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Why Chemical Safety is Important in Food Processing
Chemicals are used in food processes for production, maintenance, and sanitation, so it’s important that you ensure the chemicals that will contact food or food contact surfaces are in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Due to the potential hazards of improperly handled chemicals, it’s important to develop a chemical control program to ensure chemicals do not pose a risk to the product or employees. Effectively controlling chemicals that are essential and routinely used manages this risk! If you can successfully maintain high standards of food processing cleaning, it can reduce the risks from food hazards.

The Chemicals Used in Food Processing
Food processing facilities have to be kept clean to protect food safety and prevent employees and customers from getting foodborne illnesses. Chemical soaps, detergents, sanitizers, and disinfectants are routinely used to help keep the food free of unwanted microorganisms and other contaminants.
These chemicals are vital to the safety and success of any food production process, but they can also be hazardous. Employees who use them or work around them need to understand their hazards and know how to protect themselves.
The Importance of FDA Compliance
In 1998, the FDA signed a five-year contract with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) for them to provide scientific review and analysis of issues in food safety, food processing, and human health. The FDA states, “The first step is hazard identification, which must consider known or reasonably foreseeable biological, chemical, and physical hazards.” The FDA has compliance programs that provide instructions to personnel for having activities to evaluate industry compliance with laws that have been administered.
Lavo Solutions’ equipment can assist in compliance with regulations. Using smart equipment can compile and track data to confirm the processes were completed effectively. With our Connected Solutions, you can look at data, formulas, and flow rates for chemicals and equipment at food plants all over the world, from anywhere.
Using chemicals safely in food processing is vitally important to ensure the safety of everyone. Chemical hazards can be a big threat to food facilities and therefore it’s important to comply with the FDA standards. There are so many chemicals that are used for these processes, so it’s very important to use them safely. Employees should also be well-trained for any occasion when dealing with this type of environment and facilities should create and implement strategies and plans for the prevention of these hazards.
How Cleaning Can Reduce Workplace Illnesses
During the cold and flu season each year, millions of Americans face illness and the financial consequences of having to take sick days from work. For employers, this generates additional health care expenses and a decrease in productivity. A study created by the Integrated Benefits Institute found that for every dollar spent on healthcare benefits, another $0.61 of productivity is lost to illness and injury.
One way to minimize the cost of a decrease in productivity due to employee illness is to implement routine commercial cleanings. Cleaning and disinfecting the workplace becomes especially important during the cold and flu season when viruses can spread through surface contact. Routine workplace cleaning and disinfecting contributes to the well-being of employees and reduces employer costs related to employee sick leave.

Even if a workplace can look clean, germs and other harmful bacteria can be present. Public places should be committed to protecting their customer and the general public’s health by maintaining a sanitized workplace, which includes ensuring properly disinfecting all surfaces. With thoroughness and skill, these cleaning services companies can reduce the amount of absenteeism in the workplace.
Proper Cleaning Practices Are Key
Cleaning with appropriate cleaning agents will remove any germs before they can affect people. The easiest way to reduce the incidence of workplace illness is through proper cleaning practices. Effective cleaning reduces the number of bacteria that people come in contact with every day. Skilled cleaning requires detailed processes, training, and quality control. A well-trained professional cleaner will be aware of the best practices involved in ensuring that harmful bacteria become a thing of the past! It’s incredibly important to create a plan for this.
Illness-related lost productivity cost employers about $575 billion last year. This issue can be prevented or at least lessened with proper cleaning practices. There is a strong relationship between sick days and the cost of loss of productivity this year which can demonstrate the need to keep employees healthy for the well-being of themselves as well as their employers! Even the most routine cleaning practices can be incredibly beneficial.
Why Proper Training for Cleaning Employees is Important
When you walk into a commercial facility, you expect it to be organized and clean. Streaky floors, strange odors, and a cluttered mess everywhere can negatively affect customer perception and demonstrate a lack of proper training of cleaning staff. Commercial cleaning can be quite complex and it is important to have a team with the skills, talent, and knowledge to do the job right. Properly training your cleaning staff will not only improve customer perception but ensure that the health of customers and cleaning staff is a top business priority.

A Safer Environment for Everyone
Covid-19 is still affecting employees and workplaces, so the cleanliness of workplaces and hygiene is incredibly important. Proper training can ensure cleaning staff has the most up-to-date knowledge regarding thoroughly disinfecting and sanitizing everything. With various types of disinfectants and equipment, an efficient cleaner will use the provided tools properly. If products and chemicals are used improperly, it can actually damage the health of the employees and create a hazard.
Proper dilution and dispensing of chemicals are essential in preventing health hazards from occurring. Technologically enhanced cleaning equipment will ensure accurate chemical dilution that will avoid the hazards that could be associated with human error. Having the right tools to dispense the accurately diluted chemicals is vital to achieving the best clean possible. And properly trained cleaning staff is essential in ensuring the correct application of cleaning solutions.
A Very Thorough Clean
With a properly trained cleaning team, your floors and surfaces should be squeaky clean and properly disinfected. A well-trained cleaner knows where the high-traffic touchpoints are and prioritizes these, but also ensures that every surface is cleaned thoroughly. Armed with the knowledge of proper methods and techniques for cleaning correctly, cleaning staff will succeed in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
An Increase Cleaning Staff Productivity
Well-trained cleaning employees are not just better cleaners, they’re much faster and better at identifying potential issues as well. Once they are properly trained and have learned the right approaches to take with their cleaning methods, they will be able to complete important tasks very efficiently.
The Top 5 Tips For Safely Handling Cleaning Chemicals
When used properly, cleaning chemicals are relatively safe. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and there are several precautions and things to keep in mind in terms of proper handling of cleaning solutions. This is a reason why the U.S. Department of Labor continues to list “cleaning and custodial work” as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, and this is mainly due to the several accidents involving chemicals that occur each year. Maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace is incredibly important, and safety is at the top of the priorities list.

The Best Tips For Maintaining Safety When Using Chemicals
1. Know the product you’re working with very well. When dealing with chemicals, it’s important to know and sometimes double-check you are working with the right ones. Make sure you see the color, characteristics, and safety directions of the products you use.
2. Wear gloves and other proper equipment. Try to avoid any splashes. Remember to wear all required personal protective equipment as indicated on the SDS sheets. Gloves should be worn at all times when using chemicals, and other cleaning equipment processes.
3. Maintain hand hygiene by regularly washing them. It’s important to wash your hands regularly, especially after using chemicals (even if gloves were being worn before). Good hygiene practices and regular use of hand soap and hand sanitizer are also recommended.

4. Get rid of old chemicals. “Cleaning chemical safety programs should also include getting rid of chemicals that have not been used for a prolonged period of time,” says Jennifer Meek, Director of Marketing and Customer Relations for EnviroSolutions.
“A good rule of thumb is to consider disposing of any chemical product that has not been used for 6 months, and disposing of any product that has not been used for a year.”
5. Use chemicals that are properly labeled. It’s important to always report any damaged or illegible labels to your supervisor. Not only should you ensure that the bottle has the correct product in it, but that it is also correctly labeled. Replace any labels, which are damaged or illegible.
Other Important Things to Keep In Mind
Another important aspect to keep in mind is the reliability of the cleaning equipment you are using with the cleaning chemicals. You need to make sure to use professional-grade equipment. If you don’t already, it’s a great idea to invest. Companies such as Lavo Solutions can provide professional and reliable equipment that makes the cleaning and disinfection process easy, effective, but also incredibly safe.
How To Help Customers Cope With Vandalism
Restrooms in middle and high schools across the country have been the target of the recent TikTok bathroom challenge, “Devious Licks”. Some restrooms are being sprayed with chocolate milk and fake blood. Soap and paper towel dispensers, sinks, and toilets are being destroyed by students who film themselves as they vandalize the restrooms and post the video content on TikTok.
Principals and school faculty are calling for an end to this destructive behavior, as the result has been a major disruption and cost for the schools. Arrests have been made, and TikTok has since been trying to shut down the trend by removing all videos related to this challenge, although new videos continue to appear and on other platforms as well.

The schools affected by these vandalism attacks are left with the burden of cleaning and repairing the damage, which is costly. Custodians, who usually end up being the ones responsible for cleaning up the mess, need to be on the front lines. Some schools have established limited access to restrooms in order to better monitor who is entering them. This all happens when the need for proper hygiene is more important than ever to decrease the probability of Covid-19 infections and is essential in schools’ efforts to remain open during the pandemic.
The Importance of Cleaning Protocols in Schools
The pandemic has brought into focus the importance of restroom cleanliness for infection prevention. Students should have access to clean restrooms that provide a means to stay healthy while attending in-person classes. Many facilities have implemented more strict cleaning protocols that create an environment that provides safety assurance to its users. Hopefully these best practices will remain in place beyond the current health crisis.
To assist those schools in need of replacing paper towel, toilet tissue and soap dispensers, ISSA has assisted with finding companies such as GP PRO. They have announced that they will provide these items at no cost. *Schools interested in receiving these supplies should call 1-866-435-5647 through September 30th or visit this link to contact GP PRO.*
The Best Places to Use Professional Cleaning Equipment
The type of cleaning equipment greatly depends on the location or environment you are intending to clean. It’s important to use different methods, strategies, and products for different situations and locations, such as restaurants, offices, schools, and factories. However, it’s always important to remember to use equipment that is professional and effective!
The Different Places to Use Professional Equipment
Restaurants, Kitchens, and Cafeterias
Restaurants need deep cleaning and sanitization, which therefore requires the best professional equipment to help get this done. From dishwashers to sinks and floors, companies such as Lavo can provide you with the right series of solutions to fit your restaurant and kitchen needs. Lavo’s SimpleSink is an easy-to-use chemical dispensing equipment for restaurants with 15 metering tips to choose from for all sink dosing needs that can also ensure accuracy. Paired with the DrainPro, which automatically delivers chemicals at programmed timed intervals to maintain sanitization, you can ensure proper disinfection and chemical use at multiple points.

