The cleaning and hygiene market is going through a lot of changes which are powered by technology, sustainability, and the ever-changing consumer expectations. In the most recent Spotless
podcast episode, Robert Stelling of Interclean hosted guests CleanLink’s Editor-in-Chief Corinne Zudonyi and BSCAI’s Chris Mundschenk to discuss the latest trends that are influencing the sector.
The conversation around post-pandemic cleaning impressions, labor shortage, product availability, and the return of office environments was held&nbs;besides, they also discussed the essentials and the efficient use of robots. Moreover, they also elaborated on how AI, robotics, and sustainability are now technologies that are becoming cheaper and affordable worldwide, though mainly they are more developed in the US. The major shift in development offers various openings necessitating the adoption of new practices to compete.
This article is detailed in the main points of the discussion and how they will affect the cleaning industry in the future.
Importance of Cleaning and Hygiene in the Post-Pandemic World
The world is still plagued by COVID-19, which has made cleaning and hygiene more important than before. The pandemic has brought the dirty truth about the necessity of keeping areas clean which is not only a matter of etiquette but also a hygienic measure, thus, in all areas of life, be it public spaces, workplaces, or even the home, cleanliness must be observed at the highest levels. This makes the cleaning product options more in demand.
One of the trends that Zudonyi refers to, is that currently consumers want these products that have been tested and are confirmed to disinfect. This trend is due to people’s personal preferences which are not only the commercial environment but also the measures they undertake to protect themselves and their families from diseases.
What Kind of Labor Shortages are Affecting the Industry?
Rising demand for cleaning and hygiene services and the consequent labor shortages have become, aside from the pandemic-induced disruptions in the supply chain, a safety hazard for workers. The pandemic, which has seen an increase in the demand for cleaning services, has strained companies further by requiring them to abide by stricter cleaning protocols. The health of workers, the beneficiaries of the industry, is at stake, as many have either left the field or are not ready to come back due to health problems or better career chances.
Furthermore, qualified personnel are increasingly in demand, especially in areas like technology and sustainability. The implementation of new innovations is the main reason for requiring staff skilled in the operation of advanced systems which is, in turn, an additional barrier to qualified staff.
Key Trends in Cleaning and Hygiene: Insights from the Latest Podcast
Despite the challenges, there are also opportunities for businesses to adapt and thrive amidst these changing trends. The podcast discussion highlighted several key areas where companies can focus their efforts to stay ahead of the competition and meet evolving consumer expectations.
The Evolution of Cleanliness Perceptions Post-Pandemic
Public perception of cleanliness has changed dramatically since the pandemic. Consumers and businesses alike now have heightened awareness of hygiene and sanitation. Before 2020, many cleaning practices were performed behind the scenes, with minimal visibility to the public. However, in today’s landscape, people expect to see active cleaning efforts in public spaces such as offices, airports, hotels, and retail stores.
Key Post-Pandemic Cleanliness Trends:
- Visible Cleaning Protocols: People feel more comfortable when they see staff actively sanitizing surfaces in high-traffic areas. Transparency in cleaning schedules and methods has become a priority for businesses.
- Higher Standards of Disinfection: Regular cleaning is no longer enough—disinfection practices must be thorough and frequent. There’s also a growing reliance on hospital-grade disinfectants in non-medical settings.
- Consumer Expectations for Air Quality: Beyond surface cleaning, air purification has gained attention. The use of HEPA filters, UV-C air purifiers, and enhanced ventilation systems is becoming more common.
- Green Cleaning Demand: Consumers increasingly prefer non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for people and the environment.
Labor Shortages in the Cleaning Industry
One of the most significant challenges facing the cleaning industry is the ongoing labor shortage. Finding and retaining skilled cleaning staff has become more difficult, impacting service quality and efficiency.
Why Is the Industry Facing a Labor Shortage?
- Low Wages and Demanding Work: Many cleaning positions offer minimal wages for physically demanding work, leading to high turnover rates.
- Lack of Career Growth Opportunities: The industry often lacks structured career progression, making it difficult to attract long-term employees.
- Post-Pandemic Workforce Shifts: Many workers have transitioned to different industries, leading to a smaller labor pool for janitorial services.
