Car Giant Working On Robot Cleaners-It May Not Be Sci-Fi After All

 There are millions of people out there who love cleaning the house. They enjoy brushing up and doing the dusting, often feeling a sense of achievement and accomplishment when it is done.

However, at the same time, some see doing the housework as a chore or an inconvenience. Many do not enjoy tidying up, considering it a necessary hardship.

Not to put too fine a point on it, cleaning can sometimes be a bit of a pain, which they would gladly leave to someone else if they could.

But, in this age of technological advancement, what if you no longer had to do the cleaning up, and in fact, the job could be done by a robot?

Yes, you read that right! This is not a science fiction story or an episode of `The Twilight Zone`. Believe it or not, a major Japanese car manufacturer is now developing cutting edge robotic systems, which could be used to clean people’s homes.

It has been revealed researchers at Toyota are working on a prototype for a house cleaning robot. One actually suspending from the ceiling, with arms which can reach down and wipe the kitchen surfaces with a sponge while at the same time, another robot is buzzing round the living room, wiping down the tv screen, or clearing the coffee table.

It seems incredible, but boffins at the $1 billion Toyota Research Institute in Los Altos, California have set up a mock house laid out like an actual home, experimenting with various systems, to someday make household cleaning robots a reality.

Toyota opened its California institute five years ago, to bring its knowledge of car manufacture into the world of robotics. As a matter of fact, it is believed computer and actuation equipment used in contemporary vehicles can be transferred to the building of robots.

Advances in Artificial Intelligence could also herald a new era in robotics. We could see them evolve from carrying out simple repetitive movements to gathering sensory and planning skills and mastering machine learning.

In other words, we may soon see the day when robots carry out more complex tasks and even learn to think for themselves. Who would have thought it?

However, at the moment, it is still quite challenging for robots to carry out household tasks like cleaning. So, we may not yet see every home with its own android, wearing an apron doing the dusting or hoovering up, but they are still working towards it.

Especially, in Japan, where scientists believe robots, in decades to come, could play everyday roles in assisting the ageing population. Could they help the elderly keep their homes clean, or even become live-in carers?

Who knows what the future will bring!

visit: https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/robot-cleaners-it-may-not-be-sci-fi-after-all/

Family Business Cleaning Up For Half A Century

 Look how far they have come! A family cleaning firm, started by two brothers from Leicester in the East Midlands, has just reached a major milestone. Let us have a big hand for Hands Cleaners Limited, which has just celebrated its 50th birthday.

Who could have predicted when Bill and Eddie Hargrave set up their window cleaning business back in 1970, working beneath an archway in Duns Lane, it would still be going strong?

They started out by cleaning local offices on their own, but within ten years, had employed a dozen industrial cleaners full time, alongside other full and part-time cleaners.

The company had extended so much that, by 1980, they moved to bigger premises on Humberstone Gate, and covered other areas like Nottingham, Derby and Loughborough, in the county of Leicestershire.

Down through the decades, the firm grew from strength to strength. Back in 2010, Hands Cleaners Limited had a major coup, when they cleaned all the offices of snack food giant Walker’s Crisps in Leicester and Coventry, helping them secure other contracts.

Moreover, seven years ago, they wished to relocate to a more central site, and moved to the Gelders Hall industrial estate, which they now call home.

The business now employs around 400 workers, mostly specialising in cleaning schools and office buildings. One of their major clients being the laboratory supplies group Fisher Scientific, based in Loughborough.

Despite the current crisis, 2020 has proven to be the busiest year Hands Cleaners Limited has ever had. They have won the contracts to clean three schools and many customers wish to have their offices cleaned various times during the day, instead of just one clean in the evening.

It should also be noted, Hands Cleaners Limited works on a contract to contract rather than long term basis and will not rest until their clients are completely satisfied.

The Hargrave brothers have put their continued success down to providing their customers the best possible service, as well as taking good care of their employees, who are just as committed to doing a good job. This is partly how Hands Cleaners Limited has stayed in business for half a century. So, here’s to the next fifty years!

We at Ultra Sparkle are just as dedicated to providing our clients with the best cleaning services available, right in the heart of South Lanarkshire. So, why not see for yourself? You can experience the superlative customer service, putting us at the centre of commercial and residential cleaning in your area, and it is only set to continue. The future is bright when you come to Ultra Sparkle.

Source: Leicestermercury.co.uk

For More Details Visit us: https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/family-business-cleaning-up-for-half-a-century/

Why Not Go Green When Doing The Cleaning

 

We are now well beyond spring, the time of year when people usually decide to give their house a thorough cleaning. However, in the current pandemic, many have perhaps neglected the housework as they catch up on other things or try to cope with home-schooling.

