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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Of greenwashing and consumer duping

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

When habits become compulsions

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

When products do more harm than good

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

The campaign, titled “Let’s Get On”, offers free access to the IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing certificate for line managers working in UK-based SMEs with fewer than 250 employees. The initiative will run for a limited three-month window, from 1 January to 31 March 2026, after which the course will revert to its standard cost of up to £249 plus VAT.

The programme has been introduced against a backdrop of growing concern about mental health in the UK workforce, particularly among men under the age of 50, where suicide rates remain alarmingly high. Government research shows that work-related mental health issues are a major contributor to long-term sickness absence and economic inactivity, costing the UK economy an estimated £57.4 billion each year.

According to the DWP, small businesses are especially vulnerable. Many SMEs lack formal occupational health provision or structured wellbeing policies, leaving line managers without the confidence or skills to support staff experiencing mental health challenges, long-term illness or disability.

The fully funded course is designed to address this gap. Delivered by International Workplace, in partnership with Reed Learning, and developed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the training focuses on practical, people-centred management skills rather than traditional health and safety compliance.

It aims to help line managers identify early signs of poor mental health, hold supportive conversations, make reasonable workplace adjustments and better support employees to stay in, or return to, work.

Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson said the programme could play a crucial role in retaining skilled workers and reducing avoidable absences.

“Too often, small businesses lose skilled staff to health issues without the tools to support them - and that doesn’t help anyone,” she said. “This free training gives line managers the confidence to have the right conversations and make the adjustments that could help keep people in work.”

Eligibility is limited to line managers working in UK-based SMEs with between two and 249 employees. Participants must have responsibility for at least one worker and must not have completed the same IOSH course within the last three years. The programme is not open to non-line managers, employees of larger organisations, or those living and working outside the UK.

The initiative builds on recommendations from the Keep Britain Working Final Report, an independent government review that highlighted the critical role employers play in preventing long-term sickness absence. The report found that employees have only a 50% chance of returning to work after being absent for more than a year, underlining the importance of early intervention and supportive management.

Research cited by the campaign shows that only 13% of workers currently feel able to disclose a mental health issue to their line manager, while three in five employees experience mental health problems linked to work. At the same time, fewer than one in three SMEs offer access to occupational health support.

By fully funding the training, the DWP hopes to remove a key barrier that often prevents smaller businesses from investing in development: cost. The course can be completed in three flexible formats, making it easier for busy managers to participate without disrupting day-to-day operations.

The “Let’s Get On” campaign is also supported by a growing network of partners, including trade bodies, professional associations and businesses across priority sectors such as construction, facilities management, care services, hospitality, recruitment, and transport and logistics.

Organisations are being encouraged to promote the initiative within their networks, host briefings, and use campaign resources to raise awareness before the funding window closes at the end of March 2026.

With economic pressures continuing to mount, and workforce wellbeing firmly under the spotlight, the DWP hopes the programme will help SMEs build healthier, more resilient workplaces.

For more information, visit http://www.keepbritainworking.com

“Customers already benefit from the fact that OdorBac Tec4 literally does it all, from cleaning to deodorising, and now we are proud to announce that all 2Pure products are fully carbon neutral,” says 2Pure Products Director James Law.

Independent experts McGrady Clarke and Metsims carried out a full Life Cycle Assessment covering every stage of each product’s journey, with impressive results. 2Pure Products has partnered with Gold Standard to offset any remaining emissions through verified environmental and social value projects. As a result, all 2Pure products are now certified carbon neutral (excluding the use phase).

“We believe responsible manufacturers should also account for the in-use phase,” adds Law. “We will therefore add extra Gold Standard carbon credits, making our products carbon negative at the point of purchase.”

For more information, visit https://2pureproducts.com

TEL: 0191 217 1717

Stand E14 

2

Strong safety awareness helps protect workers, clients, and facilities while supporting smooth daily operations.

Commercial cleaning businesses and facilities teams are under growing pressure to meet safety expectations while delivering consistent service. Regulations, client requirements, and internal standards all play a role in shaping how work is carried out. Clear guidance and education help teams understand their responsibilities and reduce the likelihood of accidents that disrupt schedules and harm people.

Practical learning through an OSHA compliance course provides cleaning teams with essential knowledge about workplace safety expectations. Access to structured training such as the program available at helps workers understand how safety rules apply to real cleaning tasks. Education aligned with standards set by Occupational Safety and Health Administration supports safer practices and builds confidence across teams.

