In-Tec Commercial Cleaning is at the forefront of selecting the best and most innovative cleaning systems we can for our clients and we pride ourselves in not being just one of the ‘mop and bucket brigade’.
Our preferred cleaning system in terms of sustainability and effectiveness is the Tersano SAO (Stabilised Aqueous Ozone) cleaning system. This is an exceptional system that replaces conventional cleaning chemicals used on a day to day basis. It has the ability to not only clean, but also eliminates germs and viruses.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how SAO cleaning works and why we think it’s a first-rate choice for cleaning any workplace.
What is Stabilised Aqueous Ozone cleaning?
SAO cleaning is by far the most sustainable cleaning method on the market and is superior to virtually all chemical-based cleaning products. It is a safe, high performing, chemical free cleaner and sanitiser.
Through the use of a patented dispenser (pictured below), cold tap water is infused with ozone to dispense stabilised aqueous ozone on the spot. This aqueous ozone solution then transferred for use in spray bottles, mop buckets, floor cleaners and auto scrubbers by the cleaning team.
SAO cleaning has long been used in multiple industries for everything from treating bottled water to sterilising medical facilities and cleaning Olympic swimming pools.
How does SAO cleaning actually work?
The science behind SAO cleaning is actually quite simple.
Ozone – the active ingredient in the cleaning solution – is a molecule that is made up of three oxygen atoms (03). Ozone is found naturally in the earth’s atmosphere, but it doesn’t stay in the three-atom form for very long.
This is because, with three atoms, it is not a stable molecule.
Ozone always has one oxygen atom that is ready to break away and attach itself to other more attractive molecules.
It is when this extra oxygen atom attaches to another molecule – in a process called oxidisation – that damage is done to germs, dirt, and other contaminants that it comes into contact with.
Inside the dispensing unit, oxygen from the air is safely turned into ozone then infused into ordinary tap water.
The ozone is attracted to germs, stains and bacteria. Harmless to people, the ozone quickly attacks and eliminates contaminants it comes in contact with.
Only pure oxygen and water remain after the ozone cleans and sanitises.
- Inside the dispenser, oxygen from the air is safely turned into ozone then infused into ordinary tap water.
- The ozone is attracted to germs, stains and bacteria.
- Harmless to people, the ozone quickly attacks and eliminates contaminants it comes in contact with.
- Only pure oxygen and water remain after the ozone cleans and sanitizes.
How effective is SAO cleaning?
These facts and figures speak for themselves:
- It works 3000x faster and is 50% stronger than bleach.
- It kills 99.99% of germs, including dangerous bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, MRSA, C-difficile and more.
- It completely sanitises surfaces by destroying fungi, mould, allergens, and viruses.
- Aqueous ozone is so effective at killing bacteria and viruses that surgeons can use it to sterilize their hands before surgery
To ensure that the SAO cleaning system achieves these levels of effectiveness, special training is required on how to properly use the dispenser and the aqueous ozone solution.
At In-Tec, our frontline cleaning staff undergo thorough training in the SAO system before using it. Most have completed a minimum training level of Certification 2 in cleaning operations
Can the Tersano SAO system protect against the spread of Coronavirus?
In the face of the unfolding Coronavirus outbreak, Tersano is actively learning all it can about COVID-19.
The scientific name for the Coronavirus is “Coronaviridae”. The Coronaviridae virus falls into the group of viruses that are easiest to kill. SAO kills viruses like this quickly and easily. Click here for more information.
There are currently limited testing facilities available to trial the effectiveness of SAO cleaning on COVID-19. However, Tersano has conducted trials on another highly contagious virus from a similar family called the Canine Parovirus (ATCC VR-2016). The results of these tests allow Tersano to claim that “SAO...can kill over 99% of the Canine Parovirus within 5 minutes” Click here for full details.
These results are very encouraging and show that SAO is very effective in killing extremely infectious viruses. Tersano plans to continue working with laboratories as more options become available, including testing against COVID-19 directly.
Want to learn more about using the Tersano SAO cleaning system in your workplace?
We take a great deal of pride in ensuring our frontline cleaning team has the best training, equipment and support they need to do their work. Unlike other cleaning companies who use cleaning products that come off the supermarket shelf, we only use the best.
Click here to request a no obligation site visit and quote today.