Reflecting on cleaning in 2020 and what we can learn

Covid-19 was the global pandemic that shone aspotlight on the cleaning industry and the people involved in the various roles within the market.

Throughout the year facilities teams did everything they could to prevent the spread of coronavirus, placing a significant strain on cleaning staff and contractors to ensure spaces were ‘deep cleaned’, with every surface, handle and floor properly disinfected.

So what were the main, noticeable changes to the industry during the pandemic?

With companies eager to reassure workers, clients and visitors that they are doing their part to combat the spread of the virus, we saw a significant increase in companies getting closer to the cleaning processes than ever before.

Pre-COVID-19, few commercial property managers concerned themselves about what might be lurking on frequently touched surfaces or anywhere else at their offices. Instead, cleaning was simply a routine and mainly carried out for appearance.

Companies who got closer to cleaning, focused specifically on three areas.

1. The chemicals that were applied to surfaces – specifically ensuring that chemicals and sanitisers met specific British Standards and had high kill rate on virucidal activity.
2. The equipment being used to ensure a thorough clean – many organisations upgraded and implemented new equipment to increase thoroughness of all cleaning within the facility as well as embracing innovation that led to quicker cleaning times.
3. The training of personnel to ensure that every surface and area was cleaned correctly at all times – Many operatives in this fragmented, unregulated market had no prior training and the requirement for thorough processes was paramount to prevent the spread of infection.

Due to the industry’s lack of regulation, even established cleaning services haven’t always used the appropriate chemicals, implemented the right techniques or had appropriately trained staff.

The coronavirus outbreak has forced fundamental changes in how we view cleaners and their output. More stringent checks are now carried out on candidates or contractors to ensure knowledge of the cleaning process and the right training, it is clear that end users are far more aware and that greater transparency is required.

What disinfectant will be used, and is it certified against viruses?

What’s their application method? How frequent will areas be cleaned?

We have started to see property managers forge and build relationships with contractors and personnel providers who can demonstrate the right knowledge, skills and credentials.

Cleaning in a post pandemic world

The best cleaning method for facilities now is to ensure there is thorough preventative cleaning in place on an ongoing daily basis.

Disinfection, sanitisation and sterilisation are three processes expected to be a critical part of the ‘new normal’.

These measures go one step further than simply cleaning for appearance.

Preventative cleaning processes ensure these environments are not only cleaned at the beginning and end of each day.

More attention will need to be paid to high traffic areas, including surfaces or items that are touched frequently, such as door handles, light switches, lift buttons and bathrooms.

Training is of paramount importance for all cleaning operatives and with consumers being more selective about where they spend their time and money – basing their decisions on hygiene levels – training can make all the difference.

A well trained employee will achieve a high quality clean every time, enhancing business image and making it a more attractive place to visit.

Cleaning perceptions have changed!

As the world emerges from the pandemic, businesses want to be seen to be delivering the highest levels of cleaning, hygiene and infection prevention to reassure and protect the customers, guests, and employees.

3 Things you need to consider when cleaning your facility:

1. Focus on high quality cleaning products - We should all consider using environmentally friendly products rather than chemicals, reducing the risk of long-term illness. Eco-friendly products are on the rise, reducing environmental damage, and protecting the health of people in the environments. It is also key to consider the products with the highest British certifications that can prove to be killing bacteria & viruses.
2. Remove waste and increase efficiencies - Waste build up can lead to higher costs and higher bacteria levels within a facility. Putting a focus on these two areas means that the highest standards of cleanliness are achieved. Keeping waste to a minimum prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses through a facility as well as ensuring there is no extra time and money needed in the cleaning processes to try and clear any mountains of waste. Remember! Time = money, so it is worth keeping tabs on how efficient the cleaning processes in your facility really are.
3. Educate staff on preventative cleaning - Social distancing and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated are all key examples of ways to reduce the spread of coronavirus. But it’s also important to consider increasing the frequency of cleaning to reduce the presence of the virus.

It’s critical for staff working in these environments to receive sufficient training and further education, to help them understand how to properly clean public areas, as well as equipment. It’s critical that they completely understand infection control procedures and follow the guidelines to ensure they are providing a safe environment for themselves and visitors to each environment.

Get in touch with us if you want to discuss any challenges in your facility.