According to the report, the United States, historically a top export market, has now fallen to fourth place as a desired growth region for UK manufacturers, for the first time in the survey’s history.

This decline is not anecdotal. Six in 10 UK manufacturers now expect their exports to the US to be impacted by tariffs, with nearly a third reassessing supply chains, and only 4% considering US-based manufacturing as an alternative. That shift, coupled with the £2billion drop in UK exports to the US in April - the largest monthly fall since records began in 1997 - has serious implications for industry-wide confidence and investment.

The cleaning and hygiene sector, which often supplies key consumables and services to manufacturers across food production, pharmaceuticals, and engineering, cannot afford to overlook these trends. Contract volumes, tender opportunities, and new business growth may all face headwinds if manufacturers continue to curb spending, cut investment, or de-prioritise UK-based supply chains.

Employment remains stable for now, but investment intentions are trending down sharply - +2% in Q2, compared to +10% in Q4 2024. With Make UK warning that manufacturing growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have turned negative (-0.2% and -0.5% respectively), the potential knock-on effects across connected sectors - including ours - could be severe.

This is a clear signal that cleaning and hygiene professionals must act now to diversify client portfolios, strengthen value propositions, and engage closely with manufacturers about their evolving needs. Energy efficiency, supply chain resilience, and cost control are likely to become even more dominant themes.

Seamus Nevin, chief economist at Make UK, rightly points to a "gathering storm" of economic pressures, and calls for bold industrial strategy reforms to address crippling energy costs and labour shortages. This is a strong call - especially as our own sector also grapples with similar challenges.

While the cleaning industry may not always be the face of manufacturing headlines, we are deeply woven into its fabric. The health of UK manufacturing is a barometer for much of our sector's demand. It's now important that amid the current uncertainty (short term - or long term), we are part of the solution - offering agile, sustainable, and cost-effective services that help clients weather the storm.

Chris Shaw

Editor

Cleaning Matters

This new agreement will see WBM continuing to provide promotional support and extensive show previews for The Security Event, Health and Safety Event, The Fire Safety Event and The Workplace Event,

For the past six years, Nineteen and WBM have worked in partnership to promote these events, which have now become firmly established as the UK’s must-attend trade shows in their respective sectors. 

As part of the agreement WBM publications will be distributed around each of Nineteen’s events and provide promotional coverage. This includes:

• Cleaning Matters remains a Media Partner for The Workplace Event
• Security Matters remains as the Lead Media Partner for The Security Event
• Fire Safety Matters continues as Lead Media Partner for The Fire Safety Event
• Health and Safety Matters remains as Lead Media Partner for The Health and Safety Event
• PSi and Benchmark continue to be Media Partners of the Security Event and Fire Safety Event.

In addition, Nineteen Group has also signed a multi-year agreement to continue as key sponsors of WBM’s Safety and Health Excellence Awards, Fire and Security Matters Awards and the PSi Premier Awards.

Nineteen group director Tristan Norman commented: "This renewed partnership brings a fresh energy and perspective that will directly benefit the communities we serve. By combining our shared history with new ideas and momentum, we’re committed to delivering even greater value, insight and connection for our audiences."

WBM CEO Mark Sennett added: “We are delighted to further extend our long-standing partnership with Nineteen Group. The Safety and Security Series is now firmly established as the leading trade show for fire, safety, security and facilities professionals in the UK.

“When we bought our publications from Nineteen Group in 2019, we always said we would continue to be partners, and this has remained the case ever since. We are proud of our partnership and our history with these events and can’t wait to support them for many more years to come.”

Three manufacturers will be taking compact jet vac tankers to the event, the UK's only exhibition dedicated to all forms of water jetting, at StoneX Stadium, North London, on 11 Thursday September.

They are taking advantage of the expansion of outdoor exhibition space, with two external display areas at this year's show, following the success of the Water Jetting Association's inaugural exhibition last year.

Bucher Municipal, Rioned and ROM jet vac tankers will be on display, reflecting the popularity of smaller specialist drainage vehicles in the UK, especially for delivering services in congested urban areas.

WJA director Leanne Smith said: "We're delighted to welcome Bucher Municipal, Rioned and ROM, through its sister company AQ-Rent, to WJA Trade Show 2025, which promises to present the world of water jetting in one place.

"It will be the perfect opportunity to see three of the UK's leading compact jet vac tankers in one place. We're expecting them to be a popular draw for visitors to this year's exhibition."

