The cleaning industry is a sector of the economy that provides essential products and services to clean and sustain healthy environments of all types. It involves in-house and contracted service providers, manufacturers, and distributors of cleaning products. 

The cleaning industry has played a significant role in the U.S. economy, employing nearly three million individuals. According to a report by IBISWorld, the revenue of the cleaning products and services industry in the United States was $90.1 billion in September 2023, which represents a CAGR of 1.2%.

In the next five years, the cleaning industry’s compound annual growth rate will likely grow by 1.2%, reaching $94.7 billion by 2028. 

This article surveys the current state and prospects of the U.S. cleaning market. It provides statistics on current and projected growth, the economic impact of market size and job creation, consumer behaviour, trends, and future outlooks.

Market Overview & Statistics

The United States has a complex cleaning industry encompassing everything from cleaning products and janitorial services to specialized cleaning solutions. It comprises large national companies and small local businesses divided into three market sectors: commercial, residential, and specialized cleaning.

Cleaning professionals provide commercial cleaning services to businesses, companies, and organizations of all sizes. On the other hand, residential cleaning services are tailored to individual homes and apartments. Cleaning professionals typically offer essential cleaning services, such as vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and cleaning rooms.

In addition to the essentials, the cleaning industry also offers deep cleaning services, such as carpet, window, and oven cleaning. Specialized cleaning services, such as stain removal and house relocation cleaning, are also available.

The increasing demand for cleaning services from businesses and homeowners and the development of new cleaning technologies are contributing to the expansion of the industry. In this regard, it’s worth mentioning that the commercial cleaning sector maintained a significant market share in 2022. Additionally, janitors and cleaners earned an annual income of approximately 34,000 U.S. dollars. 

Major Segments 

Commercial

The commercial cleaning sector in the U.S. market includes a diverse range of activities responsible for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. It is required to comply with the health and safety regulations of the United States and provide excellent customer service. 

The commercial cleaning industry has been experiencing rapid growth and will likely continue seeing increasing demand. This is due to the fact that businesses and households are realizing the importance of preserving a clean and orderly premise. 

People are becoming more aware of the importance of cleaning to prevent the spread of illnesses, and businesses are outsourcing non-core tasks like cleaning to focus on their core competencies. These factors have led to growth in the commercial cleaning market.

It’s also worth mentioning that the commercial segment of the U.S. cleaning industry is highly fragmented, consisting of many small and medium-sized businesses.

Current projections in the commercial segment of the U.S. cleaning market: 

• The commercial sector is estimated to develop at a CAGR of 2.5% by the year 2028.
• The contract cleaning sector is rapidly growing, with an anticipated CAGR of 7.10% from 2023 to 2028.
• According to Yahoo Finance, the commercial cleaning market of scrubbers and sweepers will reach $8.05 Billion by 2028.

Residential

The residential cleaning sector in the U.S. market has several essential responsibilities, including maintaining a clean indoor environment, aiding households with cleaning, reducing stress, and improving the quality of life. In 2021, the residential cleaning segment generated revenue of $943 million. It is the second largest sector in the industry, totalling 30% of market revenue.

In a survey of residential facility managers about cleaning and maintenance, most managers said they would outsource cleaning rather than keeping it in-house. 

Current projections in the residential segment of the U.S. cleaning market:  

• The residential market size was approximately $1.6 billion in 2022.
• The projected annual growth rate is 2.8%.
• The average yearly wage is $34,000, with 678,767 employees in the sector.

Specialized

The specialized cleaning sector in the U.S. market caters to specific cleaning needs. These services are required in environments where regular cleaning methods are not applicable. The key responsibilities of specialized cleaning companies in the U.S. market include biohazard scene cleanup, medical waste disposal, industrial cleaning, and mould remediation, among several other technical services.

According to IBISWorld, this segment compromises a large portion of the cleaning industry revenue and is likely to grow at an annual rate of 3.9% in the next five years. 

Current projections in the specialized segment of the U.S. cleaning market:  

• The healthcare cleaning segment is likely to total USD 8.7 billion by 2026
• The disaster recovery cleaning segment accounts for over 5% of specialized cleaning revenue, with a projected growth of CAGR of 5% by 2031.

