Perfect cleanliness with microfibre wipesThe cleanliness of our internal environment is a critical issue for both individuals and organisations. No one wants to work in an office or live in a home where you can leave fingerprints on dusty surfaces. However, perfect cleanliness can only be achieved if the best armies are brought together to fight pollution. Microfibre wipes are necessary to complete this challenge. Why? We show you…

What is a microfibre wipe?

Microfibre wipes are made up of microfibres manufactured from special materials, the main components of which are polyesters and polyamides, which are classified as plastics. The former is responsible for the scrubbing action of the wipe and for the glove's ability to absorb oily and greasy dirt. Thanks to the polyamide, the fibres of the cloth dry quickly, so it can absorb excess moisture in seconds.

The quality of microfibre cloths can vary, as indicated by fibre density. The higher the gsm or g/nm value on the wipe, the better it absorbs moisture. Most of these wipes are all-purpose, very versatile, but there are also more specialised versions, such as those that are best suited for polishing. The quality and price of the wipes vary widely, so it is worth assessing the range first.

The biggest difference between a traditional and a microfiber wipe is that the classic solution allows you to clean the dust off the surface by pushing it in front of you and collecting it, whereas a microfiber wipe traps the dirt in its microfibers. When it becomes "full", i.e. very dirty, it must be washed and cleaned.

Dry or wet

Microfibre wipes are characterised by their ideal use: dry or wet cleaning. When used dry, the dust is captured using static electricity. This is because the grains stick to the wipe, they do not float or stir up in the air. This is the property that makes it highly recommended for people with allergies.

In addition to dusting, such clothes are also suitable for polishing objects and surfaces. They can clean furniture, electronic equipment such as TV screens, monitor surfaces, car dashboards, and various decorative objects and paintings.

When the wipe is wet, the cleaning effect is achieved through its absorbency, which allows the wipe to collect the dirt, leaving behind a thin layer of water that dries quickly. In this form, it is great for cleaning kitchen and bathroom utensils, equipment, doors and windows.

How to use it?

Simply wipe the cloth over the surface you want to clean, and once you have enough dirt on it, it is time to clean or wash. You can use your hand or a washing machine to complete this task. In the case of handwashing, the cloth is soaked in warmish water with a little detergent or a little liquid soap, rinsed, shaken and then laid out.

If you prefer to use a washing machine, care should be taken to avoid putting bleach and rinse aids in the equipment. When the programme is over, the cloth should be shaken out and laid out in the same way as before. 

5 tips for use

1. Always rinse the wipe properly. However, it is not a clever idea to wring it out, because if you are not careful, the microfiber can easily be damaged. Always use warm water when rinsing, as this allows the microfibres to expand and easily get rid of trapped dirt.

2. Do not use detergents with a microfiber wipe, as these will change the consistency of the surface of the wipe, making it more compact (although it is true that there are now high-performance wipes that do not fall under this advice, and can be used with detergents). The same applies if you are washing the wipe with cotton fabric.

3. Materials used to soften textiles should be avoided, as they can eliminate static electricity.

4. This type of wipe needs time to take effect, as the residues of the various cleaning agents must be removed first.

5. You should apply the wipe gently to the surface, using firm movements but not too hard. This will give it the best effect.

Professional cleaning tools are available in a wide range of colours. There are better and better cleaning products and cleaning cloths for use, from tack cloths to professional, heavy-duty microfibre cloths. Visit the Flanker website for more!

The importance of protective coveralls cannot be disputed. People working with dangerous substances in hazardous environments know that the right clothing, a coverall, can save lives. Let's look at how to choose the protection you need in specific circumstances!

There are several types of protective clothing, depending on the conditions in which the wearer uses it. It takes a lot of experience and general knowledge to be able to determine exactly what type is needed for certain tasks. You need to be aware of the conditions and the demands you will be subjected to, because only with this knowledge can you make the right decision.

Protective coverings: types for all needs

The choice of clothing should be based on whether the material for which the protection is required is hazardous. Protection is required against light dust too but preventing injuries caused by corrosive liquids require more professional gear.

The first consideration when choosing a protective cover is therefore the type of task during which it will be used. One needs to assess the potential impacts of exposure to unique circumstances.

 In the following, we will list the 3M protective coveralls that are recommended for protection against certain hazardous and non-hazardous substances.

Protection against non-hazardous contaminants

Non-hazardous contaminants can be divided into two groups in terms of the type of cover that is required. If dust protection is required, it is advisable to choose the 4500 type. This is a basic, general protective coverall that is breathable, easy to put on and has a hood to protect the head.

If the non-polluting material is a liquid, we should also care about waterproofness. Coverall type 4505 meet this requirement.

Protection against hazardous substances

Safety against dangerous pollutants requires more stringent protection than the others listed above. Here the customer should take the following aspects into account!

