Business

Certified Softwash Solutions Offers Expert Tips for Maintaining Clean Exterior Surfaces Post Softwashing

LaSalle, Ontario – Aug 5, 2024 – Certified Softwash Solutions, a leading provider of professional softwash house cleaning services, is proud to offer expert advice on maintaining the cleanliness of exterior surfaces following a softwashing treatment. Serving Windsor, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Tecumseh, Kingsville, Leamington, Essex, Lakeshore, and surrounding areas, the company emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance to prolong the benefits of their specialized cleaning method.

Benefits of Softwashing Over Traditional Pressure Washing:

Softwashing has emerged as a superior alternative to traditional pressure washing for several key reasons. Unlike pressure washing, which relies on high-pressure water streams to clean surfaces, softwashing uses low-pressure water combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions. This method not only effectively removes dirt, algae, mold, and mildew but also ensures the longevity of the surfaces being cleaned. The gentle nature of softwashing makes it ideal for delicate materials such as stucco, shingles, wood, and painted surfaces, preventing the risk of damage that high-pressure washing can cause.

In addition to being safer for surfaces, softwashing is environmentally friendly. The biodegradable solutions used in softwashing break down naturally without harming plants, animals, or waterways. This eco-friendly approach aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable and responsible cleaning practices.

Tips for Maintaining Clean Exterior Surfaces Post-Softwashing:

1. Regular Rinsing: Gently rinse exterior surfaces with a garden hose every few weeks to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. This simple step can help maintain the clean appearance achieved through softwashing.

2. Trim Vegetation: Keep trees, shrubs, and other vegetation trimmed back from exterior walls. This reduces the likelihood of organic matter accumulating on surfaces and promotes better air circulation, which can help prevent mold and mildew growth.

3. Inspect and Clean Gutters: Regularly check and clean gutters to ensure they are free of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which may cause staining and damage to exterior walls.

4. Address Mold and Mildew Promptly: If you notice any signs of mold or mildew reappearing, address them immediately with a mild cleaning solution. Early intervention can prevent the spread of these issues and maintain the integrity of the softwashed surfaces.

5. Schedule Routine Maintenance: Consider scheduling periodic softwashing treatments with Certified Softwash Solutions to keep your property looking its best year-round. Regular professional cleaning can address any emerging issues before they become significant problems.

Certified Softwash Solutions is dedicated to providing top-quality softwash house cleaning services to residents and businesses in Windsor, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Tecumseh, Kingsville, Leamington, Essex, Lakeshore, and the surrounding areas. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, the company utilizes advanced softwashing techniques to ensure properties remain clean, beautiful, and protected.

For more information or to schedule a service, please visit https://www.certifiedsoftwash.ca/

or call us at (519) 563-8748.

SGS Summarizes Three Additions to Health Canada Approach to the General Prohibitions Under the CCPSA

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 114.24 to provide stakeholders with a useful summary of recent changes made to Health Canada’s approach to the General Prohibitions under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).

Health Canada added the following consumer products to Table 1 on July 10, 2024:
- Lithium-ion batteries (including consumer products that contain lithium-ion batteries)
- Infant bath seats
- Water beads

The listing of these products signifies Health Canada’s interest in monitoring and collecting information on them due to associated risks. In the case of these three product types, the risks are:
- Lithium-ion batteries – burn, fire or explosion
- Infant bath seats – drowning
- Water beads – ingestion leading to obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, insertion into ear or nose, aspiration

It should be made clear, listing does not equate to a prohibition at this time. However, Health Canada does advise regulated parties to take action to mitigate these risks and provide any information on the hazards and risk mitigation options.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory and market changes that may impact their company’s ability to operate. SafeGuardS 114.24 includes details of the three listings, with a table detailing the performance criteria the product should be assessed against (existing voluntary standards, international rules or regulatory requirements).

Stakeholders are advised to review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 114.24 for more information.

SGS Consumer Product Services
SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivalled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Consumer Product Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Health Canada Updates Approach to the General Prohibitions Under the CCPSA SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dennis Lancion

SGS Consumer and Retail Technical Manager (Hardlines)
Tel: +1 (905) 364-3757
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Summarizes Designation of PFOA Isomers and PFOA related compounds as Class 1 Substances in Japan

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a SafeGuardS summarizing Japan’s designation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) isomers, their salts and PFOA-related compounds as Class 1 Specified Substances.

