Organisations are realising the powerful ability of scent to deeply connect with our emotions. According to branding expert Martin Lindstrom, “Seventy-five percent of the emotions we generate on a daily basis are affected by smell.” For the cleaning sector, this has meant a shift away from traditional practices. Historically, organisations would choose to fragrance their washrooms as a solution to mask unpleasant smells. Now, it is common to see a whole network of decision makers wanting to fragrance areas both inside and outside of the washroom, and for different reasons. For it is no longer just about the perception of a clean and fresh washroom, but instead, the whole user experience.
A successful fragrance delivery system should utilise cutting edge technology to produce lighter, safer fragrance particles that linger for longer. Consistency is key – the fragrance strength on day 10 should be the same as on day one. Customers are appreciative of powerful large-space systems that can be programmed to their needs, but they are also looking for eco-friendly, battery-free options that are simple to use and install. The real key is that the customer is looking for these features (easy installation and a sustainable message), but without compromising on quality or fragrance efficacy.
Systems should cater to different customer needs. For example, retail shops might want a strong, identifiable fragrance to encourage customers to spend more. In a Las Vegas casino, a pleasant ambient scent in an area of the casino was related to 45% more revenue than comparable non-scented slot machine areas (as found in Dr Alan Hirsch’s 1995 study, Effects of ambient odors on slot-machine usage in a Las Vegas Casino). Hotels might want a more subtle fragrance that connects with their customers and sticks in their subconscious minds. Manufacturers should have the expertise to recommend different products, settings and fragrances to suit different environments.
The best way to ensure the optimal level of cleanliness in any facility is to rely on top-quality commercial cleaning and by installing top quality cleaning products. But they don’t have to be complicated or expensive. The easier products are to use, the more likely venues will be to use them. The Professional Passive Program from Vectair Systems is a collection of recyclable products that can make a BIG impact, but that are both affordable and extremely simple to use.
Vectair fully understands the role a great scent can play in the customer experience and their feeling of clean. Perception is reality with regards to the cleanliness of your facility. Science tells us that once someone makes a first impression, it’s very hard to change their mind. We form opinions of people, products and places based on not just how clean it appears, but how clean it feels. A fresh scent is imperative in creating a pleasant and clean feeling atmosphere – if something smells fresh and clean, then it’s likely that it IS fresh and clean. The global pandemic has increased our awareness of clean spaces and trained us to look out for sanitary products. Now, we expect a venue to be clean – it’s not just about pleasing our senses anymore. It’s about safety too. Restaurants and the hospitality business in particular are looking to give a message to their visitors of safety and security in a post-COVID world and fragrance is a good way of communicating a commitment to visitors that the facility has been cleaned.