If protection against particles is a basic requirement, then it is necessary to consider whether the wearer may encounter sparks. If so, the coveralls type 4530 should be chosen, as they do not protect against heat, but they do protect against small flames of short duration. The fire will not spread through the material, but it will leave a trace.

A key question is whether it is necessary for the clothing to have taped seams. The type 4565 coveralls are such, providing strong protection against chemicals and particles thanks to the absence of micropores in the material.

For particle protection, it may be important that the material is lint-free. Type 4510 protective clothing is lint-free due to its microporous material structure properties. Excellent for industrial tasks, maintenance of machinery, vehicles, paint spraying.

If it is important for the protective clothing to be antistatic, then type 4520 is the best choice. It consists of several layers of SMMMS, so it effectively keeps contaminants away. Its fabric-like feel makes it comfortable to wear even for extended periods.

Liquid protection is particularly difficult when hazardous substances are involved. In this case, it is a matter of determining whether the garment must withstand splash, spray, or jet. In the case of splashes, an important question is whether the fabric will be exposed to heat. If so, it is important to take this into account and choose accordingly, for example, the type 4532+ coverall.

If there is also a risk of spray or jets of hazardous material, again a different type of work gear is recommended. In the latter case, a protective coverall type 4570 with a double locking system and a large zipper may be the best choice.

Protective clothing, a basic requirement

We can divide workspace well-being into two main categories: occupational safety and occupational health. The former category includes protective clothing, which is required by law. Occupational health and safety regulations specify what kind of protective clothing must be worn to prevent accidents and, if accidents do occur, to prevent danger to life.

Safe clothing is a prerequisite for working in many companies, so it is the responsibility of the organisation to make it available to workers. It is essential that they only and exclusively perform their function in perfect condition. If, for example, they become damaged or have holes in them, they must be repaired or replaced immediately.

The price of protective clothing is determined by its quality, and by the circumstances. Other important factors are the uniqueness and design of the garment. Quality is the only thing that should not be skimped on, as the health of the wearer may depend on it.

Flanker offers a wide range of unique protective equipment, from protective suits to masks, filters, goggles, earplugs, headbands, helmets, masks, and more.

The car is a piece of work equipment for some people, a practical tool for many and a source of entertainment for others. Regardless of the type of car, meeting comfort and satisfying suitable protection requirements is always a must. Car body wrapping and window filming are not only remarkable from a design point of view but also offer multiple advantages. Let's see what you need to know about it!

The benefits of tinting

Car body wrapping needs to satisfy both practical and design aspects. Many people opt for car wraps because they want to protect their vehicles from heat. The most suitable films for this purpose are thermal films, which filter out UVA and UVB rays over almost the entire range.

One might think that light protection is only possible with darker tones, there are also fully transparent heat-reflective materials. These multilayer nano-technology films are often more effective than their darker counterparts.

Window films have the added benefit of making the vehicle safer too and can play a role in anti-theft protection. Security window film holds the glass together so, in case of breakage, it does not shatter into pieces. This unique feature can significantly increase the time of any malicious entry attempt.

One of the biggest advantages of body film is that it protects the car from external effects. It should be noted here that much depends on the type of the film; plain or protective. The latter protects the paintwork in the event of scratches and stone chipping. A plain car film, on the other hand, only protects the paint surface from micro-scratches to a limited extent, and the car's paintwork can be damaged just as easily by a major external impact as without a film.

In most cases, car wrapping is for aesthetic purposes. If you want to change the style of your car but don't want to replace it, a design film is a great solution. Not to mention that it's also a great way for companies to show off their image. The film can be textured, smooth, glossy, matt, or in any shade, one can imagine.

Legal framework for car body wrapping

You might think that the application of a car body film is more of an aesthetic matter and it won’t involve obligations, but the law regulates what kind of film can be applied on certain surfaces.

Most importantly, the glass surfaces at the driver's seat, passenger seat and windscreen cannot be covered with any film with less than 70% of light transmission. However, there is no other regulation regarding the other parts of the car.  

The importance of light transmittance is presumably due to the need to be able to see into the car without the driver sitting behind dark glass. This might be understandable, but there is some confusion about the fact that, although the light transmission of the film must not be less than 70%, this does not apply to the factory tint.

In summary, the type of film you can buy is essentially determined by the light transmission of the car's factory glazing. Car films must have a certification number, which is indicated on a sticker underneath the film. At roadside inspections and roadworthiness tests, you will need to show a vehicle registration certificate to prove the film's certification number and who applied it. That is why, when the film is applied, the customer receives a temporary certificate of conformity, valid for 30 days, so that he can prove the above until the final card arrives.

In contrast, there are no requirements for bodywork wrapping, neither for transparency nor for colour. What is important, and must be borne in mind, is that it is forbidden to wrap headlights, as this can be an accident hazard.