WJA Trade Show 2025 is free to attend with free parking and is easy to access, being just five minutes from Junction 2 of the M1. It is sponsored by PPE manufacturer TST, industrial cleaning specialist Veolia and insurance specialist Howden.

Bucher Municipal decided to take a stand at the trade show after receiving feedback from a customer who attended last year's exhibition.

The company's marketing manager, Ben William, said: "It was clear that the kind of people who'd be interested in our jet vac tankers were at last year's event so we wanted to be part of WJA Trade Show 2025."

Demand in the UK for compact jet vac tankers continues to grow. The three compact jet vac tankers that will be on show at WJA Trade Show 2025 are ideal for smaller drainage companies that want to step up from just offering a van pack service.

As their power and capabilities have developed, they are also being increasingly used by bigger contractors to complement large jet vac units, creating advantages for clients that include improved productivity, reduced traffic management and a smaller carbon footprint.

Visitors to WJA Trade Show 2025 will also be able to view van pack jetting units displayed by Rioned, Flowplant, Superjet, and Jetter Conversions.

AQ-Rent also plans to take a KOKS MultiVac vacuumation unit to WJA Trade Show 2025. It can handle solids and liquids, is ADR-compliant and is designed to be more compact than other vacuum tankers of the same capacity, as well as being easy to clean.

Equipment and services being showcased by other exhibitors include water jetting pumps, jetting nozzles, water jetting hose assemblies, high and ultra-high pressure water jetting services, and specialist insurance services.

Bucher Municipal will be displaying its CityFlex CM40 combination tanker, which has a 3,996 litre tank and a jetting pump that operates at 2,320 psi (160 bar) with a flowrate of 28 UK gpm (127 lpm). Its vacuum pump can lift 1,264 UK gpm (5,750 lpm) at free flow.

Rioned is taking its RioCom combination jet vac tanker to WJA Trade Show 2025. The 7.7t unit delivers a jetting capacity of 2,200 psi (156 bar) to clean pipes with diameters up to 650mm.

The tanker has a 3,000 litre water tank - 2,000 litres for waste and 1,000 litres for fresh water - and a suction capacity of 1,800 gallons per minute.

On its stand, AQ-Rent, part of KOKS Group, will be showcasing the ROM SmartCombi PRO, which has a maximum water jetting pressure of 2,900 psi (200 bar) and a flushing capacity of 100 lpm.

It can be fitted with an air-cooled pump (6,150 lpm) or a more powerful water ring pump (9,600 lpm), and can be fitted with a 3,000 litre or 4,000 litre tank.

 

Modern businesses know that sustainability is no longer just a value add; it's a vital necessity across the entire stakeholder chain. And the data backs this up. In 2024, 82% of consumers believed businesses have a responsibility to protect the environment, the UK’s net-zero economy grew by 10%, generating £83billion in value, and 42% of businesses ranked climate change as a key concern.

Yet despite this, the top concern for businesses in 2024 was cost (44%). Balancing cost and sustainability isn’t a new challenge, especially in the cleaning sector. While sustainable cleaning products have emerged, many carry an “eco premium” without delivering added operational value. So, how can businesses adopt green cleaning practices and remain in the black?

Meeting society’s needs: The evolution of cleaning

Cleaning has always reflected the tools and demands of its time. Early humans used vinegar and clay to clean. But as industrialisation and mass production accelerated, so did our reliance on synthetic chemical cleaners, which are harsh, fast-acting, and cheap to produce.

This legacy has deeply influenced today’s cleaning market. Many still associate “strong chemicals” with “better cleaning,” but petrochemical cleaners have trade-offs: environmental damage, high carbon footprints, and health risks.

On the other side, early eco-friendly alternatives, though better for the planet, often increased costs, slowed operations, and failed to deliver the same level of cleaning performance. Sustainable products, by design, often involve more ethical sourcing and advanced production methods, which can lead to 75–85% higher prices on average on other sustainable alternative products.

These historical legacies remain entrenched in many cleaning operations. But just as society evolves, so does technology, and biotechnology is emerging as a solution that delivers both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Biotechnology: A bridge between operations and sustainability

Biotechnology is the use of natural organisms (like bacteria, enzymes, and yeast) to perform specific tasks. This science has existed since the 19th century and spans across industries, from food to pharmaceuticals. Now, it’s making its way into the cleaning industry.

