How Away-From-Home Cleaning Protocols Have Changed Since COVID

Cleaning in the away-from-home environment takes place two or three times more frequently now than in the pre-COVID era, according to our latest survey with over 600 industrial and institutional end users. A majority of 56% of respondents see increased cleaning frequency as the new standard and expect it to continue for the foreseeable future.  

Hand hygiene and surface disinfection, particularly high-touch surfaces, became a huge focus for janitorial staff. Facilities are also increasingly replacing hand dryers with paper towel dispensers, while the installation of touch-free hand soap and sanitizer dispensers are also expected to increase in order to reduce the spread of germs. 

What cleaning changes have been made at your facility due to COVID-19? 

Source: Kline’s Industrial & Institutional Cleaning Wipes USA, published March 2022 

Two key trends revolutionizing commercial cleaning will be digitalization and sustainability. The labor shortage has led to interest in data-driven software-based systems that help facilities optimize cleaning procedures and improve cleaning efficiency. In terms of sustainability, facilities such as schools, hotels, and retail stores are increasingly seeking green cleaning products and eliminating usage of single-use plastics. The renewed focus on sustainability and use of environmentally friendly products is partly driven by corporate commitments toward sustainability goals by 2025 or 2030 but also by increasing demand from consumers and regulators. Furthermore, with increased cleaning frequency, several end users have switched to greener, botanical or plant-based cleaning products to limit the harsh fumes to which their staff is exposed.  

The elevated frequency of deep cleaning is expected to remain in place for most I&I facilities. As coronavirus variants emerge, facilities such as hospitals and restaurants are performing deep cleaning procedures at the end of every day. The retail sector is doing more extensive cleaning and, in some cases, closing for deep cleaning. However, other challenges that businesses face — such as supply chain issues, labor shortages, inflation/higher costs, and the real possibility of a recession — may impede businesses being able to clean as frequently as they would like.   

KlinePULSE Industrial & Institutional Cleaning Industry Trends: Annual Service provides a deep dive into key topics impacting the industry, including changes in cleaning protocols; sustainability; new technologies such as extended-release disinfection, supply chain, and labor challenges; shifts in distribution channels; and more. Published monthly through an online platform, the service highlights key insights, growth drivers, market dynamics, product trends, and the direction in which the industry is headed.