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Members of The Sun Fund came together to explore a new space full of potential for young people and share ideas on how to turn it into an exciting hub for learning and opportunity. Based in Banbury town centre, the vision for the Youth Hub is to create a safe and welcoming space where young people can develop new skills, build confidence and make connections that support their future. The project, led by Lee Davis at Distraction Youth is backed by a collaboration of community workers that work with young people. Putting Young People at the Forefront But the ideas for the youth hub aren't about us, they're about the young people who will use it. That's why young people were invited to share their thoughts, talk about what matters to them and help shape what the space could become. By listening to their ideas and involving them in the process, we hope to create a hub that reflects their interests, needs and ambitions, giving them a space they can feel part of. We're excited to see these ideas develop and look forward to bringing the vision for The Sun Fund Youth Hub to life. 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 We want to give a big shout out the the young people who came along and shared their ideas and we are so excited for what is to come! Watch the full video on our YouTube! Written by Neve.

What are Septic Tanks and how do they work? Septic tanks are used in absence of normal sewage drains, to condition the sewage so that it can be subsequently discharged into the land and allowed to percolate into the subsoil. As sewage enters the tank, larger solids either sink to the bottom or rise to the surface. The sludge and scum formed, as well as the liquid in the tank, are then decomposed by bacteria living in the system. Most septic tanks rely on anaerobic bacteria, which work in environments with little or no oxygen. Some systems, particularly those used in larger commercial settings such as hotels, may also incorporate aerobic treatment, which uses bacteria that require oxygen. This process helps reduce the amount of solid waste and produces a liquid effluent, which can then be discharged into a drainage field or soakaway for further treatment in the surrounding soil. Although bacteria break down much of the organic material, some solids remain and gradually build up. For this reason, septic tanks need to be emptied periodically, typically every 6–12 months, depending on the size of the tank and how heavily it is used. How do detergents affect Septic Tanks? Most conventional synthetic detergents are generally considered suitable for use with Septic Tank systems. All detergents available in the UK are at least 80% biodegradable, meaning microorganisms can break them down naturally without causing significant disruption to the treatment process when used as directed. Some residues can provide an additional source of organic material which is considered nutrients for the bacteria within the tank. Therefore, Septic Tanks are not adversely affected by synthetic detergents. How do disinfectants and bleach affect Septic Tanks? As the operation of a Septic Tank is dependent on bacterial activity, the effect of disinfectants and bleach is often questioned. The important factor is that when disinfectant is used as normal, it has been diluted with water to such an extent that there is little likelihood of of inhibiting regular bacterial action in Septic Tanks. If the disinfectant is bleach-based, there will be additional safeguard that the large amounts of organic matter present in the tank will rapidly deactivate the product. How do enzymes affect Septic Tanks? Enzymes are commonly used as ingredients in laundry and cleaning products to help break down different types of stains and organic matter. When enzyme-containing products are used in washing machines, the enzymes are exposed to the wastewater entering the septic tank. Any residual enzyme activity is generally expected to have little impact on the natural bacterial processes within the system. Enzymes can also help break down organic materials, supporting the overall degradation of waste. As a result, enzyme-based cleaning products are not generally considered a concern for septic tank operation when used as directed. Dosing and dilution control We provide dilution rates for all of our concentrated cleaning products. These dilution rates ensure products are not overdosed and therefore no excessive chemical is being put into the Septic Tank. An adequate Septic Tank installation will be able to handle normal detergent and disinfectant discharges without any loss of efficacy. Problems with Septic Tank operation Most problems with the operation of Septic Tanks are caused by 'overloading' the system, specifically with large volumes of alkaline liquid sometimes containing high levels of bleach. These can have a negative impact on certain types of septic tank installations. It's common to find that sites where the Septic Tank was originally installed to cope with household levels of waste and are now being used for high volumes of laundry and dishwashing, their volumes of effluent output are regularly overloading the Septic Tank's capabilities. When problems with the Septic Tanks operation occur, the first thing to check is the capacity of the system that handles the volume of waste it is receiving. If a lot of acidic or alkaline liquid is being discharged into the septic tank, you should consider ways to minimise the effects. For any further information on our product usage and suitability, please reach out to our Technical Team: technical.enquiries@cleenol.co.uk Written by Charlotte.

