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. 

https://youtu.be/k5YiCSgir3U

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

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:

• Best Use of Data and Analytics in Cleaning
• Cleaning & Hygiene Team of the Year
• Cleaning Operative of the Year
• Client Collaboration Award
• Catering and Hospitality Hygiene 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
• Lifetime Achievement Award

The deadline for entries is 18 September 2025 at 23:59PM.

SUBMIT YOUR FREE ENTRY HERE

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 £1 million 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

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:

• Is the product biodegradable?
• Is the packaging recyclable?
• Does it carry a green label?

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
Tenders should be built around clear KPIs: cleanliness levels, odour elimination, sustainability metrics, staff safety, and customer satisfaction. The question should be: does this solution achieve the outcome? not how many different products can you provide?

2. Prioritise product consolidation
Multi-functional solutions reduce SKUs, simplify training, minimise storage, and cut supply chain carbon footprints. Less complexity = less waste.

3. Adopt closed-loop systems
Move beyond recycling into reuse, cutting packaging waste at source. Innovations like LoopBox show how circular economy principles can work in practice.

4. Focus on cost-in-use, not cost-per-litre
Real value comes from efficiency and reduced labour, not headline unit prices. A solution that delivers more outcomes per litre is inherently more sustainable and more cost-effective.

5. Protect the people who clean
Sustainability must include human health. Non-hazardous, toxic-label-free formulations protect cleaning operatives, improve compliance, and reduce the risk of accidents or compensation claims.

6. Demand data and transparency
Insist on measurable, auditable sustainability metrics from suppliers: carbon offsetting, packaging reuse rates, and independent biodegradability testing. Marketing claims alone are not enough.

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

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/

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:

• White – Light buffing and polishing
• Red – Regular buffing and light cleaning pad
• Blue – Daily cleaning pad for all floors
• Green – Aggressive scrubbing pad, unsealed floors
• Black – Very aggressive scrubbing and stripping

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 

The Cleaning Excellence Conference has quickly established itself as one of the most important gatherings in the sector’s calendar. Free to attend, it offers a day packed with CPD-accredited seminars, practical learning, and high-level debate. This year’s agenda reflects the pressing issues facing our industry: ethics in supply chains, digital transformation, ESG commitments, workforce wellbeing, and the ongoing importance of training and professional development.

The speaker line-up is second to none, featuring respected figures from across the sector and the sessions cover both immediate operational challenges and longer-term strategic thinking. The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) will also be co-presenting a day of fascinating speakers. 

Running alongside the conference is an exhibition showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies shaping our industry. For delegates, this is a chance to explore innovation first-hand and build valuable connections with suppliers and peers. Networking is built into the day, with opportunities to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and leave with fresh perspectives.

In the evening, a separate event - the Cleaning Excellence Awards - take centre stage. This is the ultimate celebration of excellence across the cleaning and hygiene sector. With categories ranging from sustainability and training to customer service and innovation, the awards shine a spotlight on individuals, teams, and organisations making a real difference.

The awards night is not only about recognition but also about celebration. Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, three-course dinner, live entertainment, and an after-party complete with music, dancing, and entertainment. It’s a rare opportunity to celebrate our industry’s achievements in style while connecting with colleagues and peers in a relaxed and celebratory setting.

What makes this combination so powerful is the balance between professional development by day and recognition by night. The Cleaning Excellence Conference challenges us to think, to innovate, and to collaborate, while the Awards remind us of the extraordinary progress already being made across the sector.

Western Business Media has created something special here: an annual fixture that encourages growth, highlights success, and brings our community together. I would urge everyone in the industry to engage - whether by registering for the conference, submitting a nomination for the awards, or, ideally, both.

3 December will be a day to learn, a night to celebrate, and above all, a moment to show the wider world just how professional, innovative, and essential our industry truly is.

Chris Shaw, Editor, Cleaning Matters

Supported by a host of leading organisations - including the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), and the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) - the conference will run alongside the BICSc Conference, creating a hub for professional development and knowledge-sharing.

A platform for industry insights

Delegates will benefit from CPD-accredited seminars covering ethics, digital transformation, ESG, training, and workforce wellbeing. Among the highlights:

• Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) on trading ethically in a challenging market

• Paul Ashton, Chairman of the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) on the potential of the Digital Cleaners Licence

• Suzanne Howe, Founder Suzzanne Howe Communications, Sam Worden, COO, NGB CLEAN, and Camilla Marcus-Drew, Co-Founder and Director of Amplify Goods discussing PR’s role in supporting social enterprises

• Neil Spencer-Cook, MBICSc, Group Managing Director at the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) on embedding training within wider change management

• Lorraine Larman C.Env.CL FBICSc CFIOSH, Managing Director of Safety Solutions Ltd on recognising operatives as the lifeblood of the industry

• John Horsley, Technical and Professional Development Officer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) on how frontline workers can prevent pest infestations

• Daniel Cross UK Marketing Manager of Tennant Company on recognising the social value of cleaning professionals

• Darren Marston, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners discussing the collaboration with BICSc on new training programmes

• Ruth Brock, CEO at The Hygiene Bank on tackling hygiene poverty

The full agenda, running from 08:30 - 16:00, balances practical learning, strategic debate, and high-level networking.

