If I served you water in two glasses, one cleaned by removing the bacteria and the other by killing bacteria, which remains in the glass, which one would you choose? Nobody would prefer consuming bacteria even if it is dead. Mechanical cleaning is used to wash equipment, utensils, and other objects by removing all the dirt and microorganisms on them. It entails passing an abrasive material on the surface based on three primary methods: airless centrifugal blast blade wheels, compressed air using indirect-draw, or direct pressure dry blast nozzle systems. Chemical cleaning involves the use of detergents, acids, alkalis, spirit solvents, bleaches, and sanitizers to kill microorganisms. Its efficacy depends on the choice of chemical, aging of equipment, and deposit composition. Mechanical cleaning is a safer method since it is more effective, eco-friendly with fewer health hazards, and has a low repair and maintenance cost.
Mechanical cleaning is proficient because it eradicates all microorganisms and dirt from a surface. Using equipment eliminates the accumulation of bacteria on a cleaning textile, hence reducing the risk of recontamination. The advancement of robotic technology has made the manufacturing of hands-free vacuum cleaners possible. These vacuums are designed in such a way that their floor heads are lighter and more streamlined, enabling them to clean the tightest places such as corners, under cupboards, and the stairs. According to a study conducted by Maagoe & Kemna (2019), vacuum cleaners have higher performance, and most of them have a dust reemission of less than 10%. The study also highlights that robot vacuum cleaners have an added advantage of cleaning more often, having high autonomy, and producing low levels of noise but, they had lower performance.
Conversely, some chemicals cause adverse effects on the equipment they are applied on. For instance, biocides induce surface erosion, staining, increase susceptibility to pollutants, and alter the capillary water absorption of equipment (Villa et al., 2020). Such surfaces do not last long for the changes caused by the disinfectants. Wang (2019) conducted a study to compare the effectiveness of mechanical cleaning and disinfection of ventilator pipes used in the intensive care units. There were 2 categories and group A received mechanical cleaning while group B had disinfection. From the study, machine-driven washing is more effective since group A stayed in the hospital for a shorter time compared to group B. Therefore, for efficiency and quality of cleaning, mechanical methods are superior.
The 21st century has been the hallmark of campaigns against environmental pollution, and society has adopted an eco-friendly lifestyle. Moreover, people prefer practices that are of less harm to them. Contamination of the environment affects both animals and human life. Mechanical cleaning is in line with reduced contamination of the ecosystem; it requires the use of less power and chemicals, hence no harm is done to the environment. Contrariwise, chemicals used in cleaning have adverse effects on both the environment and human life. For instance, perchloroethylene, a chemical used in laundry washing is effective but has several drawbacks. Some of its effects include damage to the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal irritations. Repeated exposure to perchloroethylene via inhalation or by mouth increases the risk of developing cancer in humans and animals (Cichocki et al., 2016). This chemical has a high vapor pressure and low water solubility hence it is a common air pollutant. Moreover, its presence in drinking and groundwater makes it a hazard to the environment.
Perchloroethylene has caused extensive contamination due to its extensive use in laundry. In the United States, a recent analysis of contaminants present at dangerous waste sites revealed that perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene were more common in the dumping areas (Cichocki et al., 2016). These chemicals also persist in the environment leading to prolonged effects. A study done in China revealed that the use of household cleaning chemicals increases the risk of children developing rhinitis, and it also surges maximal-mid expiratory flow, an early indicator of lung disease (Lao et al., 2019). Thus, unlike chemical methods, mechanical cleaning promotes healthy surroundings and causes no harm to human lives.
Mechanical cleaning is cheaper than the chemical method considering the maintenance costs. Once bought, the former only requires maintenance and repair while the latter needs a regular purchase of the chemicals. In the mechanical method, the end-users can do most of the repairs on the vacuum cleaners. Such repairs include exchanging the suction head, hose, or other external parts. Maintenance involves a change of filters, bags, brushes and belts, and regular cleaning of the brushes. Vacuum cleaners without bags only require regular emptying of the receptacle. The overall lifetime cost of repairing and maintaining vacuum cleaners is 20 euros per year for mains-operated and commercial cleaners cost 31 euros per year (Maagoe & Kemna, 2019). In chemical cleaning, one is required to buy the substances regularly, making it costly. Furthermore, different compositions of varying quantities are used to clean various surfaces. The efficacy of reagents is directly proportional to the prices since the effectiveness of this method depends on the reagent used. Comparing the two forms of cleaning in terms of expenditures, mechanical cleaning is cost-effective.
In conclusion, for a healthier life and a promising future, mechanical cleaning should be a top choice in every household. This method delivers a superior cleaning, with the elimination of all microorganisms. Coming generations are assured of a clean environment for mechanical cleaning causes little harm to it and human beings. Moreover, it is economical because of the low costs of maintenance and repair. Chemical cleaning has adverse effects on human life and the environment and hence it should be avoided at all costs. It is upon each person to choose wisely, bearing in mind that their tomorrow depends on their choices.
References
Cichocki, J. A., Guyton, K. Z., Guha, N., Chiu, W. A., Rusyn, I., & Lash, L. H. (2016). Target organ metabolism, toxicity, and mechanisms of trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene: Key similarities, differences, and data gaps.Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 359(1), 110-123. Web.
Lao, X. Q., Ho, K. F., Wong, C. C., & Tian, L. (2019). Respiratory health effects of household cleaning products on Hong Kong school children.Hong Kong Medical Journal, 25(1), 24-26. Web.
Maagøe, A. V., & en Kemna, B. V. H. (2019). Review study on vacuum cleaners-final report. [PDF document]. Web.
Villa, F., Gulotta, D., Toniolo, L., Borruso, L., Cattò, C., & Cappitelli, F. (2020). Aesthetic alteration of marble surfaces caused by biofilm formation: Effects of chemical cleaning.Coatings, 10(2), 122. Web.
Wang, P. (2019). Mechanical cleaning of ventilator pipe reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia compared with manual immersion disinfection. Int J Clin Exp Med, 12(1), 828-835. Web.