from the editor Where African cleaning professionals reconnect in 2022
opinion
COVID-19 How commercial cleaning practices evolved Since the spread of COVID-19 began in 2019, every industry has been rushing to keep up with the rapid mandates and protocols that were being introduced accordingly. Although there has been much debate over which sectors of society were “essential” or not, there is one
This issue of African Cleaning Review offers a measured mix of articles relating to how contract cleaning practices evolved during the pandemic, the relevance of industry compliance audits as well as improved healthcare cleaning and misconceptions about wipes and wiping solutions.
industry that has been regarded as essential throughout the entirety
Most importantly it is official, the Cleantex Africa and co-located Summit Cleantex Africa will take place at Gallagher Convention Centre from 12–14 October this year. Following the break of more than three years since the previous event due to the pandemic, the industry is poised to offer a comprehensive market overview of products, equipment, systems and innovative new methods available to the African professional cleaning industry.
in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The three-day exhibition, celebrating 24 years since inception, and the co-located Summit will reflect a cleaning sector that is increasingly embracing innovation to meet future challenges. The Summit Cleantex Africa is an event not to be missed. Aimed at executive management, this gathering of industry professionals will offer an opportunity to gain valuable insights, practical tips and new perspectives on how to transform business to become more resilient in a post-pandemic economy. Remember the previous Summit sold out, therefore be sure to book your seat to reconnect with like-minded professionals. More information is available on page 27 of this issue.
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of the pandemic – commercial cleaning services. In this opinion piece Partner Solutions Facility Services offer an insightful overview of the transformation of the US professional cleaning industry during as well as
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s companies of all types began opening their doors after the initial lockdowns, they began relying on third-party commercial cleaning companies that had the capacity to conduct thorough, routine cleaning of their facilities to maintain high sanitation standards for both staff and guests. Contracting third-party commercial cleaners to handle their needs allows businesses to focus solely on maintaining regular business operations.
Cleaning vs sanitisation Although the term “cleaning” is used as an umbrella to describe the entire industry, it is important to note that there is a very distinct difference between standard cleaning – think household cleaners, furniture polish, vacuuming/sweeping – and sanitising. When cleaning with a soap-based or standard cleaner, bacteria and contaminants are significantly reduced but not eliminated. Sanitisation on the other hand, completely kills all bacteria and contaminants present on the surface and makes it inhospitable to them. The U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that both cleaning standards are crucial to the containment of COVID-19, but they have also issued guidance to businesses on how to know which method is needed and when. The most current best practices for commercial cleaning are considered to be: • Daily or hourly cleaning using soap-based or mild disinfectants on surfaces in heavy traffic areas regardless of the presence of the virus or not. • Thorough, full sanitisation of an entire facility following the presence of someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 in one of the building spaces. As a result of this, commercial cleaning companies have had to adapt and expand their services to offer a wider variety of options, while also requiring investments into training and new products in order to keep up with consumer demands for complete sanitisation. In order to be able to deem a surface sanitised against COVID-19 they must use one of the
