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Chris Shaw
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| Cleaning Excellence Awards shortlist announced | 07/11/2025 |
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The winners of the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2025 will be revealed at a gala dinner on 3 December 2025 at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Congratulations to everyone who made the final shortlist! You can book tickets to attend by visiting cleaningexcellenceawards.com BEST USE OF DATA AND ANALYTICS IN CLEANING
CATERING AND HOSPITALITY HYGIENE AWARD
CLEANING & HYGIENE TEAM OF THE YEAR
CLEANING OPERATIVE OF THE YEAR
CLIENT COLLABORATION AWARD
CONTRACT CLEANING AWARD
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
FACILITY MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
HEALTHCARE HYGIENE AWARD
INNOVATIVE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR CleanManager
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
RISING STAR IN THE CLEANING INDUSTRY
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR
SUSTAINABLE COMPANY OF THE YEAR
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Congratulations to everyone who made the final shortlist! |
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| An industry united in excellence | 03/11/2025 |
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THERE ARE moments in every industry’s calendar that remind us just how far we’ve come - and how far we can still go. For the cleaning and facilities management sector, 3 December 2025 at the Coventry Building Society Arena will be one of those moments. Two events, the Cleaning Excellence Awards and the Cleaning Excellence Conference will unite the most influential voices, the most innovative minds, and the most passionate professionals from across the UK - all with one shared goal: to celebrate, strengthen, and shape the future of our industry. The Cleaning Excellence Awards have long been more than just a night of recognition, they are a powerful reminder that excellence in cleaning is about people, purpose, and progress. Supported by the sector’s most respected institutions - including The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), The National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), and ISSA — the Awards embody the collaboration and passion that underpin the cleaning and hygiene sector. With Kärcher as headline sponsor and the humour of comedian Geoff Norcott who hosts the evening, this year’s ceremony promises not only to entertain but to inspire. Behind the scenes, an esteemed judging panel - representing decades of expertise across consultancy, training, media, and leadership - has the formidable task of selecting the winners. Their collective experience represents the best of what our sector stands for: professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to raising standards. But the Awards are just the beginning. Throughout the day, the spotlight turns from celebration to education as the Cleaning Excellence Conference takes over the CBS Arena. Free to attend and fully CPD-accredited, this event is designed to give back to the industry. From business ethics and digital transformation to sustainability, ESG, and employee wellbeing, the conference provides a platform for progress. Speakers such as Lorcan Mekitarian (CHSA), Paul Ashton (CSSA), Neil Spencer-Cook (BICSc), and Ruth Brock (The Hygiene Bank) will tackle the big questions: How can technology redefine our workforce? How do we uphold ethics in a competitive marketplace? How can we measure social impact and build a more equitable, sustainable industry? And perhaps most importantly, how do we ensure the people at the heart of our profession - the cleaners themselves - receive the recognition, respect, and career pathways they deserve? The Conference’s programme reflects the full diversity and complexity of our sector. It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about leadership, innovation, and social purpose. Talks like “Invisible No More” and “Working to End Hygiene Poverty” remind us that cleaning is deeply connected to dignity and wellbeing - that our industry plays a crucial role in tackling inequality, promoting inclusion, and protecting public health. Equally, sessions on digital licensing, ESG strategy, and training and leadership demonstrate how our profession is evolving with the times. The cleaning industry is no longer content to sit in the background. It is embracing data, automation, sustainability, and digital transformation as essential tools for progress. And yet, what truly sets these events apart is the sense of community. Whether you’re a frontline cleaner, a director of operations, a manufacturer, or a facilities manager, these events remind us that we are part of something larger - a sector built on integrity, hard work, and human connection. Both events offer a chance to meet peers, share ideas, challenge assumptions, and celebrate successes together. For me, as Editor of Cleaning Matters, these events reflect exactly what our magazine stands for. They embody the dialogue between innovation and tradition; between practical expertise and visionary thinking. So, as we gather in Coventry this December, we do so as an industry united in excellence. As has been seen year after year, the sector continues to prove that cleaning is not a background task but a cornerstone of modern life. To everyone attending, presenting, speaking, sponsoring, exhibiting or being recognised: thank you for your commitment, your innovation, and your belief in the power of clean spaces to change the world around us. Here’s to another year of excellence and to the people who make it possible every single day. Chris Shaw |