Offices and Commercial
Especially with the spread of Covid-19 variants, it’s vitally important that offices are cleaned and sanitized thoroughly. The many benefits of using professional equipment can provide an ease of preparation for offices to reopen and implement new strategies to maintain the safety of all employees. A product such as the LavoDose can be used for all types of office layouts to ensure surfaces are regularly disinfected. This is important since some employees are beginning to return to work after the COVID-19 lockdown. A clean office space, as well as a reduced spread of germs throughout the office, can help employee mental health! If you can use these effective solutions, it will provide a safe office environment for everyone.
Schools and Classrooms
It’s important to identify health hazards within schools. Professional cleaning equipment can not only prevent the spread of Covid-19 variants but can also deliver simple and effective products to clean and disinfect all surfaces throughout schools. Lavo knows how it’s easy for the quality of the air to get compromised in shared spaces such as the classroom and can provide cleaning solutions that will ultimately allow school faculty members to feel comfortable and safe at school. Products such as the Hands-Free Sanitizing Station that are the most relied upon for school cleaning solutions can provide perfect dispensing for a variety of products, including liquid and foam soaps.
Factories, Plants, and Warehouses
There are several reasons why using professional equipment is necessary for factories and warehouses. By using proper equipment, you can avoid health and safety issues, you can protect your own equipment, improve employee morale and productivity and also make the right impression. A clean environment also can make the warehouse or factory run a lot smoother. One of the best products to use for this is the Lavo Portable Precision Cart Fogger since it can project cleaning chemicals at distances up to 15 feet!
In Conclusion
A clean environment is important for every business. However, different types of businesses require different types of cleaning equipment that meet their particular needs. The main key to a clean and successful environment, whether it’s a school or factory, is having the right supplies and equipment, and with Lavo, this is possible!
Why You Should Invest in Professional Cleaning Equipment
Is investing in professional commercial cleaning equipment a good idea? Definitely! The equipment can make the cleaning and disinfection process easy and effective. Business owners know that they need to ensure cleanliness in their work environments, and some spend a ton of money on cleaning supplies. Others, however, invest in high-quality, efficient equipment. Here are some of the many benefits of using professional equipment and why it’s a good idea to invest in them.
The Benefits of Investing in Professional Equipment
Businesses, chains, and independent operations like gyms, schools, and restaurants can benefit from high-quality cleaning equipment are. Providing a clean and well-maintained space can result in better customer experiences!
Money. Using professional equipment can save money. Staff can spend less time cleaning and the process would need fewer staff members to complete. Professional equipment is efficient, which means business owners won’t have to invest in other non-professional cleaning supplies. Time and energy are very useful within a company, and professional cleaning equipment can ensure these are not wasted.

Safety. By using professional-grade equipment, owners and operators can ensure all a facility’s needs are met by making sure the building is clean but also safe! Efficient cleaning equipment can prevent the spread of germs throughout a facility, and keep staff safe from working directly with highly concentrated chemicals. Also, professional chemical dilution using a proper dispenser ensures that chemicals are not wasted. It can also make sure the chemical is diluted at a proper rate for disinfection.
Efficiency. A dirty, cluttered workplace doesn’t run as smoothly as one that is orderly and clean. “In an organized facility, that is free of hazards, employees can focus on their duties and get work done. Employees are going to feel more confident about where they work if the space is regularly cleaned and maintained.”
Accuracy. Smarter technology is coming into the cleaning industry and is opening the door to a new set of capabilities. Smart dispensers can allow for tracking data which can be used to optimize customer experiences. Furthermore, technology can help businesses inform their cleaning process and improve cleaning efficiency!
Invest in Professional Chemicals from a Trusted Supplier
It’s also a good idea to invest in professional chemicals from a trusted supplier. Small and large businesses can find and use professional grade List N chemicals. These chemicals are EPA-registered disinfectants that have qualified under EPA’s emerging viral pathogens program for use against SARS-CoV-2.

Professional equipment can also help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The virus can land on surfaces. It’s important to “always follow standard practices and appropriate regulations specific to your type of facility for minimum standards for cleaning and disinfection”.
During uncertain times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to have cleaning equipment designed to kill germs and properly sanitize all areas. Not only is professional equipment great for sanitation and germ-killing, but they are also specifically designed to sanitize large areas!
Why We Recommend Professional Equipment
Investing in quality products, such as professional chemicals from a trusted chemical supplier, and equipment from a company like Lavo is a smart choice. Our products can increase efficiency and revenue, reduce service costs, and significantly improve customer service for businesses.
Click here to learn more about Lavo’s products and how using professional-grade cleaning equipment can help your company.
The Best Practices for Disinfecting Schools in 2021
Cleaning and disinfecting are part of a broad approach to preventing infectious diseases in schools. To put simply, cleaning and disinfecting are important actions that should be taken every day to slow the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, as well as protect students and staff. According to the CDC, it’s important to know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. To briefly summarize:
- Cleaning removes germs and dirt from surfaces and objects
- Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces and objects. It doesn’t necessarily remove them.
- Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces and objects. Sanitizing involves cleaning or disinfecting surfaces.
The Importance of the Emergence of COVID-19 Variants
With several COVID-19 variants coming out, it’s important now, more than ever, that schools are being cleaned and sanitized to ensure the safety of students and staff. Thankfully, earlier this year, Congress approved a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that will provide aid for the economy, with about $82 billion going to education itself. There are many benefits of this bill passing: Public, private, and charter schools that have been closed can open their doors with access to professional-grade cleaning equipment and chemicals that are necessary for cleaning.
Maintain a Process of Cleaning and Disinfecting Schools
According to the EPA, you should follow three steps to maintain a process of cleaning and disinfecting schools: develop, implement, and maintain (sometimes revise) your plan. Along with several other practices to keep in mind, here are some of the best ones:
- Follow CDC, state, and local public health guidelines
- Clean surfaces with soap and water routinely
- Use EPA-Registered disinfectants according to label directions
- Be careful using disinfectants around people with asthma
- Don’t ask children or students to apply disinfectants
Using Professional Equipment to Clean Schools
It’s also important to have professional equipment to clean and sanitize spaces throughout schools. A great example of this would be Lavo Solutions’ equipment: We identify the health hazards in schools, which includes preventing the spread of COVID-19, and can deliver simple and effective products to clean, sanitize, and disinfect various types of surfaces and environments. Review the infographic below that provides beneficial information regarding products that can be used to clean and sanitize schools.

Schools are an integral part of the communities they serve, and it is important that they be models of effective infection control. Disinfection is the key to maintaining a clean school environment and needs careful planning. With the use of personal hygiene, regular cleaning practices, this is possible. With the emergence of the newest COVID-19 variants, it’s more important than ever. To learn more about the best cleaning practices and most updated information, review our latest blogs here.
The Importance of Safety and Proper Use When Using Chemicals
Safety precautions are crucial in any industry. Safety within chemical industry applications is incredibly important since a failure to adhere to regulations can have long-term or catastrophic consequences. Last week, over 100 people were treated after a chemical leak at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. “Investigators believe the leak was some sort of mixture of bleach and sulfuric acid.” Thankfully, the patients have been treated and discharged in good condition. Chemicals may, especially if not properly used, endanger our health and poison our environment. Incidents like this are a scary reminder that any business dealing with dangerous chemicals should constantly review and check safety procedures and training processes related to the dangerous substances.

According to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, a hazardous chemical is “any chemical which can cause a physical or a health hazard.” A few key components to OSHA’s HCS and high-level employer responsibilities include:
- Keeping an updated written chemical inventory
- Ensuring proper labeling of hazardous chemicals
- Maintaining and providing access to safety data sheets (SDSs)
- Training employees on chemical hazards
What You Can Do To Prevent Hazards
Effective training ensures employees are aware that they are exposed to hazardous chemicals, know how to protect themselves from those hazards – including how to detect releases of those chemicals—and where to get specific hazard information. It’s also a good idea to use locking racks and cabinets that include space for SDS binders to keep chemical concentrates out of reach. Many chemicals in cleaning products are caustic, flammable, or poisonous and can cause various health hazards that range from skin irritation to asthma attacks or even cancer.
One of the most important safety measures that must be adopted in order to protect employees and customers is dilution control. Using dilution control applications such as Lavo’s SimpleSink and LavoDose are great since they can provide accurate chemical proportioning that are customizable!
Undiluted chemicals or chemicals that are not properly diluted can pose a health hazard. Chemical dilution control dispensers eliminate the interaction between employees and concentrated chemicals and decrease the risk of these health hazards. Proper chemical dilution also decreases the risk of physical hazards to a facility’s floors or other surfaces.
Why a Clean Work Environment is Important for Mental Health
Over 80% of employees in America feel there is something that makes their job stressful. Fortunately, there are several things business employers can do to make a positive impact on the mental health of their employees. One of the biggest issues affecting employees, especially today is: cleanliness, or lack thereof. It’s important to understand the relationship between cleanliness throughout the workplace with the wellness of employees.
Clean Environments Can Improve Health Issues
Organization is key to reducing stress by establishing a cleaning process that will help employees feel safe – examples include: removing clutter, being more efficient, and staying on top of tasks. By removing germs and contaminants from surfaces in the work environment, employees can start feeling not only mentally, but physically better as well. A clean work environment can also boost productivity by removing distractions and allowing workers to stay focused on their tasks – as well as increase morale and motivation.

