The Unique Challenges Facing the Hygiene Industry During COVID-19

David Whan • 20 February 2021

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, building and workplace cleaning was regarded as a necessity, but was very much a background task and something that was largely taken for granted. Nearly 12 months on and the cleaning industry faces unprecedented demand and the pressure of being the key factor in whether a business can safely open or not.

Coronavirus has disrupted the cleaning industry and also placed it under incredible scrutiny, with businesses having an opinion on hygiene and workplace cleanliness from the top to the bottom of the organisation.

Using data gleaned from 120,000 customers across all sectors, facilities services provider PHS have carried out detailed research on how buildings are now used and how the pandemic has affected businesses. The results highlight the pressure faced by the cleaning industry and the focus it is now under to perform, in most cases to the same high standards it was doing anyway.

Business premises closing due to COVID-19

During the first lockdown in 2020, 43% of premises in the UK shut down. But by September 95% were open again. This might seem like a lot, but it left one in twenty premises closed, which is significant. At the peak of the closures the accommodation and food industrie, where hygiene is perhaps most clinically important, saw some 73% of premises closed. This was the worst-affected sector, with 8% of buildings still closed in September. The arts, entertainment and recreation sector saw 62% of premises shut, with 11% still closed in September, more than double the national average. Other sectors were less affected, with the financial, insurance, administration and support services sector seeing 38% of buildings closed and education seeing 43% of sites closed. Of course by September this was up to 99% re-opened.

The cleaning industry has therefore faced an alarming demand in deep-cleaning and sanitising services, getting premises ready for reopening and enforcing strict hygiene protocols. But the PHS findings also revealed that buildings were not fully occupied upon reopening. Over a four-month period, washroom waste was monitored and was found to be 49% lower, an accurate measure to suggest that building occupancy had halved, with people home-working or having been made redundant. Even with buildings fully reopened occupancy was found to be down 17% on pre-COVID levels.

Amid the current lockdown, and with some restrictions expected to remain in place even when others are lifted during 2021, building usage will be much lower and widespread building closures are still expected, particularly with uncertainty in some sectors as to whether businesses can survive the pandemic at all.

Achieving high hygiene standards to beat COVID-19

So the cleaning industry still faces an enormous challenge of being ready and able to react when buildings are set to reopen, and expectations are of achieving and maintaining impeccable hygiene levels. This also involves training staff on new hygiene measures, with this applying across all sectors i.e. schools, retail, hospitality, offices etc., and hygiene being the critical factor behind a business reopening. So being COVID-safe is a unique challenge.

Not surprisingly, research shows that 26% of people were not confident about the hygiene levels when returning to work, 17% were not very confident and 7% were not at all confident. Robust hygiene measures have become the hot topic for 2021, and the need for a professional cleaning company has become clear.

It’s Clean are able to address your organisational hygiene needs, and we have dedicated local resources, able to build strong client relationships. This enables us to be locally-focused and capable of reacting to the highest hygiene standards in your business. So contact It’s Clean today, we can meet the unique challenges the cleaning industry is facing and together we can beat COVID-19.

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Common Questions About Our Contract Cleaning Services