With the festive season slowly appearing on the horizon, now is a good time to start planning ahead. To help you plan ahead, we’ve put together our Christmas delivery schedule for the 2026 season. Private / Own Label Customers - Friday 13th November Irish / Channel Island Customers - Monday 7th December UK Mainland Customers - Monday 14th December Local Customers - Monday 14th December We will not be operating or delivering orders between Christmas and New Year. Our last day trading before Christmas is Wednesday 23rd December. Normal trading and deliveries will resume from Monday 4th January 2027.

As the colder months approach, so does mould season. With temperatures dropping, windows staying closed for longer and indoor heating becoming more common, condensation and excess moisture can quickly build up. These conditions create the perfect environment for mould to develop, particularly in areas with poor ventilation. Understanding why mould becomes more common during autumn and winter, and knowing how to prevent it, can help protect your property and maintain a healthier indoor environment. What is mould? Mould is a type of fungus that decomposes dead organic matter and typically thrives in damp, humid environments. Mould can appear in a variety of colours, including black, green, white and grey, depending on the type and the surface it grows on. Although mould plays an important role in the natural environment by breaking down organic materials, its presence indoors can cause damage to walls, ceilings, furniture and other household surfaces. It can also contribute to musty odours and may trigger allergies, irritation or respiratory symptoms in some people. When does mould appear? Excess moisture areas Damp surfaces and persistent moisture create the conditions mould needs to grow. Leaking pipes, damaged roofs, plumbing issues and water ingress can all introduce excess moisture into a building. Areas with poor ventilation Limited airflow allows moisture to remain in the air and settle on surfaces. Rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms are particularly vulnerable because everyday activities, including showering, cooking and drying clothes indoors, release moisture into the air. After temperature changes Cold surfaces can increase condensation, particularly during the colder months. When warm, moisture-filled air comes into contact with colder surfaces, such as windows, external walls and corners of rooms, water droplets can form. If condensation occurs regularly and surfaces do not have enough time to dry, mould can begin to grow. How can mould growth be prevented? Improve ventilation: Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, open windows when practical and ensure ventilation systems are working effectively. Control condensation: Wipe away excess condensation from windows and other surfaces, particularly during colder weather. Maintain a consistent temperature: Avoid allowing rooms to become excessively cold, as cold surfaces can encourage condensation to form. Address leaks promptly: Repair leaking pipes, damaged seals, roof defects and other sources of water ingress as soon as possible. If you are noticing persistent mould appearing in your building and would like some advice please email our Technical team at technical.enquiries@cleenol.co.uk. Written by Neve

Concentrated products are a great alternative to ready-to-use products but may not always feel like the most convenient choice so we've made it simple to see the benefits! Our Dilution Chart for Concentrated Chemicals makes the switch simple. It breaks down exactly how many refill flasks you will get per container and per case, as well as showing the significant cost per use savings, putting into perspective just how much money, space and plastic you can save! What makes concentrated products more beneficial? Our dilution chart makes it easy to find out why concentrated chemical are beneficial to you but their advantages go beyond performance and cost savings. Concentrated products help to reduce your environmental impact in a number of ways: Lower CO₂ emissions Reduced single-use plastic Reduced water shipment Concentrated chemicals offer the flexibility to adjust dilution rates according to the level of soiling, helping ensure the right amount of product is used for each task. This helps minimise unnecessary chemical use and waste, while reducing the need to store multiple ready-to-use products. Combined with fewer deliveries and reduced packaging requirements, concentrated products offer a practical way for businesses to reduce their environmental impact w. How should concentrated products be diluted? Different products require different concentration rates and knowing what they are is really important because using the incorrect dose rate can make the chemical ineffective and can also be dangerous. All concentrated products have their own specific dose rate which can be found on the product label and within their Technical Data Sheet. Check out our dilution chart to find out how much you could save if you make the switch. Written by Charlotte.