Keeping a sanitary work environment offers various benefits related to employee health and safety, including the prevention of the spread of germs and illnesses. Offices can be a great source of bacteria, but frequently cleaning surfaces like door handles, phones, and desks can reduce this from happening. Stress that is caused to cluttered workplaces, dirty restrooms, and messy common areas can be reduced if the workplace is kept clean. It is necessary to “provide employees with a clean workplace to help them feel more organized and focused” (FE).
Use Professional Grade Equipment
A hygienic work environment is not only important for reducing stress and maintaining a healthy work environment but also to project a positive image for your business. One way to accomplish this is using professional-grade equipment to ensure cleaning is done properly. Professional equipment, coupled with a professional chemical, can ensure a work environment is properly cleaned and disinfected, which can, in turn, allow you to focus on other aspects of your employees.
Lavo provides a wide variety of products that are easy to use with multiple functions, so office administrators, janitorial staff, and employees can feel confident offices are sanitized properly and ready to be used. Our office-friendly tech is an effective solution for cleaning all aspects of any commercial space – desks, tables, break rooms. What is the result? A safe work environment for everyone, and therefore less stress among employees!
Employees value the cleanliness of their workplace, especially as we transition from the pandemic to the new post-COVID normal. A clean workplace can positively impact employee health and safety, workforce productivity, and satisfaction, then providing a sanitary environment should be a top priority for building managers.
The Importance of Maintaining Cleaning Habits After COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, the question remains: “Will the enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes that have been developing over the past year remain once the pandemic is completely over?”
Thankfully, according to a recent survey conducted by the ACI or the American Cleaning Institute, the answer to that question is “yes”. Data collected by the survey suggests that cleaning practices are still at the front and center for a large majority of Americans. Another survey revealed that around 85% of respondents are “very or somewhat likely” to maintain the same level of cleaning and disinfecting practices that were created since the beginning of the pandemic.

Recent Cleaning Behavior Survey Information
The following are the responses from a recent ACI survey that provides important insights in regards to cleaning behaviors for the future:

Variants of the virus, among other illnesses, are spreading, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong cleaning and disinfecting strategy. Lavo provides a full line of intuitive, cost-effective, and accurate chemical dispensing equipment for everything that has to do with cleaning and hygiene. Our products, coupled with a professional chemical, can help easily disinfect and sanitize spaces.
Preventing New Viruses from Spreading
The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) is urging people to take extra precautions as officials report an increase in norovirus outbreaks this spring. DCHD has investigated several outbreaks of norovirus at long-term care facilities as well as daycare operations. “While norovirus is rarely fatal, it can be extremely hard on the very young and the elderly,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. How to prevent yourself from getting this virus: Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and sanitize surfaces.
According to the ACI, cleaning and disinfecting practices, including increased sanitization and accordance to disinfectant dwell times, have been proven to help protect against the spread of germs and viruses such as COVID. It’s crucial to remember that the importance of cleaning during these times will remain intact even after the pandemic is no longer affecting society.
Review our latest blogs to learn more about the best cleaning strategies for re-opened restaurants and workplaces!
The Top 3 Cleaning Strategies for Reopened Restaurants
With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and vaccinations rolling out, restaurants and stores have begun to open back up. After a long year, this means society is going one step further to coming back to normal. An OpenTable survey recently revealed that 54% of respondents are planning to dine at a restaurant at least once a week in 2021. Although this is great news, it’s incredibly important for businesses to open back up to keep a culture of cleanliness.
Restaurants that can successfully provide a strategy or plan, and also have the most updated cleaning equipment will have a chance to secure a steady number of customers to their restaurant. Since these lifted restrictions are still quite new, restaurants need to consider the fact that customers’ choices will rely heavily on cleanliness.

Suggestions to Address Customer Concerns
Regular disinfection: According to a recent survey, more than a third of respondents chose “disinfecting dining surfaces and tables” as the most effective way restaurant owners can do – this can greatly reduce anxiety within customers who are considering dining in after restrictions have been lifted. A way of addressing this issue and also show that restaurant employers are prepared and committed to non-stop cleanliness is to simply wipe down tables and regularly cleaning all areas within a restaurant.
Hand hygiene: Restaurant and store owners should train and remind employees about effective hand hygiene practices. This could be done by simply putting up signs near restrooms as well as reminding employees to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, etc. Keeping your hands clean is “a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens and infections in healthcare settings.” Hand soap dispensers would not only be a great way to prevent the spread of illness and viruses but also can be a simple way of showing commitment to customer health and safety. Be sure to check out Lavo’s effective stainless steel dispenser that is designed to encourage sanitary environments.
Keep cleaning equipment up-to-date: Today’s chemical dispensers can make the cleaning process incredibly simple and convenient by accurately and reliably diluting cleaning chemicals into buckets and spray bottles. In terms of having the best cleaning and disinfectant, refer to List N on the EPA website “for EPA-registered disinfectants that have qualified under EPA’s emerging viral pathogens program for use against SARS-CoV-2.”
Because of the many months of restaurant restrictions, it’s incredibly important to still keep or create a culture of cleanliness. It’s essential for restaurants and stores to have a strategy and plan to keep their customers safe.
Welcome the Newest Members of Our Lavo Team!
Lavo employees have experience and knowledge in the chemical dispensing world. Our goal is to deliver new products and excellent customer experiences to our partners. Our team is also always growing: Recently, we have gained two new employees in our customer experience and marketing departments.
Meet the new members of our team!
Ana Favila
Procurement and Customer Experience Leader
Why did you decide to join the Lavo Team?
I was very excited to join the Lavo team because it presented the opportunity to grow professionally, intellectually, and personally. The Lavo team had already established a great foundation and I was eager to help build upon it.
What’s your role in the company?
I am in charge of procurement and customer experience. I handle several things, mostly including inventory forecasting, purchasing, and arranging freight from our overseas suppliers. A large part of my role is also to be readily available for customer inquiries, questions, or sales order requests.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future at the company?
I hope to establish a better forecasting method to better manage inventory needs. Another goal I have is to learn more about the industry so that I have a better understanding of the products as a whole.
Why do you like your job?
I like my job because it’s always continuously learning about the products, systems we use, or of the people around me. It also offers me a very well-balanced work/life schedule.
Kevin Pejoumand

Marketing Specialist
Why did you decide to join the Lavo Team?
I wanted to be part of a great team with a successful company, and that’s exactly what Lavo is. I want to gain experience as well as grow my skills. I believe I will become a valuable asset to the company.
What’s your role in the company?
My role in the company is marketing, which entails: working on Lavo’s social media channels, creating videos for customers, working on the main website and blog, creating labels for products, and much more.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future at the company?
As a marketing specialist, an important goal of mine is to reach a greater audience in the cleaning equipment industry. I will use various ways to improve revenue and sales, as well as trying new things as I continue to gain experience. I will create brand awareness and make Lavo stand out as a company.
Why do you like your job?
I really like working at Lavo because the people are amazing. As my first job, I am already learning quite a lot and am gaining new skills. I also believe I have a creative and analytical mindset, so this job is ideal for me.
The Best Practices for a Safe Return to the Workplace
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the workplace dynamic has changed. However, with vaccines rolling out, businesses have started letting their employees return to offices. It is essential to have an in-depth plan for this to happen safely and allow workers to feel at ease coming back into the office. If necessary, it’s a good idea to provide an effective training plan for getting employees safely back to the workplace. A clean work environment and facility are still crucial to maintain. It’s also important to have full transparency as well as open lines of communication with your employees.

The Top 5 Things to Remind Your Employees To Do When Returning to the Office
- Stay home when needed
- Monitor your health
- Wear a mask
- Social distance in shared spaces
- Wash your hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces
When you return to work, employers should ask their employees to practice everyday preventative actions – “Keep these items on hand when returning to work: a mask, tissues, and hand sanitizer”. OSHA has created an extensive guide to help businesses develop practices that ensure the safety and health of employees. The guide focuses on the need for employers to “develop and implement strategies for basic hygiene, social distancing, identification, and isolation of sick employees, workplace controls and flexibilities, and employee training.” The closer you interact with others, the higher the risk of any viral spread. It’s incredibly important to remember that safety is the number 1 priority when it comes to returning to offices. This is why it’s a good idea to sanitize even before returning.
How Lavo Products Can Help With the Reopening Plan

Lavo Solutions can help employers create a clean, safe and comfortable environment so that employees can be healthy, productive, and collaborative. It’s also important to use professional equipment to help employees see the efforts business owners are taking. Consider placing touch-less hand sanitizer stations in areas throughout the workplace. It can act as a reminder to employees and others to regularly perform hand hygiene.
Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces should always be a top priority since it can reduce the risk of transmitting contagious diseases. To effectively clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces each day, consider using a chemical dispenser, such as the accurate and effective LavoDose. This product is a successful dilution and proportioning system that reliably dilutes chemicals.
Even when COVID-19 cases no longer exist, concerns about workplace cleanliness and safety by employers and employees will unfortunately still exist. There’s a new normal that calls for keeping facilities clean and safe so employees can be healthy, productive, and collaborative in the long-term as they navigate life back in the office.
Personnel Issues Makes the List of the Top 5 FDA Violations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its annual Inspection Observation Data for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. This data clearly shows how frequently several different violations were seen when doing FDA food facility inspections.

