It may seem a little early to be talking about going back to school when many schools, colleges and universities have only just broken up for the summer. However, the holiday period is the ideal time to prepare your premises for the busy months ahead. Summer provides the perfect opportunity to carry out a thorough deep clean now that classrooms, corridors and communal areas are sitting empty. Not only does this help create a welcoming learning environment, but it also helps reduce the spread of germs when staff and students return. Educational settings naturally experience high footfall, shared facilities and frequent contact with communal surfaces, making effective cleaning and hygiene practices essential throughout the year. Why is hygiene important in schools? Schools, nurseries, colleges and universities are environments where large numbers of people spend extended periods together. Shared classrooms, toilets, dining areas and equipment all increase the opportunity for bacteria and viruses to spread. A proactive cleaning and hygiene programme helps to: Reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. Create a cleaner, healthier learning environment. Help minimise staff and student absences. Improve the appearance of facilities before the new term begins. Support confidence among staff, students and parents. Top tips for preventing the spread of germs in schools 1. Improve Ventilation One of the simplest ways to help reduce the spread of airborne germs is by increasing ventilation. Opening classroom windows and doors where possible allows fresh air to circulate, reducing the build-up of airborne particles in enclosed spaces. 2. Encourage Good Personal Hygiene Promoting good personal hygiene amongst students and staff can make a significant difference. Regular bathing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and disposing of tissues correctly may be obvious but all help to reduce the spread of germs. 3. Promote Effective Hand Hygiene Hand washing remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. Encourage students and staff to: Wash their hands regularly with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Clean between fingers, under fingernails and around the wrists. Dry hands thoroughly using disposable paper towels or hand dryers. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser where hand washing facilities are unavailable. To find out all about using the correct hand care products, click here. 4. Clean & Sanitise High-Touch Surfaces Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and sanitised regularly throughout the day using a suitable, tested sanitising product. High-touch points include: Door handles and push plates Light switches Desks and tables Chairs Handrails Computer keyboards and mice Shared classroom equipment Tap handles Toilet flushes Reception desks Regular sanitising helps prevent bacteria and viruses from transferring between users. We've put together a list of our most popular surface disinfects. 5. Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule Educational facilities require frequent cleaning due to the number of people using them each day. Having a structured cleaning schedule helps ensure no areas are overlooked and allows cleaning teams to prioritise high-risk areas. Consider scheduling: Daily cleaning of classrooms, washrooms and communal areas. Multiple cleans of toilets and high-touch points throughout the day. Weekly deep cleans of shared spaces. A comprehensive deep clean during school holidays. 6. Don't Forget Shared Areas While classrooms often receive the most attention, communal spaces are equally important. Dining halls, libraries, sports halls, changing rooms, staff rooms and reception areas all experience high levels of foot traffic and should be included within your cleaning programme. By carrying out a thorough deep clean over the summer holidays and maintaining effective cleaning and hygiene practices throughout the year, educational settings can help reduce the spread of germs, create a positive first impression and ensure they're ready to welcome everyone back for the new term. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support you and your customers and get you back to school ready!

