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Chris Shaw
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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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| Cleaning Excellence Awards 2025 - 2 weeks until deadline | 16/10/2025 |
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THERE ARE only 2 weeks left for you to submit your entries to the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2025. The deadline is 18 September 2025 at 23:55 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:
The deadline for entries is 18 September 2025 at 23:59PM. |
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| Recorra installs AI-powered robotic sorting arm at MRF | 24/09/2025 |
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RECORRA, A UK commercial waste and recycling company, installed an AI-powered robotic sorting arm at its Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), marking the first phaseof a £1million investment aimed at boosting safety, efficiency, and sorting capacity. The system is now fully operational and marks the first phase of a £1 million investment aimed at boosting safety, efficiency, and sorting capacity across the site. Developed by British technology company Recycleye, the new system combines artificial intelligence, precision robotics, and data analytics to identify and separate recyclable materials at the MRF with speed and accuracy. The installation includes a live analytics dashboard that tracks material composition and provides performance data, offering Recorra new insight into waste trends and MRF performance. The robotic arm features an AI vision unit, which uses advanced machine learning and camera systems to identify items as they pass under the machine. A high-speed robotic arm equipped with a vacuum extractor unit then uses suction to pick up and sort the items into designated bins. The system processes between 35 and 60 items per minute and operates continuously, improving throughput. The technology improves operational safety by reducing manual interaction with waste and machinery, allowing staff to be redeployed to safer, higher-skilled roles. While the arm is currently used to sort cardboard, mixed plastics, and coffee cups, the AI can be trained to recognise new materials over time, offering long-term adaptability to changes in waste composition and recycling regulations. This investment is part of Recorra’s broader £1million MRF upgrade, aimed at increasing capacity and accuracy. The arm installation is the first step towards making MRF operations more automated, moving away from manual sorting to increase worker safety and improve material recovery rates. Bill Swan, Managing Director of Recorra, said, “It’s exciting to see the new A-powered sorting arm installed at our MRF. This represents a major step forward in how we process recyclables, integrating advanced technology to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of our MRF. It’s a powerful example of how innovation can drive real progress in our industry.” The robotic system was developed over the course of seven months, with the AI vision system installed in January, fabrication completed throughout the spring, and full deployment finalised this summer. With the system now live, Recorra is setting a new standard for commercial recycling operations in the UK. For more information, visit www.recorra.co.uk/ TEL: 020 7407 9100 |
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| Does cleaning procurement need a reset? | 29/08/2025 |
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James Law believes if the FM and cleaning industries are to meet the twin challenges of higher hygiene standards and stronger sustainability requirements, they must shift away from the outdated mindset of “more products, more choice. According to James, complexity is not thoroughness – it’s inefficiency. THE FACILITIES management (FM) and cleaning industries stand at a crossroads. On one hand, customer expectations for cleanliness, hygiene, and safety have never been higher. On the other, the pressure to deliver sustainable, cost-efficient services continues to grow. Yet, if you look at how most organisations still specify and procure cleaning and hygiene products, you see a system stuck in outdated practices: long product lists, fragmented supply chains, and sustainability initiatives that too often scratch the surface rather than tackle the root problems. So, are FMs and cleaning companies setting the right agendas? And if not, what needs to change? The problem with today’s approach For decades, the default approach to cleaning procurement has been product proliferation. Every soil type, surface, and hygiene challenge has had its own specialist solution: degreasers for kitchens, descalers for bathrooms, air fresheners for odours, detergents for carpets, specific glass and stainless steel cleaners, the list goes on. On paper, this looks like thoroughness. In practice, it creates complexity, waste, and inefficiency. Over-stocking and waste are the obvious symptoms. Storerooms crammed with overlapping SKUs tie up cash and space, while unused products often expire and are thrown away. More subtly, frontline cleaning staff