This past year, the FDA issued eighty-seven citations for personal violations during food inspections. These can include “failing to address hygiene issues or other good manufacturing practices in relation to employees handling food products.” This type of violation was significant in terms of all of the violations in 2020. In terms of the year 2021, it’s important to prevent these types of violations.
Sanitation citations also made up an important amount of the FY 2020 violations. The FDA cited facilities: “45 times for sanitization of food contact services alone, 81 times for failure to properly monitor their sanitation practices, 80 facilities for plant maintenance and sanitation issues, and 58 times for failing to sanitize their equipment”. Lavo equipment can successfully help in terms of preventing these violations from happening.
How Lavo Products Can Be Used to Prevent FDA Vi0lations
Lavo products are designed to foam, rinse, and sanitize medium to large surfaces and objects through separate dedicated hoses to assure no cross mixing of foaming and sanitizing chemistry. The injection system draws and blends chemical concentrates into the water streams to create accurately diluted solutions using precision metering tips to control chemical usage. Clinging foam is created by injecting compressed air into the foaming solution to greatly increase volume and projected through a fan nozzle. The sanitizer solution is projected as a “flooding” spray for fast complete coverage and the rinse is projected at full pressure, using the unique, powerful 4-hole nozzle.
These Lavo products can help with violations and issues:
Hands-Free Sanitizing Station: A dispenser that is designed to keep environments sanitary that pumps liquid or low viscosity products. This product is perfect for dispensing hand sanitizer in any type of environment!
LavoDose: A dilution and proportioning system that reliably dilutes chemical concentrates. It can efficiently fill chemical containers of various sizes with accurately diluted solutions for surface disinfection.
517 Sanitizer: A high-volume venturi injection system that uses standard city water pressure (35 – 125 PSI) to draw and blend chemical concentrate into the water stream.
Portable 517 Sanitize / Rinse / LC Foam Hose Drop Station: A combination applicator for applying one chemical as foam, another as a sanitizing spray, and for rinsing
Professional equipment can help facilities avoid costly fines for violations, and keep staff and customers safe.
Remote Capabilities and a Proactive Service Approach
Today, more and more businesses have been incorporating IoT technology to improve the productivity and efficiency of their operations. So, how exactly would your facility benefit from the impact of new technology? IoT technology opens the door to a whole new set of capabilities. It allows for tracking user behavior and generating appropriate data, which is then used to optimize customer experience. IoT technology can also reduce the amount of time spent searching for the cause of a problem, creating easier solutions and increasing profits. IoT applications can allow remote monitoring of products (both the machines and the formulas used for various solutions), therefore reducing the number of on-site employees or service technicians and therefore saving time and money.
Lavo’s Connected Solutions combine data and equipment together to show the efficiency and effectiveness of all operations. Therefore, this creates the ability to keep people safe, save time and money, and allow an overview of all the systems in one place. Our new Connected Solutions also allows for a more proactive service approach since it has the ability to identify and resolve customer issues before they even become problems!

Why It’s Important to Have a “Proactive” Service Approach
What exactly is a proactive service approach? It refers to the “processes and techniques used to protect against customer problems and to motivate repeat or higher-volume purchases”. To put it simply, it means anticipating customer issues and addressing them proactively, rather than wait for a call that something is wrong. If you have the capability to inform a customer of an impending problem or issue, rather than wait until service is disrupted, you will save time and money and create a stronger relationship that ideally increases sales and opportunities in the future.
For more information regarding our new Connected Solutions, click here.
How Lavo Can Help with Food Service Cleaning Regulations
Regulations for food processing and safety are constantly changing, and the past year has accelerated the modernization of the industry and governance around it for the safety of staff and customers. Recently, the FDA released its ‘New Era of Smarter Food Safety blueprint’, a 10-year plan that builds on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
The blueprint contains 4 core elements:
- Tech-enabled traceability
- Smarter tools and approaches for prevention and outbreak response
- New business models and retail modernization
- Food safety culture
The FDA also emphasizes that “a strong food safety culture is a prerequisite to effective food safety management.”

How Lavo Can Help You Comply with New Regulations
Lavo Solutions can assist in compliance with these regulations. Lavo equipment uses data to trace and track the progress of the cleaning process. With our Connected Solutions, you can look at data, formulas, and flow rates for equipment at food plants all over the world – from anywhere! Lavo also has a variety of smart tools and technology that can help inform cleaning processes and improve cleaning efficiency and effectiveness which can, in turn, prevent any outbreaks. Data-driven tools based on IoT can monitor chemical dispensers and bring new efficiencies to cleaning teams.
We can provide simple, clean, and connected products that are ready-to-use in any application, ideal to ensure a sanitized space and experience for staff and guests.
The Important of Food Safety in the Workplace

It is very important for companies to incorporate “food safety culture as a component of food safety management systems”. Lavo Solutions utilizes the latest technologies and cleaning equipment to keep workplaces clean and disinfected, and staff and customers safe.
COVID-19 has created several challenges that have further accelerated the need for the blueprint. With the help of Lavo Solutions and our latest technologies and cleaning equipment, we can create a safer and more digital, traceable food system.
Click here to see our latest products that can help with these issues and to learn more about food service cleaning solutions.
How Lavo’s Connected Solutions Work for Laundry Services
Connected solutions are useful in coupling data and equipment together to show the efficiency and effectiveness of commercial laundry operations. Connected laundry equipment has the ability to keep people safe, save time and money, and can allow a total overview of all the systems you care about in one place.
The Laundry Cleaning Process Used Against COVID-19
Global research has proved the correct wash process is an important and effective step in eliminating viruses, including COVID-19. According to an American Laundry News article, “Washing and drying according to routine standards and procedures. For hot-water laundry cycles, detergent or disinfectant in water at 160 F for at least 25 minutes. For lower temperatures, chemicals suitable for low-temperature washing when used at the proper concentration” (ALN). Lavo’s Connected Laundry Equipment can provide evidence that proof of delivery and quantity were achieved for chemical injection steps in the wash process in facilities like nursing homes, hospitals, hotels, and others.
Connected Laundry Equipment can evidence steps actually happened throughout the wash formula and the process was successful:
How much detergent went in
Records individual injection steps and flow rates
Cycle time
The Lavo OPL – MultiLink Pro: These solutions connect up to 5 washers and 8 chemicals on one panel! Not only do you have 24/7 remote monitoring and access, but you also have remote calibration, programming, and troubleshooting.
The Lavo OPL – GoLink Pro & OPLink Pro: These solutions connect to single washing machines and allow for controlled dosing and proof of delivery via flow meter technology in OPL laundries.
Benefits of Using the Lavo OPL Series

Why is this important? These patented products can do all of this. This efficient cleaning process helps the fight against infection, virus, and COVID-19 – the virus affecting our society the most today. Connected laundry solutions allow your technicians to manage accounts, without the need to physically be on site. This becomes a huge benefit for locations that will not allow anyone in their facilities.
In fact, one Lavo Solutions customer installed connected laundry equipment in a Nursing home chain to dispense laundry chemicals for 15 homes and 38 OPL machines. They were able to maintain high levels of wash quality and reduce their overall service costs by 30%. In addition, the dispensing solutions did not require any squeeze tube maintenance which resulted in the perfect dosing of laundry chemicals each and every time.
As you can see, Lavo’s Connected Solutions are clearly proven to be successful in not only keeping linens and people safe but also saving time and money! To learn more about our “Connected Solutions” be sure to click here!
Benefits of Using Smart Technology for Cleaning
Today, technology is embedded in most aspects of our lives. More and more businesses are incorporating technology into their operations in order to increase productivity and efficiency. Data is created, transferred, and analyzed and companies use this data to optimize their customer experience, improve their products, and market themselves. Smart devices use can track and record consumer behavior and this enables companies to market their products more efficiently.
Why Smart Technology Is Important for a Business
IoT devices allow companies to monitor and analyze every aspect of their business, which results in improved efficiency and optimization to improve processes. By reducing task completion time, IoT technology generates more opportunities to increase profits. Additionally, IoT applications can allow one worker to monitor the condition of company machines remotely, reducing the number of on-site employees.

In the field of janitorial services, technology can help businesses inform their cleaning process and improve cleaning efficiency and effectiveness. Data-driven tools based on IoT can monitor chemical dispensers and bring new efficiencies to cleaning teams.
Problems with chemical supply, equipment, or programs can be addressed through a dashboard where all data is available in real-time. The newest technology can be implemented into large and small facilities and warehouses to make them cleaner, healthier, and more efficient.
Businesses are required to make an initial investment of time and resources to implement new technologies. In order to integrate technology into its operations, a business must define its processes, integrate its systems through an integration platform, and sync its systems.
How Lavo Uses Smart Technology Today
Lavo Solutions understands that software, hardware, and other technology can be used to provide evidence of clean. We know how to use data to prove that the cleaning process is done correctly. This can be used across a variety of applications:
- Data can be used to confirm a chemical was properly diluted into a spray bottle by a janitorial team in a hospital.
- Data can be used to confirm a laundry cycle at an OPL was done with the proper chemicals for the proper amount of time.
- Data can be used to test a surface of a school to confirm the disinfection process was completed to the set standard.
- Data can be used to confirm a chemical container inside a nursing home laundry system was not empty when it ran a load of sheets.
Data and analytics can inform the standard of cleanliness that should be upheld, and also ensure that a facility is cleaned to that standard each and every time the process happens. For more information about our smart solutions, click here.
Connected Success Stories: Nursing Home Chain
Why are connected solutions the newest innovation in cleaning equipment and technology for janitorial / sanitation and commercial laundry?
There are several reasons! Connected Solutions use new and innovative technology. They are also easy to install and lower service costs. In fact, connected solutions generate a 30% average reduction in service cost! Connected products have been at the core of Lavo from the beginning and are proven to work and help businesses and end-users. One Lavo customer found incredible success when implementing a connected solution for a nursing home chain.
Nursing Home Chain Success
Lavo Solutions customer implemented connected solutions to dispense chemistry at a nursing home chain of 15 homes and 38 OPL machines. The results speak for themselves:

Pandemic Effects on Connected Solutions
Even though no one could have predicted Covid-19 and facility shutdowns, these connected solutions provided technicians with access and the ability to monitor and make changes to formulas and other system settings without physically having to go onsite and getting exposed to or exposing residents to the virus.
The Lavo customers were still able to produce monthly reports for chemical consumption, costs, and formula totals run. They saved time and money while still providing high levels of service during difficult times.
Why Invest in Connected Systems to Dispense Chemicals
There are several reasons why you should invest in connected systems and solutions! Not only can you see real-time data and inform business decisions, but you can also reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Using connected systems can provide better experiences for your customers and your employees.
Why You Should Consider Alternatives to Backpack Sprayers
Recently, there have been a considerable number of ads featuring electrostatic sprayers (e-stat sprayers), specifically the backpack models. Most of these models have at least a 2-2.5 gallon reservoir and some as much as a 4-gallon sized reservoir. Based on these reservoir sizes, that equates to as much as 30-35 lbs. of additional weight that cleaning professionals carry around a facility on their back.
An ABC News article stated, “Carrying excessive weight in a backpack can cause wear-and-tear on the joints, ligaments, and muscles across the entire back and in the hips.” It goes on to say that The American Academy of Pediatrics noted…that college-age and adults should never carry a backpack weighing more than, 15 to 20 percent of their body weight.
And according to the website for attorney Corey R. Pollard in the state of VA, “You have a greater risk of hurting your back at work if your job involves any of the following duties and responsibilities. Lifting or carrying items weighing more than 25 pounds.” Those injuries or worker compensation claims, which can result from the handling of the additional heavyweight, can cost employers millions of dollars annually.

