Why cleaning pros must be wary of trying each new ‘ingenious’ product 

Hospital + Healthcare magazine notes that people now demand higher cleanliness standards to guard against infections. The focus is also on more frequent, but quicker, cleaning that is hospital-grade, even at home.

 

In response to this evolving sentiment, the market is getting inundated by new revolutionary products. At least, their labeling and marketing communication vouch for their pathbreaking nature. 

 

Stain removers that work like magic. Handheld vacuums that are even more powerful than the heavy-duty ones. Wet wipes that deodorize and kill germs. 

 

The list is long and exciting, but as cleaning professionals, it is crucial to be guarded. Not every ingenious product does what it says or is even necessary. You don’t want to be stuck with an aisle full of supplies that are essentially overpriced white elephants.

 

Of greenwashing and consumer duping

 

You must have noticed how everything is now organic and environmentally-conscious. The cleaning industry is witness to the entire razzmatazz of the sustainability movement, from eco-friendly floor cleaners to reusable wipes.

 

A little word of caution: much of the promised eco-friendliness is merely greenwashing.

 

For example, all-natural ingredients don’t necessarily make a safe product. Some claims are overtly misleading and only intend to defame a competitor. Sustainability has become a buzzword, prompting many manufacturers to integrate it into their messaging but not necessarily in their product formulation.

 

The Environmental Working Group notes that several organizations work to ensure accurate product labeling and check the veracity of claims. These include the FDA, the FTC, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Even then, there is little guarantee that the process is error-free.

 

While perusing new products to support your cleaning projects, be careful of siding with obscure claims that lack certification or further information. Selective disclosure is another risk to watch out for since some companies may disclose only one star ingredient while ignoring others.

When habits become compulsions

 

Sometimes, the passion to excel in your profession can trigger unhealthy habits. It sounds off, but it can be a red flag to find yourself tempted to go to ‘any extent’ to grab a coveted incentive or promotion. 

 

Drawing lines is important in both personal and professional lives. This includes restricting the urge to try every new product that claims to deliver brilliant outcomes. 

 

In all honesty, staying insulated from the constant push notifications of newly launched ‘magical’ supplies is tough. It is similar to the mental compulsion that social media or even gambling apps create, providing “risk-free promotions” and special perks. In fact, a gambling addiction lawsuit is currently ongoing in the US to hold these app makers accountable for the financial losses they have caused.

 

According to TorHoerman Law, some apps are specially engineered to promote addictive behavior. Whether it is gambling, scrolling through endless shorts, or constant shopping, these habits can be debilitating compulsions. 

 

To guard against this, we must ensure that purchasing decisions, whether at the individual or organizational level, stem from thought and research.

When products do more harm than good

 

In recent years, the cleaning industry has seen some highly questionable products and trends that started out promising but proved damaging.

 

Consider cleaning sprays. They have become popular for the feeling they evoke in users: a few quick spritzes and all done. However, the BBC reports that cleaning sprays may worsen asthma and also increase the chance of developing it.

 

How about antibacterial cleaning products, another fast-growing category among those who fear infections? The widespread use of these items could make us resistant to antibiotics in the near future.

 

As a cleaning professional, you may come across clients who demand homemade cleaning products. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water seems like a cure-all for everything, removing grime, soap, and everything that can stain. You can make homemade bleach or from-scratch soap, packed with ingredients you can control.

 

However, it would be a mistake to assume that such DIY cleaners are safer or more effective than store-bought ones. Mixing them without detailed subject knowledge can be dangerous. The chances of something going awry are even higher if you have infants or pets at home.

 

As cleaning pros, it is part of our job to educate customers on the optimal products to use for their homes. We should also advise them on when using less product may be advisable for everyone’s health. In such cases, the challenge is not whether you have the ‘best product in the market’ but to know when your client is going overboard, with negative consequences.

 

In sum, we cannot deny that ingenious products elevate the cleaning experience for the client and the provider. But they don’t come by as often as the market wants us to believe. Before spending money and time on (potentially fake) groundbreaking innovations, let’s remember to do our homework.

For more information, visit https://www.torhoermanlaw.com/gambling-addiction-lawsuit/