Sanitizing handle for cleaning tool

Abstract

A cleaning implement with a handle and an antimicrobial surface can be used to clean hard surfaces and thereafter remain sanitary. The cleaning implement may be a manual tool or a motorized tool. The cleaning implement may have a disposable cleaning pad. Examples of suitable cleaning implements include a toilet cleaning device, a bathroom cleaning device, a shower cleaning device a hard surface floor mop, a carpet mop, and an auto cleaning device.

1 . A cleaning implement comprising a handle, 
 a. wherein said cleaning implement is used for cleaning hard surfaces;    b. wherein said cleaning implement has an antimicrobial surface; and    c. wherein said cleaning implement comprises an exterior finish corresponding to a SPI finish designation selected from the group consisting of A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1, B-2, B-3, and combinations thereof.    
   
   
       2 . A cleaning implement comprising a handle, wherein said cleaning implement is used for cleaning hard surfaces; and wherein said cleaning implement has an antimicrobial surface.  
   
   
       3 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein the surface of said cleaning implement inhibits the growth of bacteria on said surface.  
   
   
       4 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein said cleaning implement comprises an attachment mechanism for a cleaning pad and said attachment mechanism inhibits the growth of bacteria on the surface of said attachment mechanism.  
   
   
       5 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein the surface of said cleaning implement is self-sanitizing.  
   
   
       6 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein said cleaning implement comprises a plastic that incorporates an antimicrobial material.  
   
   
       7 . The cleaning implement of  claim 6 , wherein said antimicrobial material comprises an inorganic material or organometallic material.  
   
   
       8 . The cleaning implement of  claim 7 , wherein said antimicrobial material is selected from the group consisting of silver metal, silver compounds, copper metal, copper compounds, zinc metal, zinc compounds, titanium metal, titanium compounds, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       9 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein said cleaning implement comprises a film coating that is antimicrobial.  
   
   
       10 . The cleaning implement of  claim 9 , wherein said antimicrobial material comprises an inorganic material or organometallic material.  
   
   
       11 . The cleaning implement of  claim 10 , wherein said antimicrobial material is selected from the group consisting of silver metal, silver compounds, copper metal, copper compounds, zinc metal, zinc compounds, titanium metal, titanium compounds, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       12 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein said cleaning implement remains sanitary after the cleaning process.  
   
   
       13 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein said cleaning implement additionally comprises a sensor that indicates the state selected from the group consisting of the presence of a significant amount of microorganisms, the absence of a significant amount of microorganisms, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       14 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein said cleaning implement has reduced odor after the cleaning process compared to a cleaning implement without an antimicrobial surface.  
   
   
       15 . The cleaning implement of  claim 2 , wherein said cleaning implement comprises a disposable cleaning pad.  
   
   
       16 . A cleaning implement comprising a handle wherein said cleaning implement is used for cleaning toilets and wherein said cleaning implement inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the surface of said cleaning implement.  
   
   
       17 . The cleaning implement of  claim 16 , wherein said cleaning implement comprises an exterior finish corresponding to a SPI finish designation selected from the group consisting of A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1, B-2, B-3, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       18 . The cleaning implement of  claim 16 , wherein said cleaning implement comprises a plastic that incorporates an antimicrobial material.  
   
   
       19 . The cleaning implement of  claim 16 , wherein the surface of said cleaning implement is self-sanitizing.  
   
   
       20 . The cleaning implement of  claim 16 , wherein said cleaning implement comprises a disposable cleaning pad.  
   
   
       21 . The cleaning implement of  claim 16 , wherein said cleaning implement additionally comprises a sensor that indicates the state selected from group consisting of the presence of a significant amount of microorganisms, the absence of a significant amount of microorganisms, and combinations thereof.