We are aware COVID makes it hard to predict far into the future, but we feel relatively comfortable about the following:
Several “experts” in the professional cleaning industry have been making predictions about what to expect in 2021. Some we agree with, others we do not.
Either way, we have a few we would like to toss on the table. At Secure Clean, we are aware COVID makes it hard to predict many things too far into the future, but we feel relatively comfortable about the following:
Illinois Commercial Real Estate
If you are involved in residential real estate, especially if you are considering selling a home, there is good news. According to one report, residential real estate in the state of Illinois is doing better than it has in more than 15 years. Prices are going up and selling times are going down.
However, commercial real estate is still in a wait-and-see mode. Employers are slowly bringing workers back to the workplace, and many of these workers are happy to return. There are reports that building renovation has increased. But as far as new building construction, most of these projects will be on hold throughout 2021.
Supply Chain Disruptions
While it appears most cleaning solutions, as well as sanitizers, disinfectants, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizers, and related products are now in ample supply, shortages may still occur in 2021. Remember, these products are sold all over the world and demand could suddenly increase in one area of the world, reducing supplies everywhere else.
Currently, it is best to purchase such products in large quantities. That way you have ample supplies in case a shortage develops. And, many manufacturers and distributors offer price discounts for doing so, making this a cost savings as well.
HVAC Upgrades
Many building owners and managers in Illinois may have to grapple with the fact that their HVAC systems do not adequately filter the air being released into their buildings. Most systems are designed to use Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value – MERV- number 8 filters. The CDC and other health organizations say that due to COVID-19, we now need MERV 13 filters.
The problem is that many current HVAC systems will not work properly with these more advanced filtering systems. Installing new HVAC systems is costly and can be disruptive. But in 2021, many building owners may need to do this to hold onto their tenants and interest new tenants in moving in.
The Importance of Effective Cleaning
Outside of cleaning contractors that maintained healthcare facilities, few custodial workers were prepared for dealing with the pandemic or a serious virus outbreak. It took several months for many contractors to come to terms with this unusual and exceedingly difficult situation. Then they had to take the next step and implement programs and procedures to address the many challenges it produced.
But that was 2020. This year, astute cleaning contractors are much more aware of the challenges they face and the steps – and products – necessary to ensure the health and safety of building users.
In 2021, we predict that more building owners and managers, as well as cleaning contractors, will be mindful of the importance of effective cleaning. Cleaning, as we have mentioned before, is no longer a cost. It is an investment in human health.
The Green Rebound
When the pandemic first hit our shores, building owners and managers wanted cleaning contractors to disinfect anything and everything. Disinfectants may have been overused, producing what been termed “indiscriminate disinfecting.”
Here is what we must remember. There are no green disinfectants in the U.S. If used improperly, disinfectants can harm human health.
However, some disinfectants are significantly safer than are others. For example, the primary disinfectant used by Secure Clean is Earth Safe PURTABS. The chemistry is based around NaDCC, an organic chlorine donor which releases Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) and Monosodium cyanurate (NaOCl) when dissolved in water.
In determining the safety of electrostatic spraying of the product around people and animals, EarthSafe conducted independent third-party testing with American Environmental Consultants, Inc. to conduct personal air sampling.
These were performed by a trained industrial hygienist using OSHA and NIOSH sampling techniques. All results verified that spraying PURTABS with the Protexus Sprayer fall below published accepted Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) and Threshold Limit Value (TLV).
In 2021, indiscriminate disinfecting will be reined in. Astute cleaning contractors will use disinfectants such as EarthSafe and only when and where infection control is needed. This will be healthier for building users, cleaning contractors, and the environment.
The Secure Clean blog is designed to help building managers address the COVID-19 pandemic and keep their facilities cleaner, healthier, and safer, in the most cost-effective way possible. To contact call 888-609-1410.
