The ‘Vital 4D’ approach to cleaning is relatively new to schools, colleges and businesses across the Cambridge area.

But having experienced it for themselves, some forward thinking and sustainably conscious educational establishments in Cambridge are adopting Vital 4D and incorporating it into their cleaning processes as part of their commitment to a cleaner and greener future.

Vital 4D, based on the principles of 4D Cleaning and developed by cleaning supplies experts Newline, brings a host of other further benefits beyond the obvious environmental ones.

If you’re unfamiliar with what the Vital 4D approach to cleaning is, or want to see it in action, keep reading to learn more.

Getting to Know Vital 4D

Vital 4D is a specialised cleaning approach based on the 4D cleaning system. Developed by cleaning supplies specialists Newline, its goal is to replace outdated cleaning methods and tools to:

• Better protect the environment
• Improve cleaning efficiency
• Enhance staff productivity
• Improve cleaning standards and hygiene
• Make cleaning safer for both cleaning operatives and those who use the building.

As well as the schools and colleges in Cambridge that feature in this article, other businesses and other public sector organisations across the UK are starting to join the growing community using Vital 4D.

How 4D Helps Sustainability

For decades, the cleaning industry has relied on harsh chemicals in cleaning products. These chemicals are known to put cleaners’ health at risk. 4D Cleaning uses environmentally friendly equipment and products instead.

Some of the items used in the Vital 4D process include:

Bio Enzyme cleaning

Bio Enzyme cleaning products are biotechnology-based and biodegradable, which in turn, avoids the need for using harmful chemicals. Not only do enzyme cleaning products outperform traditional cleaning products, they are VOC free, non-toxic, cost effective and far more sustainable than petrochemical based cleaners.

The i-mop

Known for its high efficiency, the i-mop cleans 70% faster than traditional mops. It’s a core component of Vital 4D, helping to reduce water consumption, energy requirements and associated costs.

For example, when used on floors, the i-mop cleans 90% more effectively than conventional string mops, cleans 70% faster and requires 75% less water.

Tersano SAO Dispenser

Combining electricity, water and oxygen, it is the ultimate surface cleaning solution. Toxic waste is eliminated, 99.99% of bacteria are killed and cleaners are protected. Furthermore, the Tersano SAO Dispenser destroys Covid-19, E. coli and Salmonella, keeping those in the vicinity safe as well. 

Bamboo and sugarcane paper consumables

Most paper-based cleaning consumables are made from tree-sourced paper pulp, which can take 27 years to grow back. Vital 4D uses products made from bamboo and sugarcane plants which grow back extremely quickly. For example, bamboo can grow up to three feet in just 24 hours, making it a more sustainable option.

Training

The 4D Cleaning approach extends beyond just using the latest cleaning technology, equipment and products. It incorporates high-quality training for cleaners to increase efficiency, cutting cleaning costs for clients. This training allows for all four dimensions of a room to be treated i.e. the floors, surfaces, walls and air.

4D Cleaning in Action

The three case studies below show how Vital 4D has been effectively used to tackle multiple problems that these Cambridge-based schools and colleges were facing.

Other academic institutions such as Darwin College have fully embraced the method, while King’s College and Homerton are using elements of Vital 4D.

Case Study One - St Faith’s School

St Faith’s School was experiencing nasty odours coming from its bathrooms. In most cases, this problem is caused by bacterial contaminations that are present on the floors, toilet bases, drains or walls. 

Traditional cleaning solutions and air fresheners will not eradicate the smell; all they can do is temporarily remove or disguise the problem.

By applying the Vital 4D approach, comprising of Biogiene’s probiotic hygiene solution, Motorscrubber, the i-move 2.5b Bac Vac, i-mop, Viruskiller unit and Tersano, the issue was resolved, leaving bathrooms that smelled great and a healthier building environment overall.

Case Study Two - Magdalene College Cambridge

Magdalene College was looking for ways to reduce its expenditure on chemical cleaners, and Newline recommended its Vital 4D approach. By switching to Vital 4D, the college was able to save an incredible 75% 

This was made possible by Tersano’s chemical-free SAO surface cleaning solution. Rather than needing harsh chemicals, it only requires water, oxygen and electricity, yet still delivers fantastic results by killing 99.99% of harmful bacteria. It also removes germs and viruses, including Covid-19, as well as reducing environmental impact.

Case Study Three - Selwyn College

Reducing water consumption is a top priority for Selwyn College. They noticed that a huge amount of water was being used for cleaning. Once Vital 4D was adopted, the need for water during the cleaning process dropped by a staggering 75%.

This achieved through use of the i-mop, an innovative floor cleaning tool which, as well as being 90% more effective than a traditional floor mop, saves an impressive amount of water in the process.

Since then, Selwyn College have adopted the full Vital 4D approach, so also use the i-mop i-move 2.5B back vac for floors, the Motorscrubber for walls and hard to reach floor spaces and Tersano for general surface cleaning.

Final Thoughts

As the UK looks for ways to improve sustainability, the cleaning sector can try and do its bit to help.

Looking at what has been accomplished in a short amount of time by these and other Cambridge education establishments, it’s clear that a cost-effective and environmentally conscious cleaning best practice can be developed across all forms of commercial cleaning for the benefit of the environment, cleaning operatives and buildings users and inhabitants.

Contact Newline for more information.