Technology innovations are revolutionising how cleaning services companies operate and what they can achieve. Robots operate continuously, covering large areas without breaks, boosting profits, and enhancing the lives of cleaners. Microbial technologies clean at a microscopic level, working long after application. Data analytics and sensor technology have transformed how facilities are monitored and maintained, allowing cleaning services companies to think more strategically about their operations. This is just the beginning.

Yet, alongside every exciting article or podcast about technology's limitless potential, there's often a narrative of fear. What do these advancements mean for us, the humans who used to perform these tasks? Will we be replaced? While it’s undeniable that these latest innovations have changed and will continue to change our roles in the commercial space of our cleaning products and services, it’s not a matter of "technology vs. humans." Instead, we see innovation as an opportunity. By leveraging new technological innovations, we can deliver superior cleaning products and services while preserving job opportunities and enhancing job satisfaction.

With this in mind, this month, we’re highlighting the most innovative tools and impactful innovations in commercial cleaning that enhance the sustainable future of commercial cleaning innovations in the industry and foster collaboration between humans and technology to achieve the best outcomes for a healthy environment.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

The advent of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) has significantly impacted the whole cleaning service business. These robots handle repetitive cleaning tasks, such as floor and carpet cleaning, which used to consume hours of cleaning staff’s time. AMRs follow mapped paths autonomously, and with AI and sensor capabilities, they can navigate complex environments, including climbing stairs and accessing hard-to-reach areas.

AMRs save cleaning companies considerable labour time, increasing profit margins while raising the quality of work. Robotics help maintain service standards during staff shortages, a long-standing industry concern. They are particularly valuable in high-traffic areas like hospitals and airports, where cleanliness is critical. Integrating customised cleaning solutions and advanced technologies into automated devices can enhance the cleaning process.

Each iteration of robotics improves the efficiency and consistency of cleaning methods, helping cleaning companies reduce chemical and water wastage and conserve energy. With AI, these robots continuously learn and adapt, ensuring thorough cleaning with less energy and minimal supervision.

How robots and humans collaborate:

Microbe-based eco-friendlier cleaning solutions

Biotechnology is a critical focus in the commercial cleaning industry, presenting numerous opportunities for ongoing improvement of traditional commercial cleaning methods, especially in meeting ESG goals.

What is biotechnology, and how does it relate to the cleaning business? Biotechnology uses living organisms to create products. The cleaning industry has leveraged this blend of science and technology to create microbe-based technologies.

Microbe-based cleaning products use microorganisms to break down dirt and contaminants, forming biofilms that produce dirt-eating enzymes long after application. These greener cleaning products are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, leaving a smaller environmental and carbon footprint behind. They are part of a broader trend towards greener cleaning solutions that minimise environmental impact.

Benefits of microbe-based products:

• Deliver a deeper and more effective clean
• Continuously produce enzymes that break down dirt and grime
• Biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals
• Minimise exposure to toxic chemicals
• Effectively eliminate odors
• More cost-effective

Greener cleaning methods and sustainable practices are becoming increasingly popular as they reduce harsh chemicals and improve waste management.

How humans work with microbial cleaning technology:

Data analytics in the cleaning industry

Information is power, and this holds true in the commercial cleaning industry. Information improves operational efficiency, hygiene, and cleanliness of manual and robotic cleaners, which is why data analytics developments have been a welcome innovation.

Gone are the days of most commercial spaces and cleaners relying solely on the human eye to measure cleaning success. Sensors embedded in cleaning equipment collect data on parameters like dirt levels, usage patterns, and environmental conditions, enabling commercial cleaners and cleaning service companies to monitor equipment and operations and manage maintenance more closely. This data-driven approach helps both commercial cleaning service companies and cleaners create predictive and personalised cleaning schedules tailored to the specific needs of each space, contributing to efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability in commercial cleaning services.

Benefits of data analytics and sensor technology:

• Monitor dirt levels and environmental conditions to ensure high cleanliness standards.
• Real-time data ensures areas are cleaned as needed, optimising resource utilisation and reducing waste.
• Sensors provide insights into equipment performance and maintenance needs, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.

Modern technology and innovation are crucial in the commercial cleaning services industry. Companies use advanced technologies to improve efficiency, cleanliness, and sustainability.

How humans, intelligent systems, and data analytics work together:

Internet of Things (IoT) in cleaning technology

Remember when stock levels were recorded with pen and paper? Now, sensors do the job. The Internet of Things (IoT) monitors stock levels of essential supplies like cleaning products, paper towels, and toilet paper. When supplies run low, the system alerts the cleaning company and staff, ensuring restrooms are always well-stocked and hygienic. Modern cleaning technology, such as UV-C sanitisation tools and autonomous cleaning equipment, further enhances these processes.

Benefits of IoT:

• Provide continuous updates on stock levels for timely replenishment.
• Minimise waste and prevent overstocking, leading to cost reductions and improved sustainability.
• Ensuring well-stocked restrooms improves user satisfaction and hygiene standards.

Additionally, innovative cleaning processes contribute to better problem-solving capabilities, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, effectiveness, human health, and environmental responsibility in commercial and cleaning businesses.

How humans and IoT can work together:

Technology + Humans = A Match Made in Heaven

Integrating top new technology innovations in commercial cleaning services is about enhancing, not replacing, traditional methods and cleaners. A top commercial cleaning services company can benefit significantly from using cutting-edge processes, technological innovations such as AI, robotic and automatic cleaning machines, and advanced waste management techniques to improve efficiency, reduce labour requirements, and minimise plastic waste.

Commercial cleaning companies and service companies must stay current with the latest commercial cleaning innovations and technologies to improve cleaning efficiency, and a healthier environment.

Embracing the latest innovations, like robotic cleaners, microbial technology, data analytics, and IoT, can improve cleaning processes and services, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These advancements focus on environmental harm, human health and safety, and health and safety, including eliminating bacteria and viruses in high-touch areas.

Modern approaches, such as traditional cleaning products and methods and modern technologies, such as electrostatic spray technology and VCT floor cleaning technology, provide more cleanliness and sanitation than traditional ones.

It’s time to choose innovative cleaning products.