face confusion about which product to use where, leading to mistakes, misapplication, and wasted time. Training costs rise as each product requires a separate briefing. Procurement decisions are also often driven by the wrong metrics. Cost-per-litre pricing remains the dominant measure, even though it says little about real efficiency or total cost-in-use. A cheaper concentrate that requires higher dilution, longer dwell times, or extra training can ultimately cost far more than a slightly more expensive but more versatile alternative. For example, we independently lab tested a competitor product against ours and OdorBac cleaned an identical surface 70% more efficiently. How does a saving like that fit a cost per litre metric? No labour or product quantity is involved. Finally, and perhaps most worryingly, outcomes frequently get lost in the noise. The primary mission – clean, safe, odour-free environments that support staff wellbeing and customer satisfaction – risks being subordinated to catalogue breadth, rebates, or box-ticking exercises. What this means for sustainability In recent years, sustainability has rightly moved higher up the FM agenda. But here too, there’s a gap between intent and impact. Many sustainability decisions are still framed narrowly:
These are important questions, but on their own, they miss the bigger picture. True sustainability is systemic. It considers the entire lifecycle of a cleaning solution - from raw materials to packaging, delivery, use, and disposal. It weighs not only the direct impact on the environment, but also indirect effects like wasted staff time, repeated application, duplicated training, and excess storage. Too often, FMs and cleaning companies rely on marketing-led “green” productsthat sound good in tenders but don’t address deeper inefficiencies. For example, a fragranced odour masker may tick a “biodegradable” box, but it doesn’t solve the root hygiene issue, meaning re-cleaning, additional product use, and repeated customer complaints. First impressions still count The irony is that everyone in the industry knows that first impressions are critical. Customers, staff, and visitors make instant judgements about a facility based on how clean it looks and smells. Hygiene failures not only damage brand reputation but also increase risks of illness, absenteeism, and complaints. Yet too many solutions still focus on masking problems rather than eradicating them. Strong fragrances, coloured cleaning products, and heavy-duty chemicals might provide a surface-level sense of “clean,” but they don’t necessarily deal with underlying odours, or ingrained soils. That means problems resurface — along with wasted time, wasted product, and wasted labour. This is where outcome-driven procurement matters. The specification should not be about how many different solutions a supplier can provide, but about which products deliver verifiable hygiene outcomes while minimising environmental and human health impacts. The human side of sustainability One dimension that is often overlooked in sustainability discussions is employee safety and wellbeing. The people most exposed to cleaning products are cleaning operatives themselves – often working long shifts in environments where ventilation may be limited. Traditional hazardous chemicals can pose significant risks, from skin and eye irritation to long-term respiratory issues. Even enzyme-based products, while generally safe, carry a real risk of allergenicity if inhaled and probiotics pose a risk in immunocompromised individuals. These types of products also often include traditional chemicals to enhance their capabilities. By contrast, non-hazardous formulations that carry no toxic labels — such as patented multipurpose solutions like OdorBac Tec4 — protect workers as well as building users. A sustainability agenda that ignores human health and safety is incomplete. Truly sustainable cleaning must mean sustainable for people as well as the planet. Closed-loop thinking: The packaging imperative Another area where current agendas can fall short is packaging. Many tenders require recyclable containers, which is a step forward – but recycling still consumes energy and often downcycles material into lower-value uses. The real shift comes from closed-loop systems that eliminate waste altogether. LoopBox, for example, is a reusable container system that allows packaging to be collected, washed, and refilled in a continuous cycle. This doesn’t just reduce plastic waste; it also cuts carbon emissions associated with producing and transporting new containers. For FMs under pressure to meet corporate ESG targets, such models offer measurable, reportable impact that goes far beyond a recycling tick-box. What needs to change To move the industry forward, FM leaders and cleaning companies must reframe how they set agendas and measure success. 