A Lavo Alternative to Electrostatic Sprayers
So why would you expose your cleaning professionals to those kinds of workplace hazards? The Lavo Precision PD Mobile fogging cart features a 5-gallon container for less frequent filling and fast, easy coverage per square foot. It features an on-board air compressor and a 50 ft extension hose for movement throughout any space.
The fog needed for disinfection applications can be adjusted easily within the hose end attachment. All of this fits neatly and securely on a four-wheeled heavy-duty cart, with no lifting required. And the best part, you can be certain your employees will thank you for not having to carry 30+ pounds around.
Call (949) 377-1250 or visit our website www.lavosolutions.com for more information and request a quote. You’ll be surprised at how affordable these solutions can be!
Safe Alternatives to Electrostatic Sprayers
Electrostatic sprayers were a big topic over the past few months. However, there are a lot of dangers that come with this product.
Recently, a popular electrostatic sprayer was recalled – about 405,000 of them. The sprayers were powered by lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and melt, which potentially could lead to a fire or an explosion. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any injuries – but several reports of property damage.

It’s Best to Stick to the Basics
While some electrostatic sprayers may be safe to use, it’s best to stick to the gold standard products that don’t use this type of technology for cleaning. Lavo Solutions offers several different sprayers that can effectively disinfect and protect against the COVID-19 virus in the workplace and other places.
These Lavo Products Work Best As Alternatives
Compact Sprayers: A low-volume hose-end spray that’s great for dilution and sanitization for close and distant surfaces. This product is extremely accurate in terms of diluting chemicals and can also be available with a higher flow rate.
Portable Foggers: This lightweight product can effectively disinfect surfaces that can project chemicals up to 15 ft! It’s also great for several applications such as disinfection, sanitization, and even odor control.
Portable Precision Cart Fogger: This portable PD precision fogger is a chemical atomizer that uses compressed air to draw pre-diluted chemical solutions from a pail on the stainless-steel cart. This product also features an on-board 120V air compressor that is very quiet.
Pump Up Sprayers: Great product for applying ready-to-use chemicals onto any surface. There is no need for a battery or compressed air for it to work. This product is a lightweight, portable solution for disinfection, sanitizing, insecticide application, odor control, and several other applications.
CleanJet Spray: A perfect product for cleaning and rinsing a variety of surfaces. The units are water and air-operated that can produce a dry, thick foam. This provides optimal working time for the foam on the surface. There is no need for an electrical connection, simply connect inlet water and approved air hose, set pressure gauges, and start foaming.
The Gold Standard of the Disinfection Process
The best way to sanitize and disinfect surfaces – especially to get rid of COVID-19 – is to use the tried-and-true methods that won’t go wrong. The sprayers and other various products listed above have been categorized as the “gold standard” in terms of sanitization purposes. They are a safe and effective alternative to electrostatic sprayers.
What Can Custom Labels Do For Your Business?
Custom labeling for dispensing equipment adds a professional look to a product and elevates the brand. This professionalism can increase brand awareness and sales. Lavo is proud to provide custom labels on our products for our brands and customers. Also, Lavo does not require a minimum order quantity for custom labeling. Along with being a great way to let customers know they are getting a quality product, there are several other benefits of custom labeling…

An example of Lavo’s custom labeling
Custom Labeling Is Great for Safety and Compliance
Custom labels can improve safety by clearly stating what the product is and providing warnings about chemicals and other potential hazards. This can reduce the chance of an accident happening and ensure that staff is aware of the locations of chemicals. This is also an important step in being compliant with OSHA and other local, state, and federal standards. Coupled with a properly labeled and locked chemical storage rack, Lavo products is a perfect example of a product with labels and associated wall charts that are successful in being compliant with every standard.
Customer Labeling Can Help Drive Sales
Custom Labeling Reinforces the Brand
The LavoDose Select Is Ridiculously Easy to Install!
Lavo is proud of how simple and easy it is to install our Premium LavoDose Select +1 with cabinet. We soon came up with an idea to see just HOW fast the installation process can be done. We got three janitors and facility managers from different facilities to test this out. To learn how to install the LavoDose Premium installation kit and other important information regarding this product, click here.
The following is a video that demonstrates how fast our installation process really is! We have three contestants – Be sure to watch until the end to find out who the winner is!
For more interesting and informative videos, make sure to check out our Youtube channel here.
OSHA: Cleaning and Disinfecting Safety During Coronavirus
OSHA, or the “Occupational Safety and Health Administration”, has been implementing more standards for cleaning and disinfecting – notably around protecting employees from hazardous chemicals. If a facility is not using professional equipment for chemistry, they run a high risk of not being in compliance!
OSHA’s New Standards and Guidelines
Employers must also protect their workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. Employers should be aware that common sanitizers and sterilizers could contain hazardous chemicals. Where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, employers must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard.
In the post-Covid 19 environment, it is important for employers to have sanitizing and disinfecting processes in place to mitigate potential contamination. Good cleaning and disinfection routines can greatly reduce or eliminate the risk of a viral count of COVID-19 on surfaces and objects in your facility.
Cleaning high-touch areas with most types of soaps reduce germs but do not kill them. The type of product you use is more important when it comes to disinfecting. It is crucial to protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. The CDC has provided detailed instructions on how to clean and disinfect workspaces, as well as a list of EPA-approved disinfectants known to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
Excessive exposure to hazardous cleaning and disinfecting chemicals can endanger our health. In an effort to reassure employees and customers, some workplaces are using cleaning and disinfecting methods that can be unnecessary or counterproductive. Mixing cleaners that shouldn’t be mixed can produce toxic gas or severe irritation to the skin if protective gear is not worn.
Employee exposure to hazardous chemicals when cleaning can present even more hazards. The standards and guidelines by OSHA play an important role in minimizing these hazards in order to ensure the safety of employees in work facilities and other environments. Further, it helps employers reduce costly fines for non-compliance with OSHA regulations.
Lavo Equipment is Safe and Effective
In order to protect employees and customers from hazardous chemicals and also comply with OSHA regulations, it is important to use an effective, professional-grade chemical paired with professional dilution equipment for cleaning and disinfecting facilities, like equipment from Lavo. From lockable cabinets, dispensers that dilute chemicals properly, and sprayers made to safely coat hard to reach surfaces, Lavo equipment can help employers protect their employees and customers by implementing safe disinfecting methods and ensuring compliance.
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Lavo’s chemical dispensers ensure the proper dilution rate to protect employees from hazardous exposure in the workplace.
To learn more about our products and services, click here.
5 Disinfection Myths Debunked!
Throughout the past year, cleaning and disinfecting have been key aspects of society due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s important to also distinguish between a fact and a myth, since it can affect people’s health! For 2021, everyone must be knowledgeable in terms of disinfecting methods. Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment in the home and the workplace is vital and can reduce the risk of picking up germs and viruses. The following 6 debunked myths clearly explain why it’s important that the cleaning industry during this pandemic needs to spend more time focusing on infection control and disinfectant product selection.
Myth #1: Sanitizing is the same thing as disinfecting.
Interestingly, sanitizing and disinfecting are not the same thing but do go hand in hand. Before disinfecting something, it’s important to sanitize and clean to remove dust and dirt. “Surface dirt can react with the chemicals in disinfecting products and render them unable to kill germs effectively.” It’s important to clean thoroughly before applying any disinfectant!
Myth #2: Products work quickly upon contact with the surface.
Unfortunately, this isn’t true – disinfectant products don’t kill germs instantly. Each disinfectant needs different “contact times” to properly disinfect. Check the label and directions for the virus and pathogen you are trying to get rid of. “You may need to saturate the surface and leave it wet for 4 minutes or longer to actually kill germs.”
Myth #3: If it looks and smells clean, it is probably clean.
This is a common confusing aspect in terms of cleaning. The smell and the look of something can’t be used as an indicator as to how clean something is. For example, the smell of lavender comes from the chemicals or oils in the product in use, not the cleanliness of the surface. The best way to know how clean something is by using the “touch test.”
Myth #4: I can disinfect carpet and upholstery with my EPA-approved products.
This is false. Unfortunately, disinfectants only work on hard and non-porous surfaces, meaning you can sanitize a soft surface but can’t disinfect it! Most likely, in the future, more technology will be created and used to help with this.