Why safety compliance matters in the cleaning industry

Cleaning roles involve more than surface level tasks. Daily work often includes handling chemicals, moving equipment, and working in occupied buildings. Each of these activities carries potential risks that require awareness and care. Safety compliance helps reduce injuries and supports consistent service delivery.

Employers have a responsibility to provide safe working conditions. Workers also play an important role by following procedures and reporting hazards. When everyone understands safety expectations, incidents become less likely. Compliance is not only about meeting rules but also about protecting people and maintaining trust with clients.

Understanding workplace hazards in cleaning roles

Cleaning environments present a range of hazards that can change throughout the day. Wet floors increase the risk of slips and falls. Electrical equipment introduces shock hazards when used improperly. Poor lighting or cluttered spaces can lead to trips and collisions.

Awareness is the first step toward prevention. Training helps workers recognize hazards before accidents happen. Teams that understand common risks are better prepared to take corrective action and adjust their work methods safely.

Chemical safety and proper handling

Cleaning products are essential tools, yet they can cause harm if misused. Many chemicals contain substances that irritate skin, eyes, or lungs. Incorrect mixing or storage can lead to dangerous reactions.

Clear instruction on reading labels, using protective equipment, and storing products safely helps reduce exposure risks. Workers who understand chemical safety are more likely to follow proper procedures and avoid shortcuts that compromise health.

Physical demands and ergonomic concerns

Cleaning work often involves repetitive movements, bending, lifting, and pushing equipment. Over time, these activities can strain muscles and joints. Injuries related to poor ergonomics can lead to missed workdays and long term discomfort.

Education helps workers learn safer lifting techniques and proper body positioning. Small adjustments to how tasks are performed can make a meaningful difference. Ergonomic awareness supports healthier teams and more sustainable work practices.

Safe use of cleaning equipment

Modern cleaning relies on machines such as vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, and pressure washers. These tools improve efficiency but require careful handling. Damaged cords, faulty switches, or improper use can cause injuries.

Training reinforces the importance of inspecting equipment before use and reporting defects promptly. Workers who understand equipment limitations are less likely to misuse tools or ignore warning signs. Safe equipment use protects both people and property.

The role of training in regulatory awareness

Safety regulations exist to protect workers across industries, including cleaning and facilities services. Understanding basic rights and responsibilities helps teams navigate workplace expectations more confidently. Training introduces concepts such as hazard communication, injury reporting, and employer obligations.

Knowledge empowers workers to speak up about unsafe conditions. Managers also benefit by gaining clarity on compliance requirements. Shared understanding strengthens cooperation and reduces misunderstandings related to safety practices.

Accessibility of online compliance training

Busy cleaning schedules and varied shift patterns can make in person training difficult. Online learning offers flexibility that suits service based work environments. Workers can complete training at a convenient time without disrupting operations.

Digital courses provide consistent instruction across teams. Content remains the same regardless of location, helping maintain uniform safety standards. Accessibility supports onboarding and ongoing education as teams grow or change.

Supporting teams across multiple locations

Many cleaning companies operate across offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial sites. Maintaining consistent safety practices across locations can be challenging. Centralized training helps ensure everyone receives the same guidance.

Standardized instruction supports smoother transitions between sites. Workers moving between locations encounter familiar expectations, reducing confusion and risk. This consistency builds a stronger safety culture across the organization.

Building confidence and accountability

Safety education builds confidence by giving workers clear direction. Employees who understand procedures feel more comfortable performing tasks and reporting concerns. Open communication improves teamwork and trust.

Accountability also improves when expectations are well defined. Managers can reinforce standards more effectively when training provides a shared foundation. Confidence and accountability work together to create safer workplaces.

Long term benefits beyond compliance

Effective safety education offers benefits that extend beyond meeting regulations. Fewer injuries lead to lower absence rates and reduced costs. Workers feel valued when employers invest in their wellbeing.

Clients also notice strong safety practices. Reliable service and professional standards enhance reputation and support long term relationships. Safety becomes part of quality delivery rather than an added requirement.

Conclusion

Cleaning workplaces face unique safety challenges that require clear guidance and shared responsibility. Education aligned with regulatory standards helps workers recognize hazards, use equipment safely, and handle chemicals responsibly. An OSHA compliance course supports both employers and teams by building knowledge that translates into safer daily practices. FMTC Safety offers accessible training designed to support service basedenvironments, helping cleaning professionals work confidently while maintaining strong safety standards.

