SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/77829
• Renting is a solution when special cleaning tasks must be performed. Most fa- cilities refinish hard-surface floors and clean carpets two or more times per year. Having in-house crews perform these tasks can offer a significant cost savings, as long as you have the proper cleaning equipment. Here again, high-performing scrubbers and car- pet extractors can be rented, saving gym owners thousands of dollars. • Renting is an option for those times when time is of the essence and extra equip- ment is necessary. In some cases, gym custo- dial crews may have the cleaning tools necessary to perform a particular cleaning task, but renting additional equipment for specific tasks can help get the job done faster. • Those rare or onetime tasks such as cleanup after remodeling or new construc- tion are also opportunities to save money by renting equipment. Although the final step in most construction projects typically is the cleanup phase by those doing the work, it is not unusual that gym custodial crews must perform what is termed a "final" cleanup. Once again, renting is often the most cost-effective way to acquire the equipment necessary for these tasks. • Renting is great for handling emergen- cies. As in our example, renting wet/dry cleaning equipment, air movers, and even mops and buckets to handle emergencies such as water damage "gets the job done at a significantly reduced cost. SELECTING RENTAL CLEANING EQUIPMENT thorough when selecting cleaning equip- ment to rent as they are when purchasing such machines, they still should do their homework and spend some time analyzing machines before renting them off the floor. The goal is to select a machine that does the job [and] does it quickly, effectively, and safely. Whether it is a floor machine, scrubber, or carpet extractor, you should select only equipment manufactured for the profes- sional cleaning industry from well-known, established manufacturers. Cleaning a gym invariably calls for professional equipment. Tools designed for home or residential use will simply not do the job. www.stma.org SportsTurf 25 Although managers do not need to be as Some rental retailers purchase cleaning equipment made by lesser-known compa- nies because the machines are often less ex- pensive. However, these machines may not be up to the demanding needs of a gym fa- cility, and their overall performance and durability may prove inadequate. Ask the rental retailer if the equipment meets pro- fessional standards and [if] the company is a well-established cleaning equipment man- ufacture. Just because you are renting does not mean you should use inferior equip- ment. And remember, when it comes to cleaning, time is money. A more effective, professional machine will save money in the long run. Selecting a rental retailer is similar to se- lecting a janitorial distributor or other ven- dor a gym manager works with regularly. You want to find someone who is knowl- edgeable about the equipment and cleaning tasks, [is] dependable, [is] helpful, and, pos- sibly most important, will spend some time working with you. Because of this, I suggest a "big-box" re- tailer may not necessarily be the best choice. In many cases, the cleaning equip- ment available for renting at a big-box store may be designed for residential and not commercial use. And of even greater impor- tance, the store will likely not have the per- sonnel available to help with any necessary training or if problems arise. I would suggest instead working with a rental company specializing in renting all kinds of equipment. Along with having a more extensive product selection, usually these companies staff people who are edu- cated as to how the equipment is to be used and can troubleshoot should problems arise. And most important, they will know what tools and equipment are necessary when an emergency, such as water damage or flood, strikes. ■ ing service contractor and now a writer for the professional cleaning industry. Robert Kravitz is a former building clean-