Three Deep Cleaning Myths

Deep cleaning, also known as “Ablution Hygiene Treatment,” stands as one of the most debated and speculated topics in bathroom hygiene.

We’ve put together a list debunking three deep cleaning myths, and highlighted the differences between deep cleaning and regular daily cleaning.

Myth 1: Deep cleaning is similar to regular cleaning

Even though both of these activities involve a form of “cleaning”, the methods, application, and product preparations differ significantly.

Daily cleaners play an important role in providing visible cleaning solutions. They ensure surfaces and floors are cleaned, paying particular attention to areas that contain dust, litter and dirt. 

Deep cleaning, however, is a specialised hygiene service that requires specific skills, specialised application methods and products that achieve hygienic results.

A deep cleaning service focuses on removing built-up scale, dirt and grime, and other organic waste products found in deep recesses, flushing rims, and other hard-to-reach areas. These are the main causes of bacteria and bad smells in the bathroom.

 Find out more about our deep cleaning service.

Myth 2: The cleaning products used in deep cleaning are the same as the cleaning products that your daily cleaners use

Initial’s deep cleaning preparations make use of bacterial cleaning agents:

The deep cleaning products that Initial used contain live good bacteria that “eats” the bacteria that causes bad smells.

• These bacterial cleaning agents have a residual efficacy, meaning that they keep working by spreading friendly bacteria through the system for at least two weeks.
• Bacterial cleaners are better for the environment as they are biodegradable.
• Biological products are highly effective in removing scale and organic build up without risk to people, the facility and the environment 
• These products do not have a damaging effect on surfaces. 

Traditional cleaning often relies on chemical cleaning agents:

• Traditional degreasers are highly alkaline, which can be harmful to skin
• Traditional descalers are highly acidic. This is both damaging to skin and stainless steel.
• Over time, chemical cleaning agents cause damage to chrome, porcelain, and plastic fittings, as well as shorten the lifespan of equipment and surfaces.
• Chemical cleaners do not kill bacteria and yeast.
• Chemical cleaning products have no residual effect. As soon as a user has flushed, the effect of the chemicals is negated and there is the risk of bacterial growth, odour and cross contamination. 

Recommended blog post: The dangers of harsh chemicals, and why we clean with bacteria

Myth 3: Regular cleaning is more cost effective than deep cleaning

The biological preparations used in deep cleaning result in bigger savings than chemical cleaning agents:

• Deep cleaning services cause minimal disruption to colleagues and staff. The efficacy of bacterial cleaning agents allow for a quicker turnaround time, meaning facilities are out of use for a shorter time period.
• Initial deep cleaning products are both skin and surface friendly, meaning minimal rinsing is required. This results in a significant reduction in the water usage on site.
• Standard chemical cleaning agents require extensive rinsing to prevent skin burns which may be overlooked.
• By making use of a deep cleaning service, the risk of cross-contamination is minimised. This means a reduction in employee absenteeism levels and an improvement in overall productivity levels in the workplace.

Deep cleaning Versus General Cleaning

Daily cleaning and deep cleaning services complement each other in both the short and long term.

Your daily cleaners are responsible for your regular surface cleaning on a day to day basis, ensuring the cleanliness of your bathroom facilities. Deep cleaning treatments focus on sanitising areas out of reach to your daily cleaners.

This is to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause odours, as well as cross-contamination that can lead to diarrhoea, urinary tract infections, vaginal thrush and the common cold, to mention a few.

The frequency of deep cleaning services will depend on the premises size, daily cleaning routine, user profile and number of staff, to mention several factors.

On average, it is recommended that a deep cleaning service should take place every quarter. It can vary between monthly services in extreme circumstances, to bi-annual services in less frequented spaces.