The future of the cleaning product industry

The cleaning product industry turns over more than €83 billion worldwide on an annual basis and has become the key driving force behind the development of innovative chemistry, technology and engineering. However, this may all be set to change.

According to new research conducted by IntertechPira, a panel of experts have identified the 21 most disruptive cleaning product technologies that have the potential to change the direction of the industry over the next decade.

From an initial list of 37, the experts narrowed down the list to 21 technologies that could radically affect the industry. So what does the future hold for the cleaning product industry?

The 21 most disruptive developments in cleaning products include:

•    Textile surface treatments will reduce the need for washing
•    The elimination of phosphates in domestic detergents will be extended to include all detergents
•    The detergent, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and biocide regulations will make it more difficult to introduce new substances into cleaning formulations
•    The low-temperature performance of surfactants will improve
•    Biotechnology (e.g. genetic manipulation) will enable the molecular structure of renewable bio-ingredients to be modified to improve their cleaning performance
•    The low-temperature performance of enzymes will be improved
•    The compatibility of enzymes with other detergent ingredients will be improved
•    The concentration of cleaning formulations will continue to be increased, reducing the need for packaging
•    The popularity of wipes will increase, particularly for surface-cleaning applications
•    Research techniques such as high-throughput screening, modelling and simulation technologies will be introduced
•    The increased use of microprocessors, sensors and automatic metering of detergents will reduce the energy, water and detergent required

According to the panel of experts, biotechnology is tipped to be very likely to disrupt the industry. Through recent reports, it’s claimed that consumers prefer purchasing cleaning products that contain only natural ingredients.

The panellists were also convinced that the detergent legislation banning the use of phosphate builders would be extended to automatic dishwashing detergents and eventually to institutional and industrial detergents cleaners within the next decade.


Cleaning the Canals of East Lancashire

Cleaning the Leeds-Liverpool canalIt’s not just our streets, homes and offices that need a good clean from time to time, so do our canals. This is the belief of a small team of volunteers led by boat hire operator Lee Sheperd of Hapton Valley Boats. During a six week trial they are cleaning the Leeds-Liverpool canal twice a week, in a bid to make East Lancashire a cleaner place.

The team want to spring clean the waterways of Blackburn, Burnley, Hyndburn and Pendle, a 23 mile stretch to make sure it’s ready for summer activities.

Mr Shepherd talked to the Lancashire Telegraph commenting:

“This is one of the most beautiful stretches of canal in the country and we want more people to come here and enjoy all it has to offer. We are working hard ahead of the summer to ensure the canal is clean and tidy. We are mid-way through the trial at the moment and we are hoping to make it a regular thing in the future.”

The team have also been given a litter boat by British Waterways, who want to create awareness of how important our canals are.

Debbie Lumb, waterway manager for British Waterways North West, also talked to the Lancashire Telegraph stating:

“It’s a sad fact some people do not appreciate what an asset the canal is for this area and do not always treat it with the respect it deserves. Canals are sometimes used as dumping grounds and as British Waterways faces huge economic challenges priority has to be given to maintenance and safety works so the work Lee is doing with his team of volunteers is invaluable.”

“As British Waterways moves towards becoming a charity we will need to work more and more with local groups to help us look after the nation’s canals.”

“Lee’s project is pioneering and we are hopeful it will become a permanent activity along this stretch of canal and beyond.”


Puppy Robotic - The Evolution of Floor Cleaning

Puppy RoboticCleaning couldn’t get any cuter; pictures of a new robot floor cleaner has been released, called the Puppy Robotic. This cleaning device comprises of one robot mother dog and four robot puppies that scurry on the floor picking up the rubbish (if it’s small enough), which is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

The Puppy Robotic has been designed by Korean designer Hyun-Seok Kim, who has come up with an environmentally friendly, novelty vacuum cleaner that is stylish and modern. The little puppies run on batteries, charging themselves from the mother dog, where they also dispose of the rubbish found on their journey.

Not only do these little puppies clean, but you can also play with them. Toss a tracking device around the room and the puppies attempt to follow it, or attach the device to a house pet and watch the puppies follow behind, whilst cleaning any mess your pet makes.

The assumed time it would take these cute little puppy robots to collect rubbish, and clean the floors is lengthy compared to the likes of a Numatic vacuum cleaner. This could be one reason why there has been no news of this product going into production.

If you would to see more photos of the Puppy Robotic have a look at Yanko Design. 

Tackling the closet and bathroom clutter

Tackle all you clutter with the help of Click CleaningAs the dreaded time of spring cleaning is coming, wouldn’t it be nice to get ahead of yourself and actually enjoy the spring weather? Well with a bit of decluttering your spring cleaning jobs can be cut out. We have shown you how you can help reduce your spring cleaning stress when sorting out the kitchen and living room, but ladies we all know they aren’t biggest jobs.

The closet and bathroom is!

The Closet/Wardrobe

This is a time that we dread, we have worked hard to buy our clothes, shoes and handbags and enjoyed wearing them, but how often do you wear them, or even worse, when was the last time you wore them? It is time to get a box out and start putting the clothes and accessories you haven’t worn in about six months into the box and give to charity. One positive you can take from this is that you many find a hidden gen that you have forgotten about.

Once you have emptied and sorted out your closet or wardrobe, give it a quick clean or dust, you will be amazed at how much dust is gathered at the bottom and around the edges. Use either a multi surface cleaner or use Pledge Professional Furniture Polish.

The bathroom

Christmas and Valentine’s Day are prime times when you acquire more than your bathroom essentials and duplicates. So throw out or quickly use up all your old bathroom products and store duplicates away, neatly, so you are only left with what you ACTUALLY need.

With everything that you are keeping, place in a box and leave to one side to clear all the areas you need to clean. Now all your shelves and around the bathroom appliances are clear of clutter, give them all a wipe down using HG Marble Bathroom Cleaner. If you want to get the bathroom spring clean complete, take a look at this Spring clean your bathroom - make it shine like new guide.

Now you can place everything back in their homes you can make your bathroom look neat and tidy, you may even find you still have too many products, so store them for later use, to stop the bathroom looking cluttered.

Cleaning Products and Pregnancy

Reportedly there has never been a case of a baby who has been proved to be damaged by exposure to household products. Although it is great to have awareness of the potential hazards, researchers have advised that you can use your usual household cleaning products when pregnant.

The time where you are most vulnerable is at the early stages of your pregnancy and this is the reason why many pregnant women are advised to avoid all medications and toxins. It is a known fact that household cleaning products can contain chemicals, but risks are very small when pregnant. Many doctors do advise not to use bleaches and toilet cleaners when pregnant, but this is a personal choice.

A great range of products to use are environmentally friendly cleaning products if you are concerned about exposure. In the Click Cleaning range you can find everything you would ever need from floor maintainer to toilet cleaner and multi-purpose conc detergent. Eco friendly cleaning products from EcoForce are ideal for any conscious cleaner who wants to do their part for the environment.

There are some great green cleaning tips to help you get the most out of your cleaning products.