Now lockdown is easing slightly and kids are on school holidays people have more time. With a large percentage of the population who were staying at home and self-isolating, now returning to work, many may treat this as an opportunity to catch up with cleaning.

If you are planning on having a huge clean, then you need the right product for the job. In this day and age, when many are choosing to live ecologically, it is becoming more commonplace to go `green` and use environmentally friendly products when cleaning the home.

Companies developing Eco-friendly products

Many cleaning companies are recognising the rise in ecological products. They are bringing out cutting edge items, using the latest innovations and discoveries. One such firm is Cif, who have developed a unique method of reducing packaging waste. Their bathroom cleaner in a spray bottle now has an Eco refill you can use when you run out. Therefore, one bottle can last a long time, saving you buying another. This decreases your plastic use by almost four-fifths.

Another company on the frontline of what has been called eco-cleaning is Method. It has put out an anti-bacterial, all-purpose cleaner, created from natural biodegradable ingredients. These are just a couple of examples of the many different ecological based innovations readily available on the market.

Be Green in all parts of your life

These days, going `green` and using environmental products and services has become so widespread it seemingly covers every aspect of life. Ranging from the type of car you drive to using less water, and now, how you clean your home. We have seen motorists replacing petrol or diesel cars for electrically powered ones. Now they have the opportunity to buy ecological cleaning products to use in your home this year.

Source: Thesun.co.uk

https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/why-not-go-green-when-doing-the-cleaning/

Safe Cleaning with Touchpoint Cleaning System

 

The world has faced an unprecedented challenge in the past few months, touching the lives of every individual. We have had to adapt to living under lockdown. Now as restrictions are being lifted, and we slowly and surely return to business, we have taken steps to protect both our staff and cleaners in these uncertain times.

Ultra Sparkle has come up with our unique “Touchpoint” Cleaning system. A series of conscientious measures, to shield our customers and allow our cleaners to work in safety.

Preventing the spread of Covid-19

Our cleaners will inform us right away if they are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19. We are also asking prospective clients, both residential and commercial, to let us know if anyone in their household are showing even mild symptoms. By working together, we can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Please be assured that our cleaners will carry out an NHS symptom check at the start of every shift, and thoroughly wash their hands before, during and after a cleaning.

Protective clothing and altered working practises

They will wear fresh aprons, disposable gloves and shoe covers for every job, alongside masks and eye shields. Our employees will constantly change mop heads and cleaning materials and open windows when suitable, creating an open airflow.

What’s more, we will ask our customers to adjourn to another room while we work if possible, or stay two metres apart, to maintain social distancing.

Our employees have also adapted their working practices while carrying out a cleaning. They will use an Anti-viral disinfectant called Virucide, widely used for reducing or destroying viruses, as well as conventional surface cleaner.

We will sanitise surfaces in home or office

Ultra Sparkle, through our Touchpoint cleaning system, have identified the surfaces, both in the home and office, which people most commonly touch. Therefore, when carrying out a cleaning, we follow a comprehensive checklist of the areas requiring attention. This ensures they are properly sanitised, to reduce the risk of Covid-19.

The kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in the home. People touch the sink, taps, worktops and furniture like tables and chairs. They also touch utensils, cutlery, the kettle, the toasters and the bin, alongside other items. That’s why we pay particular attention to this room.

Our cleaners will also check the furniture in the front room, such as the sofa and armchairs. It may not surprise you to learn the TV remote control is amongst the most frequently touched items in the home. How many times a day do you pick it up to change the channel or retrieve it from down the back of the sofa?

How many surfaces do you come into contact within the home? You turn on the light switch or a lamp. How about sitting at the table, opening the door, lounging around on the sofa, or taking a shower? The list is almost endless.

You should also consider how many surfaces you may touch in an average day in the workplace. From working at your desk, on a laptop, using a tablet, using a mouse, speaking on the phone, or even writing with a pen and pad, there are hundreds of day to day activities which require multi-surface contact.

You probably into contact with more areas in your home or workplace than you realise. However you can be sure that, when carrying out a commercial or residential deep cleaning, our workers will wipe them all down, finely spraying with Virucide.

Clients’ health is paramount

We are now moving into the next phase of life outside lockdown, where people may be understandably concerned about allowing a cleaner to re-enter their home or place of business.

But Ultra Sparkle’s pioneering Touchpoint cleaning system always puts our clients’ health first. We have introduced thorough working practices, to safeguard staff and customers and put your mind at ease.

