ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is proud to announce the winners of its first-ever Spotless Spaces Competition, sponsored by Tork, an Essity Brand. This exclusive ISSA-member benefit spotlights outstanding cleaning environments worldwide, celebrating the critical work of cleaning professionals in maintaining safe, healthy, and pristine facilities.
“The Spotless Spaces Competition exemplifies our industry’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “These winners set the gold standard for cleanliness and hygiene, creating spaces where health, safety, and well-being thrive. Their achievements serve as benchmarks for the entire industry.”
Cleanliness is more than just a standard – it is a commitment to health, safety and innovation. ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is proud to unveil the winners of the inaugural Spotless Spaces Competition, sponsored by Tork, an Essity brand. This prestigious competition recognises spaces that exemplify excellence in hygiene and facility management, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Following an overwhelming response from voters and industry experts, the winners have been crowned.
The competition recognizes excellence in three categories:
- Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award Winner: The in-house cleaning team for Gathering Place Public Park in Tulsa, OK.
- U.S. Spotless Space of the Year Winner: The in-house cleaning team at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for the Archives and Virginia Square Metro Stations in Washington, D.C. and Virginia.
- International Spotless Space of the Year Winner: Hygiene & Sanitization Services – Fiji LTD, the building service contractor for Labasa Hospital, Nadi Hospital, and CWM Hospital in Fiji.
International Spotless Space of the Year: Hygiene & Sanitization Services – Fiji Ltd
Earning top honours in the international category is Hygiene & Sanitization Services – Fiji Ltd, the building service contractor responsible for maintaining Labasa Hospital, Nadi Hospital and CWM Hospital in Fiji. This recognition, awarded by popular vote, underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to cleanliness and service excellence across multiple healthcare facilities.
“As a Building Service Contractor in Fiji, this recognition validates our commitment to innovation and excellence in our industry,” Hygiene & Sanitization Services Fiji Ltd managing director Mohammed Tazim says. “It highlights the dedication of our team, whose expertise and efforts have made this milestone possible.”
Tazim says their ISSA membership has strengthened their ability to implement world-class hygiene and sanitisation standards to deliver the best possible solutions to their clients. “This achievement represents a pivotal moment for Hygiene & Sanitization Services – Fiji, and we are honoured to be recognised as an ISSA member.”
U.S. Spotless Space of the Year: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
In the United States, the in-house cleaning team at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has been recognised for their exemplary work at the Archives and Virginia Square Metro Stations, respectively, in Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Selected by popular vote, this team has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to maintaining clean and welcoming transit spaces for thousands of daily commuters.
Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award: Gathering Place public park, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Honouring sustainability, accessibility and hygiene innovation, the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award has been awarded to the in-house cleaning team at Gathering Place public park in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Selected by Tork, this award highlights facilities that implement forward-thinking hygiene practices while prioritising environmental responsibility and public safety.
“We are thrilled to recognize Gathering Place Public Park as the recipient of the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award,” said Matthew Urmanski, Vice President of Sales & Marketing North America at Essity. “Gathering Place Public Park embodies the highest standards in sustainable hygiene management, implementing innovative solutions that enhance business outcomes. Their forward-thinking approach underscores the critical role of smart hygiene practices in creating cleaner, safer, more sustainable, and accessible spaces.”
A testament to industry excellence
The Spotless Spaces Competition, held in conjunction with International Cleaning Week (24–30 March 2024), is a remarkable initiative that shines a spotlight on the vital role of cleaning professionals. By showcasing industry-leading practices, this competition not only raises standards but also reinforces the significance of cleaning teams in creating healthier, safer environments.
“We are thrilled to learn that an ISSA Oceania & Asia Pacific member has taken out the International Award by popular vote,” ISSA accounts coordinator Alicia Morgan says of the initiative. “The Spotless Spaces Competition honours excellence in cleaning and hygiene while providing ISSA members with a unique opportunity to gain recognition, showcase their expertise and differentiate themselves in the market. It is initiatives like these that help businesses elevate their reputation and strengthen their impact in the industry.”
Keep the celebration going
Congratulations to all the winners, participants, and voters who made this event a success! Your dedication to creating spotless, safe spaces inspires the entire industry.
The Spotless Spaces Competition is a key highlight of International Cleaning Week 2025, held from 23-29 March . This global event underscores the cleaning industry’s vital role in protecting public health and driving economic impact.
Learn more about these outstanding spaces and their achievements here.
Join us in celebrating International Cleaning Week and explore more ways to engage by visiting issa.com/icw.
