Inside the Art of Cleaning—and What Happens When It Fails

In high-risk environments, cleaning must become a precise, technical discipline

 

In this second installment of a four-part series on the fundamentals of cleaning, we bring together three industry experts—John Howell and John Harp of Novonesis and Brandon Beyer of Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions—to break down what effective cleaning really requires, from basic concepts to advanced healthcare applications.

Be sure to watch the first episode, “Beyond the Scrub: How Enzymes Are Shaping the Future of Medical Device Cleaning.” 

This discussion focuses on the “art of cleaning,” a lighthearted label the panel adopts to describe the well-known cleaning wheel: The blend of mechanical action, time, temperature, and chemistry, all orbiting around water as the universal solvent.

The panel underscores a simple truth: Cleaning may seem intuitive, but in high-risk environments, it becomes a precise, technical discipline. Whether in healthcare or everyday settings, success depends on understanding the cleaning wheel, choosing the right chemistry, and following a consistent, validated process that protects both people and equipment.

More insights—and a deeper dive into enzymatic cleaning—are coming in part three of this series.

To learn more about Novonesis, click here.

Learn more about Univar Solutions, click here.

Jeff Cross

ISSA Media Director

Jeff Cross is the ISSA media director, with publications that include Cleaning & Maintenance Management, ISSA Today, and Cleanfax magazines. He is the previous owner of a successful cleaning and restoration firm. He also works as a trainer and consultant for business owners, managers, and front-line technicians. He can be reached at [email protected].

Topics Tags
 

Also in Products

ohn Howell and John Harp of Novonesis and Brandon Beyer of Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions
December 15, 2025 Sponsored by Novonesis

Inside the Art of Cleaning—and What Happens When It Fails

December 1, 2025 Sponsored by Tork, an Essity brand

Inclusive Hygiene Begins Here: Real Research, Real People, Real Solutions—the Tork Way

November 26, 2025 Sponsored by Spartan Chemical Co.

Live from ISSA Show 2025: We Join Spartan Chemical in their Busy and Dynamic Booth!

November 20, 2025 Sponsored by Kikkoman Biochemifa Company

The Clean Test Showdown: Lumitester Smart vs Conventional Methods

Sponsored in Products

ohn Howell and John Harp of Novonesis and Brandon Beyer of Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions
December 15, 2025 Sponsored by Novonesis

Inside the Art of Cleaning—and What Happens When It Fails

December 1, 2025 Sponsored by Tork, an Essity brand

Inclusive Hygiene Begins Here: Real Research, Real People, Real Solutions—the Tork Way

November 26, 2025 Sponsored by Spartan Chemical Co.

Live from ISSA Show 2025: We Join Spartan Chemical in their Busy and Dynamic Booth!

November 20, 2025 Sponsored by Kikkoman Biochemifa Company

The Clean Test Showdown: Lumitester Smart vs Conventional Methods

Recent News

burnout, overworked, stress, stressed worker, stressed manager

More Than Half of U.S. Workers Report Burnout

Spray-on Surface Biocide Shown to be Ineffective

New Year Rings in Salary Increases for Minimum Wage Workers

Fully Remote Is Least Popular Work Option With Gen Z

Inside the Art of Cleaning—and What Happens When It Fails
Share Article
Subscribe to CMM