Supporting your customers goes beyond supplying products, it’s about helping them make the right choices for their cleaning requirements. But with so many cleaning products and industry terms, it’s easy to get confused.
Having a clear understanding of key terms can make conversations easier, recommendations easier, and ensure more accurate ordering.
This guide breaks down some of the common janitorial supply terms, giving you the confidence to advise customers effectively and match them with the right decisions.
Green Cleaning
Green cleaning refers to products and practices designed to minimise impact on both people and the environment.
This typically includes a focus on sustainability, lowering chemical exposure, and improved indoor air quality. For your customers, green cleaning can support workplace wellbeing and reduce risks to employees, visitors, and the planet. Understanding green cleaning helps identify suitable alternatives when your customers ask for safer or more environmentally conscious options.
Disinfecting vs. Sanitising
Although often used interchangeably, they describe different levels of cleaning, and knowing the distinction is important when advising your customers.
- Sanitising reduces the number of germs on surfaces to safe levels set by public health standards. It’s ideal for routine cleaning of high-touch areas such as desks, door handles, and shared equipment.
- Disinfecting goes a step further by eliminating germs and bacteria. This is essential in environments where hygiene is critical, including washrooms, kitchens, and healthcare settings.
Understanding the difference ensures your customers are using the correct product for the task, without unnecessary overuse of chemicals.
Surface Care
Surface care is about cleaning, protecting, and maintaining the materials within the workplace including floors, worktops, furniture, and fixtures.
Different surfaces require different products and methods. Using the wrong cleaner can damage finishes or reduce the lifespan of materials. Being able to recommend appropriate surface care products help customers reduce long-term costs and avoid preventable damage.
Degreasing
Degreasing products are designed to break down and remove grease, oil, and stubborn grime from surfaces.
They are particularly important in kitchen and food preparation environments, where build-up can quickly become a hygiene and safety concern. Advising on the correct degreasing solution helps customers manage residue, reduce slip risks, and stay compliant with hygiene standards.
Microfibre Cloths
Microfibre cloths are designed to trap dirt, dust, and bacteria more effectively than traditional cloths.
They often require less water and fewer chemicals, making them a more efficient and sustainable option. Microfibre is commonly used on glass, desks, electronics, and other sensitive surfaces, and understanding their benefits allows you to recommend cost-effective and high-performing cleaning accessories.
Make Informed Cleaning Decisions
Understanding janitorial supply terms doesn’t need to be complicated. By having a clearer grasp of cleaning terminology, you are able to help guide your customers with confidence.
Looking to make cleaning simpler for your customers? Explore our janitorial supplies and find solutions that support informed purchasing.