Cleaning Changed During Pandemic

ow Cleaning Changed During the Pandemic: Adapting to New Hygiene Standards

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered many aspects of daily life, and one of the most significant changes was in the way we approach cleaning and sanitation. As the virus spread globally, the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment became more evident than ever before. People began to prioritize disinfection, sanitization, and personal hygiene, leading to a fundamental shift in how homes, businesses, and public spaces are cleaned. In this article, we’ll explore how cleaning practices changed during the pandemic, the rise of disinfecting protocols, and the lasting impact on cleaning habits and industries.

The Importance of Cleaning During the Pandemic

Before the pandemic, cleaning routines in homes and workplaces typically focused on regular tidying, dusting, and general surface cleaning. However, when COVID-19 became a global health crisis, the need for rigorous cleaning practices became essential. The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, depending on the material. This led to heightened awareness around surface cleaning and disinfection as key tools in preventing the spread of the virus.

Key changes to cleaning habits included:

• More frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
• Increased use of disinfectants and sanitizers to kill viruses and bacteria on surfaces.
• A greater focus on cleaning in public spaces, including grocery stores, schools, and healthcare facilities, to reduce the risk of transmission.

The pandemic elevated the significance of sanitation in every environment—residential, commercial, and public spaces alike. People became more conscious of the health risks associated with germs and pathogens, which made cleaning an even more integral part of everyday life.

The Rise of Disinfection Protocols and Products

As the pandemic unfolded, businesses and individuals began adopting more rigorous disinfection protocols. People started using stronger disinfectants with claims of killing 99.9% of germs and viruses. Sanitizing wipes, sprays, and bleach-based cleaners became household staples, and people started incorporating them into their daily routines.

Key Changes in Cleaning Practices

1. Increased Focus on High-Touch Areas
   • One of the most significant changes during the pandemic was the heightened focus on cleaning high-touch surfaces. Items like doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, phones, and keyboards were identified as hotspots for germs, prompting people to clean them more frequently.
   • Deep cleaning became essential, with many people opting for disinfecting routines that targeted areas that were often overlooked, such as handles, faucets, and appliance buttons.
2. Disinfecting Protocols in Businesses
   • For businesses, especially those in high-traffic industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, implementing strict disinfection protocols became non-negotiable. Companies began to adopt cleaning schedules that focused on regular disinfecting of common areas, bathrooms, and high-touch surfaces.
   • Some businesses even invested in UV light sanitation systems, air purifiers, and fogging machines for more effective disinfecting.
3. Widespread Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   • Cleaning personnel, as well as individuals engaging in cleaning, began using personal protective equipment (PPE) more rigorously. Gloves, masks, and face shields became standard when using cleaning products, especially in commercial cleaning services and healthcare facilities.
   • The use of PPE was designed to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals as well as protect individuals from potential contamination during the cleaning process.
4. Increased Consumer Awareness of Cleaning Products
   • The pandemic led to an increased interest in cleaning products, with consumers actively seeking out products labeled as effective against COVID-19. Brands advertised their disinfectants and cleaners as proven to kill the virus on surfaces, leading to a surge in demand for these products.
   • There was also a growing demand for eco-friendly cleaning products. Many consumers sought non-toxic, natural alternatives to harsh chemicals as a way to protect their health and the environment.
5. More Frequent Cleaning in Homes
   • In residential settings, cleaning became more frequent and focused on sanitizing. People started to incorporate daily cleaning into their routines, especially in homes with high traffic or multiple people. This included wiping down kitchen counters, sanitizing bathroom fixtures, and regularly disinfecting common areas such as living rooms and dining spaces.
   • Many individuals also began to clean air filters and HVAC systems more regularly to improve indoor air quality.
6. Remote Work and Cleaning at Home
   • With remote work becoming the norm, people also had more time to focus on their living environments, leading to greater attention to detail in home cleaning routines. This change also meant that cleaning supplies and products like disinfecting sprays, hand sanitizers, and air fresheners were in higher demand.
   • People set up more thorough cleaning routines in home offices to ensure hygiene, especially around high-touch electronics such as computers, keyboards, and phones.

The Long-Term Impact on Cleaning Habits

As we move past the initial wave of the pandemic, many of the cleaning changes adopted during COVID-19 are likely to remain. The heightened focus on cleanliness and hygiene has left a lasting impression on consumers, businesses, and institutions alike. Some key long-term impacts include:

1. A Shift Towards Continuous Hygiene Practices
   • While we may not be as cautious as during the height of the pandemic, many individuals and businesses will continue to prioritize cleaning and sanitizing as part of their regular routine. People are more likely to continue regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces and incorporating sanitizing wipes and sprays into their daily activities.
   • Businesses are also expected to maintain more frequent cleaning schedules, particularly in places where large groups of people gather.
2. Increased Demand for Professional Cleaning Services
   • With the ongoing demand for specialized cleaning, the commercial cleaning industry has seen a surge in demand for deep cleaning services and disinfection services. Many businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities are opting for professional cleaning companies to ensure their spaces remain safe and sanitized.
   • Gritcore, as a trusted cleaning supplier, is committed to providing high-quality disinfectants, cleaning products, and services to meet these heightened hygiene standards.
3. Continued Popularity of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
   • The pandemic led many people to rethink their cleaning habits and products. As a result, there has been a continued interest in eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are both safe and effective, particularly as consumers become more conscious of the environmental and health impacts of the products they use.
   • Gritcore offers a range of green cleaning products that are effective and sustainable, designed to meet the cleaning demands of today’s hygiene-conscious world.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we approach cleaning, introducing new habits, protocols, and a heightened awareness of hygiene. From increased use of disinfectants to the widespread adoption of PPE and disinfection schedules in businesses, cleaning has evolved to meet the demands of the moment. While some of these changes may have been temporary, others will likely become permanent fixtures in our daily lives.

At Gritcore, we understand the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, which is why we continue to offer effective cleaning products and solutions to meet both residential and commercial needs. As we move forward, the lessons learned during the pandemic will continue to shape how we maintain clean, safe, and health.