Stewardship Principle
One concept that is generally agreed upon is the principle of stewardship. One definition from Wikipedia suggests that it is “an ethical value that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources.” We will apply the concepts of stewardship to environmental health, human health, soft and hard surface preservation, and resources such as water, energy and equipment. Paying attention to the core value of stewardship involves purpose, research, and clear decisions to make it a priority in any business. We will discuss how our industry can apply pertinent principles to your business, reflecting your commitment to stewardship. Stewardship can be a universal value beyond politics as we make common sense decisions on how professional cleaning lengthens the use of furnishings and slows down land fill accumulations. We will not agree on every application, but we can agree on the direction we want to pursue. It starts and ends with the pursuit of stewardship.
Stewardship of Resources: Water, Energy and Equipment
This discussion relates to using the method
of cleaning that is needed to get the job done. There has been a long debate about which type of cleaning is better: low moisture cleaning or hot water extraction? When you view the choice relating to the conservation of resources, the answer depends on the circumstances. If restoration cleaning is necessary to extend the life of soft or hard surface, then hot water extraction would be the clear answer. If you are doing maintenance cleaning, then low moisture should be considered. Low moisture cleaning definitely conserves water, energy and equipment more than hot water extraction. Low moisture cleaning equipment is less expensive than extraction equipment and also uses less resources. Adding wear and tear to expensive extraction equipment when low moisture cleaning will do the job may not be the best option.
However, making the decision on what would be the best choice for the condition of the carpet on the job site takes training and judgment. It also may mean that both may need to be used at the same location at the same visit. It is easy to see that low moisture cleaning would be good for areas used less often in the home and hot water extraction be used for the common areas of the home. Involving customers who also value stewardship of resources along with different pricing gets them involved. It may be that they may choose one type of cleaning over the other entirely. In any event, the customer chooses the resources being used. In the west, water shortages may make low moisture cleaning more appealing to some customers.
Low moisture cleaning in the home has its limits when children and pets are present. Deep cleaning provided by extraction cleaning may be necessary to keep the carpet or various hard surfaces safer for those who crawl or lay on it regularly. However, for empty nesters, low moisture cleaning may be preferred. This low moisture cleaning can also be used for area rugs and upholstery to get good results. Rug washing uses copious amounts of water which can be problematic in the west, except when it is necessary to prolong the life of such valuable surfaces.
The choices cleaners have in determining conservation of resources is partially under their control and with the involvement of their customers can be positive for stewardship, customer relations, and business growth. Business leaders may need to make changes to fit the times where resources are not as readily available. In any event, use resources wisely with the willingness to defend your recommended choices.
Conservation of Resources: Water, Energy & Equipment
- Support Low Moisture and Hot Water Extraction Systems Simultaneously
- Use method needed
- Low moisture for maintenance, extraction for restoration
- Results in using both methods in house
Monitor Water and Energy Usage