1. Procure outcomes, not catalogues 2. Prioritise product consolidation 3. Adopt closed-loop systems 4. Focus on cost-in-use, not cost-per-litre 5. Protect the people who clean 6. Demand data and transparency The future agenda: Simpler, safer, smarter If the FM and cleaning industries are to meet the twin challenges of higher hygiene standards and stronger sustainability requirements, they must shift away from the outdated mindset of “more products, more choice.” Complexity is not thoroughness –it’s inefficiency. The future lies in simpler, safer, smarter solutions: fewer SKUs, outcome-driven specifications, closed-loop packaging, and non-hazardous chemistry. It lies in seeing sustainability not as a side requirement but as an integrated part of hygiene, efficiency, and safety. This is not only a more environmentally responsible approach, it’s also a more commercially resilient one. Facilities that can demonstrate measurable improvements in sustainability and staff wellbeing will win more business, attract better talent, and satisfy increasingly demanding regulators and clients. Today’s FM and cleaning procurement models are not yet setting the correct agendas. Too often, they prioritise catalogue breadth, superficial green claims, or unit costs over outcomes and true sustainability. But best practice is emerging. By consolidating products, embracing closed-loop systems like LoopBox, and prioritising safe, non-hazardous chemistry such as Tec4 formulations, forward-thinking companies can set a new benchmark: one where sustainability, efficiency, and hygiene work hand in hand. That is the agenda the industry needs – and it’s the one that will define its future. James Law is products director at 2Pure Products For more information, visit 2pureproducts.co.uk TEL: 0191 217 1717 |
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| Cleaning industry hit by financial double-whammy | 26/08/2025 |
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THE NEW Employers National Insurance (ErNI) and minimum wage is hitting the Cleaning Industry’s bottom line hard. CleanLink Software Ltd, a UK software provider specifically for site-based and contract cleaning businesses, has explored the impact on one of their long-standing clients Coastline Services Ltd and the industry as a whole. Earlier this year the government delivered a huge financial blow to UK Industry. The changes to the Employers National Insurance (ErNI) and the increase in minimum wage has delivered a significant hit to businesses’ bottom line. According to data supplied by CleanLink, ErNI has doubled on average from 4.5% of a company’s payroll costs to 9% based on how a business is structured. For example, companies with a small workforce working long hours will have high ErNI payroll costs of 8 - 9%, whilst ErNI contribution rates of 1.2% have been possible with a large part-time workforce mostly earning less than £9k pa. Within an industry that already operates on very low margins, often less than 10%,such a direct impact on profitability is not sustainable for many businesses. Being able to use the structure of a business to help manage costs has historically been a huge benefit, with this year’s changes this advantage is no longer possible. CleanLink are keenly aware that many of their clients are going through a very difficult time and earlier this month they sat down with Coastline Contract Services to understand how the changes are impacting both the industry and their business. Coastline Contract Servies is one of the UK’s leading independent commercial cleaning contractors with about 230 employees, based in the Southwest. The business has seen consistent growth supported by continuous investment in management, supervision, Health and Safety along with new technologies. Over the years challenges such as COVID have impacted performance and sometimesshrunk the business in the short term. However, Coastline has weathered the storm extremely well, partly due to the vigilance they apply to their business management processes. With the announcement of the new ErNI and minimum wage they explored how they could manage the change, this time with increased prices to clients; unsurprisingly this was not well received. Sylvie Manuell at Coastline Contract Services said: “In our industry clients don’t want to pay more for cleaning. It’s now difficult to supply the same service without raising our costs as we are already seeing the impact of the changes. However, discussing the increase has been a difficult topic with clients. The changes to the ErNI calculation are having a huge impact on both small to medium size companies, and I believe it’s because government aren’t thinking about us when they make these changes. The bigger companies already get more help from Government due to the threat of high redundancy levels. The reality is that many small businesses going bust is as damaging as a large business but it’s not as newsworthy.” Many in the UK cleaning industry believe, like many other industries who employ part time staff, they are not being taken into consideration by the Government when tax and rules are reviewed. According to CleanLink’s data, before the recent changes to NI came into effect, the average percentage of employees attracting ErNI was 40%, this has risen to 80%. The number of staff now paying Employee NI (EeNI) has increased by 5%. These companies used to offer an income supplement to low earning families; now these families are caught in a benefits trap where they are penalised if they work too many hours. This results in a perverse incentive structure where working more hours can lead to a loss in