Whether you manage a restaurant, hotel, café, care home or any business that prepares or serves food, maintaining excellent hygiene standards should be a top priority. Not only does good hygiene protect customers and staff, but it also plays a significant role in your Food Hygiene Rating. Food Hygiene Ratings help consumers make informed decisions about where they choose to eat or purchase food. Issued following an inspection by the local authority, ratings provide an indication of how well a business complies with food safety legislation. Understanding Food Hygiene Ratings Businesses are awarded a rating from 0 to 5, with 5 indicating that hygiene standards are very good. During an inspection, environmental health officers assess several key areas, including: How food is handled. How food is stored. How food is prepared. The cleanliness and condition of the premises and equipment. How food safety is managed throughout the business. Together, these areas provide an overall picture of how effectively a business manages food safety on a day-to-day basis. Why Your Hygiene Rating Matters A Food Hygiene Rating is much more than just a number on the door. Customers increasingly look for reassurance that the businesses they visit maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety. Research has shown that almost half of UK consumers would be unlikely to return to an establishment with a hygiene rating below 4 out of 5. A lower rating can therefore impact customer confidence, reputation and ultimately revenue. Maintaining a high rating demonstrates a commitment to food safety, protects your brand and helps create a positive experience for every customer. Using the Right Cleaning Products Makes a Difference Achieving excellent hygiene standards isn't simply about cleaning more frequently, it's about using the right products in the right way. Many businesses assume that all cleaning products disinfect surfaces, but this isn't always the case. Some products are designed to remove dirt and grease, while others are formulated to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Understanding the difference is essential, particularly in food preparation areas. According to GOV.UK guidance, businesses should: Ensure staff maintain good personal hygiene and wash their hands regularly. Clean and disinfect food preparation areas and equipment after contact with raw food. Use disinfectants that have been tested to recognised standards. When selecting a disinfectant, it's important to check the label for compliance with recognised British and European Standards such as BS EN 1276 or BS EN 13697. These standards demonstrate that the product has been independently tested for its antibacterial performance when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Food-Safe Disinfectants from Cleenol At Cleenol, we offer a range of food-safe cleaning and disinfecting products that comply with BS EN 1276 or BS EN 13697, helping businesses maintain hygienic food preparation environments with confidence. Below are some of our most popular products suitable for food processing and food preparation areas: Product Name Product Code edencleen All-Purpose Sanitiser EDN-APS-2X5 Combat Alcorinse CB121/2X5 Chlorinated Powder Sanitiser 031166 Lift Spray Cleaner with Bactericide 057549 Mixxit Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner MX3 MXX532 Easidose Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner ED3 ED3/1 Evolution Virucidal Cleaner EV12 EV12 Food-Safe Hand Washes from Cleenol Ensuring staff maintain good personal hygiene and wash their hands regularly also plays a key role. We have a range of food-safe hand washes and sanitisers that comply with BS EN 1276 or BS EN 13697 to help you stay on top of your hygiene: Product Name Product Code Senses White Antibacterial Hand Wash SEN-WABHW-2X5 Senses Fragrance-Free Antibacterial Foam Hand Wash 074197 Senses Fragrance-Free Antibacterial Hand Wash 077028 70% Spray Hand Sanitiser 073323 Medisan 70% Hand Sanitising Gel 077137 Senses Alcohol-Free Foam Hand Sanitiser 074101 To find out how we can help you with your cleaning and hygiene needs, get in touch by speaking to your Cleenol Sales Rep or emailing: sales@cleenol.co.uk Together we can create a cleaner, safer world.

Last month was our first in-person Youth Panel for The Sun Fund. Taking place at Lock29, young people came to share ideas for their future. This is what The Sun Fund is all about, ideas for young people led by young people. Led by our Corporate Responsibility Lead, Steph Reece, the session brought everyone together to share ideas, listen to young people's perspectives, and better understand what matters most to them. Their honesty, creativity and enthusiasm truly captured the spirit of what we're trying to achieve. We also want to give a big shout-out to the youth organisations who made it possible by bringing these young people along: GetFed, Distraction Youth, Futures Institute and Activate Learning. They understand the importance of giving young people a voice, and we're so excited to see what comes next. What is The Sun Fund? The Sun Fund aims to create clearer, more accessible pathways into skills development, employment, and long-term opportunity for Banbury's youth. The initiative will focus on: Mentoring and work experience opportunities Skills development and employability support Investment in youth services and facilities Creating sustainable, long-term pathways into employment How could you get involved? If you are a business that agrees with what The Sun Fund is all about and would like to support please get in touch with steph@cleenol.co.uk.

Introducing the latest additions to our best-selling super concentrate range! Evolution Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner (EV3) and Evolution Virucidal Cleaner (EV12) are both highly concentrated cleaner-disinfectants for use on most nonporous hard surfaces. Both products are suitable for use in food preparation areas. However there is a significant disparity in the biocidal efficacy claims of each product. Evolution Perfumed Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner (EV11) and Evolution Perfumed Virucidal Cleaner (EV14) are both highly concentrated cleaner disinfectants for use on most non-porous hard surfaces. However there is a significant disparity in the biocidal efficacy claims of each product. Our new Evolution Virucidal Cleaner (EV12) and Evolution Perfumed Virucidal Cleaner (EV14) are BPR compliant and have 9x EN Standards, including Yeast and Viruses! What's not to love? Try them for yourself by getting in touch with our expert sales team today and complete your concentrate range: Sales@cleenol.co.uk