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| Hospitality and leisure operators encouraged to cut costs and boost sustainability with solar PV | 05/11/2025 |
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WITH ENERGY costs climbing and guests expecting more sustainable choices, UK hospitality and leisure businesses are being urged to invest in solar PV to protect margins and reputations. This is according to a new guide from nationwide renewable energy installers, Geo Green Power, which sets out how pubs, restaurants, hotels and leisure centres can use solar PV to reduce overheads, stabilise costs and meet the demands of increasingly environmentally conscious guests. In its research for the new guide, ‘Powering Good Times’, the firm has uncovered how around two-thirds of UK diners now consider a venue’s ethical and environmental credentials when deciding where to eat. In addition to this, further research found that sustainable travel is now considered to be important to as many as four out of five travellers. At the same time, operators are facing high and unpredictable energy bills, with kitchens, pools, refrigeration and ventilation driving continuous demand. Against this backdrop, the guide is aiming to help hospitality and leisure businesses understand the commercial, operational and reputational benefits of solar PV and take practical, informed steps towards reducing costs, strengthening resilience and delivering visible sustainability improvements. The guide also explores real-world examples of businesses already benefitting from solar PV, including Mitchells & Butlers, one of the UK’s largest pub and restaurant groups. Working with Geo Green Power, the company has installed solar PV across multiple sites. The installations generate over 470,000kWh of renewable electricity each year, saving more than 100 tonnes of carbon annually and reducing reliance on the grid, while providing customers with a visible signal of the company’s sustainability commitment. Kat Auckland, Communications Director at Geo Green Power, said: “In hospitality and leisure, the energy meter never really stops. Solar PV gives operators a way to take control, stabilise costs and show guests the sustainability story they increasingly want to see.” ‘Powering Good Times’ also outlines funding options, ranging from self-funded systems with payback in four years to Power Purchase Agreements that require no upfront capital. The guide is now available for download at: https://www.geogreenpower.com/solar-guide-for-commercial-sectors/ For more information, visit https://www.geogreenpower.com/ TEL: 0800 988 3188 |
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| Spotlight on innovation: ICE at the Cleaning Excellence Conference | 07/11/2025 |
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ICE WILL be showcasing a powerful line-up of cleaning technology focusing on three key areas: robotics, productivity, and sustainability. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience first-hand how ICE is addressing the cleaning industry’s biggest challenges. The next generation of autonomous cleaning A major highlight of the ICE stand will be the ICE Co-Botics Next Gen range. Now offering 11 distinct models, this range continues to disrupt robotic floor cleaning as a leader in autonomous technology. These advanced machines are designed to save time, money, and energy with the most advanced AI technology, including 3D LiDAR for superior navigation, all at a reasonable price point. By automating routine floor care, they give valuable time back for cleaning teams to focus on high-value tasks and detailed cleaning. Additionally, the ability to deliver consistent, round-the-clock cleaning offers a powerful solution to overcome current labour shortages. The Next Gen range also helps meet ESG targets with ease by providing resourceful, sustainable technology and clear data reporting on efficiency. Increased productivity with ICE Activ8 We will also be showcasing our ICE Activ8 equipment, a range built to revolutionise traditional cleaning methods and deliver ultra-high productivity. This line brings upright, effortless operation to both scrubbing and vacuuming tasks, focusing on maximising efficiency and comfort. The ICE Activ8 V delivers maximum productivity and quality results in vacuuming. Its lightweight, cable-free design offers total freedom of movement, and its effortless motion can increase productivity by up to 70% while significantly improving operative posture and reducing fatigue. For multi-task cleaning, the ICE Activ8 S provides all the same benefits but is a multi-dimensional cleaning system. It tackles a variety of tasks, efficiently cleaning floors, glass, low-profile spaces, table-tops, and edges. It also champions sustainability by saving up to 80% of water and cleaning solution usage. Commitment to sustainability: ZERO Vacuum Range Also on display will be our ZERO Vacuum range; made from up to 75% recycled plastic, and providing clear, quantifiable ESG benefits including:
