Despite acknowledging that first impressions are important, nearly 30% of small business owners surveyed say they have cut back on cleaning in the workplace.

A recent small-business index sponsored by Mr. Clean Professional and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) showed that of those businesses that curtailed their cleaning regimens, 44% reported negative feedback, such as increased customer and employee complaints. They also reported longer cleaning times when using cheaper products.

Others have opted to eliminate professional cleaning services.

The index, conducted by Kelton Research, was based on a national survey of more than 1,100 small-business owners registered with NFIB. Small-business owners from a range of industries participated in the 10-day online survey.

Along with revealing how the economy has affected small-business cleaning standards, the survey also outlined resource shortages faced by owners.

Sixty percent of small business owners say time is the biggest hurdle preventing them from keeping their surroundings clean, while 14% point to staffing levels. To that end, owners say “effectiveness” is by far the most important factor when selecting cleaning products.

Environmental concerns are also a factor. Roughly 47% of the surveyed businesses say the H1N1 virus has affected their cleaning process. Because of the pandemic, many business owners are using cleaning products that contain a disinfectant.

In addition, 49% of the small-business owners say free resources and advice from professionals on how to properly clean would be beneficial to them.

Mr. Clean Professional is a Procter & Gamble line that provides small businesses with cleaning products and information.

At www.mrcleanprofessional.com, small-business owners can access the comprehensive Germ Control Center with cleaning best practices. For additional guidance, owners are encouraged to call the 888-4MRCLEAN hotline between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST.

For more information about the business federation and P&G, visit www.NFIB.com/newsroom and www.pgpro.com.