For far too long, we’ve judged cleanliness the same way we judge a social media post—by how good it looks. A shiny floor? Must be clean. Fresh lemon scent in the air? Definitely spotless. But let’s be real: just because something looks clean doesn’t mean it is clean.

Despite this, some businesses still see janitorial services as an easy line item to slash when budgets get tight. But here’s the thing—cutting corners on cleaning isn’t just a bad idea, it’s an invitation for illness, absenteeism, and a reputation mess you can’t scrub away. Investing in a truly clean and healthy building isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

And let’s be clear: just because the pandemic has come and gone doesn’t mean we can go back to a 2019 mindset. With flu cases at record highs and other infectious diseases on the rise, businesses simply cannot afford to cut corners on cleaning. The risks are too great—not just for health reasons, but for productivity and long-term success.

Beyond the Wipe-and-Go

Real cleanliness goes deeper than a surface-level shine. It’s about eliminating the bacteria, viruses, and allergens that lurk unseen, waiting to turn your workspace into a petri dish of misery. Proper cleaning means using the right disinfectants, the right techniques, and the right tools to ensure a space that isn’t just visibly clean but actually clean.

One of the biggest culprits of unhealthy environments is the air we breathe. Poor indoor air quality—caused by dust, mold, and stale air among other things—can quietly wreak havoc on health. So, if your idea of fresh air is cracking a window once in a while, it might be time to rethink your strategy. A thorough cleaning regimen should tackle both surfaces and air quality for a workspace that’s truly fresh—no artificial pine-scented distractions needed.

The Unsung Heroes: Cleaning Pros

If we want to prioritize health over appearances, we need to start with the people making it happen. Cleaning professionals aren’t just the “janitors in the background” anymore—they’re the unsung heroes of workplace wellness. But for them to do their jobs effectively, they need the right training, the right tools, and the respect they deserve.

A mop and a spray bottle alone aren’t going to cut it in the fight against germs. Proper cleaning requires skill, science, and strategy. That’s why investing in learning and development programs isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity. When cleaning teams understand why their work matters, they become the frontline defenders of public health. And that’s a role that deserves way more appreciation than it usually gets.

Looks vs. Health: Can’t We Have Both?

Germs don’t care about appearances—but we do. The trick is making sure what looks clean is clean.

Of course, aesthetics still matter—nobody wants to work in a place that feels dirty. But here’s the good news: a health-first approach naturally leads to a space that looks better. When a place is truly clean—free from dust, bacteria, and questionable odors—it doesn’t just look nice, it feels fresh.

Transparency also goes a long way. Businesses that openly communicate their cleaning efforts—whether it’s through visible cleaning schedules or proactive sanitation protocols—help build trust. In today’s world, a clean workplace isn’t just a perk; it’s an expectation. And nothing reassures people more than knowing that someone is actively working to keep their space germ-free.

The True Cost of Cutting Cleaning Budgets

Some might argue that deep-cleaning is expensive. But let’s do the math. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that regular cleaning and disinfection can reduce the spread of infectious diseases by up to 80%. That means fewer sick days, higher productivity, and a healthier workforce.

Now, compare that to the cost of widespread illness, lost work hours, and a potential PR nightmare when team members or customers start complaining about unsanitary conditions. Suddenly, that investment in cleaning doesn’t seem so expensive after all.

The Future is Clean (For Real This Time)

The future of commercial cleaning is here, and it’s way more than just a bucket and a mop. Businesses that prioritize health-focused cleaning over simple aesthetics will come out ahead—creating safer, healthier spaces for teammates and customers alike.

So, let’s stop treating cleaning as an afterthought and start seeing it for what it really is: an investment in people, productivity, and public health. Because when it comes to cleaning, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about being good, too.

 

And if that means saying goodbye to the myth that a lemon-fresh scent equals clean, well… we’ll just have to learn to live with it.

 

Shari Cedar is the CEO & Co-Owner of AK Building Services, an industry-leading family owned and operated commercial janitorial services provider in Florida, where she leads sales, strategy, marketing, communications, learning and development, and customer service. AK Building Services is GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Certified), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and ISN certified. For more information about AK Building Services visit www.akbuildingservices.com.


posted on 3/17/2025