Long before humans invented cleaning products, nature was already cleaning through bacteria. These microorganisms break down organic matter using enzymes, and modern biotech cleaning solutions are harnessing this same principle in a refined, effective way.

Why it’s sustainable

Biotech cleaning products use naturally occurring, non-toxic ingredients that break down into harmless byproducts, drastically reducing water pollution, CO₂ emissions, and harm to human health, compared to traditional cleaning products. 

And with the right understanding of the technology from the manufacturer, features like cold-water efficacy, non-rinse formulations, and ultra-concentrates can be designed to work in synergy with the biological ingredients, enabling a far lower carbon footprint across the entire product lifecycle. When responsibly sourced and properly formulated, biotech can drive a dramatic reduction in a business’s environmental impact without compromising on results.

How biotech enhances operations

With the right formulation, biotech solutions can outperform traditional cleaners through:

• Deeper cleaning action: Proprietary bacteria colonise surfaces, penetrate deep intosurfaces, and degrade organic matter that traditional products can’t reach; all without damaging surfaces
• Residual protection: The bacteria form a biofilm that continues to work after application, reducing the need for frequent or intensive re-cleaning
• Odour elimination: Rather than masking odours, biotech products absorb and degrade the source, the organic matter itself.

Rethinking the cost equation

As biotechnology is more environmentally friendly, many businesses may still associate this eco-technology with higher “eco-premiums,” which can deter them from the start. High-performance biotech products are designed to last longer, work more efficiently, and reduce the need for intensive labour or repeat cleaning. With features like ultra-concentrates, cold-water efficacy, and non-rinse formulations, businesses can significantly cut costs related to product consumption, water and energy use, and staff time. These operational efficiencies not only support the bottom line but also build resilience against rising utility prices and shifting regulations.

What businesses need to know: The science

Although bacteria have been degrading matter long before humans existed, there is a science needed to ensure biotech cleaning is efficient in commercial settings. It requires expertise from the manufacturer in microbiology, understanding that enzymes are highly specific — each one works on a particular type of molecule, like a lock and key. For example, amylase breaks down starch, lipase breaks down fats and oils. But it takes more research and development, as not all bacteria are the same; each species and strain has different abilities.

Think of it like a family: everyone might share the same last name, but each person has different traits, strengths, and skills.

Take E. coli, for example:

• E. coli O157:H7 is harmful - it causes foodborne illness and can lead to severe health issues
• E. coli K12 is completely safe - it’s used in laboratories, teaching, and even human trials
• Other strains of E. coli are naturally present in the human gut.

To perform effectively in real-world settings, true biotech must be safe, stable, and efficient.This means moving beyond buzzwords and green claims and evaluating the biological integrity and scientific formulation behind each product. Unlike traditional chemical products, biological solutions are living technologies. Their performance depends on carefully selected strains, stable formulations, and enzyme activity that aligns with real-world cleaning needs. Without scientific integrity and thorough R&D formulation, products may underperform or even contribute to the very trade-offs they were designed to eliminate.

To be efficient, the formulation must include:

• Sufficient bacterial counts in both concentrated and diluted form (typically more than 100,000 CFU/ml in ready-to-use product) to establish a dominant microbial population
• Compatible species and strains that don’t inhibit each other
• Relevant enzyme profiles matched to the cleaning task, e.g., protease for proteins, lipase for fats and oils, amylase for starch
• Performance across real-world conditions, including fluctuations in temperature, pH, salinity, nutrient levels, and the presence of surfactants.

Navigating this new technology in the market

As with any innovation, and despite growing market demand, there still seems to be a lack of legislation to verify these claims. Even in the UK, defined standards or certifications for biological cleaning are lacking. Until legislation catches up, businesses need to work collaboratively with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure claims are robust. Key questions to ask:

• What is the bacterial concentration in both concentrate and diluted form?
• Which strains are used, and are they safe and effective?
• What enzymes are produced, and are they relevant to your cleaning needs?
• Can the product perform in your site's specific environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, pH)?
• Are the ingredients responsibly sourced and biodegradable?

Cleaning without compromise

In a market where cost pressures and sustainability demands are both intensifying, businesses shouldn’t have to compromise. Biotechnology offers a practical, scalable solution; one that mirrors how nature has cleaned for billions of years but refined through science for modern needs.

By selecting the right biotech solutions, companies can reduce environmental impact, improve cleaning efficacy, and lower long-term costs. But doing so means asking the right questions, looking beyond the label, and working with partners who understand the science.

