One Year After Part 1: What Has Changed for the Cleaning Industry Since the Official End of COVID-19 and the PHE?

We may not be in a state of emergency, but one thing’s for sure: The pandemic ushered in a “new normal”—an era that brings a persistent virus and new hygienic standards.

To succeed in this new landscape, the cleaning industry must uphold safety standards and understand why and how consumer expectations have evolved with COVID-19. That’s precisely what we’ll cover in part one of our series on the state of the post-pandemic cleaning industry.

Expecting the Unexpected

When the pandemic hit, demand for cleaning supplies, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and PPE overwhelmed supply chains. Because of this, many cleaning professionals had to work with what they had—products that were either inadequate or others they were not properly trained to use.

While we do not anticipate shutdowns, mass hospitalizations, or supply chain disruptions as we saw in 2020, we’ve learned a valuable lesson: Expect the unexpected. That means maintaining a stockpile of supplies, offering ongoing employee training, and keeping a pulse on industry developments.

Shifting to Meet New Safety Standards

Since the pandemic, the public has been acutely aware of maintaining health and safety standards. More than half of Americans say a hotel's cleanliness level would impact their decision to book a future stay.

In response, our industry must ensure cleaning and disinfection standards align with those issued by public health authorities like the CDC. Just as important, these efforts must be visible to the public—whether through signage, posted cleaning schedules, prominent placement of hand sanitizing stations, or other measures that reassure customers that we prioritize their safety.

High-Quality Products

In 2020, the FDA issued multiple safety recalls on hand sanitizers containing methanol, which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Numerous companies sold fraudulent products claiming that they could prevent, treat, and even cure COVID-19. 

While consumer skepticism is nothing new, it is more pronounced than ever.

In addition to providing transparent information, our industry must also commit to using high-quality, safe, and effective ingredients in our cleaning products. Cutting corners is not an option. Doing so puts consumers at risk and erodes public trust in our industry.

Sustainable Products and Practices

A decade ago, companies could get by by giving lip service to sustainable practices. Not anymore. Adopting sustainable cleaning practices isn’t just about meeting the status quo or placating a growing base of consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility when they shop.

Moving ahead, our industry (and the businesses we serve) must curb waste, examine how chemicals and equipment impact our planet, and work with ecologically minded suppliers.

Your Partner in Post-Pandemic Cleanliness

With nearly 40 years of experience, we are the nation’s leading cleaning and hospitality provider. As leaders, we are committed to setting the standard for hygiene, safety, and sustainability in the post-pandemic world. We invest in safe, medical-grade cleaning solutions and equipment, provide ongoing training and development for our employees, and exceed standards set by public health guidelines. It's a new era of cleanliness. Let us ensure you're ready. Contact us now!