As the holidays approach, cleaning teams are in a critical position to provide quality levels of clean to their facilities to support gatherings amidst widespread winter illnesses—like the latest variant of norovirus reported by The Hill. According to WastewaterSCAN, an interactive application that utilizes wastewater data to show the concentration of outbreaks nationwide, norovirus cases are increasing alongside influenza A and COVID-19. High-traffic facilities and the areas within them have an elevated risk of exposure, making them focal points for infection control and prevention this season, VermontBiz affirms.

As businesses require their employees to transition back to the office and the volume of building occupants increases, cleaning teams require new strategies to meet sanitation demands, CleanLink shares. Proactive restroom management remains a key, and other facilities are showcasing the implementation of innovations to meet growing needs. In a report by Nationwide Waste Service, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California uses artificial intelligence (AI) products to alert cleaning teams when to replace supplies. Restroom care is imperative as 74 percent of individuals sharing that their perception of a facility is dependent upon the cleanliness of a restroom, a survey shared by Kimberly-Clark Professional states.

Since sustainability will continue to drive commercial cleaning decisions, Lawton Bros, Inc. says, energy-efficient solutions could prove necessary. Using data to determine cleaning schedules that prioritize frequently used spaces, such as conference rooms or classrooms, can reduce product waste and ensure it is well-equipped, Zogics suggests. Other technological advancements—Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, smart equipment, etc.—are set to trend in 2026, DinaBina predicts.