Sustainable cleaning isn’t about switching products, it’s about adopting smarter technologies that serve both people, businesses and the planet. 

James Nayler os head of sales at Biological Preparations

For more information, visit biologicalpreparations.com/

TEL: 07974700978

With the core provisions taking effect from 31 March 2025 for all workplaces with 10 or more employees, organisations should view this legislation not as an inconvenience, but as a long-overdue opportunity to embed better environmental practices, futureproof operations, and improve compliance and transparency.

This isn’t the first time government has attempted to overhaul the UK’s recycling model, but what sets Simpler Recycling apart is its ambition for uniformity and clarity. Under the new rules, workplaces must separately collect dry recyclable materials (glass, plastic, and metals), paper and card, food waste, and residual waste. While this may sound like common sense to many, the truth is that years of fragmented local policies and inconsistent waste services have left many businesses without a clear framework for effective waste segregation.

The benefits of the new approach are significant. Better segregation means cleaner, higher-quality recyclables - and that translates to a stronger circular economy. Simpler Recycling is about reducing contamination, improving resource recovery, and making waste collection more consistent across sectors and regions. It’s also about creating a cleaner, more sustainable business environment that reflects public expectations around corporate responsibility.

But let’s not downplay the reality - implementing these changes will come with challenges. The cost of new bins, training, communication, and adapting internal processes could be substantial for some organisations, especially in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and facilities management, where waste streams are varied and volumes are high. In multi-tenanted properties, it will require real cooperation between landlords, tenants, and waste contractors to align responsibilities and infrastructure.

For facilities managers and environmental leads conducting audits, educating staff, and engaging waste providers will take time. Clear internal ownership of the transition process is essential, as is sustained communication. Understanding which waste streams your organisation produces, how they’re currently handled, and what needs to change will be the cornerstone of a successful implementation.

Enforcement will play a key role too. The Environment Agency now holds responsibility for regulation and has already signalled a pragmatic approach - one that is supportive but firm. Compliance notices will likely be the first port of call for non-compliance, but persistent failure could lead to fines and reputational damage. And in today’s ESG-driven world, brand image matters more than ever.

It’s also worth noting that this legislation doesn’t stand alone. By 2026, these rules will be extended to households, and by 2027, even the smallest businesses will be required to comply. Simpler Recycling is part of a broader shift towards standardisation and accountability - a direction of travel that’s unlikely to reverse.

The good news? For businesses that embrace this proactively, there are real wins to be had. Greater recycling efficiency, better alignment with sustainability goals, and potential cost savings on general waste collections. It also sends a clear signal to clients, investors, and employees that your organisation takes its environmental obligations seriously.

Ultimately, Simpler Recycling may not be quite as ‘simple’ in practice as the name suggests - but its intent is sound. If approached strategically, it’s a chance for workplaces to reset their waste practices and become part of a more resource-conscious future. Let’s not waste it.

SETTINGS SUCH as schools need to maintain a hygienic space to ensure a healthy place to learn where germs and infections are kept to a minimum to keep teachers and pupils in school. With a maze of corridors, classrooms, kitchens, dining areas, toilets and gym halls, janitorial staff require an easy-to-apply and effective cleaner that will provide reliable sanitisation. 

  

Regular deep cleans are also necessary to keep hygiene levels up and eliminate lingering viruses common to the school environment. Although highly effective cleaning is essential, so is remembering that young children will also be working and playing in sanitised areas and there is likely to be frequent hand-to-mouth contact so any products used need to be non-toxic. 

Hygiene in hospitals and healthcare settings is paramount and, in a place where immunity may already be compromised and medical procedures are taking place, correct sanitisation and infection prevention can be life-saving. Constant routine cleaning accompanied by disinfection of medical devices, and all surfaces is essential to prevent healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and any additional health complications. 

The healthcare industry is also subject to particularly stringent regulations that often dictate which cleaning products can be used. Guides such as the NHS National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness help identify what cleaning needs to take place and how it should be done, to inhibit microbial contamination and kill germs. With so many high traffic areas and touch points throughout any hospital, disinfection is essential in preventing cross contamination and outbreaks of infection which can cause serious problems in wards already under pressure and although keen hand-washing can make a difference in overall hygiene, disinfection of surfaces and equipment is also necessary. 

From food and beverage manufacturers to oil refineries, industrial spaces also require the ultimate in hygiene standards. Industrial cleaning demands regular deep cleans which not only prevent microbial spread, but could also prevent factory shutdowns and downtime caused by hygiene standards not being met or from grime keeping equipment working properly. A clean workplace is also a safer workplace with less likelihood of illness or accident if hygiene is addressed correctly.  

