"7 Pioneering Methods Revolutionizing the Cleaning Sector to Keep an Eye On"
Innovations Shaping the Cleaning Industry in 2023
The cleaning industry is experiencing a transformation, with technology, software integration, and green cleaning practices taking centre stage. Here's a look at some of the key developments that are reshaping the sector.
Technology Innovations
The vacuum market is witnessing rapid growth, with advancements such as AI-powered robotic vacuums. These smart devices come equipped with LiDAR and camera-based navigation, robust object recognition, and multifunctionality like combined vacuuming and mopping. Self-maintenance features like auto-empty docks and enhanced threshold clearing are also emerging. Cordless vacuums have made significant strides, boasting improved battery life and suction, and often adjusting power automatically for different floor types. HEPA filtration is a standard for improving indoor air quality, and energy efficiency and sustainable materials are becoming more common in vacuum designs.
In addition to smart vacuums, cleaning businesses are adopting systemized, tech-enabled models that rely on digital-first approaches. This includes fast and easy online booking platforms, real-time updates, automated service reminders, secure digital payments, and software to optimize staffing and route planning. Such tools reduce overhead, improve responsiveness, and enhance customer experience in both residential and commercial markets.
Green Cleaning
Green or eco-friendly cleaning is gaining popularity, substituting harsh chemicals with natural, non-toxic ingredients that reduce health risks and environmental impact. This approach appeals to environmentally conscious clients, supports sustainability goals, and can justify premium pricing. It's suitable across many cleaning services including residential, office, and specialized cleaning like upholstery, carpet, and pressure washing.
Companies are also exploring innovative green technologies beyond cleaning supplies, such as decentralized waste conversion to generate green hydrogen, which illustrates the broader trend toward sustainable industrial solutions. While not directly a cleaning method, such technologies support circular economies and environmental goals that cleaning businesses might align with or benefit from indirectly.
Employee Training and Wages
High employee turnover is characteristic of the cleaning industry, but successful businesses are increasingly paying more attention to their employees and providing them with training and support. Investing in employee training is crucial for ensuring high-quality services and reducing customer turnover. Trustworthiness and dedication are prerequisites for better wages and benefits in the cleaning industry.
Growth and Adoption
The cleaning industry is undergoing significant changes due to the adoption of innovative cleaning tools and processes. Revenue from janitorial services is projected to increase by $2 billion in 2023. Geofencing features in time tracking apps can start tracking time as soon as a team member steps inside a job site.
Customer relationship management (CRM) tools consolidate all messages across communication channels and offer automation capabilities. Customers prefer to message rather than call to book cleaning services, and businesses should be reachable on popular platforms like SMS, Facebook, and Twitter. Data-driven tools based on the Internet of Things can provide managers with real-time information about the status of cleaning supplies and hygiene standards.
Smart tools, such as smart touch-free dispensers and smart toilet paper technology, hold great potential for janitorial businesses. Waste management is an area of potential growth for cleaning businesses, as industries seek safer and smarter ways to remove and possibly repurpose waste.
The Wilburn Company outlines topics that should be included in a training curriculum, such as working with cleaning supplies and equipment, OSHA's HAZCOM training, green procedures, working with hazardous materials, and managerial skills for supervisors and senior staff.
One innovative product that stands out is the Scotch-BriteTM Clean & Shine Pad, which combines floor cleaning and shining in one, and works on both coated and uncoated floors. Time tracking with GPS location capabilities is an indispensable tool for cleaning companies to manage their team's work. Hubstaff is an example of a comprehensive time tracking app for cleaning crews, offering features like scheduling, invoicing, and payment integrations.
A mobile-first optimized website is necessary for easy access and operation by customers searching for cleaning services on their phones. Green cleaning is a requirement for LEED certification and administrative standards, and customers increasingly demand high-quality, safe services with environmentally friendly products.
In conclusion, cleaning businesses in 2023 are innovating by integrating smart cleaning devices powered by AI, adopting comprehensive software systems for operational efficiency, and expanding green cleaning services that focus on non-toxic, sustainable products and practices. These developments meet client demand for convenience, effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.
- The cleaning industry in 2023 is adopting comprehensive software systems, such as time tracking apps like Hubstaff, for operational efficiency, featuring scheduling, invoicing, and payment integrations.
- Smart home-and-garden products, such as the Scotch-BriteTM Clean & Shine Pad, which combines floor cleaning and shining in one, are capturing the attention of cleaning businesses due to their effectiveness and versatility.
- In response to customer demand, many cleaning businesses are expanding their green cleaning services, focusing on non-toxic, sustainable products and practices that meet environmental standards, such as those required for LEED certification.
- Technology innovations, like AI-powered robotic vacuums, are reshaping the cleaning industry by improving indoor air quality, enhancing cleaning efficiency, and automating various cleaning tasks, thereby transforming the sector's business landscape and lifestyle.