In hotels, care homes and hospitality environments like pubs and restaurants stains aren't hard to come by. All it takes is an unfortunate accident and bam something that was once clean now has the remnants of red wine splattered all over it and suddenly you have a big challenge at your hand. That's why understanding your stains and using the correct treatment method is so important. What is this type of stain? There are several different stain types that require different treatment methods. There's not a 'one size fits all' method when it comes to stain removal. Organic stains require different treatment methods to oil-based stains which may be one of the reasons why your stain is being extra persistent. Organic stains are typically made up of coloured molecules (called chromophores) from natural sources, like coffee, wine, bodily fluids etc.. Oil-based stains as the name suggests are derived from sun cream, cooking oil etc.. Pigment & dye stains are generally the most stubborn stains to shift. They can be caused by things like makeup or fake tan. Galling/yellowing can be caused by things like sun exposure or sweat, making fabrics turn an unpleasant yellowy colour How do I get my stain out? Now that you know the difference between stains, treatment becomes a lot more effective. There are a range of treatment methods and products that are designed specifically target and treat specific types of stains. Whilst there are products that are better suited to different types of stains, it's important to remember that one product won't always completely remove every type of stain (in some cases incorrect product usage can make the stain worse!) and for best results you must treat the stain immediately. Type of stain Treatment method Organic stains Crystalbrite Laundry Oxy Stain Remover Oil based stains Crystalbrite Laundry Oil Emulsifier Pigment and dye stains Crystalbrite Laundry Oxy Stain Remover or Novaspotta Oxy Galling and yellowing Crystalbrite Laundry Sour How do stain removal treatments work? Different stain removal products use different types of chemistry to try and tackle tough stains which is why using the correct product will deliver the best results. Oxygen stain removal products use an active oxygen bleaching system which breaks down coloured compounds (the stain) into smaller, colourless molecules that can then be removed during washing. Oil based removal products target hydrophobic oily soils. The surfactant system works by emulsifying oils and fats, allowing them to disperse into the wash liquid and be rinsed away rather than remaining attached to fabric fibres. A laundry sour neutralises residual alkalinity left behind after washing. By lowering the pH back towards the optimum range, it can help improve fabric appearance/brightness, particularly where alkaline residues and mineral deposits have contributed to dullness or yellowing. Furthermore, this product can be used proactively to maintain fabric whiteness and reduce greying over time.

What is the CHSA? The Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) represents more than 200 cleaning and hygiene manufacturers and distributors across the UK. The association plays an important role in promoting high standards of quality, safety and professionalism within the cleaning and hygiene industry. What is an Accredited Manufacturer? As a certified manufacturer, we ensure that our cleaning chemical products meet the required quantity and volume specifications and are suitable for their intended purpose, in line with the relevant Manufacturing Standard. This means that our products are: Quality assured Products meet the stated quantity and volume requirements for their intended purpose. Correctly labelled Safety Data Sheets are readily available and products comply with Classification of Labelling and Packaging Regulation requirements. Tested and compliant Biocidal claims are supported by EN test reports, with relevant biocides, cosmetics and detergent regulations followed. What does this mean to us? Being a CHSA Accredited Manufacturer links directly to our value of open and honest because it demonstrates the importance we place on transparency, accountability and building trust with our customers. The accreditation means that our products are assessed against recognised industry requirements, helping to provide reassurance that we are delivering what we say we are. It reinforces the importance of being truthful about our product quality, quantities, labelling and performance.

Last week, three members of our team swapped the office for a change of scenery and headed to sunny Palma, Mallorca, for the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards! Held at the beautiful Pueblo Español. A location where different architecture and styles creates a time capsule into Spanish history. Celebrating Our Nominations We were delighted to be shortlisted for two awards: Rising Star with our Senior Development Chemist, Emily and Best Company to Work For. Although we didn’t take home a trophy this time, being recognised alongside so many fantastic businesses and individuals was a brilliant achievement in itself. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our team, reflect on how far we’ve come. A Fantastic Night with the Industry We're so grateful for the opportunity to go to an amazing event where we met other industry professionals, made new connections and enjoyed some lovely tiramisu. A huge thank you to the organisers and congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Here’s to the next one!