We are thrilled to announce that, following a rigorous audit in early May, we have successfully earned the EU Ecolabel certification! This significant achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and excellence. In today’s market, distinguishing truly sustainable products can be challenging. With many brands promoting their environmental credentials, it’s crucial to have reliable standards that consumers can trust. That’s where the EU Ecolabel comes in. Launched in 1992, the EU Ecolabel is a symbol of environmental excellence and quality. Products displaying the iconic "EU flower" symbol meet stringent criteria, ensuring they are genuinely green. The EU Ecolabel empowers consumers, retailers, and businesses to make sustainable choices confidently. The EU Ecolabel stands out for several reasons: Showcasing True ‘Green’ Products: It helps consumers make informed, sustainable choices by highlighting products that genuinely meet high environmental standards. Environmental Benefits: By encouraging responsible business practices, the EU Ecolabel helps protect our planet. Supporting Climate Goals: It allows businesses to contribute to a climate-neutral, clean, circular economy and a toxic-free environment. Product Durability and Repairability: Certified products are guaranteed to be durable and easy to repair or recycle. Minimizing Harmful Substances: The label ensures reduced use of harmful chemicals and lower emissions into air and water. Energy Efficiency: It promotes products that reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Achieving this certification is another incredible step forward for Cleenol and is vital for our mission of creating a cleaner, safer world. For more information on our EU Ecolabel product range, please speak to a member of our talented technical team: technical.enquiries@cleenol.co.uk

Back in March, members of Cleenol took part in an anonymous survey to establish their thoughts and opinions about working at Cleenol for the Sunday Times Best Places to Work. The answers were then collated by a third party company to be scored against 6 key factors. These factors are the Six Steps to Workplace Happiness. Our Results for the Six Steps to Workplace Happiness are: Reward & Recognition - Excellent (84%) Information Sharing - Excellent (80%) Empowerment - Excellent (83%) Wellbeing - Excellent (84%) Instilling Pride - Excellent (83%) Job Satisfaction - Excellent (83%) Due to our outstanding results we secured a spot in the Top 100 Medium Organisation's Best Places to Work 2024. We'd like to say a huge thank you to all of our employees who took the time to complete the survey and to our managing director, Sam Greaves for creating such a happy work environment. Here's to the next achievement!

Last week, some members of our team travelled to Solihull to attend the CHSA Awards evening, where we had the pleasure of supporting our Development Chemist, Emily, who had been shortlisted for the Rising Star Award. The Rising Star category recognises individuals who have made an exceptional impact early in their careers, demonstrating dedication, innovation, and a real passion for the industry. The evening was a fantastic occasion, with everyone dressed for the event and enjoying the opportunity to celebrate alongside colleagues and industry peers. It became even more special when Emily was announced as the winner of the Rising Star Award. This fantastic achievement highlights Emily's commitment, enthusiasm, and the valuable contributions she has made to our team. Since joining the business, she has consistently demonstrated a willingness to learn, a drive to succeed, and an impressive ability to develop innovative solutions. Emily regularly exceeds the expectations of her role, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and embracing new challenges. Within just three months of joining the business, she was representing the technical department in meetings with suppliers and customers, demonstrating a level of confidence and professionalism beyond her experience. When our Lead Chemist began maternity leave, Emily stepped into the position, taking on additional responsibilities with remarkable maturity, technical expertise, and dependability. Emily's commitment extends beyond the workplace too. She dedicates time to mentoring and inspiring young people through STEM tutoring and actively supports Cleenol's corporate social responsibility initiatives, including participating in the Day to Make a Difference scheme. Last year, she completed the Oxford Half Marathon and raised more than £700 for charity! Just another example of her drive, dedication, and willingness to make a positive impact. We are delighted to see Emily’s efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform. Winning the Rising Star Award is a well-deserved achievement, and we have no doubt that this is just the beginning of an exciting and successful career ahead. Congratulations Emily from everyone at the team!

