It’s never too late to implement goals for 2025. The beginning of the year presents the perfect time to reassess your cleaning strategy. It offers a fresh opportunity to implement better practices that improve cleanliness and help you meet your sustainability goals. Optimizing your cleaning strategy is essential to help keep your facility running smoothly and create a healthy, inviting space for occupants in the year ahead.

Recommendations to refresh and optimize your cleaning routine include:

Embrace Sustainable Cleaning Tools

One of the most effective ways to improve your cleaning strategy is to switch to third-party certified cleaning tools. These tools have undergone rigorous life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate their environmental impact and identify whether they produce toxins, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Switching to products certified by third-party organizations, like Green Seal®, EPA Safer Choice and ECOLOGO®, helps reduce the exposure to harmful chemicals for occupants and custodial staff.

Our Natura Line of wet and dry mops are the first and only Green Seal-certified mops. They are made from 100% post-industrial blends, resulting in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and soil and water contamination. Additionally, our mops are packaged in BRIK-PAK™ packaging, which reduces the amount of cardboard and plastic used by up to 70% compared to standard packaging.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

A thorough cleaning schedule is the backbone of an effective cleaning strategy. Start by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your facility to identify high-traffic areas, critical touchpoints and spaces that may require special attention. From there, develop a detailed plan that outlines daily, weekly and monthly cleaning tasks. By creating a consistent cleaning routine, you can ensure no area is overlooked and maintain a higher standard of cleanliness throughout the year. Clear scheduling also makes it easier for staff to stay organized and accountable, leading to more efficient operations.

Implement a Training Program for Staff

Your cleaning team is the foundation of your strategy, and their knowledge and skills directly impact results. Investing in ongoing training programs helps ensure your staff stays up to date on the latest techniques, technologies and safety protocols. This includes staying informed about best practices for disinfecting and sanitizing. 59% of employees report that receiving job training helps improve their performance at work. When your staff feels confident and well-equipped, they’re more likely to perform their duties with care and precision, resulting in a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.

Partner with a Vertically Integrated Manufacturer

Supply chain uncertainty continues to grow due to various geopolitical factors. Partnering with a vertically integrated manufacturer can help streamline operations, improve product quality and ensure timely delivery. By working with a manufacturer who can control all stages of production, from raw materials to delivery, you can gain greater consistency in a world of uncertainty.

At ABCO we are vertically integrated and use nearshore manufacturing. This means we control every step of the supply chain, ensuring higher quality and consistency. Plus, by manufacturing close to home, we can deliver products to you faster, helping you meet your needs more efficiently.

Start the Year Strong

2025 is your chance to start fresh and set the tone for a productive, clean and sustainable year. By embracing sustainable tools, creating a clear cleaning schedule, investing in staff training and working with a vertically integrated manufacturer, you can optimize your cleaning strategy to meet the demands of today and the future.

For more information about our sustainability initiatives, click here.