The ‘Clean Up Cornwall for the Olympic Torch’ campaign is led by the Clean Cornwall partnership, which includes a variety of community and voluntary organisations. Chaired by Lady Mary Holborow and with the help of the Cornwall Council, Cornwall Waste Action, Rick Stein, Visit Cornwall, Eden and the Environment Agency, the campaign aims to encourage community groups and residents to ensure Cornwall is looking its best in anticipation for the Torch’s arrival.

Steve Double, the Council’s portfolio holder for environment, waste management and shared services said: “We know that the eyes of the world will be on Cornwall for the start of the Olympic Torch Relay

“We will also have a number of visitors in Cornwall over the weekend of May 19. This is a great opportunity to show off our beautiful county and we want to do all we can, together, to make sure that Cornwall is looking its best.

“This means making a special effort to clear any litter and making our countryside, towns and villages look as clean and neat as possible - not just along the actual route of the Olympic Torch relay, but also across the whole of Cornwall.”

The partnership would like everyone to get involved, whether you clean road signs or tidy up public hedgerows and beaches, any help is welcomed.

David Owens, the Council’s Assistant Head of Environment and Waste Management said: “We hope as many people as possible will get involved by holding litter picks in the two weeks between 7 and 19 May.  

“Whether you are a local community group, such as mother and toddlers, air cadets, WI, local church, school, after school club, scout, brownie or cubs, or parish and town council, or just want to join with your family, friends or neighbours, everyone is welcome to take part.”

If you would like to get involved with the campaign e-mail info@cleancornwall.org.

The Clean Britain Awards have recently come under new ownership of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and with new ownership comes changes and improvements.  The 2012 programme will be launching as an annual competition, changing from being biannual in hope that the Clean Britain Awards scheme will become a useful benchmark for local authorities.

The awards are now open for entries and will remain so until the closing date on 31st May in which judging will follow throughout the months of June, July and August. The award presentation will coincide with the RWM in Partnership with CIWM exhibition on Thursday 13th September at the NEC, Birmingham, the UK’s premier exhibition for resource efficiency and waste management.

Each entrant will receive a personal, unannounced visit from the judges and will be scored over a range of locations on the thirteen Clean Britain Awards criteria.

Other Changes to the Clean Britain Awards scheme

•    Changes to the entry categories for 2012 - based solely on population, divided into three bands dependant on the size of the entering local authority  
•    Additional fourth award aimed at encouraging and recognising the impact of community groups, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and other sectors that are not from the traditional “local authority” who have a positive impact on street and local environmental quality
•    BAFTA award winning comedian, actor and impressionist Alistair McGowan has been secured as the ambassador for the Clean Britain Awards

Alistair McGowan who is extremely passionate and vocal about environmental issues will be hosting the awards ceremony in September and will also be lending a helping hand to promote the awards.

About Clean Britain Awards

The Clean Britain Awards aim to provide recognition and reward to local authorities in the areas of street cleansing and local environmental quality (LEQ), offer the opportunity for local authorities and custodians to gain an independent assessment and to encourage and promote good practice in raising the standards and instillation of civic pride.

The Clean Britain Awards ceremony will take place at a gala lunch held in the Gallery Restaurant at the NEC Birmingham on Thursday 13th September 2012 during the RWM in partnership with CIWM exhibition.

In recent times we have been obsessed with the idea of staying as far away from germs as possible and with such illnesses as the Norovirus we are becoming more fixated on cleanliness. In fact, m

There are both good and bad germs. Pathogens are the germs that we need steer clear of and in a bid to do so many of us are turning to antibacterial hand wash - 46% of those surveyed in Mintel’s research. It has also been reported that 16% regularly carry hand sanitiser with them.

Richard Caines, Mintel's senior household care analyst, said: "A clean home environment improves people's sense of wellbeing and reduces anxiety - even more so at a time when incomes are being squeezed and less money is available for going out.

"Although some people think that as a nation we're becoming too obsessed about hygiene, manufacturers still have a big opportunity to market cleaning products focused on protecting and caring for the home and family, something that has resonance with consumers."

In just one year the desire to find disinfectants that are powerful germ killers increased by 9% in Britain, which highlights how significant the concern is in this country. According to Mintel new product development is capitalising on germ phobias and their research showed the UK as the most active country with 13% of household products carrying an antibacterial claim.

It has been said that the driving force behind the rise in concern over germs is the new development of technology including laptops, smartphones and tablets. However, by simply typing in a Google search for ‘staying germ free’, technology is not the top result, instead we are bombarded with guides on how to stay germ free on a plane. The concern over germs is widespread and covers many circumstances.

