Home cleaning. Steam carpet cleaning on a grey background. Photo from copy space.

The commercial and industrial cleaning sectors are poised for significant changes in 2025, with steam cleaning technology at the forefront of innovation. Steamerica, a leader in this field, has identified five key trends that will shape the industry in the coming year, driven by a growing demand for sustainable and efficient cleaning solutions.

The global steam cleaning market is projected to reach $6.2 billion by 2030, reflecting the increasing adoption of advanced cleaning technologies. Steamerica's CEO, Yujin Anderson, emphasizes that these advancements are not only enhancing cleaning efficiency but also contributing to global sustainability goals.

Here are some of the key trends identified:

  • Sustainability and ESG Compliance:
    • Businesses are prioritizing cleaning solutions that align with their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
    • There will be a greater demand for water-saving, chemical-free dry steam cleaning technologies.
    • Equipment designed to eliminate wastewater and pollutants, and optimize energy use, will be favored.
  • Automation and Smart Cleaning:
    • Autonomous robotic cleaners will become more prevalent in large facilities, increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
    • Intelligent machines with real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance capabilities will be standard.
    • Data analysis will be used to refine and optimize cleaning processes.
    • Demand for specialty cleaning of sensitive robotic equipment will increase.
  • Health and Safety Enhancements:
    • Cleaning protocols will focus on eliminating allergens, biofilm, and airborne contaminants, particularly in response to recent food recalls.
    • Lightweight, ergonomic designs will reduce physical strain on cleaning staff.
    • Compliance with safety regulations will drive innovation in safer cleaning technologies.
  • Cost and Labor Optimization:
    • Businesses will prioritize multifunctional equipment to streamline processes and reduce reliance on manual labor, especially amid ongoing labor shortages.
    • Customizable tools will enable cost-effective scalability.
    • Tech-driven third-party cleaning services will continue to expand.
  • Regulation-Driven Innovation:
    • Stringent global regulations, such as California's CARB SORE ban, will push the industry towards greener and safer practices.
    • Enhanced systems will emerge to meet the rigorous cleaning demands of food production and processing industries.

These insights highlight the industry's shift towards technologies that balance efficiency with environmental responsibility. The focus on automation, health, and regulatory compliance indicates a move towards more sophisticated and sustainable cleaning practices.