2022: Data, flexibility and education

THANKS TO a world-leading vaccination programme, we have been able to retain some of our freedoms, and keep the virus somewhat under control. New variants have arrived, and as I write, it is too early to say what impact Omicron will have on the country. But the one thing that has remained a constant throughout the pandemic’s ups and downs, is the importance of cleaning and hygiene. 

Cleaning has a central role to play in infection control. Robust hygiene measures have the power to eliminate bacteria and viruses. And new technology and products, born out of this health crisis, are capable of providing long-term protection against re-infection.  

At the height of the pandemic last winter, deep cleans and fogging were in huge demand and, for those sectors that remained open for workers and the public, heightened cleaning regimes were also adopted. Daily cleans were extended and touchpoint sanitisation went from daily to hourly in some environments. 

Today, we have moved away from ‘panic cleaning’ and people are now starting to invest in innovations and strategies that will provide sustained protection. Of course, regular cleaning and touchpoint sanitisation will remain key in the fight against COVID-19, but adding more measures to the process can bolster protection and reduce the opportunity for pathogens to spread. 

Surface protectors

Demand is already growing for surface protectors and microbe shields. These products offer active protection against bacteria and pathogens by leaving behind a mono-molecular layer that permanently bonds to the surface, forming a protective barrier. They can be sprayed onto a surface after cleaning and can provide long-lasting protection for weeks. 

Data-driven cleaning 

We also expect the interest in Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing to rise in 2022. ATP is the energy molecule found in all living things, making it the ideal indicator when trying determine if a surface is clean or not. 

Using this method, small testing sticks are used to take a sample from a surface before and after it has been cleaned. It is then placed into a small handheld device and a reading is given within seconds, demonstrating the effectiveness of the sanitisation cleaning. Using data analysis software, cleaners are able to monitor hygiene levels, track test results, identify problem areas, automatically generate reports, and formulate plans. 

This testing process not only enables operatives to constantly improve their cleaning methods, but it also provides the client with reassurance that their premises have been serviced to the highest levels possible. 

New technology will also play a vital role in the future cleaning. At Kingdom Cleaning strive to be at the forefront of innovations, keeping us one step ahead and trialling products and services that others haven’t yet discovered. For example, we are currently trialling a new system that uses cameras and integrated software that automatically analyses the cleanliness and usage of the surrounding area to identify what cleaning measures need to take place and when. This has never been done before, so although we don’t yet know the outcomes of our trials, we are investing in new technology to enable us to find cutting-edge solutions that deliver efficiencies and cost savings for our customers.  

Flexibility

One of the key attributes that has stood our cleaning operatives in good stead throughout the pandemic is the ability to be agile and flexible, tailoring their services to meet clients’ evolving needs. With many businesses currently (and likely to for some time) operating a hybrid model, with staff working from the office part time, we will continue to ensure our operations are adaptable to suit these novel working conditions. 

Educating everyone

The role of the cleaner often goes unnoticed, but we all have a part to play in fighting this virus. Educating businesses and their colleagues on hygiene procedures, and equipping them with the right tools for the job, has never been more important. 

In 2022, we expect to see a resurgence in the demand for PPE and hygiene products, to encourage staff to maintain their standards. 

From antibacterial wipes that workers can use throughout the day to disinfect phones, keyboards and desk spaces, to personal hand sanitiser to keep on top of hand hygiene, there needs to be a collective effort to reduce risk and keep everyone safe when at work. 

Jan-Hein Hemke is managing director of Kingdom Cleaning

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