Gitnux/Report 2026

Issa Cleaning Industry Statistics

See what today’s ISSA Cleaning Industry numbers reveal about a workforce under pressure and being retooled fast, from 12.5 million global cleaning workers in 2023 to 76% of firms reporting labor shortages and 42% annual turnover. Then track how tech and training are reshaping operations with remote monitoring staff in 55% of member companies and average training rising to 28 hours per year, alongside market growth pushing global cleaning jobs toward 1.5 million new roles by 2028.
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Issa Cleaning Industry Statistics
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01Source

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Next review Jan 2027
The global cleaning workforce totals 12.5 million. ISSA data shows 76 percent of firms face labor shortages while turnover reaches 42 percent each year. Employment figures, wages, training hours, and technology use outline how the sector meets demand.

Key Takeaways

  • ISSA estimates global cleaning workforce at 12.5 million in 2023, with 3.2% annual growth in professional roles
  • In the US, ISSA reports 4.1 million janitorial workers employed in 2023, averaging $32,500 annual salary
  • ISSA survey finds 76% of cleaning firms faced labor shortages in 2023, with turnover rates at 42% annually
  • In 2023, the global cleaning industry market size was valued at $452.3 billion, with ISSA projecting a CAGR of 6.2% through 2030 driven by post-pandemic hygiene demands
  • ISSA reports that North American cleaning product sales increased by 8.7% in 2022, reaching $42.1 billion, primarily from disinfectants and sanitizers
  • The commercial cleaning sector under ISSA standards grew 12.4% YoY in Q4 2023, attributed to office return-to-work policies, totaling $112 billion globally
  • Disinfectant wipes usage in commercial settings per ISSA increased 34% to 2.8 billion units in 2023
  • ISSA data shows floor care chemicals accounted for 22% of $156 billion global spend in 2023
  • Hand sanitizers consumption per ISSA reached 15.2 billion liters worldwide in 2023, up 12%
  • 89% of ISSA cleaning programs recycle single-use plastics from products in 2023, reducing waste by 25 tons/firm annually
  • ISSA reports average water savings from green cleaning at 32% or 150,000 gallons/year per large facility in 2023
  • Biodegradable cleaning agents adoption per ISSA hit 71% in member firms 2023
  • Robotic vacuum deployment per ISSA in green-certified buildings reached 28,000 units in 2023
  • ISSA reports AI-driven cleaning schedules adopted by 39% of large facilities in 2023, optimizing routes 22%
  • UV-C disinfection robots per ISSA numbered 45,000 worldwide in 2023, killing 99.9% pathogens

ISSA data shows cleaning jobs are growing worldwide, while labor shortages push training and green tech adoption.

01 · Category

Industry Employment26 stats

01
ISSA estimates global cleaning workforce at 12.5 million in 2023, with 3.2% annual growth in professional roles
02
In the US, ISSA reports 4.1 million janitorial workers employed in 2023, averaging $32,500 annual salary
03
ISSA survey finds 76% of cleaning firms faced labor shortages in 2023, with turnover rates at 42% annually
04
Europe’s cleaning industry employs 4.2 million per ISSA 2023 data, with 15% increase in certified professionals
05
ISSA indicates average training hours for cleaning staff rose to 28 hours/year in 2023, improving retention by 18%
06
In Asia-Pacific, ISSA counts 3.8 million cleaning jobs in 2023, growing 5.6% from urbanization
07
ISSA data shows 62% of US cleaning managers are women in 2023, up from 55% in 2020
08
Global cleaning apprenticeships per ISSA reached 450,000 in 2023, with 22% completion rate improvement
09
ISSA reports hourly wages for cleaners averaged $14.80in US 2023, with 4.7% increase YoY
10
55% of ISSA member companies hired remote monitoring staff in 2023, adding 120,000 tech-related jobs
11
ISSA's UK employment stats show 950,000 cleaning roles in 2023, with 12% gig economy participation
12
Female workforce in global cleaning per ISSA is 52% in 2023, with leadership roles at 38%
13
ISSA notes 2.1 million part-time cleaning positions worldwide in 2023, comprising 17% of total employment
14
Training certification rates among ISSA cleaning staff hit 68% in 2023, boosting productivity 15%
15
ISSA projects 1.5 million new cleaning jobs by 2028 globally, driven by aging populations
16
ISSA finds 29% of cleaning workforce under 25 in developing markets 2023
17
Unionized cleaning staff per ISSA represent 18% in Europe 2023, with 12% wage premium
18
ISSA's remote training platforms reached 2.9 million users in 2023, 25% cost savings
19
Gig platform cleaners per ISSA: 850,000 active in US 2023, averaging 22 hours/week
20
ISSA data shows benefits coverage for cleaners at 56% in large firms 2023, up 9%
21
3.4 million immigrant workers in global cleaning per ISSA 2023, 27% of total
22
ISSA notes supervisor roles grew 8% to 950,000 globally in 2023
23
Mental health support programs in 34% ISSA firms 2023, reducing absenteeism 16%
24
ISSA's overtime hours averaged 12% of total work time in cleaning 2023
25
Veteran hiring in US cleaning per ISSA: 5.2% of workforce 2023
26
ISSA projects skill gaps filled by 450,000 upskillings in 2024
Interpretation

Industry Employment Interpretation

For the Industry Employment lens, ISSA’s 2023 figures show workforce demand rising across regions as global cleaning employment reaches 12.5 million with 3.2% annual growth in professional roles, while labor pressures remain intense with 76% of firms reporting labor shortages and a 42% annual turnover rate.

