The cleaning industry is evolving fast. New products promise improved hygiene, shorter cleaning times, and more sustainable solutions. But with innovation comes responsibility. How can you make sure that new cleaning products are introduced safely—without compromising staff wellbeing or cleaning quality? Here’s a practical guide to updating your cleaning routines in a safe and responsible way.

Know the product before you use it

When a new cleaning product hits the market, it can be tempting to start using it right away. But the first step should always be to understand exactly what you’re working with. Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) carefully and pay attention to:

• Ingredients – Are there chemicals that require special protective equipment or ventilation?
• Intended use – Is the product designed for specific surfaces or materials?
• Dilution and contact time – Using more product doesn’t mean better results; it can increase the risk of irritation or surface damage.

It’s a good idea to hold a short introduction session for staff, where the supplier or your health and safety representative explains how to use the product correctly.

Test on a small scale first

Before replacing your entire cleaning programme, test the new product in a limited area. This allows you to assess:

• How effective the product is in real conditions
• Whether there are any odour issues or allergic reactions
• How the product affects surfaces over time

A trial period of a few weeks can provide valuable insights that help you fine-tune dosage, routines, and instructions before full implementation.

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Update safety instructions and workplace documentation

When a new cleaning product is introduced, your workplace safety documentation must be updated. This isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s an essential part of keeping everyone safe. Make sure all staff have access to the latest version, both digitally and in printed form in the cleaning area.

Instructions should be clear and include:

• Which protective equipment to use
• How to store the product safely
• What to do in case of spills or accidents

Clear, up-to-date instructions help prevent mistakes and ensure everyone follows the same safety standards.

Consider environmental and sustainability factors

Many new cleaning products are marketed as eco-friendly, but it’s important to look beyond the label. In New Zealand, look for recognised certifications such as Environmental Choice New Zealand (ECNZ) or EcoLogo, and check whether the product aligns with your organisation’s sustainability goals.

Also consider how the product affects water use, packaging waste, and energy consumption. Concentrated products, for example, can reduce transport and packaging needs but require careful dosing to avoid waste or overuse.

Train and involve your staff

Even the best cleaning product only works well if it’s used correctly. That’s why training is essential. Organise short training sessions where staff can ask questions and try the product in practice.

Involve them in the evaluation process too—they often have the best sense of how a product performs day to day. Their feedback can help improve both efficiency and workplace safety.

Follow up and evaluate regularly

After introducing a new product, follow up to see how it performs in practice. Conduct a short review after a month: Has cleaning quality improved? Have there been any skin irritations or other issues? Is product use as expected?

Documenting your findings helps create a systematic approach to product changes—and prevents repeating the same mistakes in the future.

A safe and effective update

Adopting new cleaning products isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about doing so in a way that protects your staff, your environment, and your facilities. With careful preparation, clear communication, and ongoing evaluation, you can ensure that updating your cleaning routines becomes a positive step forward for your entire organisation.