How to maintain hygiene in high-traffic areas
In busy commercial environments such as hospitals, schools, leisure centres, and food facilities, certain areas endure constant footfall, daily cleaning, and more than the occasional spill! Corridors, washrooms, entrances, and communal zones are under constant pressure, which means hygiene must be built in from the ground up.
Built for demanding spaces
Areas that are used heavily are also at the greatest risk of contamination. According to NHS England, maintaining high standards of environmental hygiene is a key defence against healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Surfaces that are hard to clean, or that trap dirt and moisture, can contribute to the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Why hygienic wall cladding and vinyl flooring are the right choice
1. Durability that withstands wear
Busy spaces can quickly wear down traditional finishes like paint, plaster, or tiles. Hygienic cladding and vinyl flooring are designed to last, even in environments exposed to trolleys, spills, and constant cleaning.
Our partner, Altro, a leading UK manufacturer, produces safety flooring that can last over 25 years with appropriate maintenance. Their vinyl ranges are rated for high foot traffic, including healthcare and transport hubs.
2. Seamless and non-porous surfaces stop germ build-up
Both hygienic wall cladding and vinyl flooring create smooth, sealed surfaces that prevent the accumulation of dirt and microbes. Cladding can be thermoformed around corners and joined without gaps, eliminating breeding grounds for bacteria.
Altro’s wall cladding systems reduce the risk of harbouring bacteria compared to tiles and grout, which are porous and prone to mould growth.
3. Supports fast, effective cleaning
In environments where time is short and hygiene is critical, ease of cleaning is key. Seamless vinyl and wall cladding systems reduce time spent on scrubbing and allow faster turnaround in busy areas.
Surfaces can be cleaned with warm soapy water and/or disinfectants without degrading, helping maintain hygiene without increasing labour. (Always check with the manufacturer before using any type of disinfectant/chemical on the surface). Research shows that the use of hygienic finishes can dramatically reduce daily cleaning times in some commercial settings, according to feedback from BICSc members and UK cleaning contractors.
4. Slip-resistant and safe under foot
Slip-resistant vinyl flooring reduces the risk of injury in wet or busy environments. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that slips, trips and falls account for 30% of all non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK. nstalling HSE-compliant, R10-rated slip-resistant vinyl significantly improves safety in commercial kitchens, washrooms, and corridors. All Altro’s safety flooring solutions for high slip-risk areas are within the R10 slip resistance category.
5. Compliance with UK Hygiene Standards
Using hygienic wall cladding and flooring supports compliance with:
- NHS guidelines for walls and floors – covering surface finishes in healthcare
- HACCP principles for food production and preparation areas
- Building Regulations and HSE guidance for public and commercial spaces
Where it’s most effective
- Hospital corridors, wards & treatment rooms
- School and university corridors
- Food production and prep areas
- Toilets, showers & locker rooms
- Retail entrances & public walkways
- Leisure centres & sports facilities
A smarter investment in cleanliness
Whilst traditional finishes may be cheaper upfront, they degrade quickly in high-traffic areas, like requiring more frequent maintenance, repairs, and deep cleaning. Hygienic wall cladding and vinyl flooring provide a cost-effective, long-term solution that helps maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and compliance.
Thinking of upgrading?
If you have a high traffic commercial space that needs materials that support hygiene without slowing down operations, wall cladding and vinyl flooring are a smart step forward. Get in touch with our team for information and advice, and browse our online store to see the product ranges available.