Exhibition and networking opportunities

In addition to the seminar programme, attendees can visit an exhibition of the latest cleaning technologies, products, and services. Lunch and refreshments are provided, and the day concludes with networking drinks.

For exhibitors and sponsors, the event offers a chance to connect with a plethora of professionals, strengthen brand visibility, and demonstrate leadership in innovation and best practice.

To register for this must-attend event, visit cleaningconference.com/

Sponsorship opportunities are available here: cleaningconference.com/sponsorship

THE CLEANING Excellence Conference is supported by key industry bodies including the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), and the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA). It will also run alongside the BICSc Conference, making it a central meeting point for professionals from every corner of the sector.

Expert-led sessions

Attendees will enjoy insights from some of the industry’s most influential voices, covering topics from business ethics and digital transformation to ESG, staff wellbeing, and social impact. 

This is an event not to be missed offering, CPD, access to the latest products, networking. So, don’t miss out, register now to attend for free! https://cleaningconference.com/

About the conference

All attendees to the Cleaning Excellence Conference will have access to a full day of seminars and will receive a CPD certificate for their attendance. The conference agenda is as follows: 

08:30 DOORS OPEN AND NETWORKING

09:15 TRADING ETHICALLY IN THE CLEANING AND HYGIENE SECTOR

Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA)

The world today is a complex and challenging environment within intense pressure on prices. In this context, it’s easy to lose focus on business ethics. Do so, however, and trust will ebb away from commercial relationships. 

The CHSA has embedded an ethical approach in our Code of Practice, signed by every member. To us, this includes everything from taking responsibility for business practices in the supply chain, through embedding environmental sustainability to transparency in product and marketing claims. 

In his talk Lorcan Mekitarian will outline the CHSA’s approach to ethical business practices, explaining what customers can expect from a CHSA member.

Bio

Lorcan Mekitarian is sales director of RPC bpi Group and current Chair of CHSA. Lorcan has spent the past 30 years supplying the waste management and cleaning and hygiene sector with waste sacks. Berry was a founding member of the CHSA Plastic Sack Scheme. He was instrumental in expanding the scheme to now include office bin liners and OTH sacks. He became a CHSA Council member in 2015 and chair in 2019.

09:45 THE DIGITAL CLEANERS LICENCE: WHY TECHNOLOGY IS THE PASSPORT TO OUR INDUSTRY’S FUTURE

Paul Ashton, Chairman of the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA)

In an era where data, automation, and compliance are reshaping the built environment, the cleaning industry must evolve or risk being left behind. Paul Ashton, owner of Birkin Group and Chairman of the CSSA, explores the significance of the Digital Cleaners Licence—a new framework developed by Origin that empowers cleaning operatives with verified, portable digital credentials. This talk will examine how digital licensing can elevate training standards, drive consistency across contracts, and help employers unlock the full value of their workforce. More importantly, it’s a gateway to embedding technology, compliance, and professionalism at every level—repositioning cleaning as a skilled, tech-enabled profession fit for the future.

Bio

Paul Ashton is Chairman of the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) and an owner of Birkin Group, a leading technology-led cleaning company in the UK. With over a decade of leadership in the facilities management and commercial cleaning sectors, Paul has been instrumental in driving innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration. Under his ownership, Birkin has championed the adoption of robotics, IoT, and data-led solutions across complex environments. As Chairman of the CSSA, he is a passionate advocate for raising the profile of the cleaning industry, by encouraging togetherness, embracing technology, and ensuring the sector continues to evolve with the launch of the Digital Cleaning Licence.

10:15 A FOCUS ON ESG AND HOW PR CAN SUPPORT SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN THE CLEANING INDUSTRY

Suzanne Howe, Founder of Suzanne Howe Communications

Sam Worden, COO of NGB CLEAN

Camilla Marcus-Drew, Co-Founder and Director of Amplify Goods

Suzanne will be talking to Sam Worden and Camilla Marcus Drew about their social enterprises, and how they have been supported with PR, including the launch of Remind in April last year for Amplify Goods and the Cycle tyre recycling scheme for No Going Back Clean more recently in March this year. Suzanne, Sam and Camilla will also talk about PR more generally and about SHC’s journey to B-Corp certification..