Myth #5: Once the pandemic is over, we can go back to our ‘pre-pandemic’ cleaning program.
As ideal as this sounds, this isn’t true. Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, it’s vital to find a scalable response plan – all the way to a full-pandemic response plan! It’s necessary to increase the cleaning frequency and be ready and prepared to make sure things are in place. Check out this article to help ensure your workplace and environment is ready to be used post-pandemic.
It’s also important to use products and equipment that are capable of cleaning work facilities well in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
For more information regarding debunking cleaning and disinfecting myths, be sure to check out CMM’s “Infection Control Webinar: Debunking Disinfection Myths” here.
UPDATE on the Covid-19 Stimulus Bill
December 2020 – Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-relief and $1.4 trillion government funding package that will provide Americans with critical pandemic aid, while also securing federal agency operations. Funds can be used to ensure facilities, workplaces and schools have access to professional-grade chemicals, services, and equipment to properly sanitize and disinfect. This includes training and professional development for staff to help minimize infectious diseases, as well as purchasing supplies to sanitize and clean facilities.
The bill provides $325 billion in small business funds. $284.5 billion for first and second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for Eligible small businesses with less than 300 employees that can demonstrate a revenue reduction of 25%. Additional expenses have been added to those that qualify for PPP loan forgiveness such as “the acquisition of services, equipment, including personal protective equipment, and other measures needed to protect workers and customers from COVID–19”. Funds can be used to ensure facilities, workplaces and schools have access to professional-grade chemicals, services, and equipment to properly sanitize and disinfect. Securing PPP funds for cleaning equipment and services, was a top priority of our industry association, the ISSA.
The bill also provides full deductibility of expenses paid with a PPP loan and extends PPP loan eligibility for 501 (C)(6) nonprofits, including local newspapers, radio, and television broadcasters, and destination marketing organizations. It includes a $15 billion grant program to support live venues, theaters, museums, and zoos and $20 billion for new Economic Injury Disaster Loan Grants for businesses in low-income communities.
This bill also provides economic relief for schools, including:
– $82 billion total for colleges and universities
– $54 billion for public K-12 schools, and $23 billion for a higher education fund
– The childcare sector will also receive $10 billion in emergency funding. These funds can be used for equipment and chemical to sanitize and disinfect.
– $4 billion for a governors’ relief fund
You can read more about what it means for schools in one of our previous blogs, here. The bill also will provide $45 billion in transportation-related assistance, including:
– $15 billion to airlines
– $14 billion for mass transit
– $10 billion for state highways
– $2 billion for airports
– $1 billion for Amtrak.
This ensures large and small businesses, schools, and agencies have knowledge and access to professional-grade equipment and chemical to properly clean and keep people safe. We encourage you to get in front of this now for the benefit of your employees, customers, and community.
Contact Lavo for more information at lavo@lavosolutions.com or +1 (949) 377 – 1250.
Why “Virtual Selling” Is So Important To Businesses Today
This past year, the business world’s way of doing things turned upside down when Covid-19 hit. The pandemic has changed so many parts of the business world, in particular, face-to-face selling, which has become less and less doable. Several social distancing restrictions have forced many buyers to order online, fast-tracking the implementation of virtual selling and making it a vital skill. So, what exactly is virtual selling? To put simply, it is the process of successfully getting a purchase without being there.

This past year, author Jeb Blount published a book called “Virtual Selling: A Quick-Start Guide to Leveraging Video, Technology, and Virtual Communication Channels to Engage Remote Buyers and Close Deals Fast”. It is a great read that explains what is needed to be successful when it comes to selling across virtual channels. He goes on to describe the best ways to use this skill in order to maximize commissions, customer services, and sales.
Key Points Discussed in Virtual Selling
Customer Interaction. An important aspect of business that has changed dramatically due to the coronavirus is a business’ interaction with their customers. The trust aspect of a customer meeting is no longer there, since the face-to-face interactions aren’t as prevalent. The good news is that most “prospects and customers quickly [have] adapted to virtual sales calls because there was either no other choice or because it was faster and more convenient” (16).
Virtual demos, engaging presentations, as well as video calls have now replaced the traditional face-to-face contact with customers. However, not only have the rules that used to apply to face-to-face sales also apply to remote sales, but also some of the tools you’ll engage with such as phone calls, emails, social media and video calls are already used in sales strategies.
Success is possible. As intimidating and challenging as it might sound, having success with the new virtual selling process is totally possible! For example, a truck-reselling firm makes more than 90% of its sales – $20,000 to $200,000 – completely virtually. It might be hard to believe that a commercial truck reselling firm is successful without doing test drives and by only sending their customers some photos.
How exactly is this possible? Through virtual selling, customers save time and the trouble of conventional buying methods, while companies keep costs low which allows them to offer better deals while still making a good profit.
The 5 C’s of Virtual Selling
In a later chapter of the book, Blount goes on to describe one of the most important elements in the process of virtual and social selling: The 5 C’s.
1.) Conversion: Convert the activities within your social media channels into key business factors such as: “leads, appointments, qualifying information, sales intelligence, closed deals, and account expansion and renewal” (311). Blount goes over a few ways to do this including lead generation, trigger-event and buying-signal monitoring, research and information gathering, as well as outbound prospecting.
2.) Consistency: Post every day. No days off. It’s important to be consistent across all platforms and in all respects. In other words, it’s best to be “active” and online every day. “The more consistent your activity, the higher the probability that your posts get moved to the top of feeds, earning you more eyeballs” (314). If you are facing challenges with this, you also have the option to automate activities on social media.
3.) Connection: Maintain a strong connection online with your customers and audience by keeping engagement steady across platforms. If you do this successfully, the ability to gain “loyal” followers can increase. According to Blount, there are three ways to create connections.
Followers: Gaining followers is just as important as managing your followers.
Reciprocal: Follow for follow. When you follow someone, you can learn from their posts and see what they like. This can give you some more insight as to some new ideas you can post about.
Direct: On social media channels such as LinkedIn and Facebook, you can easily send a direct request to connect with someone. It’s important to engage with their posts by liking, commenting, etc. before sending a request to follow them.
4.) Content Curation: Find, create, and share a wide variety of relevant and engaging content for your customers to see, which can, in turn, help boost engagement on your social media channels as well as your company website. The right content can lead to connections that can ultimately lead to an increase in sales.
5.) Content Creation: Remember to generate your own original content. This might help in terms of standing out as a company. So, what exactly is the best content to post? Long-form posts, articles, videos, and pictures. Finally, it’s important to note that native content can stand out the most, “native” meaning the “post isn’t a link to an article, podcast, or video on another website” (319).
How The Change in Business Due to Covid-19 Has Affected Lavo
COVID-19 and related travel restrictions forced the Lavo Team to adapt to many forms of virtual selling. As an industry, cleaning and hygiene could largely continue face-to-face training, installation and interactions with our essential businesses and customers. However, many of our customer and facilities could not risk that exposure; especially healthcare facilities and nursing homes.
We view virtual selling techniques as an effective augmentation to in-person business and have continued to adapt, like so many other business. The use of connected equipment to communicate within facilities is also an effective way to connect virtually with customers.
What the New COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Means for Schools
Congress and President Trump recently approved a COVID-19 relief package that will provide aid for the economy. The over 5,000-page bill contains $900 billion in aid for qualifying Americans that can be worth up to $600 per adult and child, an increase benefits for the unemployed, as well as funds for small-business aid and vaccine distribution. It includes stimulus checks, help for small businesses, and vaccine distribution funding. What does this mean for schools?
About $82 billion out of the $900 billion would go to education itself:
– $54.3 billion would go to K-12 grade
– $22.7 would go to higher education
– $1.7 billion would go to minority serving institutions
– $1 billion for colleges for profit
– $4 billion for governors
– $2.7 billion for private schools
According to a September 2020 Gallup Poll, three out of four parents consider school “cleanliness and sanitation procedures” a major factor when considering in-person learning for their children. In general, school infrastructures lack the required in-house expertise and therefore must rely on external expertise to determine how and when in-person learning is safe.

