From Lingering Smells to Gleaming Clean: How St Richards’ Transformed Hygiene Standards

When Forward Products was called in to tackle the cleaning and hygiene challenges at St Richard’s School, we found more than just dirt. The school’s facilities told a story of underperformance, high costs and frustration, a story we were determined to rewrite. What followed was a transformation not only of the school’s cleanliness but also its commitment to fostering a healthy environment for its students. Here’s how it all unfolded.

The Challenge – A Crisis in Cleanliness

St Richard’s School was facing sanitation challenges. High costs and poor service from their contract cleaning provider had left the school’s facilities feeling underwhelmed. Bathrooms carried lingering odours, and cleaning practices weren’t as effective as they could have been. The result? Students hesitated to use the facilities, raising concerns about hygiene and germ spread.

The Solution – A Forward Products Intervention

Enter Lynda, Forward Products’ cleaning and hygiene specialist. With years of expertise under her belt, she stepped in to assess the situation firsthand.

The first step? A free comprehensive cleaning and hygiene review. Lynda dug deep to uncover inefficiencies and identify the school’s specific needs. Armed with this insight, she crafted a tailored plan to tackle both the visible grime and the invisible bacteria causing those unpleasant smells.

Training the New Team: Building a Foundation of Knowledge

Before introducing new tools or products, Lynda knew that empowering the cleaning staff was key. She provided free COSHH training, ensuring the new team understood how to safely and effectively use cleaning chemicals.

This training not only taught how to reduce waste but also ensured the team could handle any challenge — from stubborn stains to odorous bathrooms with the right chemicals. Suddenly, cleaning wasn’t just a chore; it was a skilled operation.

The Right Chemicals for the Right Job

The next hurdle was tackling outdated cleaning practices. Many schools rely on harsh chemicals like bleach, which only mask bacteria without eliminating it. Lynda introduced the Windmill Eco chemical range, a game-changer in both performance and sustainability.

For as little as seven pence per 750ml bottle, these concentrated, eco-friendly solutions got to work. Products like Windmill Odour Force eradicated odours at the source, leaving bathrooms fresh and inviting. And with refillable containers, the school could cut costs and reduce their environmental impact simultaneously.

Upgrading Equipment: A Clean Slate

St Richards’ floors had seen years of wear and tear. Traditional mops had struggled to provide a deep clean the floor truly needed. Lynda demonstrated the Truvox Multiwash Pro 240 Scrubber Dryer, which transformed dull, aged floors into surfaces that gleamed like new.

But the upgrades didn’t stop there. The school also adopted new FP-Premium soft white hand towel dispensers, designed to encourage proper hand hygiene among students. These dispensers prevented waste and blockages by dispensing only one sheet at a time, while the soft towels ensured a pleasant experience for young hands without breaking the bank.

The final upgrade, was the school making the switch from bulk fill soap dispensers to Touch recyclable foaming soap cartridges. Unlike bulk fill systems, which can harbour bacteria in the spout over time, the new cartridges come with a fresh spout for each refill, significantly reducing bacterial buildup in washrooms. This change made the soap dispensing process more efficient and sanitary.

The Results: A Fresh Start

The impact was immediate. Students began using the facilities with confidence, washing their hands more frequently. The unpleasant aromas were gone, replaced by a fresh, clean scent that radiated throughout the halls.

Even the staff noticed a change in morale. With efficient tools and proper training, the cleaning team felt empowered to maintain these high standards. The school’s presentation improved dramatically, creating a more welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors alike.

In Their Words: A Testimonial

“Forward Products have done a wonderful job of helping us to improve cleanliness and tidiness in our washrooms. Lynda did a great job of assessing our existing provision and recommending improvements. We now have a cleaner school that also smells lovely – thank you Lynda and Forward Products!”