For more information visit www.ice-clean.com TEL: 023 8077 7000 |
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| The lean cleaning shift | 27/10/2025 |
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Dan Moross discusses leaner cleaning kits and how they can provide a more efficient way to work, enabling professionals to reduce waste and to redefine expertise. ACROSS OUR network of cleaning professionals a clear shift is underway. From sole traders to larger agencies, more and more cleaners are stripping back their toolkits. Heavy caddies full of half-used products are giving way to a few high-performing essentials. This isn’t just about saving money. It’s part of a broader movement towards efficiency, precision, and sustainability – driven by both cleaners and clients. With tighter budgets and higher expectations, value, speed, and measurable results are now the name of the game. Even larger commercial firms are embracing this mindset, cutting down stock keeping units (SKUs) and experimenting with closed-loop packaging to reduce waste and streamline operations. A 2023 ISSA survey found that supply chain and inventory management are among cleaners’ top concerns — reinforcing the need for simplicity and smarter systems. At Bark, where tens of thousands of cleaning professionals connect with clients across the UK and US, we’re seeing this shift play out every day. The shrinking cleaning toolkit Customers will always expect the best standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety when they hire a cleaning service. Now, they also expect the highest levels of sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It’s no surprise that customers want more-for-less, but to achieve this, cleaners need to find ways to be efficient without cutting corners. Shedding products from their arsenal is a clear starting point. The cleaning economy has grown around hyper-specialised products that can be sold for individual challenge: different descalers for liquid appliances and showerheads; specialised cloths for different surfaces; different degreasers for grills and surfaces. Sometimes, specialised solutions are needed. But suppliers and brands have reinforced a culture of over-abundance, which can lead to financial and environmental waste. For most clients in today’s cost of living crisis, suggesting lots of specialised products could be seen as a red flag. Busy cleaning kits also have downstream effects on efficiency and outcome. More products equals more complexity, which means that cleaning jobs take longer and time-poor cleaners can’t take a consistent, process-driven approach. Complex kits waste time as well as money, which nine times out of ten will outweigh any benefits they offer to the cleaning process. What else is driving rationalisation? At the commercial level, major pressures around regulations and compliance mean that leaner, standardised kits are preferred. The more SKUs you have, the more complex your documentation burden becomes - especially when it comes to chemical handling and COSSH requirements. Fewer chemicals, though, mean that there are fewer safety data sheets to manage and that training overheads come down. Clients can be reassured by streamlined equipment lists. Sustainability can’t be ignored either, with clients of all sizes expecting environmentally sound cleaning processes that minimise waste and support re-use. Leaner product kits mean fewer consumable, fewer deliveries, smaller transport requirements, and less packaging. Efficiency and responsibility don’t have to be competing priorities, and often go hand-in-hand in unexpected ways. The lean kit principles are being taken a step further by the increasing popularity of concentrates and refillable products for home cleaning jobs, which extend product life and prevent financial and environmental costs. Sustainability ultimately ladders up to operational efficiency. For bigger commercial cleaning companies, sustainability is not a ”nice-to-have” but is a real requirement for tendering processes. Clients expect their cleaning agencies to work within their own sustainability frameworks, and the fewer wasteful products you use, the easier this will be. Towards a disciplined process The outcome of simplification is clear - as the cleaning industry is moving away from an overreliance on brand names and flashy products, it is becoming leaner, more efficient, and more engineered. Clients have less time and less money, so they are looking for cleaning services with demonstrable, disciplined processes. Take a household deep clean. A busy client appreciates a clear brief - instead of being told that they need to have 10 specific cleaning products, a request to just invest in the basics is more valuable. It doesn’t just save them time and money, it also creates a sense of expertise and adds value in the long term through practical advice. This represents a shift in industry mindset - products are now fit to the system, rather