Rink

20 R INK MAGAZ INE november/december 2009 STARrinks.com When cleaning the high-traffic areas in the rink, locker rooms are a main concern. There are stick marks on the wall, and everything inside a hockey bag ends up on the floor, including hockey tape and baby powder. It takes time and hard work to keep up, but it's much easier if staff stays on top of those areas daily it makes it much easier. Like most things, if we start to let it go, more and more marks will appear. Much like the broken window theory: If people see a dirty area, they will just add to it. By keeping an area clean, more people are likely to help keep it clean. According to Carteiro and Newhall, one of the keys to having a good cleaning regimen is to have the proper tools and chemicals. Janitor's closets are an important part of the process and also are needed to help keep dangerous chemicals away from the public and curious kids. A checklist is another item that helps keep things from being missed. A good janitor's cart is essential to help save time and footsteps while cleaning the facility. Newhall actually has worn a step meter to see just how much area he covers during a workday. He found that he logs between seven and nine miles a shift while making his rounds in the facility. Having good power equipment is essential, including a power sweeper, which helps pick up all the loose dirt before using a mop or floor scrubber. Of course, there is no substitute for a good mop and elbow grease. Mops get used exten- sively to keep the facility clean in all areas. The trick is to spot clean the area first with a strong solvent cleaner and rag, then go over it with the mop. Carteiro and Newhall use a good quality floor scrubber regularly to stay ahead of the floor clean- ing. They recommend crubbing on a good chemical cleaner (one that is specifically used for each type of rubber floor) and letting it sit for a few minutes before CLEAN! it Keepin' There is no substitute for a good mop and elbow grease.

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