The cleaning industry has undergone a revolutionary transformation since the pandemic, establishing new benchmarks that continue to shape consumer expectations and service standards in 2024.
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed how we think about cleanliness, hygiene, and the role of professional cleaning services. What began as an emergency response has evolved into permanent shifts in industry standards, customer expectations, and service delivery methods. Although industry experts don’t expect cleaning product sales to stay sky high, they expect that individuals and organizations will enshrine most of their current cleaning intensity as normal practice going forward, with most of the changes that COVID-19 has wrought on the market being with us for many years.
The New Standard: From Appearance to Health-Focused Cleaning
Before the pandemic, facility cleaning was mainly for appearance with a focus on removal of dust, debris, and waste from floors, surfaces, and waste bins. Today’s cleaning services have evolved far beyond surface-level aesthetics. Public health standards have never been more critical in guiding how commercial cleaners work day-to-day, utilizing stronger solutions and advanced techniques, with these protocols setting new benchmarks across industries.
This transformation is evident in the surge of demand for specialized services. There’s been a noticeable surge in requests for deep cleaning services, as health and safety concerns continue to be paramount, with homeowners and businesses alike seeking professional assistance to ensure their environments are not just clean but sanitized and disinfected down to the finest detail.
Advanced Technology Reshaping Service Delivery
The cleaning industry has embraced cutting-edge technology to meet evolving demands. Advanced techniques reshaping cleaning in 2024 include electrostatic spraying, utilizing futuristic technology where disinfectants are electrically charged before being sprayed onto surfaces, and UV-C disinfection employing ultraviolet light to eradicate bacteria and viruses.
These innovations improve productivity and efficiency in cleaning operations and raise standards by ensuring more detail in sanitization and hygiene, aspects that have become of paramount importance in the post-pandemic era. Companies are also integrating robotics and automation to streamline processes while maintaining high cleanliness standards.
Customer Expectations Have Permanently Shifted
Modern consumers have dramatically different expectations from cleaning services compared to pre-pandemic times. 66% of consumers expect companies to understand their unique needs and expectations, while 52% of consumers expect custom offers, although only 34% of businesses treat clients as unique individuals.
In this post-covid era, people are extra careful with how they interact with the world, and the commercial cleaning practices that developed during the pandemic have become common and requested by both customers and employees of businesses. Customers now prioritize:
- Reliability in terms of showing up on time and completing the job as promised, with customers expecting a thorough and consistent cleaning that tackles dust, dirt, grime, and germs
- Meeting and exceeding customer expectations is crucial for building a strong reputation and retaining clients
- 66 per cent of customers expect cleaners to know and understand their unique needs and expectations, with transparency, service, and communication being the keys to building trust
The Rise of Green and Sustainable Practices
92% of homeowners are searching for more sustainable solutions for their homes, with 62% of homeowners having made eco-friendly home improvements, making it crucial for cleaning service businesses to offer green services. This environmental consciousness has become a competitive necessity rather than just a nice-to-have feature.
Green cleaning and sustainability continue to be a top priority into 2024, with customers looking for “green promises” from their cleaners, standing by their commitment to reduce their carbon footprint through waste reduction, increased recycling, reduced energy and water use, and green cleaning supplies and practices.
Industry Challenges and Adaptations
The post-pandemic landscape hasn’t been without challenges. The pandemic has left a persistent mark on the commercial cleaning industry through staffing and employment issues, with many companies grappling with labor shortages as they seek to fulfill the heightened demand for their services.
Despite these challenges, the industry continues to grow. The global cleaning services market size was about USD 415.93 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a rate of 6.9% from 2025 to 2030, while the global contract cleaning service market size was estimated at USD 383.99 billion in 2024.
Leading the Evolution: One-A Cleaning’s Approach
Companies like One-A Cleaning and Maintenance Services exemplify how the industry has adapted to these new realities. At One-A Cleaning and Maintenance, they’ve built their business on values like integrity, reliability, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, understanding the importance of having a clean, safe environment and going above and beyond to make sure their services meet the highest standards.
Based in Nassau County, New York, One-A Cleaning and Maintenance is a family-owned business committed to delivering high-quality cleaning services throughout NYC and Long Island, with years of experience and a team dedicated to making spaces shine, whether home or business. Their approach reflects the industry’s evolution toward more personalized, health-focused services.
Their focus on eco-friendly products and practices ensures they’re not only making spaces cleaner but also doing their part to protect the environment, while being dedicated to making life easier by offering the best solutions that fit specific needs and budget. This comprehensive approach to cleaning services kensington and surrounding areas demonstrates how modern cleaning companies must balance health, environmental responsibility, and customer satisfaction.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cleaning Services
As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, it’s clear that the virus has permanently altered certain aspects of how businesses operate, from heightened cleaning standards to a new emphasis on health and safety protocols, reflecting a broader shift in societal norms and expectations.
The cleaning industry’s evolution represents more than just a response to a global health crisis—it’s a fundamental reimagining of what cleanliness means in our daily lives. One significant change that has come to stay is the approach to cleanliness, where cleaning is no longer an invisible, night-shift task, with businesses now showcasing their cleaning efforts, making it a visible part of their customer experience.
For consumers seeking cleaning services in 2024, these changes translate to higher standards, more comprehensive service offerings, and cleaning companies that understand the critical role they play in public health and safety. The post-pandemic cleaning service evolution isn’t just about meeting new standards—it’s about exceeding expectations in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.