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Healthcare Cleaning: The Role of Scent in Healthcare Environments & Why Smell Matters More Than You Think

  • Writer: Carlos Stanza
    Carlos Stanza
  • May 17
  • 4 min read

Cleaning Healthcare Facilities

When you walk into a healthcare facility, the first thing you notice isn’t always the lighting or the decor—it’s the smell. Whether it’s a fresh, clean scent or an unpleasant odor, the way a place smells instantly shapes your perception of its cleanliness and safety. As someone who’s worked in commercial cleaning throughout New England, I can tell you that managing scent in healthcare settings is both an art and a science.


Here, we'll explore why smell matters so much in healthcare, how the brain perceives scent, and how Jan-Ex uses carefully chosen cleaning solutions to create a clean, welcoming environment.


How Our Brains Perceive Smell

Smell is more than just a sensory experience—it’s directly linked to the brain’s limbic system, which processes emotions and memories. When our noses detect a scent, signals travel to the olfactory bulb, which is closely connected to areas of the brain responsible for mood and memory. This is why certain smells can instantly transport us to a specific place or moment in time.


The Difference Between Good and Bad Smells

Not all smells are created equal. In healthcare settings, the difference between a pleasant, clean scent and an unpleasant, musty odor can significantly impact how people perceive the space. Understanding what constitutes a 'good' or 'bad' smell helps us make better choices when it comes to cleaning solutions and maintaining a positive environment.


  • Good Smells: Often associated with cleanliness, freshness, or nature (like citrus or lavender). They signal a safe and comfortable environment.


  • Bad Smells: Trigger alarm and discomfort, often linked to decay, mold, or poor hygiene. In healthcare settings, bad odors can suggest contamination or neglect, even when the space is clean.


Why We React to Smells

Our evolutionary instincts make us naturally cautious about certain smells. Foul odors often indicate decay or danger, prompting a natural aversion. In healthcare settings, an unpleasant odor can immediately make patients, visitors, and staff question the facility’s cleanliness and safety.


Why Smell Matters in Healthcare Environments


Patient Perception of Cleanliness

Patients and visitors often equate a fresh, pleasant smell with a hygienic and well-maintained facility. On the other hand, musty or chemical odors can make people question whether the space is truly clean. Research shows that environments perceived as smelling clean are more likely to be rated positively, regardless of their actual cleanliness level.


Safety Concerns

In medical facilities, an unexpected odor can indicate problems like mold growth, spills, or even compromised HVAC systems. Addressing unpleasant smells promptly not only improves perception but also maintains a safer environment. For instance, a lingering odor of disinfectant might suggest improper ventilation, while a musty smell could point to moisture issues.


Emotional Impact

Pleasant scents can reduce anxiety, especially in spaces where patients may feel uneasy—like waiting rooms or exam rooms. A welcoming smell can create a sense of calm, making patients more comfortable during their visit. Conversely, harsh chemical smells can heighten stress and discomfort, particularly for those with respiratory issues.


Employee Morale

Healthcare workers spend long hours in the same environment, so the facility’s smell can significantly impact their comfort and well-being. A consistently fresh and clean scent helps boost morale, while persistent odors can cause frustration and discomfort.


Scented vs. Fragrance-Free Cleaning Products

Choosing between scented and fragrance-free cleaning products can be challenging, especially in healthcare environments (or any commercial space for that matter) where sensitivity to smell varies widely. While some people appreciate a fresh, pleasant aroma, others may find it irritating or even harmful. Balancing the desire for a clean-smelling space with the need to accommodate allergies and sensitivities is crucial. In this section, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best choice for your facility.


The Pros of Scented Cleaners:

  • Creates a sense of cleanliness and freshness.

  • Helps mask unavoidable odors, especially in restrooms.

  • Certain scents, like citrus or eucalyptus, can promote a calming atmosphere.


The Cons of Scented Cleaners:

  • Some patients and staff may have allergies or sensitivities to fragrances.

  • Strong scents can be overwhelming or clash with medical environments.

  • Not all scented products are eco-friendly or hypoallergenic.


When to Use Fragrance-Free Options:

  • In patient rooms where respiratory conditions are treated.

  • In areas with newborns, elderly patients, or those with chemical sensitivities.

  • In healthcare settings where regulatory standards call for fragrance-free cleaning protocols.


How Jan-Ex Uses Scent to Enhance Healthcare Cleaning

At Jan-Ex, we understand the importance of creating a clean and pleasant-smelling environment without overwhelming the senses. That’s why we carefully select our cleaning solutions to strike the right balance between freshness and safety.


Our Go-To Cleaning Products:

Our Approach to Scent Management:

We use scented products strategically—like in high-traffic lobbies and restrooms—while opting for fragrance-free solutions in patient care areas. This method helps maintain a clean and welcoming atmosphere without risking sensitivities or discomfort. Our goal is to ensure that every area smells as clean as it looks, without overpowering the senses.


Why Choose Jan-Ex for Healthcare Cleaning

At Jan-Ex, we understand that scent management is as important as surface cleanliness. Our team is trained to use the right products in the right spaces, ensuring that your healthcare facility not only looks clean but also smells clean.

If you’re looking to create a safer, more welcoming environment, we’re here to help.

Schedule a Free Walkthrough or email cstanza@jan-ex.com to discuss how our cleaning solutions can enhance your healthcare space.


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