How the senses shape perceptions of facility cleaning
Our perception of cleanliness is shaped by more than just what we see. Sensory cues like smell, texture, and colour have a huge impact on how we perceive the overall cleanliness of a facility.
By understanding how senses alter our perception of facility cleanliness, you can improve occupant satisfaction by creating environments that feel, smell, and look cleaner.
Scent: A First Impression You Can’t See
One of the first things we notice when we enter a space is how it smells. Unpleasant odours are an immediate sign that a space hasn’t been cleaned properly. Alternatively, too much scented product can give the impression something is being covered up, even if a space is technically clean.
Our sense of smell is directly linked to our limbic system – the brain’s emotional centre. This connection can be leveraged to promote a specific emotional response and is sometimes even used to help build brand identity by creating a consistent olfactory experience across franchises. Some popular scents used to enhance occupant experience are:
Floral
Scents like lavender and jasmine are known for their calming and soothing effects. They’ve been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, making them ideal for spas and hotels.
Citrus/Herbal
Scents like lemon or orange offer energizing effects that can improve alertness. Herbal scents like peppermint can promote focus and mental clarity, making them popular for educational facilities.
Texture: The Feel of Clean
The texture of surfaces and the products used can influence how clean a space feels. For example:
Hand Care
Foaming hand soap feels light, airy, and luxurious which can promote better hand hygiene when compared to gel soaps. These can feel sticky and heavy if not properly rinsed.
Floor Care
Improper finishes or cleaning product residue can create a sticky sensation on floors that’s perceived as dirty or neglected, even if they’ve been properly cleaned.
Paper Products
Soft toilet paper and facial tissues communicate a level of commitment to comfort. Thin or abrasive paper products can feel institutional and impact perception of a facility’s commitment to occupant experience.
Colour: Another Way to See Clean
Be aware of how surface colour choices influence the perceived cleanliness of your facility. Light coloured walls make rooms feel more open but are more susceptible to showing dirt, so special attention should be given to light walls in high traffic areas. Dark flooring can offer a sophisticated look, but tends to accentuate dust, hair, and deep scratches. Light flooring brightens spaces but makes dark stains and scuffs more apparent. Adjust your floor care plan to address the unique challenges of your floor’s colours.
Facilities don’t just have to be clean. They need to look, smell, and feel clean so facility occupants can be confident they’re in a safe and healthy environment. Contact your Bunzl cleaning expert for the tips and tools you need to boost occupant satisfaction with your facility’s cleanliness.
