally you should apply ice melt BEFORE an incoming storm.

Clean up excess

After the weather has cleared up, be sure to scoop away any excess ice melt.  It is not only unsightly and gets tracked inside, this will also help to protect nearby vegetation from soaking up anything harmful.

Properly store

Store ice melt away from moisture, air and sunlight.  Store open bags in an airtight container.  Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride based ice melt will draw the moisture out of the air, reducing the efficacy of the product and leaving your ice melt clumpy and hard.    

Now you’re ready to tackle whatever winter may have in store!  If you need help deciding which ice melt product would be best for your environment, contact one of our sales associates for some guidance. 

With the beauty of white snow covered trees, also comes the slush and grime of melting snow.  Which then of course, gets tracked into your facility.  The endless cycle of ice melt pellets on your floor, followed by the salt stains on your mats and carpets repeats for months until Spring finally arrives.  But it’s not hopeless, there are some things you can do to help your facility look its best during Winter – here are some tips!

Apply a Floor Finish Before the Winter

By mid-fall, you should consider preparing your hard floors for Winter by applying a floor finish.  This will not only add a nice sparkling shine to your floors, it also actually acts as a barrier to protect your floors from the harsh winter elements of ice melt and standing water. 

Implement an Entrance Mat System

An effective entrance matting system can remove as much as 90% of soils from shoes.  A proper entrance matting system consists of:

1. A scraper mat – placed outside of your entryway to scrape off debris from shoes and begin the removal of any liquids. 
2. A Scraper/Wiper mat – placed just inside the doorway or inside vestibules.  They clean shoe bottoms and remove any remaining liquid. 

Regular Cleaning

Daily cleaning and maintenance during the Winter to remove tracked in soil from your floors will decrease damage to your floors and reduce the frequency for restorative care, which can be more time-consuming and expensive. Be sure to use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up the debris so it doesn’t continue to be tracked into your facility.  Follow-up by wet mopping hard floors with an ice melt neutralizer solution to remove salt residue and hard water stains, changing the water frequently as you go along.

And there you have it, following these few simple steps will help to keep your facility looking at its best all year round!  If you need any help with product recommendations for your particular application, contact one of our product experts!