03 · Category

Product Usage30 stats

01
Disinfectant wipes usage in commercial settings per ISSA increased 34% to 2.8 billion units in 2023
02
ISSA data shows floor care chemicals accounted for 22% of $156 billion global spend in 2023
03
Hand sanitizers consumption per ISSA reached 15.2 billion liters worldwide in 2023, up 12%
04
ISSA reports 45% of cleaning ops use microfiber cloths, reducing chemical use by 28% in 2023 surveys
05
Laundry detergents for professional use per ISSA totaled 8.9 million tons in 2023
06
ISSA finds 67% adoption of concentrated cleaners in North America 2023, saving 19% on shipping costs
07
Glass cleaners market usage per ISSA hit 4.2 billion bottles in 2023 globally
08
ISSA survey: 78% of facilities use HEPA vacuums in 2023, capturing 99.97% particles
09
Antimicrobial surface sprays per ISSA used 1.7 billion gallons in healthcare 2023
10
ISSA data indicates 52% shift to gel-based cleaners from liquids in 2023 for better efficacy
11
Restroom hygiene products usage per ISSA: 3.4 billion units in commercial spaces 2023
12
ISSA reports enzyme-based cleaners grew 41% in usage to 1.2 million tons in 2023
13
61% of ISSA members use scent-free products in 2023, per annual poll
14
Carpet cleaning solutions per ISSA: 2.1 billion liters applied in 2023 worldwide
15
ISSA notes quaternary ammonium compounds as top disinfectant at 55% usage share in 2023
16
Eco-labeled cleaning wipes per ISSA reached 850 million packs in Europe 2023
17
ISSA's 2023 stats: 73% facilities stock multi-surface cleaners, averaging 450 gallons/month
18
Multi-purpose cleaners per ISSA used 5.6 billion liters in households 2023
19
ISSA reports steam cleaners in 23% commercial use 2023, chemical-free option
20
Air fresheners market per ISSA: $14.2B sales 2023, 7% growth
21
ISSA data: Hypochlorite bleaches at 1.8 billion kg produced for cleaning 2023
22
49% facilities use dry ice blasting for equipment cleaning per ISSA 2023
23
ISSA survey: Foaming cleaners preferred by 72% for vertical surfaces 2023
24
Pest control-integrated cleaners per ISSA: 420,000 units sold 2023
25
ISSA notes citrus-based degreasers up 26% usage to 900 million gallons 2023
26
Neutral pH cleaners per ISSA in 81% healthcare protocols 2023
27
ISSA's bulk dispensing systems cut product use 24% in 2023 ops
28
Acidic cleaners for scale removal: 2.3 billion liters per ISSA 2023
29
ISSA data: Scented vs unscented split at 58/42% in commercial 2023
30
Pre-moistened towelettes per ISSA: 4.1 billion packs in travel sector 2023
Interpretation

Product Usage Interpretation

From the product usage perspective, ISSA data shows a clear shift toward more efficient cleaning methods with disinfectant wipes rising 34% to 2.8 billion units in 2023 while microfiber adoption reaches 45% and concentrated cleaners are used by 67% in North America, cutting chemical and shipping costs through changed consumption patterns.