There are several disinfection solutions available on the market for I&I cleaning, each with its own set of properties specifically suited for different situations and environments. The trick is to know which product suits which environment.  

Strong, trusted – but harsh 

Sodium hypochlorite - or bleach as it’s more commonly known - still has a place in some settings and remains a popular product among many of our buyers.  

Swimming pools remain significant consumers of sodium hypochlorite where it is frequently used to kill microorganisms, bacteria and viruses and maintain clean and safe water. As it mixes with pool water, bleach releases a chemical called hypochlorous acid which disinfects the water to eliminate any contaminants, support the efficacy of chlorine in the water and help reduce the presence of algae. When needed, it can rapidly increase the chlorine levels to ‘superchlorinate’ the pool if it is necessary to eliminate a higher than normal amount of contaminants. 

Its use in water treatment is long standing due to its oxidation properties and ability to destroy pathogens. As one of the more cost-effective disinfectants available it is widely used on large scales like water treatment plants and in the purification of drinking water.  

A gentler approach

Those looking for a greener alternative may turn to chlorine-free options such as hydrogen peroxide which is still an effective bleaching agent but will break down into water and oxygen, posing no harm to plant and animal life. Its versatility means in it is commonly used across many industries. It sterilizes packaging and surfaces associated with food and beverage manufacture and is used in the production of household cleaners and laundry detergents. It plays an important role in the disinfection of agricultural areas where hygiene is particularly crucial. 

Hydrochloric acid, commonly known as HCL or muriatic acid, plays a similar role and can effectively remove scale and rust from most surfaces. It is often used as a pH regulator in processes where water is used such a food and beverage manufacture. Alternatively, it is also used in outdoor cleaning where removal of dirt and moss is needed or on ceramic surfaces like those found in public bathrooms. 

Acetic acid also provides a more environmentally friendly disinfectant which our customers use in the removal of grease and unwanted limescale or dissolving mineral deposits. This microbial agent can also be found in some healthcare processes to sterilise surfaces and clean wounds. 

The emergent hero product

However, as a supplier and manufacture of chemicals to the industrial cleaning sector, we have seen a huge surge in demand for one particular disinfectant over the last decade, becoming the hero product for those looking for a highly potent, but environment-safe product.    

   

Stalwart products such as the traditional bleach which have enjoyed a position at the top of the tree for centuries, have given way to this relatively new substitute in the industrial cleaning forum. 

While there’s no denying the germ-killing acumen of chlorine-based options such as sodium hypochlorite, which is valued for eliminating potentially life-threatening bugs in hospitals and healthcare settings it can also destroy good bacteria too, so when it is washed away it can be harmful to some microorganisms.  

In a world where companies need to be seen to be caring for the environment, and are increasingly regulated against doing so, many businesses have turned their backs on traditional disinfectants in favour of more environmentally-friendly alternatives.  

Peracetic acid (PAA) differs from these products as it does not remain in the environment and does not leave any residue on surfaces making it perfect for use in functions such as clean-in-place equipment, food and beverage manufacturing, bottling plants and dairy machines.    

Unlike bleach, it does not linger in the environment, or on surfaces. It breaks down into harmless and biodegradable base elements of hydrogen and water which have no adverse effects on watercourses or the natural life living in them.  

This does not affect its potency as a disinfectant and will destroy pathogens such as e-coli, salmonella, the common cold, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, so is ideal for hospitals and deep cleaning.  

PAA can eliminate salmonella, listeria and e-coli and remains effective when used at temperatures as low as 5°C and up to 40°C, while destroying organisms that would ruin food including coliforms, yeast and spores. 

As a biocide, peracetic acid is registered under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) for chemicals used to control harmful organisms in the interest of protecting people, animals and the environment. We recognised that this was likely to become a popular product in industrial cleaning and therefore a key product for the company. Therefore, we invested in becoming listed in the European Chemical Agency’s Article 95 as an approved supplier and are still the only UK-based producer directly approved for the manufacture of peracetic acid. 

This has meant our chemists and technical team have been able to continue developing the product and we now supply dilutions of 2%, 5% and 15% which allows flexibility for our customers. We’ve also created a foamy 2% product which is combined with a surfactant for those who are looking for greater visibility of where it is used and our Airocide PAAD is a DEFRA-approved product specifically designed for disinfection in dairy farms, poultry businesses and other agricultural settings.  

