The Latest Trends in Commercial Cleaning for 2026
The future of the commercial cleaning industry looks even cleaner and brighter, and Janitronics is proud to lead the way. From AI-powered scrubbing robots and data-driven software, the janitorial services industry is undergoing a technological evolution that is making office buildings cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable. Below, we’ve covered a few key industry trends that we are seeing as we enter 2026.
Commercial Cleaning Technology Integration and Robotics
A growing trend in the cleaning industry is the integration of cleaning technology, from AI-powered robots to data-driven technologies for performance monitoring and supply refills. Technology was once considered a threat to the commercial cleaning services industry, but it’s now an essential part of operations. It is not a replacement but a supplement.
Robotics is the biggest technological development in the industry, and helps cleaners work smarter, not harder. For example, robotics will handle low-technical, high-ergonomic damage tasks (e.g., vacuuming, mopping). Then, labor resources will be redirected to higher-value, more meaningful work, empowering employees and improving job satisfaction.
Not only is cleaning technology becoming more essential, but it is also getting better. For example, autonomous cleaners can now:
- avoid obstacles
- return to docking stations
- recharge their batteries
- refill their supplies.
Other digital technologies that increase efficiency include programs such as facial recognition for time clocks, QA software to track inspections, and building systems that track KPIs.
Technology integration increases productivity and efficiency and improves building cleanliness and health, benefiting everyone from managers to occupants.
Data-Driven Cleaning Operations and Operational Efficiency
The other big trend in the commercial cleaning industry is data-driven cleaning operations. This type of technology is impactful as it gives commercial cleaning companies a better picture of a building, including traffic patterns, supply use, and capacity trends. Aggregating data through a central building system is the preferred method for comprehensive insights. While some older buildings may face challenges with accommodating IoT or managing diverse devices from multiple vendors, Janitronics partners with our clients to recommend technologies for increased efficiency.
The other reason building owners are incorporating IoT technology is the possible sustainability benefits. For example, with data-driven analytics, companies can potentially reduce tissue and towel waste and lower CO₂ emissions.
Sustainability and Green Cleaning Continue to Accelerate
The waste and CO₂ reduction benefits are important because building owners and management companies are placing greater emphasis on sustainability and healthy buildings.
Healthy buildings are key features that impact the well-being of their occupants. The concept of healthy buildings is still evolving, while green cleaning has become the standard from which the cleaning industry operates. Green cleaning focuses on using environmentally sound Green Seal cleaning products to eliminate exposure to potentially hazardous contaminants, and was once a differentiator for cleaning companies.
Green cleaning and healthy buildings go hand in hand with a move towards greater sustainability in the cleaning industry. Client partners are increasingly aware of climate change and sustainability practices, and prefer to work with responsible companies.
At Janitronics, we’ve incorporated sustainability into every aspect of our work. We’ve been sourcing more sustainable products and energy-efficient equipment, while our team is also a founding member of the Sustainability Committee with ISSA.
We have adopted the ISSA Sustainability Benchmarking and Reporting Platform, strengthening our ability to
- measure progress
- improve performance
- drive meaningful environmental impact
across all operations. We recently received the 2025 ISSA Excellence in Sustainability Award for being a significant contributor to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices in the commercial cleaning and janitorial services industry.
Cleaning and Applying Disinfectants for Health and Hygiene Remain Core Priorities
Another core priority of the commercial cleaning industry is supporting tenant health and hygiene, which is a key principle of healthy buildings. Understanding the need to meet high standards of health, hygiene, and disinfection has now become second nature to both occupants and building owners/managers, especially during New England winters.
Our teams clean hard surfaces with neutral cleaners to remove dirt, germs, and impurities. We then apply EPA and CDC-registered disinfectants to restrooms, locker rooms, and other high-touch points or any surfaces where people regularly come in contact. These steps work together to support healthier, safer building environments.
Preparing for the Future of the Commercial Cleaning Industry
The future of the commercial cleaning industry is technology-focused and data-driven. At the same time, it continues to accelerate progress in sustainability and green cleaning practices.
The rise of AI and robotics will ultimately make janitorial services companies more efficient and benefit building owners, managers, and occupants. The digital transformation has made cleaning practices more seamless, enabling building owners and managers to optimize resources and be more productive in their own roles.
Innovative practices offer important benefits for occupants as well, making buildings healthier, a trend that will continue to grow as a key need for companies. At Janitronics, we continue to lean into innovation and modernization, integrating the latest cleaning technology into our best practices. We know it only helps our mission to make the world a cleaner place, one building at a time.
Learn more about commercial cleaning and janitorial services at Janitronics.