You can be sure our cleaners are taking every precaution and are fully aware of our updated cleaning process. By keeping abreast of this ever-changing situation, and the latest safety measures, Ultra Sparkle brings you the most efficient cleaning service, even in these challenging times.

https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/safe-cleaning-with-touchpoint-cleaning-system/

Some Cleaning Chemicals Should Never Be Mixed

Mixing cleaning chemicals can be dangerous and now a survey has spelt out which should never be used together.

If you are an expert cleaner, you will know how to keep your home spic and span. However, when catching up with housework during lockdown and beyond, you should always be careful to avoid any mishaps. Safety is of primary importance, especially at a time like this.

You will be surprised how many people are putting their health at risk, by mixing household chemicals which should never go together.

This has been driven home by a cutting-edge survey by online marketplace OnBuy.com. They have highlighted the household chemicals which should never be combined while carrying out a deep cleaning.

Possible Danger to Health

Cleaning chemicals can often have the reverse effect and make an even bigger mess, instead of cleaning it up. In more extreme cases, mixing chemicals could have dangerous consequences which could endanger your health.

For instance, you should never mix bleach and ammonia. It produces toxic vapour, which can burn your eyes and hurt your organs. This can lead to respiratory issues which is a particularly concerning in the present pandemic.

The survey also recommends not combining bleach with rubbing alcohol as this produces dangerous gases which could cause unconsciousness or potentially death, if inhaled in large amounts.

Mixing these two substances together produces not only, chloroform and hydrochloric acid, but also dichloroacetone or chloroacetone. These could hurt your eyes, skin and nervous system and gravely impair your lungs, kidneys and liver.

Common household liquids can be dangerous if combined.

Some fairly common liquids that appear in almost every house can be very dangerous if mixed together. For example, bleach should never be combined with lemon juice or vinegar (or other acids), as this gives off chlorine gas. Chlorine gas causes respiratory distress and, if it gets on your skin, it can also cause a chemical burn.

If that was not bad enough, exposure to large quantities of the gas in a confined area with no ventilation can be fatal. In fact, this is why the vapour has been used as a chemical weapon.

Check safety information

It is hard to imagine just how hazardous it can be to mix the wrong chemicals. Who could have known it could see you losing consciousness, ending up in hospital or fighting for your life?

All in all, you should be aware of the risks you could be taking when cleaning your home, by making a dangerous chemical combinations. So, always be careful about the chemicals you plan to use, and check they can be safely used together.

Source: Thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/some-cleaning-chemicals-should-never-be-mixed/

Over Two Hundred Hours Cleaning!

A new study shows that Americans spend over two hundred hours cleaning their homes and some would give anything not to.

Does it sometimes feel like you are forever cleaning up and yet the housework is never done? Well, you are not alone. Spare a thought for the poor mums and dads in the United States, who dedicate days of their lives every year to tidying their houses.

If you require further proof, the findings of a new study say the average American parent spends over 200 hours, amounting to nine full days annually, doing the housework.

Researchers, examining cleaning behaviour in the US, consulted around two thousand subjects and asked them about their house cleaning habits. They concluded that more than half consider tidying up stressful, while over three-fifths of American parents say it feels like they are constantly doing housework.

Giving up luxuries and essentials

Sometimes, if the mess builds up, it may seem insurmountable, as if you will never get it done. Well, according to research, many Americans are willing to make major changes in their lives, as well as give up some home comforts, if it meant not having to tidy up.

Incredible as it may seem, especially today, 20% of Americans asked said they would give up their smartphone and never use it again, if they didn’t have to do the cleaning. If that wasn’t enough, two out of five said they would gladly stop watching Netflix for a year.

One in four said they would pack everything up and live in the woods for six months, while more than 10% said they would spend a month in jail if they could forego cleaning their house or apartment.

Better safe (and clean) than sorry.

Yes, doing the housework can feel like a chore sometimes, and you often may not be in the mood, particularly if it’s piling up, but it is amazing what some people will do to avoid it. Would you give up home comforts to avoid picking up a cloth, vacuum or mop and bucket or wiping the home with cleaning products?

If you are a parent, it can feel as if cleaning takes up a big part of your life. But isn’t it worth it to keep your living space tidy, safe and pleasant? Some may not enjoy doing the housework, but surely it’s better than living in the mess or making your family more susceptible to accidents or disease?