Training for Properly Cleaning Schools
This bill, however, will effectively fund “training and professional development for staff of the local educational agency on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.” The GBAC STAR program for schools offers a training program to address facility management for school administrators. By investing in training, cleaning sanitation equipment, and preparedness strategies, we can lessen the economic and social impact that the next pandemic may have on our society.
Equipment to Make Cleaning and Sanitizing Easier and More Effective
It is also extremely important to have the proper sanitation equipment and products that will ensure the safety of staff and students. Professional grade equipment can effectively clean and sanitize educational buildings, helping to keep students and educators safe.
– Portable Precision Fogger is very easy to use and works very quickly! It can help with disinfecting hard and soft surfaces such as floors and walls, as well as hard to reach places.
– Hand Sanitizing Station is a dispenser for hand hygiene. It is foot-activated, making the process even safer!
– LavoDose series is a system that dilutes and proportions chemicals. It is small and compact in size and makes sure chemical concentrates are properly diluted each time they are bottled.
Investing in Effective Chemicals
The CDC and EPA have created a list of disinfectants that can be used to combat the spread of Covid-19 called the “List N”. These chemicals are certified to be effective against the virus. It is important schools invest in effective solutions. The new COVID-19 stimulus bill will help schools access the funding to ensure they can get effective solutions, like a List-N chemical to clean and sanitize their facilities.
What Are the Benefits of the COVID-19 Stimulus Bill for Schools?
At all levels, educational institutions must clearly define risk mitigation strategies to protect their students and staff. There are many benefits of this bill passing: Public, private and charter schools that have been closed can open back up thanks to access to professional-grade cleaning equipment and chemicals that are necessary for cleaning. Schools safely opening in the middle of a pandemic would be a very big breakthrough for the country. Educators and students can stay safe, and cases will start to decrease. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their schools and districts are doing what they can to mitigate the risk associated with educational institutions.
Schools are an integral part of the communities they serve, and it is important that they be models of effective infection control.
Lavo is Partnered with GBAC Star Program
Lavo Solutions is proud to work with GBAC Star, the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation for facilities.
Lavo and GBAC know that professional equipment is a key part of any cleaning and disinfection program. GBAC STAR is working to ensure that facilities have access to knowledge and equipment to ensure these programs can keep customers safe.
Best Practices for Cleaning and Disinfection in Manufacturing
Lavo Solutions helps our partners in manufacturing to define and implement cleaning and sanitization efforts for warehouse spaces. These efforts are designed to disinfect the workspace, keep employees safe, and keep businesses and warehouses operating.
Our recommendations are based on CDC guidelines related to COVID-19.
Dedicate a Shift for Cleaning and Sanitizing
Depending on the items processed or manufactured in a particular plant, many manufacturers are dedicating a shift for cleaning and sanitizing common areas while also training workers to clean and sanitize their shared workstations at the beginning and end of each shift.
Provide Professional Equipment
It is important to provide professional tools to clean and sanitize before, during, and after each shift in a warehouse.
– Obtain and use an EPA List N chemical that is approved for SARS-CoV-2. This is an important first step to ensure the chemical you are using will be effective.
– Use a professional dispenser to ensure chemical concentrates are diluted correctly.
– Dilute chemicals into color-coded spray bottles. Color-coded bottles can make sure employees are using the proper chemicals for the proper use.
– Use microfiber towels – and change them regularly! Each employee that is disinfecting should have many clean towels available for each shift.
Define and Educate About Dwell Time
Dwell time (or contact time) is one of the biggest issues and mistakes when disinfecting and sanitizing any space. Each List N chemical defines the dwell time needed for the chemical to effectively disinfect a surface. Many chemicals require a 3-5 minute contact time to be effective. Some require up to 10 minutes. This means for the chemical to be effective, it must appear wet on a surface for the instructed amount of time before wiped with microfiber.
It’s important that all employees understand this step.
Don’t Forget to Disinfect Tools
For tool-intensive operations, employers should ensure tools are regularly cleaned and disinfected, including at least as often as workers change workstations or move to a new set of tools. Refer to List N on the EPA website for EPA-registered disinfectants that have qualified under EPA’s emerging viral pathogens program for use against SARS-CoV-2.
Disinfecting and Sanitizing Common Spaces
Establish protocols and provide supplies to increase the frequency of sanitization in work and common spaces. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in workspaces and break rooms (e.g., microwave and refrigerator handles, vending machine touchpads, knobs, levels, and sink handles) at least once per shift, if possible.
For example, wipe down tools or other equipment as often as workers change their workstations. Frequently clean push bars and handles on any doors that do not open automatically and handrails on stairs or along walkways. If physical barriers are being used, then these should be cleaned frequently too.
Electronics
Manufacturers should consider wipeable covers on shared electronics such as: tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls and more. These covers can be wiped with properly diluted disinfectant.
Industrial Spraying and Fogging for Large Spaces
Fogging and spraying are effective methods of applying disinfectant and allowing for the proper contact time. An industrial fogger effectively disinfects hard and soft surfaces, floors, walls, ventilation systems and more. A fogger atomizes the chemical to project up to 15 feet and penetrate hard-to-reach areas with disinfectant. This type of equipment and service can be great for warehouse racking, stacked boxes and more.
Measuring Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures
Lavo believes in the power of data and the tools that exist to measure the effectiveness of clean. Lavo utilizes ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) technology to test the surfaces before and after disinfection. ATP is an excellent indicator of overall microbiological content in fluids or deposits on a surface.
Have Proper PPE Available
Workers who perform cleaning and disinfection tasks may require additional PPE and other controls to protect them from chemical hazards posed by disinfectants. Note: Employers must ensure their written hazard communication program is up to date and training is up to date for all employees. (Also, see OSHA’s enforcement discretion memorandum on this topic.) Employers may need to adapt guidance from this section, the Environmental Services Workers and Employers section, and the Interim Guidance for Workers and Employers of Workers at Increased Risk of Occupational Exposure, to fully protect workers performing cleaning and disinfection activities in manufacturing workplaces.
Other controls
Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not immediately available.
Place hand sanitizers in multiple locations to encourage hand hygiene. If possible, choose hand sanitizer stations that are touch-free.
Workers should be educated to avoid touching their faces, including their eyes, noses, and mouths, particularly until after they have thoroughly washed their hands upon completing work and/or removing personal protective equipment (PPE).
If you, your warehouse manager or employees have questions or need professional equipment, contact Lavo Solutions for more information.
Campbell Dodson Selected to ALN Panel of Experts

Lavo’s Co-Founder Campbell Dodson has been selected to American Laundry News 2021 Panel of Experts.
Campbell, a veteran of the large laundry and chemical dilution equipment industries, began his career at WSI, an industry leader in laundry products for linen, uniform and healthcare rental markets over 20 years ago. He Co-Founded Lavo in 2018.
As part of the panel, Campbell will provide expertise in the chemical supply category related to commercial laundry.
Check back in Lavo’s news to see all the future contributions. Congrats, Campbell!
Schedule a Call with Lavo’s Co-Founders at ISSA

Lavo is virtually exhibiting at the 2020 ISSA show. Do you want to learn more about our connected people, processes and equipment?
You can schedule time with us to hear for yourself. Schedule a 15 minute consultation with Lavo’s Founders, Chip McAslan and Campbell Dodson to learn more.
Join the Lavo Team!

Lavo is hiring! Join the fastest growing dilution control team in the industry.
Lavo West Coast Sales Job Description
Lavo Mid-West Sales Job Description
Contact lavo@lavosolutions.com for more information.
UPDATED: EPA Guidance on Disinfection
The EPA has reinforced the effectiveness of the Lavo Solutions disinfection process. Using professional grade dispensing equipment to mist / fog a space with an approved chemical for disinfection, followed by the use of a long lasting antimicrobial like OMNIShield, can destroy bacteria on contact for up to 90 days after cleaning.
Why choose spraying / fogging to disinfect?
- Spraying / Fogging covers hard and soft surfaces, floors and ventilation
- Cleans most room surfaces 10X faster than wiping.
- Can reduce organism counts by 50-99%, as validated by Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) swab testing.
- Fogging is identified as a “promising disinfectant application method” by the EPA.
Cleaning has changed, and there are advanced process and products that can help keep you and your employees safe. Contact Lavo Solutions to learn more.
Read the full guidance from the EPA.
Using Data to Inform the Cleaning Process
Lavo Solutions was the guest on ISSA Media’s Straight Talk segment, where Lavo CEO and Founder, Chip McAslan, discussed the role of data in cleaning and how it can inform and define training and process.
For more information on Lavo’s data and analytic process, contact us here.
Equipment Makes Cleaning Easier and More Effective
Lavo Solutions recently highlighted a WSJ article on our LinkedIn page.
It is one of the best articles we’ve seen about the importance of a multi-step cleaning process that includes dwell time of chemical on a surface to kill virus and bacteria. Equipment exists that makes the cleaning process efficient and effective. And, don’t forget, data can be collected before and after a cleaning process to prove the process was effective.
Contact Lavo Solutions to learn more.
How Data Can Prove Cleaning Is Being Done Correctly
Lavo has always believed the difference is in the data, and proof of clean matters. It is more important today than ever.
Not only should employees and consumers be demanding that industrial strength cleaning is done properly, we should be asking for the proof. What was the process? Was there appropriate dwell time? Was it cleaned with a commercial grade product approved by the EPA? Was professional dilution equipment used?
One simple way to prove all the appropriate steps were taken is to collect data before and after cleaning. This can prove the appropriate steps were taken and the process was effective. The data and analytics can inform the standard of clean that should be upheld, and also ensure that a facility is cleaned to that standard each and every time the process happens.
ISSA, the cleaning industry association, recently had a conversation with John Richter of Miami University Ohio. John reinforced the importance of data collection to prove clean.
Why Professional Cleaning Equipment Can Stop COVID-19
The opportunity is here to demand industrial-strength cleaning is done properly – every time.
Lavo is proud to partner with chemical companies around the world to provide professional-grade dispensing equipment to schools, airplanes, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, long-term care facilities, fitness centers, and more. Over 300 consumer and commercial grade products are proven to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Many of these are dispensed with Lavo equipment.
Coronavirus has put a new lens on our industry; consumers care – and count on – how facilities they visit are cleaned and sanitized. Businesses, hotels, gyms, and care facilities are being more transparent about how and when they clean their surfaces.
Don’t be afraid to ask if a facility is using a professional grade cleaner, but also if they are using professional equipment to dilute and dispense it. Chemical dispensing equipment ensures that each chemical is mixed properly every time, ensuring efficacy. This means there is no human error or shortcut taken, and the right amount of professional chemicals is used on surfaces and in laundry and dishwashing equipment.
In many situations, other industrial solutions like foamers and foggers can apply chemistry that kills bacteria and viruses to an entire space easily and without the need to wipe everything down. This again removes the risk of human error, like missing a surface or crevice while cleaning.
Consumers are taking a more active role in demanding clean, both at home and outside of the home. We must continue to uphold this new standard to keep ourselves, family, friends, and neighbors healthy and safe.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/opportunity-here-demand-industrial-strength-cleaning-done-mcaslan/?trackingId=4QrdxsiPS1Iw%2FJTbQ3J2Pg%3D%3D
More than Equipment: Custom Product Solutions

Lavo is more than dispensing equipment. Each day, the Lavo team is creating custom product solutions for our customers. We understand each customers’ chemicals, needs and timing are different. We take the time to listen and carefully craft solutions that will meet those needs and exceed expectations.
Work with Lavo and see our commitment to being more for your business and customers. Contact us at 800-999-2820 or Contact Lavo Solutions
More than Equipment: Installation Support

Lavo is more than dispensing equipment. Each day, the Lavo team is supporting customers with installation and technical support on Lavo products, because our commitment does not end when products are delivered.
We work with our customers, sales teams and technicians to test and re-test equipment in a variety of situations and develop best practices that ensure simple, successful installations and satisfied end users.
Work with Lavo and see our commitment to being more for your business and customers. Contact us at 949-377-1250 or lavo@lavosolutions.com.
More than Equipment: Individualized Product Barcodes

Does your business receive pallets full of dispensing equipment with no indication what is in each box? This causes massive headaches for the the warehouse staff who puts these items in inventory, stress for the technician reloading the service trucks or searching for replacement parts.
Lavo offers more. We make your warehouse and operations groups more efficient by individually barcoding each unit so no one has to guess which product is which. For some quantities, we will add a unique part number to the outside of the box.
Work with Lavo and see our commitment to being more for your business and customers. Contact us at 949-377-1250 or lavo@lavosolutions.com.
Connect with Lavo at the Clean Buildings Expo
Members of the Lavo Team will be at the ISSA Clean Buildings Expo in Baltimore March 26 & 27. Connect with us there!

