1. A Clean New Reality
The global spread of COVID-19 has forced everyone to question and rethink the procedures for cleanliness and sanitation in vehicles, buildings, and facilities. Creating a clean environment has never been more vital to doing good business.
In this new reality, drivers and passengers alike worry about the safety of traveling, whether locally or long distances, for business or leisure. Fleet vehicle operations can not only sanitize against COVID and other forms of bacteria and viruses, but also provide priceless peace of mind.
As a transportation operator, whether in a work service or passenger fleet, your reputation and quality depend on setting up cleaning and sanitation best practices to eliminate contagions while ensuring personal and public health.
2. Sanitary Evidence
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention as well as government authorities in the U.K. have deemed steam cleaning as one of the strongest disinfectants against bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.
As an intense heat treatment, it has killed viruses on soft furnishings, according to Ideal Home, a U.K. home improvement website and magazine. In fact, when the coronavirus broke out on cruise ships in March2020, the cruise lines were advised to steam clean carpets, curtains, and upholstery at a high-enough temperature to deter further infection, the site reports.
In a Shape.com article, William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine noted, “We use steam under pressure to kill viruses in autoclaves. Steam is how we sterilize medical equipment that we use in the laboratory.” That steam is used in a controlled setting under pressure, which allows the steam to reach higher temperatures.
While medical disinfection, via a medical-grade autoclave, is different than the system used to sanitize the interior of a vehicle are different, the result is the same, a sterilized, safe-to-use environment.
3. The Cleansing Power of Steam
The highly contagious and dangerous COVID virus has been shown to potentially linger on uncleaned surfaces for days, exposing anyone who touches them to illness. In addition to person-to-person interaction, touching common surfaces is one way the virus can spread.
Fortador steam cleaners, available in diesel hybrids and electric models, emit dry ionized steam, making it possible to clean delicate and hard to reach areas using substantially less moisture compared to conventional boiler systems. In addition to killing bacteria and viruses, steam reaching 212 ºF melts and removes grease, oil, and dirt leaving surfaces clean and dry.
The Fortador system’s efficiency also produces a high pound-force per square inch(PSI) that expunges dirt quickly and relies on a large enough boiler tank that does not have to be refilled during a cleaning detail.
In addition to commercial-grade PSI, the Fortador cleaners include a water-tank, boiler, and multiple detergent tanks to allow enough power and energy to clean several vehicles at a time inside and out without having to pause to refill the water, detergent, or fuel. Powered by a Lamborghini-built diesel burner and handcrafted in Europe, Fortador steam cleaners also save thousands of dollars yearly only on fuel consumption.
4. Making Chemicals Optional
Steam cleaning brings another advantage by enabling vehicle operators to avoid chemicals that could damage or dry out upholstery and/or create risks for people with sensitivity to them. By minimizing the need for chemicals, the sanitizing capabilities of dry vapor steam also sharply reduces harmful residue that could reach storm drains and pollute the environment.
But while steam is known for its cleaning and sanitizing power, automotive surfaces or stains can sometimes require specialized detergent. Fortador Pro Plus andPro S steam cleaners come ready with three detergent tanks, enabling detailers to clean and decontaminate any surfaces quickly with just the right amount of detergent.
In sum, by deploying a reliable, high quality, heavy duty steam cleaner, your fleet will do its part to help people move freely through the world again. And, more importantly, you will communicate that your transportation operation or business puts the health and well-being of your customers and drivers first, which builds good will and goes straight to the bottom line.