Source: Thesun.co.uk

https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/over-two-hundred-hours-cleaning/

Lockdown Easing Leads To Boom In Demand For Cleaners

The loosening of lockdown restrictions is allowing cleaners to return to work and is leading to a boom in demand. Lockdown has had a devastating effect on businesses across the UK. We have seen shops, pubs, and restaurants close all over the country. Quarantine restrictions, where we must stay at home and socially distance, has had a knock-on effect on some trades. Those requiring workers to enter your home, from builders and housepainters, to delivery drivers have been particularly effected.

One area of expertise adversely affected by lockdown restrictions has been the cleaning service industry. However, this may be all about to change with the news that certain restrictions have been lifted in England. This allows cleaners to enter people’s homes once more, which some are already seeing as a relief.

Cleaners Are in Demand

Since the UK Government announced the loosening of lockdown restrictions the upturn for cleaners has been phenomenal. We have reportedly seen a rise in searches for professional cleaning services go up by 400%. The UK has also seen an upsurge in demand as thousands of middle-class families get in touch with cleaners they had employed before lockdown. Many have been asked them to go back to work as soon as possible.

The UK government recently published guidelines saying cleaners can re-enter people’s homes for the first time since lockdown began at the end of March. It has been a difficult couple of months, but those working in the cleaning industry can pick up tools again and return to work, while observing certain conditions.

Government Guidelines for Cleaners

Based on government directions, cleaners obviously can only work in people’s homes if they, and the householders, are not showing symptoms of coronavirus. Cleaners can also be permitted to work for people aged 70 years old or over if they are in good health. However, they may not enter the homes of vulnerable or shielded individuals, unless to provide medical aid or improve health and safety.

Social distancing must be maintained, where cleaners will have to stay two meters away from their customers. Householders will also be asked to keep their windows open to create a steady airflow. They should also keep doors open to negate the use of doorknobs or handles.

Cleaners should take precautions inside houses

If you are a cleaner, working in a customer’s home, you are advised to wipe down any objects, worktops or surfaces you may touch with the cleaning products you work with. What’s more, if you need to cough or sneeze, you should sneeze into your elbow, or cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, to stem the spread of the virus. Or wear a face covering (as has recently been required in shops).

Presently, cleaners in England are not required to wear full PPE in customers’ homes, so as not to infringe on the supply of personal protective equipment needed for NHS workers and care homes. However, cleaners will still use PPE when working in medical or clinical sites like hospitals or other such locations.

You should be aware various cleaning agencies in England require cleaning staff to wear protective items like disposable gloves and shoe coverings when working, to safeguard themselves and their customers from infection.

Return to more normal life

It has been a tough couple of months for the cleaning industry, just like every other trade. However, the news that lockdown restrictions in England have been relaxed, allowing cleaners to work in people’s homes again, is seen as a step in the right direction. We still must be vigilant but this may be the first signs of life returning to normal, with the cleaning service right on the forefront.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/lockdown-easing-leads-to-boom-in-demand-for-cleaners/

Outcry Over Overflowing Manhole By Bridge Of Weir Restaurant

Bridge of Weir is a beautiful hamlet in the historic county of Renfrewshire. A tranquil, picturesque village, popular with walkers, ramblers and tourists, looking to take in the scenery and possibly grab a bite to eat.

Unfortunately, many residents feel, the villages’ attractive visage has been sullied somewhat, by an ongoing flooding problem, which a local businessman says has been an issue for a decade.

But now a regional counsellor, representing Bridge of Weir, Bishopton and Langbank, is demanding answers. Especially after sanitary towels and excrement have been found near a popular Italian restaurant in the village, leading many to say enough is enough and something must be done.

The people of Bridge of Weir have been complaining about overflowing manholes covers on Main Street. But there is one specific manhole, close to Amaretto, the restaurant in question, which has become something of a sore spot. The very issue Tory councillor James MacLaren has brought up with The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water.

It is a concern echoed by Mr Carlo Di Ciacca, the owner of Amaretto, who has stated flooding has been a problem in the village for ten years now. The owner contacted his MSP about it as far back as 2010, saying it happens every few months, three or four times a year, and should have been fixed a long time ago.

The manhole has since been unblocked by Scottish Water and they have cleaned the surrounding area. However, critics are still demanding a permanent solution to the manhole problem and find a way to stop the cover regularly overflowing. Particularly considering its proximity to Amaretto, with many calling for a full investigation as to why it keeps happening.

Scottish Water maintains many parts of Scotland have experienced flooding in the wake of Storms Ciara and Dennis. However, in the advent of the crisis, the company say they visited the village and performed a thorough cleaning. Clearing away debris and, in the light of sewer flooding coming from a manhole, carried out a full disinfection of the area while extending their apologies to locals.

