At the Clean Show in August, I had an opportunity to chat with Charity Handley, owner of Match With Nature. Based in Australia and with a warehouse in New Jersey, Match With Nature is the maker of eco-friendly detergent sheets for laundromats, hotels, and other high-demand facilities. Handley told me that back in 2023 she was setting up a laundry mat in Sydney, Australia and was exploring detergent options for vending machines. With her history of allergies and skin conditions, and her goal of impacting the environment as little as possible, she decided to make detergent sheets with the best...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Preliminary results of a nationwide study suggest that the disinfectant used to treat water before it is distributed through pipes may impact the incidence of Legionnaire’s disease in certain parts of the country. The findings were presented December 9 at the annual meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis in Washington, D.C. Waterborne diseases—caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites—affect more than 7 million people in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). One of them is Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially severe pneumonia. It is caused by the bacterium Legionella, which grows in the pipes of water systems,...

NATIONAL REPORT—Commercial lodging facilities handle massive water volumes daily. Daily wastewater output from guestrooms, kitchens, and laundry services places continuous pressure on aging or undersized sewer infrastructure. When sewer issues emerge, the fallout often disrupts revenue, damages brand reputation, and requires costly emergency responses. Identifying repeat failure points and infrastructure risks can help facility operators take preemptive action before problems escalate. Undersized or Outdated Infrastructure Many hotels operate in buildings constructed decades ago with sewer systems designed for a lower capacity. As facilities expand services or add more rooms, outdated plumbing often fails to keep up with the demand. Pipe diameters that once...

HORSHAM, PENN.—Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, is showcasing its Papernet brand of sustainable restroom solutions at the ISSA Show North America 2025, taking place November 10 to 13 in Las Vegas. Attendees can visit booth 1730 to explore Sofidel’s innovative products, including HyTech Seas dispensers, Dissolve Tech and Bio Tech tissue. “We look forward to sharing our sustainable hygiene solutions with attendees at this year’s ISSA Show,” said Tahnie Gilliland, Marketing Specialist, Sofidel America. “These products are designed to help facilities reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of quality and...

LOS ANGELES—In a historic victory for consumer safety, a Ventura County judge has denied the defendants’ Motion for New Trial, officially upholding a $2 million jury verdict obtained by Brian Virag, trial attorney and founder of MYBEDBUGLAWYER, INC. The case—Alvaro Gutierrez and Ramiro Sanchez v. Dario Pini and DLP Management Company—arose from a severe bed bug infestation at the Shores Inn in Ventura, Calif. During a 2020 stay, the plaintiffs awoke to find live bed bugs crawling on the bed, furniture, and walls. The infestation was so significant that the mattress and bedding contained visible blood smears, fecal spotting, and insect casings, indicating a long-standing and untreated problem. Both Gutierrez and...

WILMINGTON, DEL.—Diversey, a Solenis company and global leader in cleaning and hygiene solutions, has launched Suma D-GREAZEE D9.9, a new degreaser designed for professional kitchens. The aluminum-safe, caustic-free formula eliminates the need for protective gear and removes grease and carbonized soil from ovens, grills and fryers. Suma D-GREAZEE D9.9 enables faster, easier cleaning with enhanced operator safety and sustainability. Developed with input from marketing, R&D, and regional teams, the product meets both customer needs and stringent regulatory standards. “This launch reflects a collaborative, cross-functional effort,” said Kathryn Berry, Global Strategic Marketing Director for Diversey. “By listening to our customers and incorporating market insights into product development, we’ve...

I attended The Hospitality Show in Denver this past week. The event is a production of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex, the publisher of Hotel Management. It was a great chance to touch base with suppliers I have gotten to know in past years and to make many new contacts. It would be impossible for me to highlight all the companies I interacted with in this column but here is a list that caught my attention: Two companies—CMP Water and AquaFlow Technologies Inc.—both featured valves that compress the air before it reaches the meter, so you only pay...

FRANKLIN, TENN.—Quore, a leader in hotel operations management, will reveal its next-generation Learning Management System at The Hospitality Show (THS). The event, to be held October 26 to 28 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, will give hotel owners and operators the tools they need to streamline operations and drive profitability. In Booth #1022, Quore will introduce attendees to “Quore University,” designed to elevate the way hotel teams engage with training. Quore University will combine cutting-edge gamification features with 12 tailored learning paths, in multiple languages, covering 42 different job titles, each crafted to boost team engagement, reduce employee...

HORSHAM, PA.—With cold and flu season in full swing, facilities should refresh their cleaning protocols to ensure they align with today’s hygiene standards and technology. Sofidel, a leading provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, shares practical tips to help facilities tackle the season with ease. “Restrooms are one of the most common places where germs spread, making them a hot spot during cold and flu season,” said Tahnie Gilliland, Marketing Specialist at Sofidel. “By leveraging smart technology and proven hygiene methods, facilities can take proactive steps to help protect facility occupants.” Four tips for maintaining a more sustainable and hygienic...

DANBURY, CONN.—Meyer Jabara Hotels celebrated International Housekeeping Week (September 14 to 20) across its portfolio of 45 branded and independent hotels in recognition of dedicated department professionals keeping its hotels clean, safe, and welcoming for guests every day. “Housekeeping is one of the most important roles in the hotel industry,” said Justin Jabara, President of Meyer Jabara Hotels. “Unlike front-desk or guest-facing staff, housekeepers work diligently behind the scenes, ensuring every detail meets the highest standards. A clean room directly affects guest satisfaction, loyalty, and the hotel’s reputation. Guests often judge a hotel within minutes of entering their room. A...