Key Players and Companies in The Industry

The cleaning industry in the United States is a prominent and growing market. It is fragmented, hosting large and small companies operating in different sectors.

The key players in the U.S. cleaning industry include:

• The most substantial janitorial services company in the United States is ABM Industries, with over $7.8 billion in revenue in 2022. The company provides various cleaning services to commercial, industrial, and institutional clients. 
• Sodexo is originally a French management and food service company that provides cleaning services, among others. It played a massive role in the U.S. economy, generating over $12 billion in 2021.
• Stanley Steemer International is a well-known American carpet cleaning company and other floor care services. The company has over 300 local franchises, accounting for 2.3% of the industry’s revenue.  

Economic Impact

Overall Market Size and Growth

• According to Allied Market research, the global cleaning services market will reach $111.49 billion globally by 2030 at a 6.5% CAGR.
• The global janitorial services market was worth $297.47 billion in 2022 and was likely to reach $324.21 billion in 2023.
• According to IBISWorld, The United States janitorial services grew at a CAGR of 1.2%, with an increase of 0.4% in 2023 alone. 
• The United States cleaning Industry profit, worth as earnings before interest and taxes deduction, has remained constant at 6.7% of revenue.

Employment Statistics and Job Creation

Findings show that the average job growth across fields is 5-8%. By contrast, the cleaning industry has a job growth of 10%, 3% more than the national average.

• The cleaning industry is a significant factor in job creation in the United States, with over 2.4 million people working in the industry in 2023. It will provide 336,700 jobs over the next decade.
• Commercial cleaning is the most significant of the industry, accounting for about 31% of the market portion, whereas residential cleaning accounts for about 27%.
• In 2018, twice as many individuals worked as janitors and cleaners (2.15 million) than maids and housekeepers (924,290). The BLS evaluates that approximately 300 thousand more janitorial jobs will be available over the following years.

Economic Contributions and GDP Impact

The cleaning industry is crucial to the U.S. economy, providing services, creating job vacancies, and generating tax revenue. The sector’s employment will likely grow faster than average in the following years due to increased demand from businesses, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. 

In 2019, the cleaning industry generated $57.4 billion and supported more than 66,600 jobs. The industry’s total economic impact is roughly $200 billion and proximally 700,000 jobs when considering upstream suppliers. 

According to The American Cleaning Institute, the cleaning industry also contributed to the US GDP, totalling about 0.6% of the total US GDP in 2019.

Trends and Innovations

Sustainable cleaning is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. as consumers become more aware of the negative impacts of cleaning products on the environment and individuals’ health. According to a recent report by Smithers, the global market for eco-friendly cleaning products is likely to reach $111.2 billion by 2025, with the U.S. market as a significant portion of this growth.

Several factors are driving the growth of green cleaning in the U.S. market, including:

• Consumer demand: Consumers increasingly seek sustainable and safe products for their families. A recent Nielsen survey discovered that 66% of United States consumers are not against paying more for green products.
• Government regulations: The U.S. government is promoting responsible cleaning. For example, the US Green Building Council’s LEED certification program for sustainable buildings requires eco-friendly products.
• Innovation from manufacturers: Cleaning product manufacturers respond to shopper demand and government regulations by creating new healthy cleaning products. They are made with organic ingredients and without chemicals and toxins.

Technological Advancements 

Robotic Cleaning

Robotic cleaning machines are gaining popularity in the United States cleaning industry. These machines can perform various tasks, like vacuuming, sweeping, and disinfecting. They are programmed to work independently, freeing up cleaning staff to perform other tasks.

According to a study conducted by Markets and Markets, the global robotic cleaning market is likely to grow from 41.5 billion to 84.8 billion by 2028, with the USA being the most prominent market for automated cleaning machines, with a market share of over 30%.

IoT Integration

The Internet of Things (IoT) devices can store performance data on cleaning operations, like the time spent cleaning a house or the effectiveness of a cleaning product. Companies can then use this data to improve the cleaning efficiency and quality of cleaning equipment.

According to a report by Markets and Markets, the international IoT cleaning market is likely to grow by $12.1 billion by 2028. The United States is one of the leading trading markets for IoT cleaning devices, with a market share of more or less than 40%.