They consider Main Street, Bridge Of Weir to have a high propensity for development and investment, which could decrease the possibility of sewer flooding. Scottish Water have also carried out survey work and are currently fixing 15 manholes in the area.

Moreover, SEPA has acknowledged receiving complaints about overflowing manhole covers in Bridge Of Weir, while Scottish Water was kept informed. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency understands work has been done to try and rectify the situation. What’s more, following a supplemental inspection, noted debris had been cleared away and could find no trace of pollution in the watercourse. But, despite action being taken, many still feel more needs to be done to address manhole flooding in the village, especially Mr Di Ciacca, proprietor of Amaretto.

You cannot underestimate how an unforeseen catastrophe, requiring a thorough cleaning, can negatively affect a business. It does not have to come from an overflowing manhole cover. There are many kinds of problems which could befall an office or workplace, necessitating the skills of expert cleaners.

But Ultra Sparkle Cleaning Services always uses the most experienced, highly trained cleaning crews, to keep your premises immaculate. Providing you with the perfect, spotless environment to work in at all times. You can depend on Ultra Sparkle.

https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/outcry-overflowing-manhole-bridge-weir-restaurant/

People Choosing To Have A Deep Cleaning Amid Current Fears

With COVID 19 also known as the coronavirus coming to the fore, people around the UK are taking precautions. Becoming more aware of the importance of keeping their soundings clean and sanitising their environment, be it their home or workplace.

Amid the current situation, premises are carrying out deep cleanings. This has been a common practice when dealing with a wide range of health or hygiene issues. For instance, it may be performed if a friend, family member or colleague suffers from an ailment such as asthma, which may be inflamed or aggravated by dust particles in the air. It may also apply to individuals suffering from a weakened immune system, alongside other conditions. Where a deep cleaning may be carried out, in the interests of maintaining good health.

But in the current climate, amid the coronavirus outbreak, a rising number of people are choosing to have a deep cleaning. A preventive measure to protect the public and stop the possible spread of infection.

Recently, a Nike store in Swindon, and two of its offices in London and Sunderland, temporarily closed their doors to have a deep cleaning. It has been reported the offices were cleaned over fears about coronavirus. But the manager of the Nike store, at the Swindon Designer Outlet, stated its closure was not related to the disease and it was only having a conventional deep cleaning.

Premises across the UK may choose to undergo a deep cleaning for various reasons. Home or business owners may arrange for their residential or commercial properties to be cleaned as part of everyday business. But, unfortunately at the present time, and possibly for the foreseeable future, it may be due to growing concerns over coronavirus.

Source: Cornwalllive.com

https://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/people-choosing-deep-cleaning-amid-current-fears/

Now The Festive Season Is Over Get Ready For The Post Christmas Clean Up

You wait all year for Christmas to come around so you can put your decorations up. Nothing fills you with the festive spirit like placing the tree by the window or hanging tinsel and streamers on the walls.

However, as much fun as it may be, you know that when the holiday is over, you are going to have to take them all down again. You may have enjoyed the madness and chaos of your Christmas, but how do you get your house back in order? What’s more, how do you clear the decorations away and clean your house again?

If you want to make everything spic and span after the festive season, your first job may be to strip the Christmas tree and putting it away. For many people, disassembling a tree can be just as troublesome as putting it together.

When putting your ornaments away, they must be carefully stored in a box, to keep them safe. You should wrap them individually, possibly in unused tissue and wrapping paper, left over from opening presents. Some recommend, for additional cushioning, taking the storage box and putting the skirt, or base of your Christmas tree on the bottom and placing the ornaments on top.

Another old tip for preventing Christmas lights from getting tangled is wrapping them in the tube the wrapping paper was rolled in, or you could use an empty toilet roll or paper towel tube. You can twist the wire around the roll and place the plug in the opening on top.

So, you have taken the decorations, lights and tinsel down and packed up the tree. But what are you going to do with your leftover Christmas dinner? You could cook up a storm, and can possibly make sandwiches, or even a curry, out of the turkey you didn’t use up.

If you have all finished preparing lunch, but can’t face cleaning out the oven and hob, then why not use our expert service where we will have your oven sparkling in no time at all.

If you have that Post Christmas clean up dread and want to start the year stress free with a clean home, then put your feet up, relax and let Ultra Sparkle give you the best start to the new year.

Source: Goodhousekeeping.com

http://www.sparklecleaninglanarkshire.uk/blog/now-festive-season-get-ready-post-christmas-clean/