Did you know there's more to sustainable cleaning than just the packaging? The work isn't done when you buy your product, it's also about how you use it. Getting the Dilution Right for Sustainable Cleaning Dilution plays an important role in sustainable cleaning. Many cleaning products are designed to be diluted with water before use, so getting the ratio right is essential for effective and responsible cleaning. Using the correct dilution helps ensure that a product performs as intended. Too much product can lead to unnecessary chemical use, waste and residue, while too little may compromise cleaning performance. To dilute products correctly, always follow the manufacturer's instructions, measure the product accurately and use the recommended amount of water. Choosing the Right Product for the Job Not every cleaning task requires the same product. Choosing the right cleaning solution for the surface, level of dirt and type of cleaning needed is an important first step towards a more sustainable approach. Using a suitable product helps ensure that cleaning is effective without relying on unnecessary chemicals or multiple products. It is also important to follow the instructions and check that the product is appropriate for the surface being cleaned. Small Changes, Meaningful Results Sustainable cleaning is about making thoughtful choices. By using the right product for the job and getting the dilution right, we can maintain effective cleaning standards while reducing unnecessary product use and waste. The next time you clean, remember two simple questions: Am I using the right product, and am I using the right amount?

With so many soaps to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Why does soap have a pH? pH refers to how acidic or alkaline a substance is, measured on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, while values below 7 are acidic and those above 7 are alkaline. The skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH, typically ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. This balance, known as the skin's acid mantle, helps support its protective barrier, retain moisture, and defend against harmful microorganisms. Soap also has a pH, which can influence the skin when the soap is mixed with water and applied. Choosing a soap with a suitable pH is important to help cleanse the skin without disrupting its natural protective barrier. When choosing a soap, it is important to consider your individual skin type and needs. Understanding pH can help you make an informed choice and find a product that cleanses effectively while supporting your skin's natural balance. What should you look for? What you look for in a soap really depends on what you want to get out of it. A gentle soap: Choose a soap with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, ideal for sensitive skin. For everyday use: A soap with a pH between 4.5 and 7.0 is a good choice for regular cleansing. For heavy-duty cleaning: If you need something to tackle grease and stubborn dirt, opt for a soap with a pH of up to 10.0. Looking for the right soap for your needs? Explore our Hand Wash and Industrial Hand Wash ranges to find the most suitable option for you and get in touch with your local Cleenol sales representative!

At Cleenol, we believe that fairness and transparency matter. With a history spanning generations, we have built our business around long-standing relationships, trust, respect and doing the right thing. Those family values continue to shape the way we work today, not only with our customers and suppliers, but with the people who make up the Cleenol family. That is why we are a Living Wage Employer. What is a Living Wage Employer? A Living Wage Employer is an organisation that makes a public commitment to paying its employees a fair wage. It means recognising the importance of fairness and transparency and ensuring that people feel respected and valued for the work they do. Why does fair pay matter? With the cost of everyday life continuing to put pressure on households, having a fair and reliable income has never been more important. From household bills and food shopping to housing and travel, the cost of living can have a real impact on people and their families. Our commitment to the Living Wage is one way we can help provide that reassurance. Fair pay, because our people matter As a family-owned business, we take a long-term view. Our staff are an important part of Cleenol's story, and many of the relationships we have built have lasted for years. Our commitment to the Living Wage reflects those values. For us, being a Living Wage Employer isn't just about having a logo or accreditation. It's a promise to our employees that we take fair pay seriously and that we will continue to uphold the values behind our commitment. It’s a commitment that honours our heritage, reflects who we are today, and helps shape the Cleenol we want to be for generations to come.

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!