A lot of things changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, not least when it comes to our approach to hygiene and cleaning. You could argue that a deeper and more rigorous approach to cleaning is a positive thing to come out of the pandemic, and something the world should have always been thinking about.
Cleaning was once very much behind the scenes, but the COVID-19 pandemic has given it a starring role in our minds, changing the way we look at our homes, public transportation and public spaces like shops and offices.
Cleaning in the past, a lot of the time was for aesthetic reasons because we wanted to give a good appearance, to make everywhere smell nice but now we’re thinking more about the health and hygiene aspect both in our personal and professional lives.
So what has changed in the world of cleaning in a post-pandemic environment?
Awareness and expectations
One of the key things to come out of the pandemic thanks to the constant public health warnings on TV, and signs in public is that people are generally more aware and conscious of germs.
Previously, the majority of people wouldn’t think twice about others sneezing and then touching a door handle but we’ve developed a greater understanding of how germs spread.
With this has come a greater expectation from the public for businesses they interact with to have a visible cleaning presence of having surfaces wiped down, or communal hand sanitiser available.
Personal cleaning practices
With many people still working from home, some workers don’t have a personal desk in the office anymore, which means they’re hot desking and sharing desks with others. This has led to workers applying their own rigorous cleaning routines when they do decide to work from the office to try to prevent picking up germs from others.
Many people often still carry miniature bottles of hand sanitiser and wear masks, particularly on public transport where you’re closed in with very little ventilation so you’re at higher risk of picking up an illness.
Enhanced cleaning practices
The COVID-19 pandemic has made professional cleaning companies like Monthind focus on more than just visible cleaning. We have enhanced the way we clean, thinking more about disinfection and hidden dirt.
Deep cleaning becomes the norm.
Before 2020, deep cleaning was a specialist cleaning service that clients would engage us for on a bi-yearly, or even yearly basis. Now, deep cleaning is part of our routine as we scratch beyond the surface to disinfect places that are invisible to the human eye.
Focus on high-touch areas.
We now have a better understanding of how germs travel between people so we spend more time focusing on high-touch areas such as door handles, stair rails, light switches and communal areas and equipment like kettles and kitchens in general.
Better technology
With increased risks, we’ve also had to invest in better, more modern cleaning technology, including UV sanitisers.
Transparency and communication
Our clients now need better assurance that we’re doing everything we can to ensure their workplace is clean, sanitised and disinfected to help prevent the spread of germs and diseases. At Monthind, this is something we provide in the form of regular audits with each area of the building checked off and timestamped with client approval.
In conclusion, the pandemic presented us with a number of challenges and new ideas that we have adapted to. Cleaning has gone beyond your office or school looking nice, but with deeper thought going into hygiene and germ prevention.
If you want to work with a cleaning company that will ensure your workplace is spotless and germ-free, contact Monthind.