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 and ensure you have the right products to tackle the new academic year. 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. Essential School Cleaning Must Haves Chewing Gum Remover There's nothing worse than finding gum stuck to the bottom of desks or underneath banisters and unfortunately, schools are notorious for it. Our Nova Frost Chewing Gum Remover makes the removal of stubborn chewing gum effortless. It's powerful formulation freezes the gum so that it becomes brittle and easy to scrape off, leaving areas well maintained and free from gum! Carpet Cleaner Throughout the term, it's inevitable for carpets to become increasingly dirtier due to bringing in mud and grime from outside. Summer is a great opportunity to tackle built up dirt on carpets whilst the ground is still dry. Our Novalite Water Extraction Carpet Shampoo is designed to revive carpets giving the TLC they need after a busy school year. It is to be used with a water extraction carpet cleaner and allows for effective cleaning. For pesky stains and spillages our Novaspotta Oxy is the solution. It gets to work in as little as 30 seconds, using oxy power to effectively remove a variety of stains leaving your carpet clean and fresh. Graffiti Remover Maintaining the appearance of your facility, both inside and out, is essential. Graffiti and pen marks can have a significant impact on how your premises are perceived by students, staff and visitors. Our Graffiti Remover is specially formulated to tackle even the toughest graffiti with ease. Its powerful blend of solvents effectively removes graffiti from a wide range of surfaces, including stone, brickwork, tiles and metalwork, helping to restore surfaces and keep your premises looking clean, professional and well maintained. Hand Hygiene We offer a comprehensive range of hand care solutions to help keep schools hygienic throughout the academic year. While choosing the right hand wash products is essential, following the correct hand washing process is just as important. That's why we've put together some practical hand hygiene advice to help encourage effective hand washing across your facility. 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 a hand sanitiser where hand washing facilities are unavailable. To find out all about using the correct hand care products, click here. 4. Sanitisers for 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. 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 to reduce the spread of germs and maintain appearances. T Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support you and your customers in getting you back to school ready!

At Cleenol, we believe being part of a community is about more than doing business within it. It's about supporting the people, organisations and initiatives that make our local area a stronger, healthier and more connected place for everyone. That's why we're delighted to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of The Banbury Larder. As part of our Stars of the Community series, we've chosen to feature them to celebrate the invaluable support they provide and the positive impact they have on people's lives across Banbury. Who are The Banbury Larder? The Banbury Larder is much more than a place to access affordable food. It is a community hub, bringing people together, offering support, and helping individuals and families through challenging times. Their dedication to making a real difference is what makes them such an important part of the local community, and we're happy to help share their story. Working alongside organisations including SOFEA, The Banbury Larder provides a range of food including fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen products, ambient goods and other essentials. This helps members reduce their weekly shopping costs, which can make a meaningful difference for families and individuals experiencing financial pressure. Why is the larder so important? Alongside helping people access affordable and nutritious food, The Larder provides a range of wider support and opportunities, including community activities, job clubs and employment support, helping people build confidence, develop new skills and take positive steps towards their future. These services can make a real difference to people who may be facing difficult circumstances. Whether someone needs help finding employment, wants to meet new people, or simply needs a welcoming place where they feel supported, The Banbury Larder offers a space where people can connect and access the help they need. How could you get involved? If you need help getting into work or employment, would like to volunteer or just want to find out more about The Banbury Larder please email thebanburylarder@gmail.com To watch the whole video go over to The Banbury Larder | Stars of the Community Thank you to the larder for the work you do in supporting our community!

We've all heard of it, students move into their new residence and are ready to take on freshers' week - a ritual that most students go through filled with lots of late nights in packed clubs, communal kitchens and congregating anywhere offering cheap drinks! Just when they begin to get their first snippet of independence, the inevitable happens.. they get hit with freshers' flu, but what actually is it? What is freshers' flu? Despite it's name, freshers' flu is not actually influenza, it's a term to describe when a mixture of the common cold viruses tackle you all at once. Although the good thing is that it's not an actual flu and is rarely serious, it can make you feel very run down. Mixing all different people in communal environments is bound to cause some problems as respiratory viruses are constantly evolving so even the small differences between variants can mean the body's immune system doesn't recognise them, forcing it to start from scratch. However, if someone develops severe symptoms, such as a high fever, a rash, confusion, difficulty breathing or a stiff neck, they should seek medical advice immediately, as these could be signs of a more serious illness such as meningitis. While it's impossible to prevent every illness, maintaining high cleaning standards can help reduce the risk of viruses spreading throughout campus. How can you minimise the spread? One of the most common ways for viruses to spread can be due to dirty surfaces, common touch-points and poor personal hygiene. University campuses are full of shared spaces where large numbers of people come into contact with the same surfaces throughout the day. Viruses can spread through respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze, but they can also be transferred via contaminated hands and frequently touched surfaces. It starts with using the correct products and knowing which key areas to stay on top of. What to look out for? Focus On Key Touch Points In universities there are lots of communal areas which require daily cleaning, these areas include but are not limited to: Door handles Lecture theatre desks and seating Lift buttons Handrails and banisters Light switches Café and restaurant tables Shared kitchen surfaces Washroom fixtures To minimise the spread of viruses and bacteria you must look out for products that meet recognised standards and comply with BS EN 14476 (Virucidal Disinfectant) &/or BS EN 1276 (Bactericidal Disinfectant helping ensure effective protection against a wide range of microorganisms. Regular Hand Washing It may seem obvious but maintaining regular hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of viruses. Universities can support students by ensuring hand wash facilities are well stocked, encouraging regular hand washing through clear signage and providing hand sanitiser in high-traffic areas where appropriate. We've put together a useful guide that breaks down why it's so important to use the right hand care products for the each circumstance. Maintaining Clean Communal Environments Shared accommodation, shower blocks, laundrettes and communal kitchens all play an important role in student wellbeing. Keeping these facilities clean and hygienic not only improves the student experience but also helps reduce opportunities for bacteria and viruses to spread. Regular cleaning schedules, appropriate cleaning products and clear hygiene guidance can all contribute to healthier shared environments. If you're reviewing your campus cleaning procedures or if you require technical advice on infection prevention products, our technical team is happy to help. Contact us at technical.enquiries@cleenol.co.uk.

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.