MaintenanceSuppliesMag.com |

MONEY SAVERS

For some customers, the misperception that wipes are more expensive than traditional cleaning methods prevails. In reality, however, cleaning with wipes can help a facility realize savings for a number of reasons.

Jenkins says using wipes is more cost-effective than renting cloths from textile rental companies. “There are unexpected costs that most companies don’t take into consideration,” he says. “Textile rental companies pass on the environmental fees they must pay directly back to the facilities. Many rental companies also charge a lost towel fee, which can add up quickly.”

Owning and laundering reusable cloths incurs additional expenses, as well. “Disposable wipes save money because they cut down on laundry expenses,” says Morrison. “In order to kill bacteria on cloths, they should be washed in hot water. Facilities can save on the energy consumed to heat water by using wipes instead.”

Facilities that use wipes will also experience a reduction in labor costs, according to David Wray, president of Brilliance Wipes. Wray says the company’s stainless steel wipes reduced labor costs by 60 percent at Target Corporation’s north campus corporate office. “Ordinarily stainless steel has to be cleaned once per day, but after three cleanings with our product, workers cut it down to once a week.”

The U.S. Navy, the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, and Walt Disney World all use Brilliance’s versatile wipe, which polishes stainless steel, granite and wood.

VERSATILITY

The wipes segment has grown so quickly, in part, because there are no customers without a need for them. It’s simply a matter of finding the right wipe for the customer. Wipe manufacturers constantly evolve their lines to meet the diverse needs of multiple markets.

Cantelmo says Diamond Wipes started out by selling their hot and cold wipes to restaurants for customers to tidy themselves up after ordering a messy meal. “Studies show that food quality actually ranks No. 4 among the top priorities of restaurant goers,” says Cantelmo. “Cleanliness is No. 1 because it greatly impacts the whole guest experience. Patrons seeking a quality guest experience aren’t only looking for clean restrooms, but also the opportunity to clean up after certain dishes. Wipes afford them that luxury.”

The success of Diamond’s restaurant wipe drove the company to begin developing other uses for it. After researching and testing different formulations, Diamond wipes expanded their line to include anti-bacterial wipes, personal deodorant wipes and even make-up removers for high-end cosmetic companies through their private label program.

Cantelmo says there is no limit to where wipes can be used, or how they can be packaged and marketed. “They can be used to sanitize in airports, tanning salons and health clubs, and we can label them for use in specific places, such as on the golf course, in an airplane or in the office,” he says.