3 Cleaning Industry Changes from COVID-19

September 21, 2020 8:00 AM by Tennant Company

Posted in Health & Safety, Innovation & Technology, Robotic Cleaning Machines,

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If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the last several months, it’s that the approach to cleaning has changed for the long term, if not forever. Going shopping, eating at a restaurant, or attending an event will have everyone judging whether a space is clean and safe from germs that may impact our health.

And while these factors are impacting all of us personally on a daily basis, businesses are also responding and changing their cleaning protocols to help ensure their visitors are safe and comfortable.

The information on proper protocols and regulations changes on a regular basis, which means we don’t have all of the answers now, and may not in the near future. The important thing is that businesses remain flexible and adapt to ensure safety.

Here are 3 ways we’ve seen cleaning change in light of COVID-19:

More Visible Cleaning: Cleaning has always been important, but it may have gone unnoticed in the past. But as cleanliness has moved to the forefront of everyone’s minds, seeing is believing. Consumers now expect, and have become accustomed to, seeing team members wiping down carts, cleaning registers between customers and regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces to help them feel safe while completing necessary errands. Additionally, even floor cleaning has become more visible, as businesses clean more often.
Increased Time and Money Spent on Cleaning: ISSA estimates that as businesses start to reopen, labour costs will increase 50% and equipment, tools and supplies will increase 100-200%. Many stores and restaurants have shortened their hours to allow for additional cleaning protocols, which may mean more cleaning staff, cleaning equipment, safety equipment, or more cleaning solutions. Plus, with a more critical eye on public spaces, allowing the proper dwell time for disinfecting also increases time spent on thorough cleaning.
New Cleaning Innovations: In just a few months, we’ve seen new cleaning technologies emerge across the globe and have seen a spike in robotic cleaning machine usage. As businesses plan for the new realities of their cleaning programs, technologies that help their teams clean more efficiently and more safely will be an important consideration. We are evaluating all possible types of methods and equipment that improve the sanitization and disinfection effectiveness of our machines either through complimentary or integrated functionality.

Lastly, the changes we’re seeing in cleaning wouldn’t be possible without the cleaning teams and employees who are working hard to ensure public spaces are clean, safe and healthy. Thank you to cleaning teams everywhere for being on the front lines in keeping all types of spaces and surfaces clean.

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