With holiday traffic already increasing, facilities must keep restrooms clean, stocked and ready for the influx of visitors. A proactive approach helps maintain cleanliness throughout the busy season.

“Planning can help facility teams stay ahead of increased demand and avoid preventable maintenance issues,” said Tahnie Gilliland, Sofidel America marketing specialist.

Sofidel recommended these five tips:

1. Adjust cleaning schedules. Increase restroom inspections during peak hours to catch empty dispensers, overflowing waste receptacles and spills before they become larger issues.
2. Plan paper product inventory. Review usage trends and anticipated traffic to ensure adequate supplies of toilet paper and paper towels. High-capacity rolls and dispensers can also help reduce refill frequency.
3. Get ahead of plumbing problems. Reinforce proper disposal practices and address slow drains promptly. Paper towels that break down rapidly in water help reduce the risk of clogs associated with improper disposal.
4. Prioritize high-touch surfaces. Pay close attention to door handles, faucet controls, flush handles and dispensers. Consistent cleaning and disinfection, where appropriate, help maintain restroom hygiene during periods of heavy use.
5. Prepare teams and supplies. Confirm that cleaning staff have the necessary products, equipment and procedures in place before traffic peaks. Coordinating supply orders in advance can also help prevent last-minute shortages.

Democrats are projected to win control of both the U.S. House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, according to the Associated Press and major news networks, setting up divided government for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. Several races remain uncalled, and statehouses across the country will also see new faces.

For the cleaning and facility solutions industry, the message from its leading trade associations is consistent: The priorities haven’t moved.

“Cleaning is a bipartisan issue, and ISSA will continue working with leaders in both parties to advance policies that support our members and the spaces they help keep clean and healthy,” said Kim Althoff, Executive Director of ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions. “No matter the election results, the cleaning and facility solutions industry’s priorities don’t change: a strong workforce, sound science-based policies and tax and trade policy to ensure the cleaning and facility solutions industry thrives. ISSA has built its advocacy on working with lawmakers in both parties, and we look forward to doing exactly that with the incoming state lawmakers, Congress and the administration.”

Mike Gruber, interim CEO of the Household and Commercial Products Association (HCPA), noted although the political map looks different, his group’s agenda does not.

“The midterm elections have changed the political landscape in Congress and state legislatures, but HCPA’s priorities remain the same,” Gruber said. “We will continue working with policymakers from both parties to advance practical, science-based policies that protect public health and support innovation. We look forward to building new relationships and strengthening existing partnerships to ensure the industry’s voice is heard.”

American Cleaning Institute (ACI) President and CEO Jennifer Abril pointed to the everyday role of cleaning products. “As a new Congress prepares to take office, ACI looks forward to working with newly elected leaders from both parties to advance policies that recognize the essential role cleaning plays in protecting public health, supporting healthy living and helping communities thrive,” she said. “Every day, millions of Americans rely on cleaning products to keep their homes, workplaces, schools and public spaces clean and healthy. The companies that make these products, along with suppliers and innovators throughout the cleaning products value chain, play an important role in meeting those everyday needs.”

 ISSA Advocacy will tackle “What the 2026 Elections Mean for the Cleaning and Facility Solutions Industry” at the ISSA Show North America 2026 on Nov. 16 at 1:45 p.m. PT and online on Dec. 2with John Nothdurft, ISSA’s Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. Topics include how the results could affect labor laws, chemical regulations, extended producer responsibility, taxes and worker visas heading into 2027.

If you have a policy question or a business challenge for ISSA Advocacy, visit the ISSA Advocacy Kiosk at the ISSA Experience Hub (Booth No. 2417) during the show. Meet the team, learn what they are working on and talk about the issues that are affecting your cleaning business. To learn more and register for ISSA Show North America 2026, click here.