The upcoming World Cup season is set to be an incredibly busy period for many industries, with hospitality expected to be one of the busiest of all. The summer months already bring increased footfall and higher sales, so adding the excitement of the World Cup into the mix is only set to heighten demand even further. According to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), based on previous football tournaments, if England were to appear in the finals, this could lead to an increase of £275 million in sales, based on the average price of a pint being £5. England fans are forecasted to drink a whopping 55 million extra pints! Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “The pub has and always will be the home of live sport, and there is no better place to enjoy watching a game of football than at your local with friends and other fans. “With the World Cup fast approaching we want to help pubs prepare the best they can to make the absolute most of the opportunity to draw in customers and provide a brilliant experience for them. “We are really pleased to be able to provide this guidance alongside industry partners to ensure that the tournament can be enjoyed safely and successfully in venues across the UK.” Click here to view the BBPA’s new guidance ahead of the World Cup. Ensuring your pub is fully equipped to handle increased footfall is essential. From keeping the bar fully stocked to making sure your washrooms are supplied with hand wash and hygiene essentials, every detail contributes to the overall customer experience. These small touches can often make the difference between a one-off visit and a loyal returning customer. At Cleenol, we’ve got you covered. We offer a wide range of cleaning and hygiene products designed to help you continue delivering the high standards your customers expect throughout the tournament season. Our floor care range has been tried and tested to deliver outstanding cleanliness, helping to remove muddy footprints and stubborn carpet stains with ease. Explore our range: British Nova at Cleenol We also offer a diverse selection of hand washes to suit all environments, including luxury options that leave customers feeling refreshed and invigorated. Take a look: Hand Wash products at Cleenol Our front-of-house products help you maintain exceptional service standards without worrying about the finer details. We offer a range of surface sanitisers ideal for busy hospitality environments, helping to effectively sanitise key touchpoints and giving you peace of mind so you can focus on what matters most. Explore our range of surface sanitisers and disinfectants: Surface Sanitiser products at Cleenol We also have all the bathroom and WC essentials you need to keep facilities clean, fresh, and welcoming — because let’s face it, nobody likes a smelly bathroom. Explore our bathroom cleaners: Washroom Cleaner products at Cleenol Explore our toilet cleaners: Toilet Cleaner products at Cleenol Pouring the perfect pint doesn’t have to be difficult. Our beer line cleaners help you serve drinks you can be proud of every time. Check out our beer line cleaners: Bar products at Cleenol Clean cutlery, spotless glassware, and sparkling dishes all make a lasting impression on customers. You don’t want to waste valuable time re-washing utensils because of ineffective products. Take a look at our dishwash and glasswash solutions: Osmos at Cleenol To find out how we can help you prepare for the upcoming World Cup season, get in touch with our sales team on sales@cleenol.co.uk, they will be able to provide you with the best solutions for your businesses needs.

With the beginning of the World Cup just around the corner, ensuring you have everything sorted before kick off is essential. Hygiene and cleanliness should never be neglected, especially not during the upcoming busy football period. Poor hygiene can have serious implications for your business including negative reviews leading to loss of customers and an overall bad reputation. Cleenol have got you covered. With our extensive product range, we have everything you'll need to provide your customers with the ultimate spot to sit back and enjoy the football. When footfall increases, so does the demand placed on facilities. Bathrooms are used more frequently, communal areas see heavier traffic, and food and beverage spaces need to operate at speed without compromising on hygiene. In these busy periods, maintaining consistently high cleaning standards isn’t just about appearance; it’s about ensuring safety, comfort, and confidence for every visitor. A clean environment directly influences how customers perceive a venue. Fresh, well-maintained spaces create a positive first impression and encourage people to return. On the other hand, poor hygiene can quickly overshadow even the best experiences. For businesses, this means that cleanliness is not just a background task - it’s a key part of customer service and brand reputation. Having the right products in place makes all the difference. From floor care solutions and disinfectants to washroom essentials and specialist cleaning products, using reliable and effective solutions helps teams stay on top of demand without compromise. A well-prepared cleaning strategy ensures that standards remain high, even when pressure is at its peak. As venues gear up for a busy sporting season, now is the ideal time to review cleaning routines, restock essential supplies, and ensure teams are fully supported. With the right approach, businesses can stay ahead of the crowd and deliver environments that are not only clean, but welcoming and safe for everyone. If you’re preparing for increased demand and want to ensure your facilities are ready, we’re here to support. Reach out to your Cleenol sales rep to find out how we can support you and your customers or contact us: sales@cleenol.co.uk

