Cleanliness crucial to business, research says

Cleanliness is key to building customer loyalty and a good reputation, with the vast majority of customers agreeing that a clean restaurant is of equal importance as food quality, according to P&G Professional.

Out of 2,000 customers surveyed, 85% said hygiene was as important as the quality of food.

Almost all of those surveyed by the company that owns several professional cleaning product brands, agreed cleanliness was the mark of a good food or hospitality business.

Customers also reported being likely to give a negative review online if a pub did not have good hygiene standards (30%) and to their friends and family about an inadequate experience (85%).

Bad first impressions

Just under a quarter of customers would leave an establishment immediately based on a negative hygiene experience.

Factors most likely to give people a bad first impression were a bad odour, dirty or sticky floors, and stained or dirty dishes and glassware.

Two thirds would not return if the establishment had unhygienic toilet facilities even if they had a great experience otherwise.

Maintaining the basics

P&G Professional UK & Ireland country sales manager Greg Elmore said: “It’s understandable that hoteliers and restaurateurs are most likely to have the food and service they provide on their minds.

“But it is important to ensure the basics like clean, hygienic facilities on the premises are maintained.

“P&G Professional is committed to helping businesses capture the value of 'clean', and delivering the best customer experience possible.

“By developing innovative products and systems that are simple to use, P&G Professional can help streamline cleaning practices to get the job done right the first time.”