income. In effect people are encouraged to limit their income to ensure they maintain access to crucial benefits like housing or childcare support. This in turn leads to a recruitment gap which is already a challenge in the industry with reports that 30% of roles are currently unfilled. While this year is proving to be tough, Coastline Cleaning Services are anticipating more challenges next year with government changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) which is already a cost that directly hits the bottom line. Sylvie Manuell continued: “In our industry when someone is sick, we must service the contract by sending another employee. In term of charges, it means we pay SSP and then pay for thecleaning cover for the sick employee, in essence we pay twice the cleaning hours to allow us to cover contracts and pay sick pay. It is easy to see how margins can quickly disappear if absences are not managed.” With the current system, an employee must earn an average of £125 per week and be off sick for three days before receiving SSP. The government proposal for the new SSP rules, is any employee could receive some level of SSP from day one. This would be another direct hit to the cleaning industry’s bottom line. SSP is already a big cost and as a business funded scheme, again it’s small and medium sizebusinesses that carry the financial burden. Only time will tell as to how the forthcoming revisions to SSP will impact UK industry, and in particular, the UK cleaning industry. To help manage their business effectively Coastline have implemented the CleanLink software and have really appreciated the impact it has made to their management processes, particularly during challenging times. However, it’s the support from the CleanLink Customer Services team that has really made the difference. The depth of industry knowledge the team have is very strong and they really understand HMRC regulations such as maternity etc. Sylvie Manuell concluded: "It’s very important when you have issues there’s a team that knows how to find a solution. Regulations are often so complex and hard to understand that I have to call the CleanLink team and bounce back what the right calculations should be. It’s great to be able to check with them to ensure I’ve understood them correctly. It’s more than just software CleanLink are selling and being well trained on the processes is vital support, as calculations need to be right so that the business is operating legally – it’s invaluable peace of mind. CleanLink definitely go over and above with their support." As the business environment becomes ever more difficult there is a need to ensure companies operate efficiently by making sure processes are managed effectively. For more information, visit https://www.coastlinecleaning.co.uk/ |
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| Brushes and pads - the right match for every floor | 26/08/2025 |
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From vinyl to stone, every floor has its quirks, and using the wrong cleaning tool can waste time, water, and effort. As Hans Van Blijenbergh observes, knowing when to use a brush and when to use a pad is key to achieving spotless, long-lasting results. FROM VINYL to rubber, ceramic, natural stone, and timber, there are many types offlooring with distinct characteristics that require different approaches to cleaning. To prevent dull, dirty, or stained floors and minimise overuse of water and cleaning solution, using the right tools and techniques makes all the difference. To enhance the cleaning, polishing, or scrubbing process and achieve desired results, floor pads and brushes are used with floor machines. This makes the cleaning process faster, safer, and efficient, particularly across large areas. It also requires less effort and physical strain compared to traditional methods like scrubbing by hand. Knowing when to use a pad and when to use a brush is critical to ensure your floors are truly clean. Comprehensive training and the use of effective techniques also helpelevate the status of both cleaners and the wider industry, demonstrating that the profession is built on specialist knowledge and continual learning. When to use a brush and when to use a pad? In broad terms, you use a brush to clean textured and slip-resistant floors, and pads to clean smooth surfaces. Why? Because a pad cannot properly clean surfaces that are uneven. It simply cannot get into the grout, grooves, and dimples of a textured floor. You need bristles for that. An extensive range of brushes and pads is available to effectively handle various floor types and the specific stain or soil. Selecting the appropriate option is crucial to ensure proper cleaning performance. There is no one-size-fits-all, as each floor has unique characteristics. That’s why we’ve developed seven different brushes and eleven different pads with our flagship i-mop range of scrubber dryers. We would always recommend testing any brush or cleaning solution in a small,inconspicuous area first. Cleaning a sample area to demonstrate results is also an effective way of showing your customer that you’re using the best cleaning technique – seeing is believing. Which brush is the best fit? • Soft brushes These are