The event, which takes place on Friday 6 February 2026, will provide attendees with the opportunity to meet key manufacturers from MSC’s value and supply chain, offering direct access to product expertise, insight into new technologies, and discussions around improving efficiency, performance and the importance of sustainable procurement.

A central theme of the day will be MSC’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Guests will be able to learn more about the company’s approach to responsible sourcing, reducing environmental impact across the supply chain, and supporting customers in making more sustainable choices without compromising on quality or reliability.

The event will also mark the launch of MSC’s new support platform, designed to enhance customer experience by providing faster access to technical support, product information,tailored assistance and much more. The platform represents a significant milestone in digital capability, reinforcing MSC’s focus on service, transparency and long-term customer partnerships.

Set in the heart of London, Kachette’s industrial-style venue provides a fitting backdrop for an event that reflects MSC’s practical, forward-thinking approach. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Ross Osborne, CEO of MSC said: “This event is an opportunity to bring together our customers, value and supply chain partners plus our team to collaborate, share ideas, showcase innovation and highlight the steps we’re taking towards a more sustainable future. We’re also excited to introduce our new support platform, which is designed to make working with MSC even easier.”

• Kachette, Shoreditch  347 OLD STREET, SHOREDITCH, LONDON, EC1V 9LP
• 11am – 4pm

MSC has extended sincere thanks to its sponsors and exhibitors for their support, delivering advice and guidance for our exclusive event.

Headline sponsor

• Metsä

Sponsors

• Prochem
• Harrisons
• Tennant
• Vikan
• Numatic
• Truvox
• Cartiere Carrara
• Biological Preparations

Booking form: MSC Innovation, Sustainability & Secret Launch Event

Fore more information, visit tinyurl.com/33mx5rtu

TEL: 01277 200520

https://msupply.co.uk/

 

The range includes disposable urinal bags (both resealable plastic and paper-based options), solid waste collection kits, and disposable sick bags. All products feature the patented LIQSORB polymer technology that instantly transforms liquids into a leak-proof, odourless, spill-proof gel within seconds.

Why TravelJohn stands out

TravelJohn products contain no loose powder, eliminating the risk of spillage and mess. The absorbent polymer is safely encapsulated within a patented non-woven pouch inside each bag, creating a truly sanitary and odour-free waste disposal method suitable for men, women, and children.

The unisex design and compact size make TravelJohnproducts easy to store in glove compartments, bags, emergency kits, or medical facilities so it is ready whenever needed.

How it works

1.      Open the pouch

2.      Use as a portable toilet for all genders (unisex design with spill guard)

3.      LIQSORB instantly gels and deodorises waste within seconds

4.      Seal the bag using the resealable strip (plastic version) or peel-and-seal adhesive strip (paper version)

5.      Dispose discreetly in general or clinical waste bins

Each urinal bag can hold up to 800ml (28 fl. oz) and is puncture-resistant, non-toxic, and waste disposal safe.

Versatile applications

TravelJohn products serve anyone who needs convenient, hygienic sanitation when traditional or sanitary facilities aren't accessible:

 Healthcare & Medical

•           Patients with bladder and bowel conditions (incontinence, IBS, Crohn's disease, colitis, overactive bladder)

•           Individuals with limited mobility seeking alternatives to bedpans and catheters

•           Reducing UTI risks associated with catheter use

•           Post-operative care and recovery

•           Home care and palliative care situations

•           Ambulance crews and emergency medical services

•           Elderly care and nursing facilities

Professional & Industrial

•           Long-distance lorry and coach drivers

•           Construction and utility workers

•           Telecommunications engineers

•           Emergency services (Ambulance, police, fire, Coastguard rescue teams)

•           Small aircraft pilots

Travel & Recreation

•           Road trips and traffic jams

•           Festival-goers avoiding long queues and unpleasant porta-loos

•           Camping and outdoor adventures

•           Coach and bus travel

Emergency Preparedness

•           Natural disasters and severe weather events

•           Situations where restroom facilities are damaged or unavailable

•           First aid and emergency kits

Bladder & Bowel Conditions

·       Empowering individuals with incontinence, IBS, Crohn's disease, colitis, or overactive bladder to travel and live confidently

·       Reducing toilet anxiety and urgency-related stress

·       Providing discreet emergency options in public places, vehicles, or at social events

·       Supporting active lifestyles without fear of accidents

Meeting real-world needs

"Whether it's a patient managing bladder or bowel conditions who needs reliable, discreet solutions for everyday life and travel, a driver caught in traffic, or someone wanting to avoid disgusting public facilities, TravelJohnprovides a civilised solution anytime, anywhere," said Simon Ashton, Managing Director at TravelJohn UK. "Our products restore independence and confidence to people with medical conditions, while also serving anyone who finds themselves without access to suitable toilet facilities. Already a trusted essential across the United States, used by millions in healthcare, emergency services, and everyday life, TravelJohn is now bringing that same proven convenience and reliability to the UK market.”

