Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Commercial Cleaning Supplies: Scrutinize, Evaluate, Choose Wisely
If you’ve noticed your paper, soap, trash can liners, and cleaning chemicals disappearing faster than ever, you’re not
alone. Manufacturers have adopted a trend of making products thinner, smaller, and cheaper, prompting a closer look at
the specifications of commercial cleaning supplies.
Subtle Changes, Cumulative Impact
Many building service contractors and facility managers have observed peculiar specifications in newly packaged
products, raising concerns about the quality and longevity of these essential supplies. Subtle alterations, such as
reductions in sheet counts and changes in core sizes, contribute to an overall decrease in the value of these products.
Paper Rolls: The Shrinking Dimensions
Changes in paper products are becoming more evident, with reductions in sheet lengths and widths. What were once
considered standard dimensions are now scaled down, leading to thinner, almost see-through ply-thicknesses. The core
sizes are expanding, leaving an undesirable cardboard tunnel in the middle.
Evolution in Hand Cleaners
Even hand soaps, often marketed as “luxury” or “pearlized,” are not immune to this trend. Some are now diluted to the
point of dripping from dispensers. Refill sizes have shrunk, and crucial ingredients like aloe, lanolin, and Vitamin E
are being eliminated or reduced in formulations.
Trash Can Liners: The Equivalent Ratings Conundrum
Advancements in polymer manufacturing for trash can liners have been significant, but some manufacturers opt for
subjective claims rather than disclosing actual thickness. Equating their bags to thicker versions can be misleading,
making it challenging for consumers to make informed choices.
Product Size and Count Variations
Standard trash can liner sizes have also witnessed reductions, with the possibility of receiving smaller sizes than
expected. The case counts may vary, with instances of manufacturers putting fewer liners in a case than advertised.
Confusion and Lack of Disclosure
These repackaged products have left many cleaning contractors and facility managers perplexed. Some have reported
difficulties finding specifications or codes on products purchased elsewhere, prompting them to play detective to make
accurate product comparisons.
Demanding Full Disclosure
In these instances, manufacturers and distributors may be compromising quality to enhance their bottom line. Scrub n
Shine advocates for full disclosure in manufacturing and selling practices. If a manufacturer or distributor won’t
provide complete information, it begs the question – why continue doing business with them?
Empowering Consumers with Knowledge
While variances in quality make it challenging to compare products directly, consumers should be aware of active
ingredients, weights, thicknesses, and counts. Scrub n Shine recommends scrutinizing products for anomalies such as
misleading sizes, diluted hand soaps, and misrepresented trash can liners.
Choose Quality, Choose Scrub n Shine
At Scrub n Shine, we take pride in selling quality commercial maintenance products with full disclosure. We stand behind
everything we sell and service, offering better products, better service, and better value. If you need guidance or
superior cleaning supplies, contact us. We’re here to help you navigate through the myriad choices and
make informed decisions for your cleaning needs.