Bios

Suzanne Howe

Suzanne Howe founded Suzanne Howe Communications in 1996.  She is passionate about PR in the B2B sector and has established a specialist PR and marketing agency working in the cleaning & hygiene sector as well as the packaging and food sectors.  She has recently been awarded a marketing excellence award in the recent Women in Packaging Awards.   Suzanne also leads the organisation of the Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards and has done since 2009.

She works with a team of experts delivering strategic PR campaigns as well as social media management, event management, digital marketing and website development.

Suzanne is working towards B-Corp certification to endorse her commitment to working with the best companies and suppliers.  She is also proud to be working with two social enterprises, Amplify Goods and No Going Back Clean.

Sam Worden

Sam Worden has been working in the cleaning industry for 25 years, both across sales and operations - delivering for national and global client brands. In 2023 she left her role as a sales director for a large cleaning contractor as she wanted to deliver in business with a more meaningful purpose and support smaller businesses get bigger and better. Sam joined NGB CLEAN as COO in 2024 and has supported the business in its delivery of commercial cleaning on a mission to support men and women who have experienced the criminal justice system and reduce reoffending. She spends time mentoring and training young entrepreneurs who run their own smaller cleaning companies and has a specific interest in providing life changing career opportunities in the biohazard area of the cleaning sector.

As a business NGB CLEAN delivers with a focus on sustainability and has delivered cleaning for 14 months without the use of disposable gloves. The business has also recently launched Ride, Recycle, Repeat - providing an inner tube and Tyre recycling service to the corporate world, at the same time as generating funding to provide training for prison leavers.

Camilla Marcus-Drew

Camilla Marcus-Drew is the Co-Founder and Director of Amplify Goods, a social enterprise that challenges the ‘all foam and no action’ status quo.  They are a WISE100 award winning environmental and social entrepreneur, PISEP (practitioner with the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals) and has been working within the cosmetics and cleaning industries since 2015 following a career as a management consultant. 

Camilla previously founded the Soap Co. and BECo. in the supply chains of over 30 distributors in the UK, over 100 multinational corporations and restaurants, alongside over 1000 retail outlets such as John Lewis, Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges; selling millions of units and creating real work for people with disabilities. 

10:50 BREAK

11:20 IS TRAINING ENOUGH? MANAGING EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS AND CHANGES 

Neil Spencer-Cook, MBICSc, Group Managing Director at the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc)

Training is essential to efficient and effective cleaning, however should training stand alone. 

Training is a critical enabler of change, but it must be integrated into a holistic change management strategy that includes:

• Clear and open communication prior to training and after
• Emotional and psychological support
• Leadership alignment
• Continuous feedback and adaptation.

The key component to training is leadership and communication, this session will dig into these areas to ensure that training is not only effective but remains that way.

Bio

From a financial director role, Neil joined the BICSc Senior Management team in 2015. He has a wealth of management expertise and has experience in hospitality and FM in numerous industries.   

Neil's passion is technology, especially when it can be used for efficiency purposes. Neil was the project lead on the creation of the BICSc CPSS Assessor app, BICSc Audit App, The BICSc Cleaning Supervisor’s Certificate and delivered the virtual training platform and the associated BICSc Training App – to date over 130,000 courses have been completed online since its inception in 2021.

11:50 CLEANING: BUILDING BLOCKS

Lorraine Larman C.Env.CL FBICSc CFIOSH, Managing Director of Safety Solutions - and former Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) 2024-25

In this talk, Lorraine Larman will discuss the importance of building strong foundations for any successful company, starting with our cleaning operatives. They are the lifeline of our industry, and without them, none of us would have a job. We need to ensure that they receive the best training, equipment, machinery, development, and support. By providing a clear career path, we can help them achieve their full potential and contribute to the overall success of the company.

Bio

Lorraine Larman is Managing Director of Safety Solutions Ltd, an Independent consultancy company, with personally over 35 years’ experience. Lorraine is recognised for her expertise in the cleaning and associated facilities industry; providing independent, professional Health & Safety, compliance and cleaning consultancy to a wide range of organisations for both client and for service providers, across many commercial environments - specifically high-end commercial facilities, healthcare, retail, leisure, hospitality, heavy industry (Quarries/Power stations) and the education sectors. She was Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners from 2024 to 2025. 

12:20 SPOTTING THE SIGNS: HOW INFORMED STAFF CAN STOP INFESTATIONS IN THEIR TRACKS

John Horsley, Technical and Professional Development Officer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA)

Frontline staff are often the first to notice the early signs of pest problems, and their input can be vital when working in partnership with pest professionals.