For individuals living with conditions such as incontinence, IBS, Crohn's disease, colitis, or overactive bladder, TravelJohn products offer peace of mind when venturing out. The compact, discreet design means they can be carried in handbags, backpacks, or car storage — providing immediate access to hygienic facilities without the anxiety of searching for public toilets or managing urgent situations in unsuitable environments.

The company also offers a lightweight toilet bucket seat, flame-retardant privacy tent that sets up in seconds, featuring three covered windows, an inside pocket for accessories, and easy access — perfect for outdoor use or emergency situations.

Product availability

TravelJohn products are available throughout the UK and can be viewed via the company's website at www.traveljohn.co.uk and purchased via selected retailers. Products are available in various pack sizes to suit individual, professional, and institutional needs.

For wholesale, distribution, or bulk purchasing enquiries, interested parties can contact TravelJohn UK directly through their website – www.travelJohn.co.uk

For more information, visit www.traveljohn.co.uk

TEL: 01646 600 750

This industry-leading score reaffirms Hive’s position as the highest-ranking office cleaning company in the world and places it among the top 5% of B Corps globally.

The achievement comes after a rigorous, audit process that began in March, involving a detailed assessment of Hive’s operations across governance, worker practices, environmental performance, community engagement and transparency. The recertification highlights Hive’s commitment to continuous improvement and to integrating sustainability and ethics into every aspect of its business.

“We are immensely proud of this recertification result,” said Louis Beaumont, Managing Director of Hive Cleaning. “A score of 122.2 doesn’t just reflect our success — it’s proof that our commitment to sustainability, ethical employment, and high service standards is genuine, effective, and ongoing.”

Hive’s sustainability initiatives include using state of the art eco technology, 100% non-toxic, cleaning products, enhanced plastic reduction, operating an electric fleet powered by renewable energy, recycling education schemes and maintaining a zero-to-landfill waste management policy, as well as operating our very own biodiversity volunteering projects, such as beehive adoption in our own apiary and a reforestation initiative affectionately called Hive Wood.

Hive continues to build a fair, inclusive workplace, paying all the employees at least the London Living Wage, investing in training, and internal promotion and career development. 

This recertification milestone reflects Hive’s core mission - People and Planet before Profit. It demonstrates that high-quality and ambitious sustainability goals can thrive together, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Contact: 

[email protected]  | 020 7993 6000

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hive-cleaning-limited

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivecleaning/

Together, the two events showcased not only innovation and expertise, but also a crystal clear commitment to raising standards and celebrating excellence across the industry. They also formed a powerful statement about where the cleaning and hygiene sector is heading - and the values that will define its future.

Across the day, the Conference provided insight from a sector increasingly confident in its professionalism and ambition. Sessions on ethical trading, digital licensing, ESG, training, and social value showed a clear shift away from viewing cleaning as a commoditised service, and towards recognising it as a skilled, accountable and future-facing profession. Talks such as Paul Ashton’s exploration of the Digital Cleaners Licence and Neil Spencer-Cook’s challenge to traditional views of training made it clear that competence alone is no longer enough. Leadership, technology, communication and wellbeing now sit at the heart of sustainable service delivery.

A similar theme throughout the dayt was the emphasis on people. From Lorraine Larman’s focus on building strong foundations through frontline operatives, to Daniel Cross’ call to make cleaning professionals “invisible no more”, the Conference repeatedly returned to the human impact of cleaning. The final session led by The Hygiene Bank highlighted this most powerfully, reminding attendees that hygiene is not a luxury, but a basic human need - and that the industry has a unique role to play in tackling inequality.

If the Conference set the intellectual and ethical tone, the Cleaning Excellence Awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the people who make this industry what it is. Supported by leading industry bodies and Headline Sponsor Kärcher, the awards brought together the very best of the profession. The gala evening, hosted by comedian Geoff Norcott, showcased proof of progress: healthcare teams preventing infection, supervisors and operatives going above and beyond, organisations embedding sustainability, and innovators using data and technology to transform outcomes. There were some truly moving moments, such as Melanie Hutter’s genuine shock at winning the well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award, and throughout the evening it was clear that the sector is so proud of the cleaning operatives and supervisors who are often overlooked.

