Winter weather can create hazardous conditions around your facility. Even when parking lots and sidewalks have been shoveled or plowed, a thin layer of ice can remain behind creating slick and dangerous surfaces that may be difficult to see. Even a light dusting of snow can become a problem when temperatures fluctuate and melting snow refreezes throughout the day.

Thankfully we have some great ice melt products for you to choose from. When used correctly, ice melt can help break the bond between ice and the surface below, making it easier to remove and keep sidewalks, entrances and other high-traffic areas safer.

Ice melt is a great tool but using it effectively takes more than simply spreading it on the ground. The following tips can help you get better results, avoid unnecessary product waste and protect your facility throughout the winter season. Use them to help develop an ice melt policy or training guide for your employees.

Summer is near... and so are fruit flies. ALCO works with restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial kitchens throughout Ohio to help prevent fruit fly infestations through proper drain maintenance and sanitation practices. Unfortunately, when prevention is overlooked and fruit flies become a problem, many people make the mistake of treating the symptom rather than the source. While traps may catch adult flies, they do nothing to eliminate the breeding grounds hidden inside drains, floor sinks, and other areas where organic buildup accumulates. To truly solve a fruit fly problem, you must address where they're coming from.

Why Do Fruit Flies Keep Coming Back?
Fruit flies can complete their life cycle in as little as a week under ideal conditions. While traps can reduce the number of adult flies you see, they do nothing to eliminate eggs and larvae hidden in organic buildup inside drains, floor sinks, and plumbing systems. Unless breeding sites are addressed, new flies will continue to emerge.

Did You Know?
The same organic buildup that attracts fruit flies can also attract drain flies, foul odors, and bacteria. Routine drain maintenance helps create a cleaner, healthier environment while reducing pest activity.

Entryways Set the Tone
Your entrance is your first impression and your first line of defense.

• Deep clean, rotate or replace worn-out matting
• Utilizing 10’-15’ of entrance matting can capture up to 85%-95% of contaminants from entering the building
• Rotate mat locations to extend life
• Add scraper mats outside + absorbent mats inside
• Clean glass doors and handles daily
• Don’t ignore metal trim and kick plates

💡 See: Window cleaners, window cleaning tools & equipment

From daily maintenance to full restoration, the right products make all the difference. ALCO offers everything from floor cleaners, strippers and finishes to equipment, pads, mops, and buckets... everything you need to keep your floors looking their best while extending their lifespan.

Whether you're maintaining high-traffic areas or preparing for a full refinish, we help simplify the process with solutions designed for your budget, floor maintenance plan, and desired level of shine.

​Not sure what you need? Our team is here to help you build a floor care program tailored to your facility. Reach out to your Personal Account Representative or ALCO's Customer Service at 330-253-3535 or via email to get started!

Independence Day Schedule
Both the Akron & Canton ALCO locations will be closed on Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Our normal business hours (8:00 to 4:30, Monday-Friday) will resume Monday, 7/7.

Be sure to get your orders in on time to prepare for our holiday schedule as some delivery days may be different than normal. If you are unaware what day at noon to have your order in for delivery, contact our Customer Service at 1-800-589-2526 (Akron) or 1-800-437-5248 (Canton) and they will be glad to help!​

As a reminder, if you need assistance on a day we are closed, please call 330.253.3535 and leave a detailed message.