COMBATTING RISING COSTS IN THE CLEANING SECTOR

The cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen in the UK, and the highest inflation rates for 40-years are hitting almost every sector. When it comes to the cleaning and hygiene sector, rising costs of materials and energy, combined with supply chain issues, are impacting the bottom line for many contract cleaning companies. This ultimately results in higher fees for end-customers.

Add to this the current staff shortages in the sector and we are in quite a vulnerable position. So what can be done to make efficiencies and does this jeopardise cleanliness standards in the process?

 Making efficiencies

The phrase ‘making efficiencies’ often comes with negative connotations. People think it means scaling back or compromising on quality or standards. But that doesn’t have to be the case. It’s all about working smarter and taking advantage of innovation solutions that save both time and money.

Many traditional cleaning methods are highly inefficient and labour intensive. Take mopping for example. It not only requires a cleaning operative’s time to cover all areas, but it leaves a sub-standard result.

This is where cleaning equipment plays a major role. Innovative machines may seem like a big investment initially, but they more than pay for themselves in cost and time savings long-term. They are easy to use, deliver better results than traditional processes, and have little ongoing costs.

 Investing in innovation

For example, high-flow fluid extraction is significantly more effective than traditional mopping and leaves a clean, dry floor in a matter of seconds. This process uses fresh water and cleaning chemicals, dispensed on the surface. It is then agitated, if necessary, to loosen soils, and suctioned away. It ensures that the soils, and any liquids, are removed from the surface, rather than spread around the floor. This method can be used in a range of settings, from shopping malls and stations to stadiums and factories. In fact, it’s highly effective on almost all hard surfaces.

High-flow fluid extraction machines like the Kaivac Stretch SUV and Kaivac UniVac can really help cleaning operatives deliver a higher standard of both rapid response and daily cleaning.

Combining high speed push-behind cleaning for large areas, with a precision vacuum wand for smaller or grouted areas, the Kaivac Stretch SUV can tackle any hard flooring challenge, as well as daily cleaning. And thanks to its cordless battery capability, the Stretch SUV can also address unexpected challenges, such as weather-related issues or spillages, quickly and safely, leaving a dry floor that is ready for immediate use.

The Kaivac UniVac cleans better and faster than a mop, using high flow fluid extraction technology to truly remove all traces of soils and grease, designed for use in restaurants and kitchens. This high-performance hard floor cleaning machine also uses at least 65% less water and cleaning solution than any other machine out there.

Cost and efficiency savings

It is time that businesses started looking at cleaning as an investment, rather than a cost. Equipment like the above may seem an added cost at first glance but such a purchase boosts your efficiency, efficacy and working practices. It also protects your bottom line – the return on investment is less than one year and the equipment will last around 10 years.

As soaring costs continue to hit the sector, it is time to embrace the equipment and techniques that provide long-term benefits, both in standards of hygiene and financially.    

To find out how we can help support you amidst the rising costs of cleaning, get in touch today