than the other way around. Rather than buying up multiple surface cleaners and devising a system to justify them, a professional can create the smartest process and buy the products that best fit it. We see this happening at the independent level across our network of cleaning professionals, but it is a change that will reward the biggest players - one step towards internal standardisation, which creates resiliency and efficiency. A cleaner using standardised kits is more likely to deliver consistent results across different sites and jobs than a cleaner over-encumbered with products. This is a change that contributes to predictable, replicable outcomes. Consistency, in turn, builds client confidence and supports retention, which is crucial for cleaners looking to book more jobs and scale their business. On a corporate level, this means that product streamlining should be thought of as part of basic quality assurance processes. Agencies and operators working on multiple sites especially, will see benefits when managing jobs across multiple sites, as stronger quality control will increase customer satisfaction and reduce complaints. Measuring ROI For the independent cleaners using the Bark platform, we see one clear way to measure the return on a leaner kit. If you are spending less on products and still able to carry out jobs at the same rate or higher, then it’s worth doing. Incidentally, this means streamlining kits is always a worthwhile experiment. For bigger businesses, there are more calculations on the same theme. Fewer SKUs doesn’t just reduce expenditure, it also condenses procurement pipelines, cuts the cost and space needed for storage, and helps when onboarding new cleaners. For a supervisor at an agency or cleaning company, standardisation allows you to train techniques and observe processes, instead of getting bogged down in product specifics. Fewer SKUs mean that there are fewer conversations to be had about which product is needed, and audit processes are faster and smoother as a result. Once again, this demonstrates the mindset shift that a leaner kit represents: small changes to procurement can have benefits for operational processes across the board. Efficiency as brand identity The cleaners that we showcase at Bark are overwhelmingly independent cleaners or small businesses looking to stand out in (sometimes crowded) local economies. Branding is vital - so how does a lean cleaning kit play into this? Professional cleaners advertise themselves in terms of efficiency, speed, and reliability. These are cornerstones of brand identity, and need to be seen in process and outcome as well as in website copy. This is where thoughtful product choices are key, as they become a proof point for your brand. Instead of boasting that you use a wide range of products, you can demonstrate that you are taking the clients top concerns into account and are laser-focused on delivering a reliable outcome. In an industry that relies heavily on word of mouth, online reviews, and peer recommendation, this is a vital differentiation. It’s not enough to just say that you are fast and efficient, you need to deliver this service as well. Getting the basics right and showing that you care about the fundamentals is important. Efficiency = professionalism Leaner cleaning kits aren’t a fad - they are a result of real operational pressures, for both independent cleaners and the industry as a whole. Budgets are tightening for cleaners, business leaders, and clients - which means that the new way to be professional is to be efficient. Simplifying your product kit demonstrates a commitment to operational efficiency and a desire to build client trust. It also breeds accountability, which is crucial for self-employed traders and big businesses alike. Fewer product lines mean that you can trace your supply chain, audit your usage, and keep track of compliance hazards such as regulated chemical cleaning agents. Essentially, the leaner your product kit is, the easier it is to prove that you’re only using certain products and protect yourself from unfair complaints. What are professionals actually using? What we are seeing from the professionals on Bark.com is that a core set of a few products covers around 75% of typical cleaning tasks that house cleaners are commissioned for: The 12 Essentials in every pro’s caddy 1. Neutral pH multi-surface cleaner – daily wipe-downs, safe for sealed surfaces. 2. Alkaline degreaser – kitchens, ovens, hobs. 3. Limescale remover/descaler – taps, shower screens, kettles. 4. Disinfectant – bathrooms, touchpoints, bins. 5. Enzyme cleaner – organic stains and odours. 6. Glass & stainless-steel cleaner – streak-free finishes. 7. Wood/floor-specific cleaner – pH-appropriate for hardwood, vinyl, stone. 8. Bathroom cleaner (surfactant + descaler) – tackles soap scum and scale. 9. Microfibre cloths (colour-coded) – reduce cross-contamination. 10. Non-scratch pads & brushes – grout, bottles, scuffs. 11. HEPA vacuum – traps fine particles and allergens. 