- Health and Safety Concerns: Some employees remain hesitant about working in environments with potential exposure to viruses and other contaminants.
How Companies Are Addressing the Issue
- Increased Wages and Benefits: Some companies are raising pay rates and offering better benefits to attract and retain workers.
- Training and Upskilling Initiatives: Investing in education and certification programs helps employees advance in their careers and increases job satisfaction.
- Automation and Robotics: Companies are turning to robotic cleaning solutions to supplement the workforce and improve efficiency.
Product Availability and Supply Chain Challenges
The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, leading to shortages of essential cleaning products such as disinfectants, paper towels, and personal protective equipment (PPE). While the situation has improved, supply chain disruptions continue to affect the industry.
Key Supply Chain Issues:
- Raw Material Shortages: Limited access to essential ingredients for disinfectants and sanitizers has led to production delays.
- Increased Costs: Inflation and rising transportation costs have driven up the prices of cleaning products.
- Longer Lead Times: Delays in shipping and distribution have made it difficult for businesses to replenish essential supplies.
To mitigate these challenges, many companies are adopting alternative sourcing strategies, maintaining larger inventories, and working with multiple suppliers to ensure consistent product availability.
The Role of Technology in Cleaning
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the cleaning industry, with AI, robotics, and smart solutions enhancing efficiency.
Advancements in Cleaning Technology:
- Robotic Cleaning Machines: AI-driven floor scrubbers, vacuum robots, and autonomous disinfecting units are improving productivity while reducing labor dependency.
- Smart Sensors and IoT Integration: Sensors that detect dirt levels, foot traffic, and restroom supply needs are helping businesses optimize cleaning schedules and resource usage.
- Electrostatic Sprayers and UV-C Disinfection: These technologies provide more effective and efficient disinfection for high-traffic areas.
These are just some of the current trends and challenges facing the cleaning industry. As technology advances and consumer expectations evolve, the industry will continue to adapt and innovate to meet these demands.
Comparing U.S. Cleaning Practices to Global Standards
Even though the cleaning industry faces the same challenges and trends worldwide, there are also large differences in the best practices and the standards imposed by the countries. For example, the research has indicated that the United States puts a higher importance on the practices of disinfection than other areas such as Europe, which is more about general cleanliness and hygiene.
Besides this, the use of technology in cleaning processes is also a big question from one country to another. While high-tech tools like robotic janitors and smart sensors are entering the U.S. market, in the case of cheaper developing or small countries, these solutions are employed not so wide due to the cost of those technologies.
Spices and regulations also are important when it comes to cleaning guidelines in different cultures the World over. Some customs are interested in the demonstration of deep-clean rituals and others are no less interested in the outsourcing of the collecting. As this industry develops, the companies need to learn and adapt to the differences in different parts of the world so that they are able to provide good and right cleaning services to their customers around the globe.
FAQs
Does the cleaning industry experience any seasonal trends?
Indeed, the cleaning industry is no exception to having seasonal trends. For example, more and more the need to keep windows clean will keep on arising if the topic of sustainable tourism is promoted in the county because the mentioned infrastructure requires regular inspections, and maintenance which becomes difficult if adequate labor is not found. Also
How can businesses ensure consistent product availability from suppliers?
One of the more effective ways businesses can go about ensuring products are available to them is by way of multiple supplier relationships. These suppliers can step in as a backup if one of the suppliers can’t keep to the demand and the business will thus get the required products as soon as possible.
Is the cleaning industry expected to continue evolving in the future?
Definitely, as the technology and consumer expectations change, the cleaning sector is likely to be in the forefront of revolutionary products and services. Meanwhile, the from industry businesses need to have several flexible and flexible alternatives so that the change in what is demanded can be handled properly.
Conclusion
The cleaning industry has been improving lately which not only includes the more traditional to a more advanced and environmentally friendly way of cleaning. As technology is improving day by day and also the planet and its resources are moving rapidly towards sustainability, businesses must make adjustments to the progress of time, without crossing the line, so that they can gain a profit by this transformation.
Skill and knowledge development along with the use of new technologies, a pointed view of the clients’ needs, and the conservation of the environment are some of the ways businesses can make their operations and grow while continuing the erratic development of the cleaning sector in the world.
