How COVID changed the cleaning industry: good practices in large facilities

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US is returning to an appearance of normalcy. The more people are fully vaccinated, the more they feel safe removing masks, the children go back to school and the buildings in general are open again.

But at the same time, there is a cautious optimism. We’ve seen what happens when variants arrive and we lower our guard too quickly. The virus is not eradicated and there are more possible variants. And maybe this will not be our last pandemic.

With regard to the safe and thorough cleaning of large facilities, including industrial buildings, offices and other commercial companies such as hotels and restaurants, the new normal has arrived, with a whole new set of procedures and expectations. If anything during the pandemic, we have learned how important it is to clean the facilities. Cleaning companies were elevated to a strategic level of importance that had previously been only a later idea in some cases. As people get out of their quarantine bubbles, they expect things like hotels, restaurants, their workplace, airlines, etc., to be as clean as they keep their homes.

As an industry, we were encouraged to raise the standards of cleanliness that had long been considered unnecessary, for cost reasons, by customers. Facility managers, operators, owners and stakeholders recognized the need for improved cleanliness.

The following is a breakdown of the new normalcy of the cleaning industry, including how it changed for the better as a result of the pandemic, how it is helping facility operations to do the same, and by extension how collaboration will prevent you from lowering your guard:

• Cleaning is one of the industries most affected by the “Great Resignation”. As a result, we are hiring more skilled workers at a higher rate instead of just hiring hot bodies to fill.

• Training has increased and continues, not just onboarding. This includes chemicals, personal protective equipment, efficiencies, and ongoing technological and chemical upgrades. There is more attention to infection prevention than control.

• Schedule has changed. We are seeing that some customers with the necessary time on site for employees are reduced to two days a week; some return full time and others require technicians to stay safe throughout the day.

• RFPs and RFBs (call for proposals and bids) have been updated to include infection prevention.

• It is easier for cleaning companies to collaborate or create the service request, as we are trained and better understand the needs of the facilities.

• Cleanable square meters are not necessarily the standard for which we bid. Again, this is what is really needed: homework, hours, chemicals and equipment.

• Cost is still an important factor, but it is not the main factor. Many companies, and especially healthcare, can take advantage of other funds, such as emergency preparedness, mitigation and risk, as well as government funding for the pandemic. This helps customers with a building maintenance budget while receiving the extra services they need.

• Cleaning companies have a better knowledge and use of chemistry. They schedule around tenant hours of operation and tasks and frequencies, including high-contact areas.

• Technologies were first introduced in many facilities. Electrostatic sprayers, air purifiers and robotics were being bought and used in record numbers.

• Cleaning inspection and documentation is more important than ever for both security and litigation.

• There is better communication between the client and the cleaning company to update the cleaning to implement changes based on disease control and prevention centers and state mandates.

• Building service contractors are providing certifications, such as GBAC (Global BioRisk Advisory Council).

• Cleaning companies understand and implement the standards and requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and other regulatory agencies.

• Building services contractors are being incorporated into the meetings of the reconstruction and design committee for renovation and new buildings.

Many have argued that the pandemic has made us stronger as a country. In the future, it can certainly make us cleaner. Consumers, business owners and facility managers remain well aware of the virus and other invisible health threats. The cleaning industry has adapted accordingly and has a greater responsibility than ever before.

Tricia Holderman is the owner, president and CEO of Elite Facility Systems and author of “Germinator: The Germ Girl’s Guide To Simple Solutions In A Germ-Filled World.” She is a speaker and consultant with more than four decades of experience as a national authority on infection prevention.