Health and Wellness Impacts 

The impact of COVID-19 on the cleaning industry in the United States was diverse. The COVID pandemic contributed to and accelerated the growth of the commercial cleaning industry by highlighting the need for a clean and germ-free environment, like offices, schools, gyms, medical facilities, and other public spaces. 

Some of its negative consequences were a decline in preventive care and an increase in mental health problems. However, it has had some positive changes, like the rise of telemedicine and the increased awareness of personal hygiene.

Below are specific statistics on the wellbeing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. market:

• According to a report by the NPD Group, in 2020, hand sanitizer sales increased by 28%, and online wipes and disinfectant sales increased by 170%.
• The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) found that 90% of cleaning companies reported increased service demand.
• The ISSA uncovered that 52% of cleaning businesses’ revenue increased during the pandemic. 
• A survey by the American Cleaning Institute found that approximately 90% of Americans will preserve hygiene habits.

Consumer Behavior

Demand Patterns and Preferences

The need for cleaning services is consistent throughout the seasonal fluctuations. For example, businesses during summer commonly demand cleaning assistance. The request for indoor cleaning services is naturally higher during the spring and fall. 

Consumers have several preferences in cleaning services; some prefer hiring professionals, while others prefer cleaning themselves. An NIQ survey uncovered that home cleaning product consumers want clean and sanitized homes. NIQ study also revealed that 45% of consumers desired products with safety precautions like antibacterial properties, non-toxic ingredients, and disinfectant properties, which are a major concern for their health. 

Below are insights into the demand patterns and preferences in the cleaning enterprise in the U.S. market:

• The global Contract Cleaning Services Market is likely to reach USD 639.5 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 6.56%.

• The average American household disburses nearly $130 per single cleaning service visit.
• 80% The average American household is likely to contract cleaning services by 2024.

Preference between DIY vs Professional Services

• Home Cleaning Centers found that 10 % hired professional cleaning services. 
• The preference for DIY cleaning is common among Americans, with 46% displaying a tendency to clean their homes. 

Future Outlook

Predicted Growth Rates

• According to Grand View Research, the cleaning industry in the U.S. is likely to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from the year 2023 to the year 2030, reaching USD 616.98 billion by 2030.
• According to Verified Market Research,  the cleaning services market is expected to reach a considerable CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030.
• The residential cleaning services market is expected to witness growth at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030.
• The healthcare cleaning services market is expected to grow fastest within the commercial cleaning services market, with a CAGR of 8.3% from the year 2023 to the year 2030.

Emerging Sectors and Opportunities

Green cleaning is trending in the cleaning industry of the U.S. market as businesses and consumers of cleaning products are becoming more mindful of the environmental and serious health risks associated with traditional cleaning products and techniques. 

In addition to known cleaning services, there is an increasing demand for niche cleaning services, such as medical cleaning, crime scene cleanup, and post-construction cleaning services. The development of new and rising industries, such as e-commerce and cannabis, is creating new opportunities for cleaning corporations. These industries have particular cleaning needs that specialized cleaning establishments can address. 

Statistics on the upcoming sectors and recent opportunities in the United States cleaning industry:

• The eco-friendly cleaning market will likely grow significantly at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2023 to 2024.
• The niche cleaning services market will likely grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from the year 2023 to the year 2030.
• The cleaning services market for the e-commerce industry is most likely to grow at a CAGR of 20.6% from 2023 to 2027.

The COVID-19 pandemic has notably influenced the cleaning enterprise in the U.S. market. In the short term, the sector encountered a rise in the need for its services as businesses and consumers sought to disinfect their houses and ameliorate the spread of the virus. 

The event has led to increased revenue and employment in the cleaning industry. The pandemic has also raised awareness of the significance of cleanliness and personal hygiene, likely leading to increased demand for cleansing services in the following years. The pandemic has led individuals to shift towards remote work and online shopping, decreasing the need for cleaning services. 

Overall, economic downturns tend to harm the cleaning industry. As businesses and individuals reduce spending, demand for cleaning services declines, resulting in job losses, reduced wages, and lower profits for cleaning establishments. 

However, the impact of a recession on the cleaning industry can vary. For example, the commercial cleaning segment is more likely affected by a recession than residential cleaning. According to a report by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), the upstream and downstream economic impact created approximately 700,000 vacancies.