When the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, millions will be focused on goals, scores, and athletes. But as highlighted in ISSA’s recent feature, “FIFA World Cup 2026 and Cleaning for Performance,” the real foundation of success will be something less visible: environmental hygiene systems that protect performance, safety, and operational continuity. While most facilities are not hosting global tournaments, the principles behind “cleaning for performance” apply directly to commercial buildings, schools, manufacturing sites, and corporate campuses right here in the Bay Area.
Cleaning is no longer about appearance alone. It is about risk management, air quality, measurable results, and occupant performance.
At Moreno, this is how we approach facility maintenance every day.
Performance Starts with the Environment
The ISSA article emphasizes that poor indoor air quality and contaminated surfaces can impact respiratory function, cognitive processing, hydration response, and overall performance .
- In a stadium, that affects elite athletes.
- In a school, that affects student concentration and attendance.
- In an office, that affects productivity and decision making.
- In a manufacturing facility, that affects safety and operational output.
Clean environments are not cosmetic upgrades. They are operational infrastructure.
Risk-Based Cleaning vs. Routine Cleaning
One of the most important takeaways from the ISSA piece is the shift from appearance-based cleaning to risk-based cleaning.
That means:
- Identifying high-risk zones
- Prioritizing critical-touch and high-density areas
- Increasing cleaning frequency during peak occupancy
- Validating results through measurable data
For our clients, this translates into structured cleaning plans that focus first on:
- Restrooms and locker rooms
- High-touch points such as door hardware and elevator buttons
- Shared workstations and conference areas
- Entryways and transition zones
- Training rooms and wellness spaces
Cleaning harder is not the answer. Cleaning smarter is.
Indoor Air Quality Is a Performance Asset
Ventilation and IAQ must be treated as performance infrastructure, not an afterthought .
In commercial environments, that means:
- Monitoring air quality indicators
- Supporting proper filtration standards
- Maintaining humidity control within healthy ranges
- Cleaning vents and diffusers
- Coordinating with HVAC partners for seasonal readiness
Poor air quality does not just cause discomfort. It can increase absenteeism, trigger respiratory issues, and reduce cognitive clarity. For schools and offices alike, air quality directly impacts how people feel and function in your building.
Measurement Matters
Measurement tools such as ATP testing, IAQ monitoring, and digital auditing provide validation that cleaning is effective.
For facility managers, this shifts the conversation from “Does it look clean?” to:
- Are we meeting defined cleanliness standards?
- Are we protecting occupant health?
- Can we demonstrate compliance and readiness?
Operational excellence requires proof, not guesswork.
Safer Chemical Choices Protect Occupants
ISSA also highlights the importance of selecting certified, safer cleaning chemistries and avoiding unnecessary overuse of disinfectants. In high-density environments, chemical misuse can create respiratory irritation, asthma triggers, and indoor air quality concerns.
A strategic approach means:
- Matching chemicals to the level of risk
- Avoiding fragrance-heavy formulations
- Using proper dilution systems
- Training teams in correct application methods
- Proper labels on bottles
Safer choices protect both occupants and front-line cleaning professionals.
Front-Line Workers Are Health Protection Professionals
One of the most important reminders from the article is that custodial teams are not simply cleaning staff. They are part of the building’s health protection system. Proper training, standardized procedures, and quality assurance are what separate routine service from performance-driven maintenance.
At Moreno, we believe the consistency of our team is what ultimately protects our clients’ environments.
What This Means for Bay Area Facilities
You do not need to host an international tournament to apply these cleaning principles.
If you manage:
- A school preparing for summer programs
- A tech campus with high-density collaboration spaces
- A medical-adjacent office building
- A manufacturing site with shift transitions
- A government facility serving the public
- Restaurants
- Any commercial building both public and private
All the same issues discussed apply to you!
- Identify risk zones.
- Measure performance, not just appearance.
- Protect indoor air quality.
- Select safer chemistries.
- Train teams to operate with consistency and accountability.
Cleaning as Operational Strategy
The FIFA World Cup is a global example of what happens when environmental hygiene is treated as performance infrastructure.
For commercial facilities, the lesson is clear: when cleaning is evidence-based, occupant health improves, absenteeism decreases, compliance risks are reduced, assets last longer, operations remain uninterrupted.
Winning on the scoreboard requires preparation, measurement, and discipline. So does maintaining your building.