12. Mop system (flat/spray) – fast, effective soil removal. These are one-stop, high-performance products that customers can understand and professionals can source affordably, sustainably, and easily. Each product in the kit is chosen because it is compatible with multiple jobs, and this, in turn, improves workflow and supports standardisation. Operational maturity This is part of an evolution for the industry to a new level of operational maturity, part-proactive and part-reactive. The most trusted cleaners and firms now present themselves as process-led, and a focus on variety and excess is being replaced by minimalism and efficiency. This is something that the industry can pick up and run with. There’s opportunity here at every scale for more transparency, more efficiency, less waste, and cleaner supply chains. It’s sensible, it reduces costs, and it doesn’t involve cutting corners or providing shoddy service. Dan Moross is director of customer experience at Bark.com For more information, visit www.bark.com/en/gb/cleaners/ |
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| Laundries and hotels come together at Hospitality Roundtable | 20/10/2025 |
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HOTEL OCCUPANCY is up while laundry volumes are down, but the future looks good. That was a hot take at The Textile Services Association’s (TSA) second Hospitality Roundtable, which took place on 16 September 2025 at the Hampton By Hilton on Waterloo Road, London. The meeting was chaired by TSA’s CEO David Stevens and attended by representatives from multiple hotel chains and commercial laundry operations. Held annually, the meeting continues to bring together laundries and hotel groups, opening the door to further collaboration and fostering the partnership between two co-dependent sectors. “Face-to-face meetings like this are crucial in really understanding the current state-of-play,” says David Stevens. “Talking about the issues is the first step. It is always great when we find new ideas and collective solutions.” There was one notable takeaway regarding the hospitality growth forecast: hotels are currently more buoyant than laundries. This is partially due to rises in occupancy across the various chains in attendance, while laundry volumes remain notably down. Managing linen loss was another key topic. This forms the backbone of the TSA’s Infinite Textiles Scheme, for which resources such as the association’s Pasha The Pillowcase animation have been produced. Recognising the value of the film’s messaging, it was agreed that evolving Pasha into a series of TikTok style shorts could help further its reach. The TSA presented the Infinite Textile Scheme accreditation and reported that the first two laundries have been certified with many more in the pipeline. In connection to this scheme and sustainability more broadly, the TSA also discussed its work with Innovate UK in creating a map of all the available recycling routes for linen. They are also working with Innovate to help the laundry industry decarbonise and in doing so improve the scope 3 emissions for hotels. “Sustainability is at the top of both sectors’ agendas. Events like the Roundtable provide a space where we can come together to discuss these and any other issues we are facing – and hopefully come up with solutions,” says David. In light of this, a discussion on the balance between sustainability, service and price closed the meeting. The importance of service and flexibility was at the heart of the conversation, along with a shared desire to continue strengthening the partnership between both the hotel and laundry sectors. “While it is unfortunate laundry volumes are currently down, the fact the hotel industry is experiencing growth is good for the laundry sector, too. We need them and they need us,” says David. “These meetings are a very positive process.” The TSA is the trade association for the textile care services industry. The TSA represents commercial laundry and textile rental businesses. Membership ranges from family-run operations through to large, multi-national companies. |
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| Shortlist announced for Cleaning Excellence Awards! | 17/10/2025 |
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THE FINALISTS for the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2025 have been revealed, showcasing the very best individuals, teams, and innovations from across the UK’s cleaning and hygiene industry. With nominations now closed, the spotlight turns to the panel of expert judges who will begin the meticulous task of selecting this year’s winners — those who have truly gone above and beyond in raising standards, championing sustainability, and driving innovation in the sector. The distinguished judging panel includes: Lorraine Larman (Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, WCEC), Denise Hanson FBICSc (BICSc), Jeff Cross (ISSA), Neil Spencer-Cook MBICSc (BICSc), Lorcan Mekitarian (CHSA), Dave Wheadon (NCCA), Lynn Webster C.Env.Cln FBICSc CCE (Lynn Webster Consultants), Kelsey Hargreaves (BICSc), Chris Shaw (Cleaning Matters), The winners will be unveiled at a prestigious black-tie ceremony at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 3 December 2025, bringing together leading figures from the UK’s cleaning and facilities management sectors for a night of celebration, entertainment, and recognition. The Cleaning Excellence Awards, supported by leading industry bodies