It seems that everywhere we turn these days, we are reminded of all the germs and bacteria thriving in our environments that put our health at risk. Even more so, we are inundated with advertising for products. Most of these remedies are chemical-based with the manufacturer touting they will rid any and all surfaces of the offending and often invisible harbingers of disease and illness.
And then there are those people who are absolutely terrified by the idea of germs.
Hollywood has produced some of our favorite germaphobes. Emma Pillsbury from ‘Glee,’ Niles Crane from the 90s sitcom ‘Frasier,’ and Sheldon Cooper from ‘Big Bang Theory,’ just to name a few.
While these characters may be more obsessive-compulsive than true germaphobes, the truth is many Americans relate to them. Mysophobia, or the fear of germs, is a true phobia. Some experts think that people have become hypersensitive to the worries about germs due to the focus on an ‘increase in hygiene products such as hand sanitizers, portable subway straps and disposable toilet seat covers.’
But the truth is people simply want to feel like they are in a safe, clean environment. No one wants to feel reluctant to touch a handle on a shopping cart or turn the knob on an office door. The appearance and smell of cleanliness, (which doesn’t have to include an overwhelming odor of cleansers), offers a measure of comfort. If your visitors are comfortable, they can focus on why they are at your facility in the first place.
And the best part is that our crews use fewer chemicals, which is better for your employees, your customers and the environment.