If you’re concerned about germs we at Click Cleaning recommend having a hand care product with you at all times. For convenience and having the option of carrying it in your handbag without it taking up too much room we believe the PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitiser 60ml is ideal for you. A larger volume (350ml) is also available.

For advice on how to keep the office germ free, we have a range of guides for you to read including: ‘Office cleaning’ and ‘How to clean a computer keyboard’.

The vapour has also showed characteristics of eliminating bed bugs, whilst leaving rooms smelling fresh. Talking about the procedure, Dr. Dick Zoutman, who developed the technology along with Dr. Michael Shannon of California-based Medizone International said; “The procedure actually mimics what antibodies do in the human body when they attack an infection”.

This new solution has also been said to kill some of the most dangerous germs around and could help to save lives. Clinical lab trials showed the gas killed all germs that it came into contact with, including deadly MRSA cells.

Talking about the advantages hospitals could benefit from, Dr. Zoutman continued: "Our best cleaning methods have limits to how much they can get rid of. The gas vapour sterilizes all hard surfaces and fabrics, including floors, walls, drapes, mattresses and chairs. The system takes between 15 and 30 minutes to disinfect an average hospital room”.

The system can be extremely useful for disinfecting a hospital room prior to the arrival of a new patient.

Zoutman continued: "The only germs in the room would be the ones they bring in themselves".

Click Cleaning have an amazing collection of carpet cleaning products

Every week we take to the vacuum to ensure our carpets are always well looked after. We are told, with good care a carpet can serve us for decades on end and bearing in mind the money we pay for them, we want to ensure that they do. This often requires not only a regular vacuum, but also a deep clean from time to time.

More often than not we’re made unaware of our carpet’s condition until we have treated it, startled at the difference it has made. So when is it time to clean your carpet?

As soon as you recognise a change in colour or shade in your carpet, you know it time to retire the vacuum and utilise your carpet cleaning tools.  Another tell-tell sign can be found in the condition of the fibres. A good clean is required when the fibres begin to feel sticky and dust begins to rise.

Below we have culled together our carpet cleaning essentials to ensure you can maintain a carpet that always looks in good knick. All the products below are sourced from the well known brand Prochem, who provides some of the industry’s leading cleaning products.

Prochem Carpetclean XL

Prochem Odour Neutraliser

Prochem Prespray Gold

Prochem Microsan

The Prochem 'Essentials'

Prochem Citra-Boost

Find floor cleaning supplies at Click Cleaning

St George’s Hall in Liverpool is a Grade-I listed building and home to the truly spectacular, handmade Minton floor. Two years ago the Hall opened its doors to 25,000 tourists in its last viewing and during 7^th to 22^nd January it is, once again showing off one of Liverpool’s finest treasures.

Facts about St George’s Hall and the Minton floor

•    Houses a concert organ complete with 7,000 pipes, which is second in size to the Royal Albert Hall’s organ
•    In 1852 the floor was laid
•    The floor was usually covered by a wooden platform to preserve it when events took place in the 1860s
•    The design features sea nymphs, tritons and boys on dolphins to reflect Liverpool’s sea-faring history as well as featuring the city’s coat of arms
•    The Hall played a central part in Liverpool’s bid to become the European Capital of Culture back in 2008
•    The Hall was closed in the 1980s, but was reopened after a £23 million refurbishment in 2007
•    The Hall was originally opened as  multipurpose building in 1854
•    More than 25,000 people gathered outside the Hall when John Lennon died
•    In 1854, when the floor was uncovered more than 100,000 people queued outside in hope to cast their eyes upon it

The Hall and its floor has such a deep and fascinating history, we’re happy we are not the ones with the responsibility to clean it. However, we would love to have a go at restoring it to its former glory. Just imagine how intricate the mosaic is and equally how careful you would have to be to clean it. We’re sure no ordinary products are being used to clean it either as hardly any chemicals can be used to ensure the colours are preserved. What products do you think they would be using, maybe some environmentally friendly ones?

Europe’s energy saving and environmental protection policy reduces the power of vacuums

Now the European commission and European bureaucrats have created the Europe’s energy saving and environmental protection policy to reduce the maximum power of vacuum cleaners in a bid to save energy.

Although the cleanliness of some households may suffer, cost savings is one reward we would love to reap. The current economic state going greener may result in the reduction of energy costs. However, it is health issues that are reining the counter argument. According to the Telegraph, ‘manufacturers say it could also reduce cleaners' ability to remove fine particles from the air they pump back into the atmosphere, potentially leading to nasty side-effects for allergy and asthma sufferers.’

With many issues being raised, the European commission may have to redraft their proposal. 