by david • 10 March 2025

At It’s Clean Ltd, we understand that choosing a reliable contract cleaning service is an important decision – and one that’s going to help you maintain a spotless and hygienic workplace. Whether you manage an office, a healthcare facility, or a retail space, a clean environment is crucial for staff productivity and customer satisfaction. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our commercial cleaning services. 1. What is contract cleaning? Contract cleaning refers to regular, scheduled cleaning services tailored to your business needs. Rather than hiring in-house cleaners, businesses partner with professional cleaning companies like It’s Clean Ltd to ensure their premises remain hygienic, presentable, and compliant with health and safety regulations. Outsourced contract cleaning also means businesses don’t have the headache of managing extra staff and rotas for cleaning personnel. 2. What types of businesses do you provide contract cleaning for? We provide commercial cleaning services for a wide range of industries, including: Offices and Corporate Buildings – A clean office promotes a professional image. We provide scheduled cleaning to keep your workspace tidy and hygienic. Healthcare and Medical Facilities – We understand the importance of maintaining strict hygiene standards in medical environments. Our team is trained to follow industry-specific cleaning protocols to ensure patient, client and staff safety. Retail Stores, Shopping Centres and Showrooms – First impressions matter. We help keep retail spaces spotless, enhancing the shopping experience for your customers and maintaining a welcoming environment. Schools and Educational Institutions – Clean and sanitised learning environments contribute to better student health and focus. We offer flexible cleaning schedules to accommodate school hours and term times. Industrial and Warehouse Spaces – Industrial areas require a carefully planned and fully compliant approach due to the nature of the work environment. Our team is equipped to handle everything from dust control to heavy-duty floor cleaning. Hospitality, Leisure and Event Venues – Hotels, restaurants, entertainment and event venues rely on cleanliness for customer satisfaction. We provide discreet and efficient cleaning to keep your establishment looking its best. You can read our video testimonial with the Yorkshire Event Centre here . As we work exclusively with local clients, we offer unparalleled flexibility in scheduling and services, ensuring that our cleaning plans fit seamlessly into your business operations. 3. What cleaning services are included in a contract cleaning agreement? Our contract cleaning services are tailored to your specific requirements and may include: Daily Office Cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, sanitising surfaces) – Routine maintenance ensures a clean and pleasant workspace, preventing the build-up of dust and germs. Washroom and Hygiene Services – From soap dispensers to deep-cleaning toilets, we ensure your washrooms remain spotless and fully stocked with hygiene essentials. Carpet and Floor Cleaning – We provide specialised treatments for carpets, hardwood floors, and tiles to maintain their appearance and longevity. Window and Glass Cleaning – Our streak-free window cleaning service keeps your premises looking bright and professional, inside and out. Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Services – We offer periodic deep cleans to target high-touch surfaces and areas prone to bacteria build-up. Waste Management and Recycling Solutions – We assist in efficient waste disposal and recycling programmes to help your business meet sustainability goals. Because we only work with local clients, we can quickly adapt to your changing needs, offering additional services at short notice and ensuring our cleaning schedules remain flexible and convenient for you. 4. How often can I schedule contract cleaning? We offer flexible cleaning schedules, including daily, weekly and monthly cleaning services. Whether you need a full cleaning service every day or a deep clean periodically, we work around your business hours to minimise disruption. 5. Are your cleaners professionally trained and insured? Yes! All our cleaning staff are fully trained, DBS-checked, and insured. We ensure our team follows industry best practices and uses the latest eco-friendly cleaning products to deliver a safe and effective service. 6. Do you use eco-friendly cleaning products? Absolutely! We are committed to environmentally friendly cleaning, using sustainable and non-toxic products that are safe for employees, customers, and the planet. 7. How much does contract cleaning cost? The cost of contract cleaning depends on several factors, including: The size of your premises The frequency of cleaning The specific services required We provide a free, no-obligation quote based on your needs, ensuring competitive pricing for high-quality services. Request a free survey and quote 8. Can I customise my contract cleaning package? Yes! We offer bespoke cleaning solutions tailored to your business. We will create a package that suits your budget and cleaning requirements. 9. What happens if I need additional cleaning services? We understand that business needs can change. If you require extra cleaning services due to seasonal demands, special events, or unexpected circumstances, we can adjust your cleaning plan accordingly. 10. How do I get started with contract cleaning services? Getting started is easy! Simply contact us for a free consultation and site assessment. Our team will discuss your requirements, visit your site(s), provide a customised cleaning plan and arrange a start date that works for you. If you’re looking for reliable contract cleaning services in Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripon, Knaresborough, Leeds, York and the surrounding areas, It’s Clean Ltd is here to help. Our professional team is committed to delivering exceptional commercial cleaning solutions tailored to your business needs. Call us today at 01423 566785 or visit www.itsclean.co.uk to request a free quote.

Harrogate Homeless Project becomes 10th charity to benefit from our birthday fund

by david • 3 March 2025

Harrogate Homeless Project has become the 10th charity to benefit from a fund launched by Harrogate commercial cleaning firm It’s Clean Ltd to celebrate its 25th birthday.