Why Motels and Hotels Should Always Use Commercial Cleaning Supplies
Creating consistently clean, fresh, and hygienic environments is not just about appearance—it's a core part of guest satisfaction and business reputation. In the competitive hospitality industry of New Zealand, motels and hotels that invest in commercial cleaning supplies stand out. Here’s why using the right products matters—and why using domestic alternatives could be costing your business more than you think.
Hotels today are under more scrutiny than ever before, with online reviews and guest expectations placing cleanliness front and centre. A visibly clean room is no longer enough—guests expect professional-level hygiene, consistent freshness, and odour control that domestic-grade products often can’t deliver. Commercial-grade supplies are specifically formulated to meet the performance and safety standards of the hospitality industry, helping your team clean faster, better, and more efficiently.
Why Commercial Cleaning Products Are a Must in Hospitality
The Role of Cleanliness in Hotel Complaints: What the Research Says
Cleanliness is not just a nice-to-have—it’s the number one expectation of hotel guests. If not met, it often leads to complaints that can seriously damage your reputation:
-
A study on online reviews showed that “tangibles” like room condition and cleanliness accounted for 83% of customer complaints in poorly rated hotels.
-
TrustYou’s global data found that over 50% of hotels saw a negative impact on their reputation scores in 2020 due to cleanliness-related feedback
-
In the same report, cleanliness was mentioned in 9% more reviews year-over-year, but sentiment had become increasingly negative. Source
-
The Harris Poll reported that 53% of hotel guests would reconsider booking based on perceived cleanliness.
What These Numbers Mean (Especially for NZ Hotels & Motels)
Here’s what these numbers really mean for your business:
-
Complaints related to cleanliness are not marginal — they dominate criticism in online reviews.
-
Negative mentions of cleanliness directly erode reputation scores, which in turn impact bookings and guest decisions.
-
Many travellers use reviews as a pre‑booking filter; if your property has even a few complaints about hygiene, you may lose potential guests.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products for Demanding Environments
Commercial premises, like motels and hotels, experience high guest turnover and heavy usage of facilities. These environments require more robust cleaning solutions than what domestic products can provide.
Here are some of the main reasons motels and hotels benefit from switching to commercial-grade cleaning products:
1. Designed for High-Volume Use
Commercial products are formulated for larger spaces and higher traffic. Whether it's a disinfectant for shared bathrooms or a carpet cleaner for guest rooms, these products are made to perform effectively without degrading quickly.
2. Improved Hygiene Standards
NZ motels and hotels are expected to meet strict hygiene and cleanliness standards. Using commercial-grade disinfectants, sanitisers, and cleaning chemicals helps ensure you're meeting health and safety requirements.
3. Cost-Efficiency in the Long Run
While domestic products may seem cheaper upfront, they often require higher quantities and more frequent use. Commercial supplies are often more concentrated and sold in bulk, saving costs over time.
4. Consistent Professional Results
Guests expect spotless rooms, sparkling bathrooms, and a fresh-smelling environment. Commercial cleaning supplies deliver results that meet those expectations and help drive positive reviews and return business.
Common Mistakes Hotels Make When Choosing Cleaning Products
1. Prioritising Scent Over Sanitisation
While a pleasant scent is important, it should never come at the cost of proper disinfection. Many domestic products focus on fragrance without the sanitising power needed for commercial settings.
2. Using Domestic-Grade Products for Commercial Jobs
Domestic-grade cleaners may leave behind residues, fail to meet kill rates for pathogens, or simply break down too quickly. Over time, this can lead to build-up, bad smells, and poor guest experiences.
3. Not Training Staff on Product Use
Even the best product can be ineffective if misused. Ensure your housekeeping staff are trained on how to properly dilute, apply, and store commercial cleaning agents.
What Should Be in Your Hotel or Motel Cleaning Kit?
Looking for a more detailed breakdown of what goes on the trolley?
Read our article: How to Set Up a Hotel Housekeeping Trolley (Checklist Included) for a practical guide to organising and stocking your housekeeping cart efficiently. This checklist helps ensure your staff have the right tools on hand to clean rooms quickly and professionally.
How Insinc Products Supports NZ’s Hospitality Sector
At Insinc Products, we supply eco-conscious and commercial-grade cleaning, hygiene, and packaging products tailored to New Zealand’s motel and hotel industry. Whether you need bulk hotel cleaning supplies, fast nationwide delivery, or expert product advice—we’ve got your back.
Explore our Hospitality Cleaning Products range.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use household cleaning products in my motel rooms? You can, but it’s not recommended. They’re not designed for commercial volumes and may not meet hygiene standards.
Q2: Are commercial cleaning products eco-friendly? Many are! Insinc Products offers a range of environmentally friendly cleaning solutions suitable for hospitality.
Q3: What’s the most important cleaning product for guest satisfaction? A combination of surface disinfectant and odour control products is key. Guests notice cleanliness and smell immediately.
Q4: How often should I reorder cleaning supplies? It depends on your size and occupancy, but monthly bulk orders tend to provide the best value.
Summary: Clean Smells Like Confidence
Guests judge your motel or hotel within seconds of walking through the door. The smell, the shine, and the spotless surfaces all tell them how much you care. By using commercial-grade hotel cleaning supplies, you ensure your property looks, smells, and feels professionally cleaned—because it is.
Trust Insinc Products to help your business leave a clean impression.
Posted: Friday 26 September 2025