Getting Oxfordshire Online was created to help tackle the growing issue of digital exclusion across Oxfordshire. Through a partnership led by charities SOFEA and Aspire, alongside a network of local organisations, funders, and supporters, the initiative works to provide refurbished devices, connectivity, and digital support to people who need it most. The pandemic was a stark reminder of the importance of digital inclusion, with schools and community organisations working hard to ensure children could continue accessing education from home. However, as we moved beyond the immediate challenges of COVID-19, it became increasingly clear that digital exclusion was already affecting many individuals and families long before the pandemic began. Since then, Getting Oxfordshire Online has continued to grow, working closely with local partners to identify where support is needed most and helping to reduce barriers for people struggling to access technology and online services. What is Getting Oxfordshire Online? Getting Oxfordshire Online is a community-focused partnership designed to improve digital inclusion across Oxfordshire. By collecting and refurbishing donated technology, the project helps ensure that people who may otherwise struggle to access digital services are not left behind. The programme supports individuals and families by providing: Refurbished laptops and desktop computers Internet connectivity support Digital guidance and assistance Every device donated is carefully sanitised, refurbished, and redistributed to members of the community. The initiative works closely with local organisations to identify and support people facing digital exclusion, including unpaid carers, individuals experiencing homelessness or in the homelessness pathway and people living in supported accommodation. This Month’s Impact As part of our ongoing commitment to reducing IT waste and supporting digital inclusion, this month we donated: 21 laptops 4 desktop computers 2 monitors How You Can Help You can help support Getting Oxfordshire Online by donating unused laptops, desktop computers, monitors, and other IT equipment that could be refurbished and given a second life within the community. To find out more about donating devices or supporting the initiative, visit: gettingoxfordshireonline.co.uk Together, we can help more people get connected, stay supported, and thrive online.

Hand hygiene plays a vital role in protecting public health, maintaining workplace safety, and reducing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. As we recognise World Hand Hygiene Day, it’s an important reminder that effective products are essential. The World Health Organisation continues to highlight the importance of hand hygiene as one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection and this years theme is action saves lives. When should you use hand wash vs hand sanitiser? It’s important to understand that hand sanitiser is not a replacement for effective hand washing - it is a complementary solution, often used on the go and in fast-paced environments. Take a look below to find the right product for every scenario: Hand Sanitiser When hand washing isn't immediately available Between hand washing In vehicles or on the go After touching commonly shared surfaces e.g door handles Hand Wash After using the toilet Before & after handling food After handling waste or chemicals When hands are visibly dirty or greasy In high-risk, hygiene critical environments To put it simply, you shouldn't use hand sanitiser instead of hand wash instead as a quick hygiene boost between proper hand washes, especially in busy or mobile environments. Understanding the correct hand wash. Antibacterial hand wash plays an important role in maintaining hygiene in higher-risk environments but it isn’t always required for every setting. Understanding when to use it helps ensure the right level of protection without overcomplicating everyday routines. Antibac Hand Wash High-risk and hygiene critical environments e.g food prep, healthcare, cleaning Handling raw food Contact with high-touch / contaminated surfaces High traffic environments Standard Hand Wash Maintaining day-to-day hygiene Lower-risk settings For frequent use (often gentler on skin) The right hand care solution makes all the difference. Our range is designed to keep hygiene simple - speak to our sales team to find the best option for you: sales@cleenol.co.uk

This World Earth Day, we wanted to focus on why the Earth is so important. Across every part of Cleenol, the environment is always a top priority, from the products we manufacture to the way we source our daily power. Every decision plays a role in helping to protect our planet. We’ve made several important changes over the years, and we want to highlight what they are and why they matter, in the hope of encouraging other businesses to follow suit. Solar Panels In 2025, we made the important switch to renewable energy by installing solar panels, meaning all of the products we manufacture are now produced using 100% renewable electricity. Solar energy plays a vital role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas which are finite resources that contribute significantly to climate change. By harnessing clean energy from the sun, we are able to substantially reduce our carbon emissions and help lower the UK’s overall environmental impact. Zero Landfill We are proud to operate a zero-waste-to-landfill policy. All of our waste is carefully segregated to ensure it is reused, recycled, or converted into energy wherever possible. By managing waste responsibly, we are helping to reduce pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and protect natural resources for future generations. Concentrated Chemicals We were one of the first cleaning manufacturers to introduce concentrated chemical solutions, delivering significant environmental benefits. By reducing the amount of water and packaging required, our concentrates help cut plastic use, reduce carbon emissions from transport, and minimise packaging waste and shipping impact. This more efficient approach supports both sustainability and operational efficiency for our customers. We hope our efforts inspire other like-minded businesses to put the Earth first and carefully consider their environmental impact across every aspect of their operations.