Here is How Green Cleaning is Evolving
Now that we’ve reached the midpoint of 2025, we are developing a more comprehensive understanding of how Green Cleaning continues to evolve and transform the professional cleaning industry.
It is essential to recognize that when we discuss Green Cleaning today, the concept extends far beyond simply substituting conventional chemicals with environmentally preferable alternatives. The movement has progressed well past this basic approach.
What we are witnessing in 2025 and beyond is the evolution of Green Cleaning into a global movement that is fundamentally driven by five key pillars:
Health protection for building users and cleaning workers
Custodial worker well-being along with ethical labor practices
Greater transparency
Environmental responsibility
Meaningful cost savings.
This transformation represents a paradigm shift that cleaning contractors and facility managers are increasingly recognizing and embracing globally.
Among the other Green Cleaning trends and innovations we are now witnessing are the following:
🌐Global Adoption Accelerates
Countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America are rapidly integrating Green Cleaning products and methodologies into their mainstream facility operations, following patterns that mirror the early adoption shifts observed in North America.
An increasing number of international cleaning contractors and building managers are actively seeking more information about Green Cleaning, including foundational knowledge about what encompasses Green Cleaning as well as practical guidance on how cleaning workers can effectively incorporate it into their daily cleaning routines.
📟Smart Technologies & Efficiency Tools
More cleaning equipment manufacturers are introducing advanced cleaning systems with integrated dust extraction capabilities, specifically designed to protect indoor air quality.
Equipment utilizing electrolyzed water technology for cleaning floors and other surfaces is becoming increasingly prevalent because it is high-performing and cost-effective. It helps eliminate bacteria, viruses, molds, and other pathogens without damaging the surface it's applied to.
Technologies that produce cleaning solutions on demand.
Artificial Intelligence (A) systems have been introduced that analyze data such as building occupancy patterns, foot traffic, sensor readings, and usage history to determine when and where cleaning is needed. Cleaning happens based on when needed/where needed, saving energy, cleaning solutions and products, and allowing workers to pay more attention to other facility cleaning needs.
Robotic cleaning systems are increasingly used due to their efficiency, AI-powered navigation, ability to reduce repetitive tasks for workers, and support for overall indoor health.
Dilution control systems, which are fundamentally simple yet critically essential devices, are now status quo in facilities worldwide. This is because they ensure proper chemical-to-water mixing ratios, thereby protecting the worker, the environment, and natural resources while simultaneously reducing waste and costs.
An expanding range of cleaning solutions and equipment are being manufactured and engineered specifically to meet stringent Green cleaning certification requirements and established environmental criteria. AI, once again, is helping manufacturers accomplish this.
✅Cost-Effective and Health-Centered Solutions
Concentrated Green cleaning solutions are gaining widespread acceptance because they last longer, which directly contributes to reduced costs, packaging, and transport.
The strategic shift toward prioritizing occupant health outcomes, combined with achieving cleaner indoor air environments, has emerged as a primary motivating factor in facilities around the world to adopt comprehensive Green Cleaning practices and products.
✔️Integration with Broader Sustainability
While Green Cleaning traditionally focuses on products and processes, future developments indicate a greater alignment with sustainability initiatives, particularly in critical areas such as:
· Greater energy efficiency
· Waste management optimization
· Water efficiency
· Expanding ethical business practices in the cleaning industry.
Combined, these factors contribute significantly to the Green and overall sustainability profile the professional cleaning industry has become famous for.
Steve Ashkin is CEO and founder of The Ashkin Group; an internationally recognized consulting firm working to green the professional cleaning industry and help organizations implement effective and cost-effective sustainability programs.
To contact The Ashkin Group, click here.