The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), The National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), and ISSA - bring together the very best from every corner of the sector, shine a spotlight on the outstanding work being done to elevate hygiene standards across every part of the industry. This year’s shortlist reflects the sector’s remarkable diversity and professionalism - from sustainability and innovation to front-line excellence and customer care. Categories include Best Use of Data and Analytics in Cleaning, Cleaning Operative of the Year, Healthcare Hygiene Award, Sustainable Company of the Year, and more. Among the finalists are some of the UK’s most recognised names and rising stars, including Mitie, Serco, ISS, OCS, Emcor UK, BioVate Hygienics, Atlas Education, Excellerate Services, University of Birmingham, and CleanEvent Services, alongside independent specialists and emerging innovators. As judges prepare to assess the final submissions, anticipation is building for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration of excellence within the cleaning and hygiene community. The Cleaning Excellence Awards Shortlist BEST USE OF DATA AND ANALYTICS IN CLEANING
CATERING AND HOSPITALITY HYGIENE AWARD
CLEANING & HYGIENE TEAM OF THE YEAR
CLEANING OPERATIVE OF THE YEAR
CLIENT COLLABORATION AWARD
CONTRACT CLEANING AWARD
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
FACILITY MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
HEALTHCARE HYGIENE AWARD
INNOVATIVE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
RISING STAR IN THE CLEANING INDUSTRY
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR
SUSTAINABLE COMPANY OF THE YEAR
For more information - and to book tickets for the awards evening — visit cleaningexcellenceawards.com |
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| Cleaning Excellence Awards - Entry Deadline Extended! | 16/10/2025 |
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DUE TO unprecedented demand, the deadline to complete your entries for the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2025 has been extended. You now have until 3 October 2025 at 23:55 to submit your entries, which is two weeks away. This is the last chance for you to submit your entries to the Cleaning Excellence Awards and it is completely FREE to enter. The Cleaning Excellence Awards spotlight the most innovative products, services, and individuals. From technological innovations and smart solutions to sustainability and individual commitment, the awards celebrate standards of excellence throughout the professional cleaning and hygiene sector. The winners will be revealed at a gala awards ceremony, which takes place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 3 December 2025. Guests will be able to enjoy a drinks reception, three-course meal, magic acts, comedy, the awards ceremony and an after party featuring photobooth, band and dance floor and fun money casino tables. Awards categories include:
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| Top 5 office hygiene hotspots you’re probably ignoring | 11/09/2025 |
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EXPERTS AT Smart Cleaning have highlighted the germ hotspots in offices that most people miss. Kettle handles, telephones and desk surfaces are germ hotspots in offices, according to new insights by commercial cleaning company, Smart Cleaning. All these outrank toilet seats for bacteria levels, according to a range of studies Smart Cleaning analysed. High touchpoints are germ hotspots From light switches to lift buttons, offices are filled with surfaces teeming with germs. Microbiological sampling found that office desks can carry 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Ben Hirst, Managing Director of Smart Cleaning, said: “We expect toilets to be dirty but as they are cleaned regularly, there are fewer germs there than on high traffic places like lift buttons, kettle handles and blind cords.” The study also found that bacteria levels increased by 31% during the day when not cleaned. “This is why we recommend regular cleaning of offices,” added Ben. “Cutting down the chance of coming into contact with germs and bacteria means you lower the chances of people getting sick, and having to take time off. “For such high-touch communal areas, we recommended hourly cleaning – or after usage. In office buildings, places like reception rooms and waiting areas tend to need the most attention, so we recommend cleaning two or three times a day.” Top 5 Office Hygiene Hotspots The expert team at Smart Cleaning have highlighted their top hygiene hotspots with tips on how to keep them clean. 