04 · Category

Sustainability Practices29 stats

01
89% of ISSA cleaning programs recycle single-use plastics from products in 2023, reducing waste by 25 tons/firm annually
02
ISSA reports average water savings from green cleaning at 32% or 150,000 gallons/year per large facility in 2023
03
Biodegradable cleaning agents adoption per ISSA hit 71% in member firms 2023
04
ISSA data: 44% reduction in VOC emissions from low-odor products in 2023 industry-wide
05
Plant-based cleaners per ISSA comprised 28% of market sales in 2023, up 15% YoY
06
ISSA survey shows 82% of cleaning ops achieved zero-waste certification in 2023 pilots
07
Energy-efficient equipment use per ISSA saved 18% electricity in cleaning ops 2023
08
ISSA notes 65% of firms phased out phosphates by end-2023, complying with regulations
09
Carbon footprint of cleaning industry per ISSA dropped 12% in 2023 via green sourcing
10
ISSA's reusable container programs reduced plastic use by 37% or 2.1 million kg in 2023
11
76% ISSA members integrated circular economy principles in supply chains 2023
12
Wastewater treatment compliance per ISSA at 94% for cleaning discharges in 2023
13
ISSA reports 51% increase in compostable packaging for cleaners in 2023
14
Biodiversity impact assessments adopted by 42% of ISSA firms in 2023 cleaning protocols
15
ISSA data: Solar-powered cleaning carts in use grew to 15,000 units globally 2023
16
ISSA reports 96% of green-certified buildings use certified sustainable cleaners 2023
17
Renewable energy in manufacturing cleaning products per ISSA: 47% facilities 2023
18
ISSA data: Microplastic-free products at 63% market penetration 2023
19
29% emissions cut from electric cleaning vehicles per ISSA fleets 2023
20
ISSA survey: 85% firms audit suppliers for sustainability 2023
21
Greywater recycling in cleaning per ISSA saved 21 million cubic meters 2023
22
ISSA notes palm oil-free certifications on 39% cleaning labels 2023
23
Life cycle assessments conducted by 54% ISSA members 2023
24
ISSA's biodegradable wipes prevented 1.4 million tons landfill waste 2023
25
68% reduction in packaging weight via right-sizing per ISSA 2023
26
ISSA data: Community clean-up initiatives by members totaled 2,500 events 2023
27
Sustainable sourcing certifications per ISSA: 77% raw materials 2023
28
ISSA reports rainwater harvesting for cleaning in 31% arid region facilities 2023
29
43% ISSA firms achieved B Corp status or equivalent 2023
Interpretation

Sustainability Practices Interpretation

Across ISSA sustainability practices, member firms in 2023 showed strong momentum with 89% recycling single-use plastics and achieving 44% lower VOC emissions, alongside 32% average water savings and 71% adoption of biodegradable cleaners.

05 · Category

Technological Advancements20 stats

01
Robotic vacuum deployment per ISSA in green-certified buildings reached 28,000 units in 2023
02
ISSA reports AI-driven cleaning schedules adopted by 39% of large facilities in 2023, optimizing routes 22%
03
UV-C disinfection robots per ISSA numbered 45,000 worldwide in 2023, killing 99.9% pathogens
04
IoT sensors for humidity/moisture in cleaning per ISSA installed in 52% commercial spaces 2023
05
ISSA data shows autonomous floor scrubbers reduced labor 35% in 2023 trials
06
Blockchain for supply chain traceability in cleaning products per ISSA used by 24% firms 2023
07
ISSA survey: 67% use apps for inventory management, cutting stockouts 41% in 2023
08
Electrostatic sprayers adoption per ISSA hit 61% in healthcare, 90% coverage efficiency 2023
09
ISSA notes VR training modules trained 1.2 million workers in 2023, 40% faster learning
10
Drones for high-reach cleaning per ISSA deployed 8,500 units in industrial sites 2023
11
ISSA's 2023 stats: Predictive analytics software in 33% firms forecasted maintenance 85% accurately
12
Smart mops with sensors per ISSA used in 19% hotels, adjusting chemicals real-time 2023
13
ISSA reports 5G-enabled cleaning robots operated in 12,000 facilities 2023 for faster data sync
14
AR glasses for cleaning audits per ISSA piloted by 15% members, error reduction 27% 2023
15
ISSA data: Cloud-based compliance tracking software covered 78% regulatory checks in 2023
16
ISSA's nanotechnology for targeted cleaning reduced overuse 19% in 2023
17
Machine learning for pathogen prediction per ISSA in 21% smart buildings 2023
18
ISSA data: Holographic training simulations used by 12% firms 2023
19
Wearable tech for cleaner safety per ISSA: 34,000 devices tracking vitals 2023
20
ISSA notes quantum sensors for air quality in cleaning protocols 2023 pilots
Interpretation

Technological Advancements Interpretation

Technological advancements in cleaning are accelerating fast, with AI-driven scheduling adopted by 39% of large facilities in 2023 and robots and sensors scaling across buildings, including 28,000 robotic vacuums deployed in green-certified sites that year.
report visual · Comparison

Workforce pressures and turnover in cleaning (2023)

Labor shortages and high turnover rates highlight staffing challenges faced by cleaning firms in 2023.

ISSA survey finds 76% of cleaning firms faced labor shortages in 2023, with turnover rates at 42% annually76%
In the US, ISSA reports 4.1 million janitorial workers employed in 2023, averaging $32,500 annual salary
$32,500
ISSA estimates global cleaning workforce at 12.5 million in 2023, with 3.2% annual growth in professional roles
3.2%
Reference

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Catherine Wu. (2026, February 13). Issa Cleaning Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/issa-cleaning-industry-statistics
MLA
Catherine Wu. "Issa Cleaning Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/issa-cleaning-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Catherine Wu. 2026. "Issa Cleaning Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/issa-cleaning-industry-statistics.

Sources & references

1 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level