The Clean Talk

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to 'The Clean Talk' podcast, your go-to source for staying informed about the latest developments in the commercial cleaning and hygiene industry, in the Middle East and Africa region. Hosted by Samiya Andrabi, Editor of Clean Middle East, our podcast features insightful discussions, expert insights, and engaging conversations that explore the cutting-edge trends shaping the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional in cleaning, hygiene, or Soft FM, an industry enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of commercial cleaning, each episode is packed with valuable information and diverse perspectives. Don't miss out on the opportunity to expand your knowledge and stay updated. Tune in to 'The Clean Talk' for more informative and engaging discussions! Visit our website to listen to all episodes: https://www.cleanmiddleeast.ae/podcasts

Listen to episodes

23 recent

May 11, 202614 min

EP 23 | Rethinking Supply Chains in a Disrupted World

Global supply chains are under pressure like never before. From shipping disruptions and rising freight costs to raw material shortages and geopolitical instability, the cleaning and hygiene industry is navigating a rapidly changing operational landscape.In this episode of The Clean Talk, we sit down with John Kamau, Vice President Operations & Supply Chain, Middle East, Africa & India at Diversey – A Solenis Company, to discuss what resilience really means when disruption becomes constant.The conversation explores:• The biggest vulnerabilities impacting cleaning and hygiene supply chains today• How disruptions around shipping routes and raw material availability affect operations• What companies do behind the scenes when supply gaps emerge• Why local manufacturing is becoming a strategic advantage• The growing role of AI, predictive analytics, and digital supply chains• The risks of single sourcing and the importance of contingency planning• What a truly resilient Middle East supply chain should look like moving forwardAs industries like healthcare, hospitality, and food service continue to depend on uninterrupted hygiene operations, the ability to anticipate disruption is becoming just as important as responding to it.If you work in supply chain, operations, procurement, facility management, or the cleaning and hygiene industry, this episode offers valuable insights into how businesses can prepare for an increasingly unpredictable future.

April 8, 202613 min

EP 22 | The Invisible Guest Experience: How Cleanliness Shapes Brand Trust

Cleanliness in hospitality is often seen as a backend function, but it directly shapes guest trust, brand perception, and business outcomes.In this episode of The Clean Talk, we explore “The Invisible Guest Experience” — the moments guests don’t consciously notice, yet instantly judge. Because while guests may not always notice when everything is clean, the moment something feels off, trust is already broken.🎙️ Featuring:* Bharat Bhagtani, Senior Manager, Hospitality UAE & Healthcare GCC, Diversey – A Solenis Company * Varun Kalra, Cluster Executive Housekeeper, The First Group Hospitality💡 In this episode:* How cleanliness builds or breaks trust within seconds* Why guests don’t inspect, but instantly judge* The impact of hygiene on reviews, reputation, and bookings* The role of housekeeping teams as brand ambassadors* The balance between visible cleanliness and real hygiene* The systems and processes working behind the scenesThis episode goes beyond cleaning to reveal how trust is built silently through systems, people, and processes.▶️ Watch the full episode to discover what truly shapes guest trust.

February 17, 202639 min

EP. 21 | Sustainability in Action: The Circular Cleaning Economy: Why Soft FM Is Still Linear

In this episode, moderated by Samiya, Editor, Clean Middle east we bring together Vishal Hegde, Senior Manager – BSC & TASKI (UAE & GCC), Water Solutions – MEA, Diversey, A Solenis Company, and Andrea Yoko, Director of Yoko Excellence Solutions, to examine why the cleaning and soft FM industry continues to operate within a largely linear model despite increasing sustainability commitments. The discussion moves beyond theory to address real operational and contractual challenges — from how procurement structures and FM tenders often reward consumption over efficiency, to how system design elements such as chemical concentration, dosing mechanisms, packaging formats, and reuse strategies can significantly influence waste reduction. Drawing from frontline operational experience and strategic advisory insights, the conversation explores risk perception in hygiene-critical environments, the practical barriers to implementing circular cleaning frameworks, and the measurable steps industry leaders can take to transition from sustainability intent to execution. This episode is essential viewing for facilities management professionals, BSC operators, procurement leaders, sustainability strategists, and hygiene solution providers seeking to align operational performance with circular economy principles.