Cleaning Essentials for a Dinner Party

If you’re searching for a top of the range washing up liquid, Click Cleaning can offer you one of the best liquids on the market today as well as an environmentally friendly alternative. Citrol Lemon Washing Up Liquid produces a long-lasting foam to combat greasy dishwashing problems, perfect for cleaning up baking trays used to roast vegetables. Whereas the Ecoforce Washing Up Liquid is a readily biodegradable neutral detergent that provides an effective finish, whilst being gentle on the skin.

Washing up by hand can be a green way of ensuring your crockery is kept sparkling clean as long as the sink is filled and no additional water is run. However, according to a study by the University of Bonn in Germany, a dishwasher can be more eco-friendly as it uses less water (up to 35% less). So if you will be running a dishwasher for your dinner party, we’re sure you’re going to love these products from Finish:

Finish Classic 3in1 Dishwasher Tablets

Finish Rinse Aid

Finish Special Salt

Finish Dishwasher TRIPLE PACK

However, there are many other cleaning jobs that need to be completed over the course of the day before the guests arrive, which makes this essential list one of the most useful guides around. Not only is there washing up to do, you also need to tidy and throw away all the food preparation waste and have stain removal products around you just in case there is an accidently spill! Here are the top products we believe you should have around the house ready for your dinner party:

Acorn Green Bin Liner Clear/Printed

Biodegradable Refuse Sacks

Prochem Spot Remover Kit 

Dishwasher tablets that give a gleaming Finish

If you pack it throughout the day it helps keep the kitchen surfaces clean and clear of clutter and allows you to spend quality time with family and friends. However, some dishwasher tablets don’t always give you the results you want, glasses can look dull and there is the occasion where part of the tablet is left cemented on a plate. However, with Finish, you’re sure to get the diamond shine every time.  At Click Cleaning we understand how irritating it can be to find your dishes in a less than desirable state after being in the dishwasher and that’s why we stock the well known brand, Finish. For Christmas Day you want things to run smoothly, including the washing up, so why not make sure that happens with the help of our Finish Dishwasher Triple Pack? Everything you could need to ensure that diamond shine finish can be found in this pack including, Finish PowerBall Classic Tablets, Finish Rinse Aid and Finish Special Salt.

So save the washing up for another day and while you’re at it, save the environment too. Did you know your household could be a lot greener using a dishwasher? Running a dishwasher fully loaded, particularly if dishes aren’t pre-rinsed, uses about 35% less water than washing dishes by hand. A study conducted by the University of Bonn in Germany found that hand-washing dishes uses between five and 86 gallons of water compared to four to five gallons for the average European dishwasher

With the help of Click Cleaning, this New Year is sure to be a good one, with limited time taken to wash and clean.

According to the findings of the survey 75% of total respondents prefer to improve the bottom line of their businesses to ‘find ways to become more efficient’. It also found that six out of ten respondents indicated that their business had adopted the approach of ‘doing more with less’ by ‘doing more or the same amount of work with less employees’.

However, the remaining four out of ten have said they have taken on the same approach when it comes to the internal products they use, such as using multipurpose products. This suggests that quality and versatility are key consideration when wanting to combat the latest challenges brought on by the current economic climate. 48% of respondents indicated 'versatility of use' as best defining value when it comes to cleaning products, whereas 40% selected 'high-quality or effectiveness,' compared to 13% who selected 'low price' as best in defining value. 

Multipurpose cleaning supplies your business maybe interested in:

• Ajax Lemon All Purpose Cleaner 'Clean Water'
• Bio-shield LIME - Fragrant Washroom Cleaner
• CleanIt - Fragrant Multi-Surface Cleaner RTU
• Brite - Glass and Plastic Cleaner
• Clover Trigger Mix Box
• Stonebrite - neutral terrazzo cleaner
• Selsafe - Air Freshener/Telephone Sanitiser
• Selclen S - Industrial Maintenance Cleaner Concentrate

Not only has there been a shift in the desired products to help improve businesses’ bottom lines, the overall workforce have been reconsidered in many circumstances.  According to the survey many decision makers have been feeling the pressure from the economic climate. They have responded by effectively managing operating costs by cutting back on office supplies, staff perks and benefits, inventory and resources. Whereas, 28% reported their business has cut back on 'staff, such as laying off employees'.

Surveyed professionals indicated they would rather 'find ways to become more efficient,' than 'raise prices for clients or customers,' which could result in a higher demand for multipurpose cleaning products. According to the survey the most helpful element when it comes to performing their cleaning services would be:

• 'Products that get the job done the first time’ (47%)
• 'Products that work quickly' (30%)
• 'A simpler routine that all staff can get accustomed to' (25%)

Click Cleaning is an online cleaning store with over 30 years experience in the sector. They aim to supply customers with top quality products that do the job they’re required to do at a price that will save money. There is a fantastic range of Multipurpose cleaning products from manufacturers including Selden, Clover Chemicals and Jeyes Professional.