In this practical session, John will explore the problems pests can cause and what to look out for on-site, from unusual droppings to damaged stock. He’ll explain why early reporting, regular monitoring and a strong working relationship between staff and pest controllers can make all the difference.

Whether you're in facilities management, food production or warehousing, understanding pest behaviours and having systems in place to spot them early can prevent a small issue becoming a full-blown infestation. John will share tips and real-world examples that show how being proactive and informed helps keep environments pest-free.

Bio

John started his career in pest control in April 2012, working around Lincolnshire and building a great deal of experience in rural and urban pest control.

In 2017 he successfully applied for a technical officer role with his previous employer, and for four years he played a pivotal role in training technicians, office staff and customers in all aspects of pest control, in the classroom and out in the field. John joined BPCA in August 2021.

13:00 LUNCH 

14:00 INVISIBLE NO MORE: WHY AND HOW WE NEED TO RECOGNISE THE SOCIAL VALUE OF CLEANING PROFESSIONALS

Daniel Cross UK Marketing Manager of Tennant Company

Cleaning professionals continue to play a vital yet often unseen role in protecting public health, wellbeing, and community pride. In this discussion Daniel Cross explores why cleaners remain undervalued, the profound impact that clean spaces have on mental health and inclusivity, and how organisations can better recognise and elevate this essential workforce, with the aim that attendees will leave with ideas for practical strategies to make cleaning operatives more visible, valued, and celebrated across every sector.

Bio

Daniel Cross has been leading the UK marketing strategy and efforts for well-known industry brands for over a decade including Vaclensa, IPC and Tennant Company, alongside his role as a long-standing committee member with the CSSA and leading driving force behind The Clean Start Initiative.  He has been a finalist for his marketing work in The Manchester Young Talent Awards, and recently The Clean Start Initiative was recognised as a finalist at the European Cleaning Journal Awards.

14:30 A PERFECT COLLABORATION FOR CLEANING PROFESSIONALS  

Darren Marston, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC)

Darren Marston, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, outlines how new collaboration with BICSc is opening clear career routes for cleaning professionals. From entry-level training to Chartered status, the sector now offers structured, recognised progression for creating a meaningful career.

15:00 NETWORKING BREAK 

15:20 WORKING TO END HYGIENE POVERTY 

Ruth Brock, CEO at The Hygiene Bank

In the last year, 5.3million adults in the UK have been forced to choose between buying food or toiletries. That means a Mum choosing between food for tea or tampons for herself; it means an employee choosing between lunch or the deodorant they need to feel clean and presentable at work. This is hygiene poverty. 20 million people in the UK don’t even know it exists, but the impacts are both devastating and growing. It causes extraordinary misery, blocks opportunity and limits life chances. It means people being trapped in their homes and children being bullied or not even attending school.

The Hygiene Bank is working to end hygiene poverty, for good. CEO Ruth Brock will speak about hygiene poverty and its impact, what this young charity is doing to tackle this hidden crisis and how you can help us achieve our goals.

Bio

Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank brings 15 years of leadership experience and passion to the charity. Previously, she led the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation (CSSF) for eight years, demonstrating her commitment to social justice. Prior to this, Ruth was a primary school teacher and also ran East End Shed, a small, community arts charity that champions inclusivity through the performing arts, fostering social cohesion and essential life skills. Years of working with families living in disadvantaged communities have shaped her perspectives on campaigning and the societal change that THB is working towards. With several years’ experience working in Westminster, encompassing research, campaigning and media, Ruth’s leadership of THB is focused on shaping our strategic approach and maximising our impact.

16:00 CLOSE

Exhibiting and sponsorship

The conference not only offers a full day of educational seminars delivered by key industry figures and bodies, but attendees will also be able to enjoy lunch and refreshments in the exhibition area - before the day concludes with networking drinks. All attendees will receive a CPD certificate.

The Cleaning Excellence Conference offers:

• The opportunity to associate your brand with excellence.
• Reaching thousands of industry professionals before, during and after the event.
• Networking with the industry’s most influential people.
• Multiple sponsorship package options available.
• Take this unique opportunity to position your organisation as an industry leader!

Contact the team

Contact the sales team to discuss your sponsorship opportunities. 

Exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities

Peter Calligeris

Sales Manager

[email protected]

General event enquiries

Mark Sennett

Event Director

[email protected]

There are limited sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities remaining. For full details please see the event brochure. https://cleaningconference.com/sponsorship

For more information, visit https://cleaningconference.com/