The market is currently populated with many disinfectants, each with their own properties and all of them highly effective. Our recommendation would be to research which ones serves your purposes best, but bear in mind the ever-increasing need for environmental consideration. 

Daniel Marr is commercial director at chemical specialist, Airedale Group.

Fore more information, visit www.airedale-group.com

TEL: 01535 637876

A black, sticky residue created by spilt sugary drinks, Blacktop tends to be quite pronounced on natural stone floors. The residue cannot be removed with regular cleaning products and creates a tell-tale blackened appearance. The greater the residue, the more difficult cleaning becomes, creating a vicious circle. Heavy footfall and wear compound the issue and tiles quickly look tired and dull.  Using the correct products and methods, floors can be completely renovated. In the case of the Cheltenham wedding and entertainment venue, a regular Green Man commercial deep clean restores the appearance and practical features of the flagstones.

At the venue, the cleaning process began with the flagstones being swept to remove loose debris and soiling.  A rotary agitation machine was then used to apply LTP Grimex intensive cleaner – a heavy-duty grime remover that’s formulated to react with and remove oil, grease, wax and ingrained dirt. Brushes on the bottom of the machine gently breakdown the blacktopand the cleaning solution is then given time to dwell and to work on any stubborn soiling, to ensure maximum results are achieved.

Green Man technicians then manually scrubbed the grout lines - the most effective way to get into the joints – before removing the resulting slurry using a wet vac and thoroughly rinsing the surface.

After deep cleaning, LTP Mattstone H2O was then applied to the flagstones.  A water-based impregnating sealer, Mattstone helps protect natural and engineered stone surfaces from staining, without changing appearance or compromising the floor’s breathability.  

“The finished results here were truly great! The flagstones look so much cleaner and brighter and are all ready to stage more celebrations throughout the year!” explained Green Man’s Jon Gardner.

For more information about the project and specification, please contact the LTP team on tel. 01823 666213, email [email protected] or visit https://www.ltp-online.co.uk.

To find out more about the Green Man project, visit https://greenmancleaning.co.uk

Tel: 01823 666213

CLEANING PLAYS a crucial role in optimising business facilities for sustainable efficiency. Compared to other maintenance tasks, cleaning occurs most frequently. It's fundamental to maintaining a clean, organised and productive working environment. Maintaining cleanliness in a workplace is essential for health and safety and achieving regulatory compliance. There’salso a social impact, pristine, well-maintained environments can boost employee morale, which contributes to increased professionalism, productivity and overall satisfaction. 

Why is sustainable cleaning important?

Sustainability in cleaning is driven by factors such as consumer demand, regulatory requirements, and the pursuit of a competitive advantage, with concern for preserving the environment being the most critical. Businesses prioritising sustainability not only enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) profile but also avoid penalties and negative perceptions from customers and partners. 

How do cleaning chemicals impact the environment?

Cleaning chemicals can significantly impact the environment by polluting water sources, harming ecosystems, and contributing to air pollution. Approximately 80% of phosphate pollution in UK waterways comes from urban wastewater, including cleaning products which poses a serious threat to aquatic life. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by cleaning chemicals contribute to air pollution, with indoor levels being up to five times higher than outdoor levels. 

Traditional cleaning methods often utilise harsh chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine, phthalates, and formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory issues, environmental harm, and other health concerns. Alternative cleaning methods without the use of harsh cleaning chemicals can be easily achieved. The demand for sustainable solutions has led to multiple innovations in the cleaning sector in terms of machines and chemicals.  But there are also natural cleaning agents such as white vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda which canprovide excellent results. Specifically, when cleaning floors, water combined with equal-partswhite vinegar is excellent for disinfecting hard floors. Gently scrubbing with a blend of baking soda and water is excellent for removing tougher stains and grime & particularly useful on tiled & other textured surfaces.

Water consumption and carbon emissions

Water usage in cleaning also has significant environmental impact. Heating water for cleaning purposes consumes energy which would come from fossil fuels and then contributes to carbon dioxide emissions. The water we use in our taps involves multiple energy intensive steps. Extracting, treating, and distributing before the water is safe for using and consuming. All these steps require exceptional amounts of energy. The water industry is among the mostenergy intensive sectors in the UK, accounting for almost 1% of the average daily electricity consumption of England and Wales. To reduce the amount of water used when cleaning it’simportant to invest in the right cleaning machines. 