Under Enforcement Order of the Act on the Examination of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacturing, etc. (Cabinet Order No. 202 of 1974), Class 1 Specified Chemical Substances are banned from manufacture, import and use in Japan, unless authorized/permitted. Cabinet Order No. 244 adds PFOA isomers, their salts and PFOA-related compounds to this list. It will, with a few exceptions, become effective on January 10, 2025. This is six months after the date of promulgation.

PFOA-related compounds are used for their grease, oil and water repellant properties. Subject to permission under the new regulation, they may still be used in fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing agents for fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing foams.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulations that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 113.24 provides a useful overview of Cabinet Order No. 244 and includes a table detailing the products that will be prohibited from import to Japan.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 113.24 for more details.

SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Japan Designates PFO isomers and PFOA-related Compounds as Class 1 Specified Substances SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

Boost credibility with SGS Green Marks Product Carbon Footprint and Carbon Footprint Reduced claim verification

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has launched two additions to its SGS Green Marks program: Product Carbon Footprint and Carbon Footprint Reduced.

Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is an essential measurement of greenhouse gas emission and removal within a product’s life cycle. Brands, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers can now benefit from SGS Green Marks that:

Ensure PCF information is transparent and generated in compliance with the relevant standards and methodologies
Mitigate the risk of greenwashing or reputational damage
Support the accurate communication of environmental performance to stakeholders
Differentiate a product from competitors
Provide global recognition that claims are verified by SGS

For a product to qualify for SGS Green Marks, organizations must first submit a PCF calculation report. SGS then undertakes a rigorous assessment of the PCF following the ISO 14064-3 verification process. This confirms that the PCF was prepared in accordance with either the international standard ISO 14067:2018, or the product standard issued by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach.

This mark provides details of the product’s environmental claim and assessment standard(s) and displays a QR code that links directly to further information on the claim’s authenticity.

Keith Hutchinson, Deputy Head, Connectivity & Products Global Certification at SGS, said: “We are delighted to extend our portfolio of sustainability services to embrace product carbon footprint and provide the market with a credible way to exhibit third-party verified PCF studies.

“Making claims is easy, substantiating them is not. SGS Green Marks enable organizations to demonstrate their product’s environmental attributes. Ultimately, it enables a growing tide of environmentally conscious consumers to be better informed on the impacts of their purchases and to make greener choices.”

SGS Green Marks
SGS Green Marks, developed by SGS experts, now comprise nine individual green attribute certifications or verifications, making this scheme one of the most diverse sets of environmental claim certifications and verifications on the market. The scheme supports businesses and brands striving to enhance their sustainability effort and respond to rising consumer demands for greener products and services.

Based on recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17029, ISO 14065 and ISO 14021, SGS Green Marks verify that products have passed a range of assessments to meet specific and quantifiable environmental attributes and claims under the following nine environmental attributes:

Recycled content
Product carbon footprint
Carbon footprint reduced
PFAS-assessed
Biobased
Hazardous substances assessed
PVC-free
Industrial compostable
Biodegradability

Learn more about SGS Green Marks

SGS investigates the return of paper to the packaging industry

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a Consumer Compact article on how environmental, regulatory and consumer pressures are driving change in the packaging industry.

With growing evidence of the harmful effects of plastic pollution, paper is back in focus as a sustainable packaging alternative. The challenges of environmental protection are increasingly influencing industry practice and consumer choice.

In this SGS Consumer Compact article, global regulatory actions are explored, as well as the opportunities presented by the changes in consumer behavior. Further incentives for business are detailed, with a focus on the food industry and the development of sustainable packaging.

Read the original Consumer Compact article, “Rediscovering Paper: How Industry is Responding to Sustainability Efforts.”

SGS solutions
SGS supports businesses with a broad range of specialist testing and certification services targeted toward sustainable packaging against major safety and quality standards, including ASTM, ISO and EN. Recycled plastic content analysis and a host of comprehensive technical assessments are available to give third-party credibility to environmental claims and market distinction for brands.

Learn more about sustainability solutions for packaging.

Learn more about sustainability solutions for food contact materials.

Learn more about the SGS Green Mark.

Subscribe here to receive SGS Consumer Compact direct to your inbox.

For more information, please contact:

Kristin Merryfield
Project Manager
Connectivity & Products, SGS
Tel: +01 920 749 3040 ext. 29205

Christopher Reitmeyer
Job title: Director, Operations and Business Development
Connectivity & Products, SGS
Tel: +01 920 749 3040

Michael Richardson
Green Mark Contact - Sustainability Manager
Connectivity & Products, SGS
Tel: 973 289 9862

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/cp
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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