ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, has announced the launch of its new brand campaign, Rethink What Clean Means, in partnership with comedian, actor, and host Howie Mandel.

The new campaign aims to educate about the pivotal importance of cleaning and supporting businesses in elevating their standard of clean.

“If there’s one thing everyone knows about me, it’s that I’m a clean freak,” said Howie Mandel.

“However, what clean means to one person, might mean something totally different to another. Knowing we have experts, like ISSA, setting the standard for cleanliness gives me peace of mind when I’m at a hotel, out at restaurants or performing in large venues.”

To help raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness, Mandel stars in an online video series, “Howie Clean It,” taking viewers on a journey to discover the hidden grime in seemingly clean spaces.

With the help of an ISSA pro, Mandel will inspire viewers to learn more about what clean means, share what they learned on social, and look for the ‘Rethink Clean’ insignia to find businesses that are committed to cleanliness.

New survey findings uncover views on cleanliness

A new YouGov survey¹, commissioned by ISSA, offers a sweeping look at America’s sentiment toward cleaning and how cleanliness itself impacts businesses across the nation:

• Americans are concerned about the cleanliness of businesses and germs

Roughly three in five respondents (57 per cent) are more concerned about the cleanliness of a business they frequent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than half (56 per cent) have thought more about how clean a business/public space is in the past two years than ever before.

• On the brink of a post-pandemic world, we’re still paying close attention to cleanliness

Nearly three in five (59 per cent) are more aware of surface cleanliness when they’re out in public, and over half (51 per cent) say they’d be more likely to frequent a business if it provided evidence their facility has been properly disinfected.

• Americans want to know business are clean (and will make it known if they’re not)
  

The majority of respondents (82 per cent) would do or say something if a business wasn’t cleaned to their standards.

• More than half (54 per cent) wouldn’t visit that business again.
• One in three (33 per cent) would complain to friends/family.
• Nearly one in three Americans (29 per cent) would speak to a manager.

Rethinking What Clean Means in 2022

While ISSA’s survey results show we value cleanliness, most Americans still need help understanding what’s clean and what isn’t.

A business’ or public space’s cleanliness is determined by many factors, but smell is not one of them.

However, three in four participants believe (42 per cent) or are unsure (34 per cent) that if a business looks/smells clean, then it is clean. Americans are also unaware of cleaning certifications and what they mean – over half (52 per cent) have not heard of cleaning certifications.

This campaign issues a wakeup call to not only raise consumer expectations and inform them a higher standard is possible, but to help businesses benefit their bottom line with cleaning products/services.

“Now more than ever, we’re hyper focused on hygiene, germs, and keeping things clean. But when we’re out in public spaces, we often just have to hope these spaces are cleaned to the highest standard,” said John Barrett, executive director of ISSA.

“As the worldwide cleaning industry association, we want everyone to know that no one should compromise on cleanliness. There are standards, courses, and even certifications to ensure cleaning crews, facility managers, and others are equipped with the best cleaning procedures and protocols to offer the public peace of mind. This new normal is a chance for people and businesses to embrace a cleaner world than we ever imagined.”

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