Sustainable floorcare with low-moisture cleaning machines

The Managing Director of Victor Floorcare, Edward Blackledge commented on the value of sustainable cleaning practices, “Reducing water consumption and eliminating harmful chemicals from cleaning routines can make significant strides toward a more environmentally friendly operation. There is a common misconception that dirt and bacteria cannot be effectively removed without harsh cleaning chemicals. While this may be true in some instances, innovative solutions, such as oscillating machines, demonstrate that exceptional cleaning results can be achieved without compromising on sustainability.

The Ocelot range by Victor Floorcare exemplifies this innovative approach to sustainable cleaning. The Oscillating machines are designed for low-moisture cleaning, for applications requiring an intense deep-clean without excessive water and chemicals.

Since 1946, Victor Floorcare has been helping customers with their floorcare needs. The Victor name is synonymous with high-performance, reliable, and easy-to-use commercial cleaning machines. Products include oscillating floor cleaners, rotary machines, battery machines, and scrubber dryers. Operating across multiple sectors including education, healthcare, hospitality, local authorities, manufacturing, retail, facilities management, and construction, Victor Floorcare products are manufactured in the UK with locally sourced parts and suppliers. Guided by its heritage, Victor Floorcare is committed to delivering engineering excellence by investing in cutting-edge technologies and embracing eco-friendly practices.

Chris Dew is marketing manager at Victor Floorcare.

For more information, visit victorfloorcare.com 

Tel: 0121 706 5771 

Engineered for the most demanding Critically Controlled Environments (CCEs), the RPM system is designed to support compliance with USP 797/800 and a range of rigorous industry standards.

The RPM Product Line includes 10 purpose-built tools and accessories, offering unmatched performance in settings that require the highest levels of contamination control. These include hospital compounding pharmacies, vivariums, food processing facilities, as well as unattended death restoration and Fentanyl/methamphetamine remediation.

“RPM is not just a new product - it's a complete system designed to simplify and elevate the standard of clean in high-risk environments,” said George Clarke, CEO at UMF Corporation. “From our patented lint-free applicators to our recyclable, single-use frame, every aspect of RPM is built to reduce bio-load, minimise risk, and improve outcomes.”

Key Features of the RPM Product Line:

• Ridged Performance Material (RPM): Effectively removes and absorbs all contaminants that can be physically extracted from environmental surfaces.
• 10 Unique Items: Including flat mops, wipers, applicators, and accessories – all engineered for maximum lint-free performance.
• O.T.U. Hook & Loop Frame: A one-time-use, 100% polypropylene frame that is recyclable and delivers substantial cost savings compared to stainless steel or traditional mop frames.
• Dual-Use Flexibility: Designed for both One-Time-Use (O.T.U.) in highly sensitive areas and validated reprocessing when required.
• Chemical Compatibility: Safe for use with a wide range of disinfectants and cleaning solutions.
• Ergonomic Hardware: Simplifies cleaning protocols and reduces application time, transforming heavy-duty tasks into light duty processes.
   

Enterprise-Wide Infection Prevention

In combination with UMF Corporation’s PerfectCLEAN colour-coded infection prevention system and ONEperROOM training methodology, RPM products contribute to a holistic, enterprise-wide solution for healthcare, hospitality, food safety, and biosafety markets.

For more information, visit www.perfectclean.com

Although your bath mat may not seem like a priority, it has actually been found to harbour even more bacteria than a toilet seat!

You may be shocked to find out that almost 1 million Brits(845,000) have NEVER washed their bath mat and a further 6.29 million Brits go 2 Months or longer before washing their bath mat! 

Key Findings:

• 1.25% of respondents have NEVER washed their bath mat, equating to 845,000 people 

• 10.68 million Brits (15.78%) only wash their bath mat if they have guests visiting

• Plymouth, Edinburgh and Brighton residents are most likely to go the longest without washing their bath mat

• Divorced individuals are the most likely to let their mats fester for a shocking 3-5 months before washing, with 5.43% owning up to it - equivalent to 3.67 million Brits

The cities going the longest before washing their bath mats:

City	Percentage of people washing their bath mats every 1-2 months or longer
Plymouth	35.85%
Edinburgh	25.64%
Brighton	25.00%
London	22.74%
Bristol	22.68%
Nottingham	21.78%
Newcastle	21.62%
Southampton	21.18%
Manchester	20.24%
Leeds	20.18%
Norwich	19.44%
Birmingham	18.32%
Sheffield	17.95%
Cardiff	17.39%
Glasgow	15.22%
Belfast	14.29%
Liverpool	9.41%

Shower enclosures retailer Showers to You can reveal that those in Plymouth and Edinburgh are most likely to go the longest without washing their bathroom mat, with over 35% and 25% from both cities admitting to only washing their mats once a month or longer. 

