A university campus in the fall

Contributed By Whittaker

Colleges and universities face new standards of cleanliness for the 2020-21 academic year,  as most Americans shudder at the sight of a dirty carpet on campus, according to a recent survey.

The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of carpet cleaning company, Whittaker, June 18 to 22, finds that more than four in five American adults would take some type of action after seeing a dirty carpet at a college or university campus. Additionally, nearly half of those surveyed would question a college or university’s commitment to student and staff health and safety after seeing a dirty carpet.

“As many colleges and universities prepare to welcome students back to their campuses this fall, it’s important to review cleaning procedures, including carpet care,” says Joe Bshero, director of technical services at Whittaker, in a press release. “Clean carpet not only supports good indoor air quality, it gives staff, students and visitors a positive first impression.”

Of those who would take action after seeing dirty carpet at a college or university, 47% would complain to management, 42% would assume the campus is not cleaned properly and more than a third (35%) would tell friends, family or other students about the lack of cleanliness. Dirty carpet may also impact enrollment and endowments. More than one in five of those who would take action (21%) would consider an alternative college or university to attend while 14% would consider donating to an alternative college or university.

“With educational institutions dependent on tuition and financial gifts from alumni and corporations, it’s important for colleges and universities to prioritize efforts that position their organizations in a positive light,” says Bshero. “Carpet care can go a long way in making current and prospective students, parents, alumni and staff feel welcome.”