If you decide to give your vehicle a new look, you must fill in the provided box in the registration document, about the fact that the car has been tinted and the exact colour of the tint. The good news is that if the film is transparent, you can skip it. You only need to go through this procedure if more than 70% of the car's colour has been changed. So, if the foil is only partial and the percentage of changed colour does not exceed 70%, you do not need to have it inspected and registered.

The process of foiling

The process starts with a specialist assessing the condition of the bodywork and the transparent damages. The defects are then repaired, and the car is thoroughly cleaned. It's worth noting here that the process can be sped up somewhat if you wash the car first before taking it to the workshop!

Once the preparation process is complete, the car is stripped of some of its components, so that no dirt can get trapped under the film, making the wrapping last longer.

The foil is then cut to the dimensions of the car and smoothed onto the surface using a special tool. An average car is finished in about 1 day, and the vehicle mustn't be washed for 2 days after the film has been applied.

Painting vs filming

Both processes have their advantages and disadvantages, but basically, foiling is often the more sensible choice. One of the reasons is that it takes less time, this way the vehicle can be used again sooner. An important aspect is that the cost of foiling is lower than painting, not to mention the fact that the procedure will probably need to be repeated less often as it is also much more durable.

Car wrapping is therefore not as simple as applying a sticker. While it is true that the application itself can be done in a short time, it is important to have skilled hands to ensure that the job is done properly.

The real autumn chill is slowly setting in, which means the start of the heating season. The steady drop in temperature and the plummeting number of hours of sunshine not only put our bodies to the test but also our wallets. It is a time when you try to protect yourself from the cold as much as possible: the thick coats come out and the boiler kicks on to keep your home warm in the cold months. But there are times when a little help is needed to keep the heating bills from skyrocketing. Window film can be a good solution against the cold.

Heating bills are a significant part of a family's utility bills in the autumn and winter months. Inadequate insulation can easily waste valuable energy and you can find yourself paying large sums for nothing, but the expected effect is not achieved, and the warmth of your home remains a dream.

The complete insulation of a family home is a very expensive project, and in some cases, such as apartments, it is not so easy to do, as much depends on the building itself. If you can't break the piggy bank and come up with larger sums, or you live in a flat, you don't have to give up a comfortable temperature, because there are some practical ways to help you avoid insulation problems. There are several ways to insulate windows, one of which is using insulating window film.

Window film against the cold

From an energy point of view, the window is a critical point. People tend to like large, uniform glass surfaces that show off the beauty of their surroundings, but they don't realise how much energy can be lost. Insulating window films have been developed precisely to stop energy from being wasted.

The window film forms a new layer on the glass, which can insulate the surface and improve its heat transmission. The heat transmission coefficient, or "U" value, shows how much energy escapes across a given surface in a unit of time. The lower this value, the better the heat transfer coefficient, and the less heat is lost.

A thermal barrier film is made of a material that allows heat to be reflected and dissipated. Importantly, although the film is an extra layer, the transparency of the glass is not reduced, so that sufficient light still enters the room.

Outdoors, indoors

Every window has two surfaces, so window films are produced for both indoor and outdoor use. The two versions are very similar in principle, but the outdoor version must be able to withstand the constant effects of elements.

3M™ Prestige 70 Outdoor Thermal and Light Barrier Building Glass Film is a nanotechnology-based multi-layered, metal-free film that, despite having good heat reflective properties, that has a high light transmission, so there is no fear of the whole room going dark once it is installed.

The interior version is the 3M™ Silver family of films, which are applied to the inside of the window. It protects the room from prying eyes while allowing excellent light transmission.

Window film against heat

Insulating window film is a boon not only in winter but also in the heat of summer, so you can kill two birds with one stone. Its insulating effect prevents 45-86% of the sun's heat from entering the home, thus contributing to a pleasant indoor climate. Read more about this benefit in our previous article!

Benefits in all quantities

Installing window films is very simple, just clean the window surface thoroughly and you're ready to put the film on. It's worth making sure that the outside temperature is not below 5 degrees Celsius, so it's a good idea to schedule the work for the autumn-spring-summer period. The process can be performed without a specialist. Start from the corner and work downwards. Fortunately, if a flaw slips into the system and one or two bubbles show up after application, these can be easily removed with a hairdryer.

The price of the films is very reasonable, especially compared to a complete window replacement. They can help to retain up to 93% of the heat that escapes, which makes a huge difference to your heating bills. Not to mention the fact that there is no waste, unlike window replacement.

Condensation can be minimised, which is particularly important in terms of preventing condensation and therefore mould. The autumn-winter period is advantageous to the development and growth of mould, which can be traced back to condensation, which in turn can be traced back to poorly insulated walls and windows.

Window insulation film can be a very effective solution for those who want to opt for energy-efficient heating and help protect the environment. Thanks to its affordable price and easy construction, it can be used in any type of building, which is the secret of its popularity.

With the cold season approaching, heating becomes an increasingly pressing issue, so it is a good idea to think ahead and purchase and install thermal insulation window film to reduce heating costs. You can then look forward to winter with confidence.