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The New Year is a time of change, a moment to reflect on past trends and look ahead to future innovations. Before the holiday season, CleanLink asked readers to consider the ongoing concerns impacting the commercial cleaning industry and identify advancements that may resolve them in 2026.

  1. What innovations are you looking to invest in or adopt in the new year?
    1. IoT and Smart Sensors
    2. AI and Autonomous Equipment
    3. UV-C and Chemical-Free Disinfection Systems
    4. Sustainable and Green Solutions


  2. Which industry issues do you hope new innovations will address in 2026?
    1. Labor Shortages
    2. Budget Pressures
    3. Regulations and Compliance
    4. Cleaning Efficiency and Safety

Survey respondents were able to elect more than one option, but the majority indicated that the industry issue defining 2026 is cleaning efficiency and safety. Although 40 percent of participants identified labor shortages and budget pressures as recurring constraints, 60 percent believe that these needs can be met by improved cleaning efficacy strategies and safeguarding staff.

Overall, partakers were evenly split between eco-friendly and technological solutions. Half of the participants shared they plan to implement IoT and smart sensor technologies. According to Remi Network, 62 percent of commercial cleaning companies reported investing in IoT and smart sensor tools. Frequent monitoring that delivers timely data analysis can aid cleaning executives in providing informed cleaning schedules that promote efficiency and reduce operational costs, Hygie-Clean Expo affirms.

Another 50 percent of readers are interested in sustainable and green solutions. Current end users are environmentally conscious—9.7 percent spend their money on sustainable products despite shrinking budgets, Trison Well states. Asset Commercial Services notes that the primary push for sustainability is the creation of healthy workplaces that strengthen employee retention.

Only a quarter of audience members believe UV-C and chemical-free disinfection systems offer a pathway forward. In the season of severe illnesses—like this year’s super flu variant, as described by the Advisory Board—infection control and prevention (IPC) solutions are at the forefront of commercial cleaning management’s minds. These systems provide an alternative method for mitigating the spread of diseases that limits frontline staff exposure, LightTech LighSources adds.