designed for light-duty cleaning and for use on delicate and timber flooring. It’s important to remember that wooden floors don’t like water and should be protected with a layer of varnish. For shiny glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles, a soft brush or one made from natural fibres is recommended to avoid scratching the surface. • Medium brushes These can be used for everyday scrubbing and cleaning of most floors and come as standard with our i-mop range. Medium or soft brushes can be used on Epoxy non-slip floors, which are common in kitchens and other areas where slip resistance is crucial. Avoid hard brushes on this flooring, as they wear out quickly on aggressive surfaces. • Low-density medium brush Use this brush for sensitive surfaces when the standard medium brush gives too much friction, which puts a heavy load on the brush motor. • Natural fibre brush These are ideally suited for rubber floors, which are commonly used in gyms and other high-impact areas. Natural fibres create less friction and reduce the load on cleaning machines compared to traditional poly brushes, which generate more friction. • Hard brush For rough-finished concrete floors, use a medium or hard brush. Hard brushes are particularly effective for deep cleaning, including grout lines, and removing tough residues like dried dough in bakery settings. • Low-density hard brush Use this brush when the standard hard brush gives too much friction, which puts a heavy load on the brush motor. • Cleanroom brush For cleaning of sticky mats and other cleanroom environments, where hygiene and cross-contamination are critical concerns. Pads Pads fall into two main categories - regular pads, which are colour coded for different applications and Twister diamond pads for chemical-free daily cleaning and renovation. A good rule of thumb is to use a Twister pad to increase gloss or maintain the gloss level of smooth floors. Use traditional pads to clean floors without changing the visual appearance of your floor. From there, you can choose the colour that best fits your cleaning needs and type of floor. Regular pads are available in five distinct colours:
Twister pads also come in a range of colours for different cleaning procedures and applications. Which pad is the best fit? • Vinyl and linoleum floors This flooring is popular in many businesses and public areas due to its durability and low maintenance. Modern vinyl floors are often factory-sealed, reducing the need for a topical sealer. Pads are generally preferred over brushes for cleaning these floors and excel at removing scuff marks. A green Twister diamond pad or a red pad works well for regular cleaning. For more heavily soiled floors, a blue pad can be used. In low-traffic areas, a medium brush may suffice, with periodic deep cleans using red or blue pads. • Epoxy floors Pads are ideally suited for these floors, which have a smooth finish and are often used in high-end settings. They are very sensitive to scratches, making them difficult to maintain, and dirt can easily settle in the micropores of the floor. A green Twister diamond pad is a good option but be aware that micro-polishing the floor creates a mechanically densified surface with increased resistance to dirt and wear. High cleanliness and gloss are maintained over time. If you don’t want to increase gloss, use a red pad. • Concrete floors For smooth, polished concrete floors, a green Twister diamond pad is the best option. Depending on the level of soil, red or blue pads can also be used. • Ceramic or porcelain tiled floors For matte or textured ceramic or porcelain tiles, pads offer a better surface clean. An orange Twister diamond pad is the best choice, with red, blue, or green pads being suitable, based on the soil level. • Natural stone floors Terrazzo, marble, and limestone floors are often found in high-end public and business properties due to their elegant appearance. To maintain and improve gloss levels, use a green Twister diamond pad. For high traffic areas, use a blue Twister diamond pad, or if you want higher gloss, use a pink Twister diamond pad. Maintenance Cleaning operatives are accustomed to rinsing out their cloths after manual cleaning, but when it comes to mechanical cleaning, aftercare can often be forgotten. While it may be tempting to leave pads on the machine until the next shift, and pick up where the job left off, best practice is to remove, rinse thoroughly, and dry, so they’re clean and effective for the following day. The lifespan of the brush or pads varies depending on the abrasiveness of the floor surface. To assist, our i-mop range has a built-in wear indicator, making this easier to monitor. Continuous testing As new flooring types enter the market, each cleaning tool should undergo thorough and ongoing testing by the manufacturer to ensure compatibility. Choosing the right brush or pad depends on a range of factors. To help you determine the best match, we’ve created a guide to the most common types of floors, and which brushes or pads are suitable. Hans Van Blijenbergh is regional ambassador and brushes & pads expert at i-team Global For more information, visit www.i-teamglobal.com TEL: 01945 595177 |
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