Winter and flu season go hand in hand, bringing sniffles, coughs, and sick days in
their wake. Since the pandemic, most of us are more mindful about hygiene,
because we’ve seen just how easily illness can move through a shared space. That
shift has raised the bar because people now expect cleaner, safer environments
from the places they visit and where they work and eat.
And as more employees return to the office full time, businesses are facing a double-
edged sword: shared spaces are busier, and expectations around cleanliness are
higher, notes Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional. All it
takes is one unfiltered cough or sneeze during a team meeting to send productivity
plummeting and half the team home.
As flu strains get stronger, your cleaning routine needs to work smarter
Flu strains are evolving rapidly, and so are the risks. Public health data shows an
increase in both severity of illness and hospitalisation rates. For businesses, this
translates directly into higher absenteeism, reduced productivity, and operational
disruptions.
“That means your usual cleaning schedule simply isn’t enough anymore,” says
Madkins. “The stakes are higher. Businesses need smarter, longer-lasting hygiene
strategies that actively reduce risk and create safer shared environments.”
Probiotic cleaning technology is answering that call. Unlike traditional disinfectants
that stop working as soon as they dry, probiotic cleaners remain active for up to 72
hours after application, continuously breaking down biofilm and preventing pathogen
build-up.
Madkins adds: “This isn’t just a surface-level improvement, it’s a strategic hygiene
upgrade that supports business continuity. You’re not just cleaning; you’re investing
in workplace resilience.”
Grouped into three core business-impact pillars, the benefits of probiotic
cleaning are clear:
Health Impact: Extended microbial protection means fewer sick days and
reduced downtime.
Operational Efficiency: Longer-lasting cleaning reduces the need for
frequent reapplication, saving time and labour.
Sustainability Win: Probiotic cleaning products are made with biodegradable
ingredients that naturally break down over time. The formulation decomposes
into harmless substances like carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter,
posing no long-term risk to the environment.
In a season of rising risk, switching to a smarter hygiene solution is no longer
optional, it’s essential.
How do probiotic cleaners work? “Products like Handy Andy Probiotic Multi-Surface
Cleaner contain live 'good bacteria' that break down dirt, grime, germs, and odours
at a microscopic level," Madkins explains. "By harnessing nature's power, a living
barrier of beneficial microbes is created."
Once applied, these tiny microbes digest organic matter and outcompete harmful
bacteria, creating a self-sustaining cleaning cycle that keeps working long after
you’ve wiped. Think of them as microscopic ‘security guards’, preventing
recontamination and helping to stop germs before they can gain a foothold. Perfect
for professional use in high-traffic areas.
This extended protection, especially crucial during the annual flu uptick, helps reduce
the risk of recontamination between cleans on high-touch spots like hot desks,
bathroom surfaces, door handles, lift buttons, light switches, and coffee stations –
prime places for germ transmission. So, by reducing the need for frequent
reapplication and helping to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria, probiotic
cleaners offer a smarter, longer-lasting way to help stave off those dreaded seasonal
bugs.
As South Africa braces for a severe flu season, with infection rates already higher
than average, according to the NICD, businesses are under pressure to maintain
safer, more hygienic environments.
“Beyond cleanliness, they offer real business value,” says Madkins. “Their natural,
biodegradable formula means they’re gentle on surfaces, and help reduce reliance
on harsh chemicals, making them a win for both sustainability targets and everyday
workplace safety.”
He concludes: “We're not just cleaning surfaces anymore, we're setting a healthier
standard for hygiene by supplementing traditional cleaning to create truly healthy
environments. Probiotic cleaning represents an investment in people’s wellbeing,
operational resilience, and sustainability all at once. It's not just smarter cleaning, it's
smarter business.
ENDS
WORD COUNT: 648
Press Release On Behalf of:
Jeffery Madkins
Marketing Manager: Unilever Professional
About Unilever Professional
Unilever Professional is a trusted partner for businesses in South Africa, offering innovative
and effective cleaning and hygiene solutions. As part of the global Unilever family, Unilever
Professional leverages well-known brands like OMO, Sunlight, Domestos, and Handy Andy
to meet the needs of South African businesses across diverse industries. From hotels and
restaurants to healthcare facilities and office spaces, our products are designed to deliver
superior cleaning power, ensuring a better clean, better business.
Maintaining a safe and clean environment is crucial for a business’s success. Unilever
Professional provides tailored solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable. With
a strong commitment to environmentally friendly practices, our products help businesses
reduce their ecological footprint while upholding top-tier hygiene standards.
Unilever Professional goes beyond just providing products; we offer expert support to ensure
your business can maximise efficiency, reduce operational costs, and maintain an
exceptional level of cleanliness. Whether it’s ensuring spotless surfaces or a monthly deep
clean, Unilever Professional is dedicated to supporting South African businesses with
reliable, sustainable solutions that meet the highest standards.