When most people think of cleaning, they picture mops, detergents, and teams ticking off checklists. But in today’s built environment—where 90% of our lives are spent indoors—cleaning is no longer a “soft service.” It has become a strategic pillar of human health, well-being, and operational excellence.

Beyond the Surface: Cleaning as a Human-Centric Service

Indoor environments directly shape how people feel, work, and live. Poor indoor air quality, dust accumulation, and low hygiene standards do more than harm aesthetics—they impact respiratory health, productivity, and even mental well-being. Research links high indoor cleanliness standards to lower absenteeism and improved performance in workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities.

This means cleaning is not simply about deploying manpower, supplying materials, or completing daily schedules. It is about understanding the unique needs of each space—from hospitals requiring sterile conditions to commercial towers balancing air circulation and foot traffic. Cleaning today is an integrated science that bridges health, sustainability, and technology.

PropTech Meets Cleaning: The Smart Shift

The rise of PropTech (Property Technology) has redefined what cleaning can achieve. Sensors, IoT devices, and AI-driven platforms now track indoor air quality, footfall, and space utilization in real time. Instead of relying on static schedules, service providers can shift to demand-based cleaning—deploying resources where and when they are needed most.

For example, air-quality sensors can alert teams to rising particulate matter before it becomes a health hazard. Robotics and automated scrubbers ensure consistency in high-traffic zones. Data dashboards allow managers to validate service levels instantly, moving away from manual sign-off sheets toward evidence-based performance.

This technological integration transforms cleaning from a reactive function into a proactive, measurable, and continuously improving service.

Standards That Safeguard Well-Being

Behind every cleaning strategy lies a framework of standards. Aligning with recognized benchmarks—such as WELL, LEED, or ISO standards—not only ensures regulatory compliance but also builds trust with building occupants. These standards emphasize:

• Air quality and ventilation as determinants of health.
• Surface cleanliness as a defense against bacteria and viruses.
• Sustainability practices, such as eco-friendly materials and optimized water use.

By embedding these standards into digital monitoring systems, service providers can elevate cleaning from an operational task to a value-added health service.

Continuous Improvement: A Mindset Shift

Technology alone is not the answer. The real transformation comes from combining human expertise with digital insights. Frontline cleaning staff, empowered with training and real-time data, can respond faster, reduce errors, and take pride in their role as custodians of health.

This creates a cycle of continuous improvement: data informs action, action raises standards, and standards build healthier spaces. In the long run, this not only safeguards human well-being but also extends the lifespan of assets, reduces energy costs, and strengthens the reputation of properties.

The Future of Cleaning: From Support to Strategy

The era of PropTech has made it clear: cleaning is no longer a background service. It is an integrated strategic function—shaping tenant satisfaction, property value, and community trust. By combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of human needs, the cleaning industry is stepping into a new role: protecting people, enabling well-being, and driving smarter, healthier buildings.

As the pace of urbanization accelerates, the message is simple yet profound: cleaning is not an expense—it is an investment in life, health, and the future.

About the author

Anas Gahshan is the Director of Facility Management, HSE & Sustainability, Kaizen AMS.