Summer in South Africa means sunshine, the holiday season and lots of celebrations. Restaurants are humming, hotels are welcoming guests, and festive functions are in full swing.
Unfortunately, a few less desirable visitors also enjoy this time of year. Flies, odours, mould and bacteria love the warm weather too, and they certainly aren’t in holiday mode.
“People might forget what they ordered at a restaurant, but they won’t easily forget finding a fly in their food or walking into a bathroom that smells dreadful or looks grimy,” says Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional. “And it only takes one unpleasant incident to change someone’s impression of a business.”
Madkins shares some practical advice on keeping these four summer hygiene challenges under control:
Flies: The ultimate party crashers
Let’s be honest, few things are more annoying than a fly buzzing around your food, or worse, landing right on it. Warmer temperatures accelerate the fly life cycle, helping explain why their numbers increase during summer.
But these pests are more than a nuisance, particularly in the food business. They can carry harmful microorganisms from waste onto food and preparation areas.
The best defence is removing what attracts them. Keep food covered, clear scraps promptly, and make sure bins have tight-fitting lids. Don’t overlook the hidden spots, either, because organic residue beneath kitchen equipment, under floor mats and around drains can become breeding sites.
Fly screens, self-closing doors, regular disinfecting of bins and refuse areas can also go a long way to keep these unwanted visitors at bay.
As temperatures rise, microorganisms break down organic waste faster, releasing the gases responsible for those odours.
Residue around plugholes, in drains and beneath toilet rims can contribute to offensive smells if overlooked.
Regular cleaning, good ventilation and appropriate disinfection with a product such as Domestos Multipurpose Thick Bleach can make a real difference. Always follow the product instructions and never mix bleach with other cleaning chemicals.
During busy periods, schedule frequent bathroom checks to keep facilities clean and well-stocked, while automatic air fresheners maintain a pleasant environment.
Summer rains and humidity bring another problem. Mould doesn’t need sunlight, only moisture and a suitable surface, making damp bathrooms, poorly ventilated storerooms and leak-affected areas especially vulnerable. Under favourable conditions, it can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours of water damage.
Prevention starts with control. Fix leaking taps and pipes promptly, check that extractor fans are working and inspect areas prone to damp after heavy rain. If mould does appear, small patches on hard surfaces can be cleaned with detergent and water, then dried thoroughly. More extensive growth may require professional removal.
Bacteria: The invisible troublemakers
Not every summer hygiene problem announces itself with a buzz or a bad smell. Warm conditions allow bacteria to multiply rapidly in food that’s incorrectly stored or left standing, especially cooked dishes, meat, dairy and prepared foods awaiting service.
The World Health Organization advises that cooked food shouldn’t sit at room temperature for more than two hours, with hot food kept above 60°C and refrigerated food preferably below 5°C. For commercial kitchens and caterers, these controls are essential because food can look and smell perfectly normal while still harbouring harmful microorganisms.
But bacteria aren’t confined to food. They can also spread through contact with contaminated equipment and high-touch areas, making regular cleaning and appropriate disinfection of all surfaces a must throughout an establishment. A product such as Handy Andy Professional Multi Surface Disinfectant Cleaner can help reduce bacteria on suitable surfaces when used according to the product instructions.
Don’t give them a reason to stay
“When business is booming, you can’t afford hygiene standards to slip,” concludes Madkins. “And the important thing is not simply cleaning more often either. Businesses need consistent cleaning routines, the right products for the right areas and clear responsibilities for maintaining standards throughout the day.”
Customers don’t separate cleanliness from their overall experience, and a rigorous cleaning schedule not only boosts customer satisfaction but also makes premises less inviting to summer pests.
After all, the aim is to keep customers coming back, and summer’s uninvited guests moving on!