Collectively, the conference and awards sent a powerful message: despite ongoing challenges, the cleaning and hygiene industry is united, ambitious and delivering excellence at every level. The cleaning and hygiene sector is no longer asking to be taken seriously - it's demonstrating why it must be. The continuing investment in people, while embracing innovation, and openly confronting social and ethical challenges, provides a positive start to 2026, If I took one thing from both events it was this: it wasn't just about what was celebrated on the day, but the confidence it instilled about what comes next.

Happy New Year!

Working closely with cleaners and Facilities Management professionals across the UK, we saw a gap: frontline staff were doing essential work with equipment that simply wasn’t built for them – we set out to change that.

Purpose  built equipment for modern cleaning teams

Cleaners trolley bag - Designed for efficiency — built for real world cleaning:

• Large capacity cuts down top up trips
• Smart compartmentalisation prevents cross contamination
• Specialist wheel set handles curbs, long distances & small stairs
• Removable top caddy for agile, flexible working
• Reflective elements for added visibility and safety

Result: More productivity. Less strain. Better performance.

Cleaners duo backpacks - Ultimate mobility for reactive cleaning

• Insert system for spray bottles
• Wipeclean interiors
• Colourcoding options
• Detachable shoulder bag section for confined spaces
• Highly durable for long term use

Result: Fast response. Total flexibility. Built to last.

MultiFunction cleaning belts - A cost effective way to keep essentials close:

• Spacious pouches for bottles and cloths
• Durable 600D material with wipeclean lining
• Protective mobiledevice pocket
• Reflective detailing for safer working

Result: Handsfree efficiency for every clean.

Why Business Image Ltd?

Designing role specific products is our ‘bag’, we’re trusted by 130+ customers across the UK and shipped over 200,000 specialist units in the last year. Our products are designed with cleaners, forcleaners and branding options to elevate professional appearance

When teams receive highquality equipment built for their role, they feel valued — and they perform better.

See the difference for yourself.

Arrange a meeting/request your free demo samples today.

For more information, contact Adam Rogers by email or telephone:

Email: [email protected]

TEL: 01293 518299

visit www.businessimage.co.uk

Released by the York and Leeds-based commercial cleaning Smart Cleaning, the index analyses seasonal cleanliness patterns in offices, coworking spaces and commercial buildings across Leeds, York and the wider Yorkshire region.

It combines real-world cleaning data with local weather and workplace behaviour trends.

Ben Hirst, owner of Smart Cleaning, said: “Workplace dirt follows clear seasonal patterns, and winter is by far the most challenging time of year. 

“Muddy commutes, wet entrances and high footfall combine to create constant cleaning pressure across Yorkshire offices.”

The five dirt factors

1. Rainfall and mud risk - Rain causes wet foyers, salt from icy roads makes its way inside and muddy ground gets tracked indoors
2. Pollen levels - Tree and grass pollen settles on desks, vents and carpets causing hay fever, while bins fill with hankies
3. Insects and pests - Flies, wasps and spiders leave webs and their swatted bodies in corners and windowsills, while birds who target them leave droppings on windows
4. Footfall levels - Occupancy, commuting patterns and busy periods can impact how dirty offices get
5. Human behaviour - Spills, desk clutter and waste build-up change seasonally leading to different dirt levels. 

Seasonal shifts in office cleanliness

The findings show clear seasonal differences in workplace mess, with summer ranked as the cleanest period and winter creating the highest cleaning demand.

Yorkshire Dirt Index - seasonal rankings

• Summer: Cleanest (Dirt Score: 4/10)
• Spring: Mixed conditions (6/10)
• Autumn: High dirt season (8/10)
• Winter: Dirtiest (10/10)

According to the index, winter conditions consistently create the most persistent workplace dirt, with mud, grit and slush tracked deep into carpets, alongside increased waste and surface contamination during flu season.

Spring 2025 was heavily impacted by unusually high pollen levels, which settled on desks, vents and equipment despite dry weather, while autumn saw rising dirt levels as offices refilled and rainfall increased following a dry start to the year.

Summer remained the cleanest season overall, supported by lower footfall and drier conditions, although large regional events such as the Great Yorkshire Show, York Races and Leeds Pride caused temporary spikes in workplace mess.

For more information, visit smartcleaninguk.co.uk/the-yorkshire-dirt-index/