1. Kettle Handles & Microwave Buttons A study of 5000 office building surfaces found that 48% of microwave handles and 26% of fridge handles tested positive for biological contamination. Cleaning Tips: Wipe down appliance handles daily with disinfectant. Encourage people to wipe before and after use. 2. Desk Phones & Mice Desk phones and computer mice are some of the most used office appliances, but they are rarely cleaned. In fact, it is reported that over 50% of office telephones and mice have elevated contamination levels. Cleaning Tips: Use alcohol-based wipes at least once a day. For shared desks, clean between each user. 3. Water Coolers & Vending Machines If you’re lucky enough to have a water cooler and/or vending machine, chances are lots of people will be using them, building up germs that don’t get cleaned for weeks.Studies show that around 1 in 4 of these had high levels of germ contamination. Cleaning Tips: Sanitise buttons and spouts daily. Consider assigning responsibility to a rota. 4. Lift Buttons & Door Handles These are among the most frequently touched and overlooked surfaces in any building. Cleaning Tips: Schedule daily cleaning, especially during peak office hours. 5. Light Switches & Blind Cords Small, discreet, and often forgotten, switches and blinds can build up lots of dirt over time. Cleaning Tips: Include these areas in weekly deep cleans, with daily wipe downs where usage is high. Why Does This Matter? Why not let a bit of dirt build up on the office blinds, or leave the kettle handle for a few extra days? Well, the answer is that these bad habits build and accumulate over time, leading to an unpleasant office and atmosphere. Poor hygiene can lead to increased staff sick days, lower morale, and even reduced productivity. Office hygiene isn’t just about mopping the floors or taking out the bins. It’s about understanding the unseen dangers and tackling them before they affect your workforce. Whether you’re in charge of a busy office block or a small startup, reviewing your cleaning schedule with these hotspots in mind could make all the difference. About Smart Cleaning If you’re tight for time or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of daily office cleaning, Smart Cleaning is here to help. We provide professional, reliable cleaning services tailored to your sector. From corporate headquarters to small startups, our trained specialists go beyond surface-level cleaning, focusing on high-risk touchpoints and workplace hygiene best practices so your team can focus on what they do best. Get in touch today to book a consultation or to learn more. |
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| 2Pure launches OdorBac Toilet & Scale | 08/09/2025 |
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2PURE PRODUCTS has launched dual-purpose OdorBac Toilet & Scale, designed to make sanitary facilities cleaner and healthier. Formulated with an ultra-powerful bio-surfactant combined with the descaling power of lactic acid and malic acid, OdorBac Toilet & Scale eliminates scale deposits and organic residues, delivering ultimate cleanliness and shine. “Designed for professional settings and safe enough for everyday use, the formula for OdorBac Toilet & Scale is free from hazard warnings and contains 98% naturally derived ingredients,” says 2Pure Products Director James Law. “OdorBac Toilet & Scale is tough on limescale and odours, yet kind to users, surfaces and the environment. The ultra-powerful bio-surfactant is up to 500x more effective than traditional alternatives, efficiently removing even the most encrusted organic residues. Ideal for use in toilets, urinals, sinks and tiles, OdorBac Toilet & Scale leaves your washrooms fresh, hygienic and sparkling – without compromise. “Beyond the proven efficacy, 2Pure Products also deliver a measurable sustainability advantage. Our cleaning products are crafted with care, using 100% recycled plastic, while eliminating single-use plastics. In addition, OdorBac Toilet & Scale is designed to be used with 2Pure’s LoopBox™ closed-loop refill system to eliminate plastic waste, and ensures empty bottles are returned, cleaned and reused.” Cost effective with NO hazard warnings OdorBac Toilet & Scale's 100% natural and biodegradable Ecocert Certified biosurfactant is naturally produced by microorganisms, and increases effectiveness, which means that less product is required. It shines, descales and deodorises in one go so only one product needs to be stocked to achieve long-lasting results. The combination of these factors delivers a cost-effective solution for facilities managers in any environment. OdorBac Toilet & Scale is 100% biodegradable, 98% naturally derived and non-corrosive. The product features NO hazard warnings and has a Zero hazard classification (CLP Regulation EC 1272/2008), making it safer for cleaning teams and end users. With a pH value of 2.2–3, the ecological formula makes it safe to use in septic tanks and sensitive plumbing. Available in 12 x 1litre angled spout, ready-to-use bottles and 4 x 5litre ready-to-use refill bottles, the prolonged gel formula increases contact time and effectiveness, while it features a fresh scent and delivers a long-lasting shine. “OdorBac Toilet & Scale builds on the unrivalled success of our leading product, OdorBacTec4 which was designed from the ground up to be the safest, yet most powerful all-in-one odour eliminator and truly all-purpose commercial cleaner in the world,” concluded James Law. “Whether you’re managing daily hygiene or tackling scale build-up in heavy-use areas, OdorBac Toilet & Scale now offers professional-grade cleaning with none of the risk.” For more information, visit https://2pureproducts.co.uk TEL: 0191 217 1717 See OdorBac Toilet & Scale in action: https://youtu.be/k5YiCSgir3U |
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