Commercial cleaning trends are continually evolving with shifting priorities, technological innovation, and changing consumer expectations. As we head towards the end of the year, what are companies prioritizing and what’s ahead for the commercial cleaning industry?

Here are some of the commercial cleaning trends to watch out for next year:

Sustainability: According to studies, 72 per cent of managers said sustainability practices are a key factor when awarding janitorial contracts in 2025. Along with energy-saving practices, cleaner products are continuing to grow, as more companies prioritize their ESG goals. Biodegradable, recycled and compostable packaging, and cleaning agents that reduce chemical waste are at the top of next year’s trends. Saving water is another growing green trend, as companies improve their effort to minimize waste and cut costs. Look for an increase in water-saving technology, such as dry steam cleaners, to help decrease water use for commercial cleaning.

Smart tools and automation: Recent research reports that 62 per cent of commercial cleaning companies are investing in IoT-enabled tools to optimize service frequency and reduce waste. AI and IoT are game changers in the hygiene world, enabling companies to maximize results with smart sensors, automate certain cleaning functions with robots, and provide data-driven schedules for improved efficiency and cost reduction. Research shows that by 2026, 80 per cent of large contract cleaning firms will rely on digital platforms for work quality audits and workforce accountability.

Hygiene and sanitation: Safety continues to be a priority into 2026, as new materials are being developed to help keep surfaces safer and cleaner for longer periods of time. Innovation like self-disinfecting coatings that reduce the spread of germs, copper and silver-infused materials for antimicrobial protection, and touchless and automated technology for restrooms and high traffic areas are seeing growth into next year. According to research, the global market for antimicrobial coatings global market is projected to hit $20.1 billion by 2026, up from $9.8 billion in 2020.

IAQ: Along with sanitization, air quality plays a large part in limiting the spread of germs indoors. More and more companies are installing HEPA and UV-C filtration systems for businesses, along side air purification solutions integrated directly into HVAC systems to achieve better indoor air quality.

As we head into 2026, sustainability, technology, and safety are the trends most prevalent in the commercial cleaning space. Becoming familiar with these tools going forward can allow cleaners to get ahead of the competition with innovation and experience.