This is despite the fact that bath mats have been found to harbour even more bacteria than a toilet seat. In a recent study, bath mats had the highest bacterial count of all items tested. Gram-positive rods dominated these flooring coverings, accounting for 85% of their total 31.7 million colony forming units (CFUs).1

However, it’s not all bad news for the nation’s bathroom hygiene, with almost one in four (24%) stating that they wash their bath mat once a week, which is the recommended amount. Liverpool is the most hygienic city and washing their bath mats the most, with just 9.41% washing their mat once a month or more.

Dr. Sham Singh, health expert from Winit Clinic, comments on the research:

“The daily moistening of bathroom mats serves as a perfect medium for breeding bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as fungi like Trichophyton which can also cause athlete's foot (tinea pedis). A person who steps onto a contaminated mat after just a small cut or scrape on the skin is highly susceptible to infections such as cellulitis and fungal overgrowth. 

From a hygiene as well as health perspective, bathroom mats should preferably be washed weekly, and of course this is even more important if the mat is damp for long periods. Rubber-backed mats can retain moisture even longer, and therefore increase this risk. Ideally, hot water(about 60ºC or more) coupled with disinfecting detergent should kill bacteria and fungal spores. Besides cleaning frequency, well-ventilated bathrooms also reduce bacterial and fungal colonies as they dry the mats quickly.”

Visual cleanliness is the most common factor that causes people to wash their bathroom mats (39%), followed by time elapsed since the last wash (24.5%) and number of uses (22.7%). Worryingly, 15.8% of respondents only wash their bath mat when they have guest visits, that’s equivalent to 10.68 million UK residents. 

Shockingly, the study found that 1 in 6 Brits (15.1%) are not concerned by bacteria or hygiene-related issues stemming from not washing their bathroom mats, despite the high level of bacteria prevalent compared to other bathroom items. 

Interestingly, 1 in 4 of those aged between 45-54 (25%) go one month or more without washing their bathroom mat, compared to 1 in 6 (15%) of those aged 25-34. As for men, 1.75% have NEVER washed their bath mat - that’s equivalent to 1.2 millionmen, compared to 0.78% of females never washing their mat (equivalent to just over half a million). 

The survey found that almost 1 in 3 (29.5%) of those that are divorced go one month or more without washing their mat, compared to just over 1 in 6 of those in a relationship (17.6%). Divorced individuals are also the most likely to let their mats fester for a shocking 3-5 months, with 5.43% owning up to it—equivalent to 3.67 million Brits. 

This suggests that those who are divorced may be more likely to neglect their cleaning routines, potentially due to a lack of accountability, motivation, or household standards compared to those in a relationship.

Martin Smith, founder of shower enclosures retailer Showers to You, shared their thoughts on the findings:

“Although fabric bath mats may not look dirty, they are secretly one of the most bacteria-ridden items in your home. Constantly absorbing moisture, they become a magnet for dead skin, hair, dust, dirt, bacteria, and even fecal particles. This creates the perfect breeding ground for fungi and yeast, increasing the risk of infections like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and respiratory issues triggered by mold lurking in your bathroom.

Shockingly, our survey found that 10.84% of UK residents don’t own a bath mat at all. This isn’t just an oversight—it’s a serious hygiene and safety concern. Without a bath mat to soak up excess water, moisture seeps into floors, leading to mold, mildew, and even structural water damage over time. The result? A damp, bacteria-filled environment that puts both your health and your home at risk.”

Dr. Sham Singh reveals more:

“Hygienic neglect of a bathroom mat can further lead to shoe odor-accompanied symptoms that include persistent dermatological medical problems, such as the plantar warts caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) that thrive in warm, moist environments. In cases of shared accommodation, concerns grow drastically because multiple occupants share the bathroom. Besides putting on slippers inside the bathroom and washing feet thoroughly, preventive measures can also reduce the probability of direct exposure to contaminants.”

Photo credit: New Africa / Shutterstock.com

For more information, visit https://www.showerstoyou.co.uk/shower-enclosuresdoors/