Lavo Solutions Offer the Fastest Lead Times in the Industry
Did you know that Lavo Solutions offers the fastest lead times in the industry? Lavo’s same day shipping on most orders can turn shorter lead times into huge profits for your business.
In 2018, Lavo shipped 95% of standard units in less than 24 hours…and most were custom labeled! Adding one, three, five days or more of additional pump time to an account can add up fast.
Imagine how many accounts you could accommodate by scheduling an install within days of placing an order with Lavo. More accounts installed means more chemical sales!
Connect with your Lavo Representative or call 949-377-1250 today.
Cam’s Corner: 5 Reasons Connected Laundry Dispensers Help Businesses!

Everyone is talking about connected products in the chemical dispensing industry. But is anyone explaining how they benefit your business and your sales?
Connected products have been at the core of Lavo from the beginning. and here is what we’ve learned.
10% increase in chemical consumption
Connected dispensers ensure the right amount of chemical is used for each cycle. They also ensure that no cycles are run without chemical- which is happening everyday. Connected solutions provide real-time alerts BEFORE the chemical runs out, ensuring that chemical application is achieved.
30% average reduction in service cost
Connected solutions enable laundry operators, chemical distributors and other stakeholders to proactively monitor systems remotely, 24/7. Chemical companies are embracing a proactive service approach and eliminating the “milk run” model. This is critical and improves the ability to monitor many sites and reduce service costs. This also ensures wash formulas are correct every time, which drastically decreases re-wash.
99% downtime reduction of dispensing systems
We’ve had check engine lights in our cars for decades, now we have them for our dispensing systems. With data, we know when an issue is starting. We also know what the specific issue is, increasing the effectiveness of remote and onsite troubleshooting from service teams.
100% asset visibility
You’ve made a large investment in dispensing equipment. By adding connectivity, you know if those systems are being used to their potential and also where they are located via GPS.
100% chemical delivery validation
Proper dilution keeps us clean, safe and healthy. With connectivity, you can confirm your chemicals are being properly delivered, in the right ratio, every time.
Data matters and can benefit your business and your customers. Connect with Lavo to learn about our range of connected dispensing solutions.
Campbell Dodson is Co-Founder of Lavo Solutions. For more information, contact Lavo Solutions at lavo@lavosolutions.com or call 949-377-1250.
Cam’s Corner: 5 Ways to Optimize Your Drain Maintenance Program!

Grease traps can be different sizes and shapes. According to industry sources and professional cleaning services, a trap should be cleaned after a quarter of the contents has filled with FOGS (Fats Oils Grease & Solids). After 1⁄4 of the contents fill with grease, the trap is no longer effective and the grease and oils you’re supposed to keep out of the municipality’s pipes start to escape. Opportunities for blockages and overflows increase dramatically. Costly fines and cleanout procedures become necessary. This is why a drain maintenance program is critical for commercial kitchens everywhere. Here are five ways to optimize a drain maintenance program.
Create a value proposition – drain programs save money for restaurants, medical facilities, car washes, and others. Some restaurants spend as much as $500 every 90 days on costly baffle cleanout procedures. In addition, emergency cleanouts can be double that and if the issues are serious, baffles and other equipment could break, costing tens of thousands of dollars to fix.
Choose the right chemical treatment – if preventing backups and reducing costly baffle cleanout procedures is the goal, consider offering an active enzyme-based product; if reducing odors and keeping drains free flowing is the goal, consider offering a drain cleaner with odor counteractant. Make sure you understand how your chemistry works and the pros and cons to the program, so you can better educate customers.
Dispense at the right time – many chemical programs rely on the concentration levels and/or volumes dispensed for a product to perform at its best. Therefore, it becomes extremely important to choose the right time of day or night to dispense the chemical so that it does not become diluted with other discharge water from sinks, dishwashers, and other kitchen equipment.
Automate the process – choose a solution that automates the process for service techs and customers. Simple is the key. Prevent glug-glug, theft, and promote employee safety by choosing a programmable dispensing system. Lavo’s drain systems provide worry free, automatic delivery of chemicals in both a 12V battery or 110VAC pump option. Set it and forget it, except for changing the drum or pail each month!
Track the benefits – before the installation, talk with the kitchen manager or GM to find out how much they spend on a monthly or yearly basis for baffle cleaning procedures and emergency calls. Over the course of the next 6-12 months, ask for updates on the cleanout expenses and follow up with the account to show the savings the drain maintenance program has provided.
Campbell Dodson is Co-Founder of Lavo Solutions. For more information, contact Lavo Solutions at lavo@lavosolutions.com or call 949-377-1250.
Cam’s Corner: The All-Important Laundry Formula!

When was the last time you reviewed your wash formulas? Has it been since installation? One year, two years, or more? Don’t feel bad. If surveyed, I’d bet most struggle to review laundry formulas on a regular basis. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it…right?
Of course, this task is not necessary or mandatory. However, you could argue that wash formulas are the backbone of any laundry operation. Think about it. Wash formulas can affect many things like linen quality, water consumption, energy consumption, production time, overall guest perceptions, linen life, and more. Checking and reviewing wash formulas on a regular basis should be part of any laundry maintenance program. Small improvements to wash formulas and regular reviews of the categories below can save customers time and resources, which can lead to bottom line savings. And who knows, you might see improvements to cleanliness and linen life as well. Now that is a value proposition!
- Water Levels & Temperatures:
Incorrect water levels in wash formulas will have an adverse effect on water consumption just like incorrectly programmed water temperatures can adversely affect gas or electricity consumption. And while it may not seem like a lot today, over a period of weeks and months, it can add up quickly. A good rule of thumb is use low level settings for steps involving the addition of chemistry and medium to high water settings for rinsing steps. Temperature settings should be checked for each step and be based on what is recommended for your chemistry program. Remember that water levels and temperatures can also be affected by the washer itself. For example, clogged transducers or inaccurate level gauges or faulty temperature sensors can also lead to higher water consumption and poor linen quality. These should also be part of your review. In the cases where you may find a problem, seek the assistance of the local maintenance engineer and bring the issues to their attention so they can fix them.
- Step Times
It is a good idea to review step times periodically. You may find there are opportunities to shorten a step by a minute or two and keep the same quality levels expected by your clients. For example, if a Wash step in a light to medium soil program is set for 10 minutes, try lowering it to 8 or 9 minutes. Wash a few loads and observe the quality and plan to review quality again in a week or two to make sure there are no issues. In cases where this is a very frequently run formula, the time savings will add up over the weeks and months. This time can be spent running stain loads or reclaim loads without compromising normal production. Time the account could use to clean the plant, maintenance equipment, or blow down the laundry. Value!
- Chemical Signals
Washing equipment is just like any other electrical piece of equipment and over time and with heavy use, things can change or even stop working. Supply signals are no exception. In addition, mistakes can be made when programming wash formulas into microprocessors at the time of the installation. These mistakes may go unnoticed for a period of time. It is a good idea to review whether the supply signals are working properly and that injection steps in your wash formulas have not changed.
- Drain Times
Trying to cut corners on drain times can be detrimental to linen quality. A good rule of thumb for drain times is 45 sec to 1 min. During the drain steps, the machine is aiding in the removal of soils and residual chemicals from the linen and the wash wheel. When drain times are too short, soils and residual chemistry remain in the washer and could re-deposit on linens. This re-deposition can cause poor linen quality and possibly affect linen life. Make sure you have a drain step programmed between each wash formula step for an adequate amount of time.
- Extraction
The extraction step should be programmed to remove the right amount of water or moisture without creating other issues. Extract times programmed correctly in a wash formula can help to lower dry times, sometimes by several minutes. This lower dry time will save gas or electric costs and can also help improve linen life. Value! It is hard to say exactly what the right extract times are per linen classification, because environmental conditions and extraction speeds vary and have an impact on the amount of water removed. In order to optimize your extract times and moisture retention rates, experiment with extract times and consult the local maintenance engineer for additional assistance.
It is no secret that programmed wash formulas affect laundry operations. A proactive review of the programmed wash formulas in each washing machine, should be part of a regular maintenance program to prevent unnecessary quality issues and help to improve the overall laundry operations for your customers.
Campbell Dodson is Co-Founder of Lavo Solutions. For more information, contact Lavo Solutions at lavo@lavosolutions.com or call 949-377-1250.
Lavo Introduced in ISSA News
Thanks to our friends at ISSA for including Lavo Solutions in the ISSA News! Lavo is proud to be a member of the World Wide Cleaning Association. Contact us to connect at the ISSA Show in Dallas.
Say Hello to LavoWash!
A true “one size fits all” laundry dispensing solution.
LavoWash OPL dispensers offer 3-6 pump configurations with flow rates from 17-68 oz/min, providing customization for machines from 50 to 600 lbs. Save on service costs with a simple solution for small to large OPL applications.
Lavo Solutions Offer Custom Labeling
Lavo can custom label our products for your brand or customer. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for your brand.











































