Cleaning of frequently used surfaces during the pandemic: a growing concern in Canada
Cleaning of frequently used surfaces during the pandemic: a growing concern in Canada
Findings reveal most homeowners still aren’t sure their surfaces are clean after disinfecting them
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, December 14, 2021 – With renovations and new property construction continuing apace despite the pandemic, homeowners are increasingly focused on ease of cleaning when choosing new surfaces.
A Formica Corporation study conducted in the United States found that, while 71% of households surveyed said they thoroughly clean their kitchen countertops at least once a week, the pandemic has a majority of them feeling not fully confident that their cleaned surface is clean and free of germs and viruses.
“In Canada, the pandemic has raised families’ concerns regarding cleanliness, especially on surfaces that are touched frequently, such as in the kitchen and bathroom. More and more, people are asking questions about the proper way to disinfect surfaces in their homes to ensure that germs are eliminated and viruses aren’t transmitted,” says Christelle Locat-Rainville, Marketing Manager at Formica Canada. “At Formica, we manufacture a wide range of non-porous surfaces that can withstand the rigours of everyday family life and frequent cleaning.”
A majority of homeowners (57%) are cleaning their surfaces more frequently than they did before the pandemic began. This trend is even more marked among younger families, with 81% of those under 40 years of age cleaning their counters more than once a week. Parents are more vigilant, with 41% cleaning their counters daily or more often, while only 22% of households without children clean them daily.
According to Johannie Sirois Paquette, Formica's representative for the province of Quebec and Eastern Ontario, “Questions about maintenance methods and our products’ durability have always been part of our daily lives. But since the pandemic began, this concern is one of the top criteria for selecting materials for residential and commercial projects”.
“Formica products are affordable for everyone and easy to clean by simply wiping the surface with soap and water and a clean damp non-abrasive cotton cloth, being careful not to flood the laminate, and then wipe with a dry, non-abrasive cotton cloth. To ensure that the surfaces are perfectly clean, you can use a disinfectant wipe or spray ,” says Maria Bannon-Turvey, Formica's representative for Western Ontario and the Maritimes.
As a result, 99% of designers say that they recommend the use of laminate flooring more often than they did before the pandemic, specifically because of its ease of maintenance and durability. Moreover, 97% of households recognize the value of non-porous surfaces for their homes because they are resistant to water, other liquids, and bacteria.
“Consumers are becoming more aware of our products and their many benefits, but I think more work needs to be done to educate them on the beneficial features of laminate, including ease of maintenance, and its wide range of uses," says Shirley Hill, Formica's representative for Western Canada.
Formica® surfaces, including residential products such as Formica® Laminate, 180fx® Laminate and Everform™ Solid Surface, are known for their durability and ease of maintenance. To assist homeowners in the daily, thorough maintenance of their surfaces, Formica Canada has created a Proper Cleaning and Disinfecting of Formica® Products Guide with simple and specific instructions for the care of each surface.
[1] To find out what type of disinfectant to use, see https://www.formica.com/en-ca/articles/care-and-maintenance/disinfecting-formica-brand-surfaces