January 22, 202627 min

Ep. 20 | Sustainable Cleaning in 2026: Innovation, Hygiene & ESG in Hospitality

Sustainable cleaning isn’t just a trend; it’s transforming the way hospitality and commercial facilities operate in 2026. In this episode of The Clean Talk, host Samiya Andrabi sits down with Tatjana Ahmed, Director of Housekeeping at Grand Hyatt Dubai & Chairperson of the UAE Housekeepers Association, and Sibel Aksu-Altun, Marketing Director MENA at Diversey, A Solenis Company, to uncover how the industry is making sustainability work in practice, not just on paper. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: * Why sustainable cleaning no longer compromises hygiene or performance. * How digital tools and ESG reporting are changing operational decision-making. * Holistic strategies for saving water, energy, labor, and reducing emissions. * Inspiring shared value programs like Linens for Life and women empowerment initiatives. * Debunking the biggest misconception: “Sustainability always costs more”. Whether you’re a facility leader, housekeeping professional, or sustainability advocate, this episode shows how innovation, engagement, and holistic thinking are driving the future of cleaning. Tune in now to discover the real impact of sustainable practices in hospitality!

September 26, 202528 min

Ep. 19 | The Clean Truth: Myths vs. Realities in Commercial Laundry

Everything You Know About Laundry Might Be Wrong.In this episode of The Clean Talk, we bust the biggest myths in the commercial laundry industry – covering temperature truths, detergent dosages, textile care, and preventive maintenance.Joining us are:Nikos Pastras – Application Expertise Leader, Emerging Markets, Diversey - A Solenis CompanyChinmoy Chatterjee – General Manager, Golden Sands LaundryIs hotter water really better?Do more detergents mean cleaner linen?Can all textiles be treated the same?What’s the true cost of skipping preventive maintenance?If you're in hospitality, laundry operations or facility management, tune in before your next wash cycle costs you more than it should.Watch now and rethink everything you thought you knew.Brought to you by Diversey – A Solenis Company

September 25, 202530 min

Ep. 18 | How Do Global QSRs Manage Hygiene and Who Supports the Scale?

In this episode of The Clean Talk, we explore how global food chains uphold hygiene and food safety across multiple outlets, each with unique challenges.Joining us are Mr. Doruk Selvi, Institutional Director, UAE and Morocco, and Corporate Accounts, MEATR, Diversey, a Solenis company and Dr. Kani Chezhian, Manager, International Restaurant Quality Assurance, the Wendy's company, who share practical insights on standardization, innovation, training, and real-time compliance tracking in QSRs.How do brands like Wendy’s ensure consistent hygiene globally?What role do hygiene partners play?How is innovation shaping operations on the ground?& many more…If you’re in food service hygiene, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

September 25, 202510 min

Ep. 17 | What Healthcare Infection Preventionists expect from their hygiene vendors? | Sravan Kumar

In this episode of The Clean Talk, we spotlight the critical expectations healthcare facilities have from their hygiene partners.Joining us is Mr. Sravan Kumar, Head of Quality and Patient Safety at Mediclinic City Hospital, who shares firsthand insights into what truly matters when it comes to infection prevention — from product efficacy and innovation to compliance, training, and data transparency.What do infection preventionists look for in a vendor? What role does technology play? How do hospitals assess hygiene solutions?If you serve the healthcare hygiene sector—this is the insight you can’t afford to miss.

February 17, 2025Episode 1628 min

Ep: 16 | Cleaning technologies that will take center stage in 2025 | Ft. Mohammed Santina

New Episode: In Conversation with Mohammed SantinaIn this episode of The Clean Talk, we sit down with Mohammed Santina, Operations Director at OCS, to explore the groundbreaking cleaning technologies set to redefine 2025.Mohammed shares insights on the role of AI, IoT, robotics, and eco-friendly innovations in transforming cleaning operations and shaping the future of hygiene in large-scale facilities.If you're passionate about smart cleaning, sustainability, and innovation, this episode is a must-listen!

November 11, 2024Episode 1517 min

EP: 15 | Customer Satisfaction and Quality Control in Commercial Laundries | ft. Abdul Samad

In this episode of The Clean Talk, we explore the keys to customer satisfaction and quality control in commercial laundries with expert insights from Abdul Samad, Laundry Division Manager at Reza Hygiene. Learn practical tips to enhance service, maintain high standards, and build lasting client trust.Don’t miss out on this essential listen for anyone in the laundry industry—tune in now!

October 28, 2024Episode 1438 min

EP: 14 | What do Housekeepers Expect from Hygiene Suppliers? | ft. Alp Aksoy & Pamini Hemaprabha

In this episode of The Clean Talk, we dive into the crucial role that hygiene solution suppliers play in supporting the demanding responsibilities of housekeeping teams. We welcome esteemed guests Alp Aksoy, Vice President of Hospitality for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, and Pamini Hemaprabha, an international housekeeping consultant, to explore this vital aspect of the hospitality industry.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on elevating housekeeping standards and fostering impactful supplier partnerships!