Australia’s commercial cleaning sector is riding a wave of demand, fuelled by heightened hygiene expectations, sustainability goals and the adoption of new technologies. With the industry forecast to reach a market size of $20.1 billion by 2025, operators are positioning themselves for long-term growth.
Interior building cleaning remains the most profitable segment of the industry, outpacing other services in revenue share. Construction activity, from large-scale builds to constant renovation cycles, is creating steady opportunities for cleaning contracts. These projects, often long-term and lucrative, continue to anchor revenue streams for contractors.
Back in 2020, the pandemic created a defining shift in how businesses view cleaning. The immediate effect was disruptive, with many offices, retail outlets and hospitality venues suspending contracts during lockdowns. Yet in the recovery phase, heightened awareness of infection control reshaped client expectations. The industry responded with more specialised services, improved processes and a renewed focus on safeguarding public health. That heightened standard has since stabilised into a steady driver of growth.
Technology drives transparency
Digital tools are reshaping how cleaning is managed and delivered. Apps, monitoring systems and smart sensors give operators better oversight of workflows while cutting labour inefficiencies. Urban Clean has embraced this shift with its Janiflow app, which streamlines operations for franchisees and clients alike. From scheduling and reporting to real-time communication, these platforms build trust and accountability, while also reducing administrative load. The investment in IT infrastructure can be significant, but operators adopting such technology are gaining a competitive edge.
Across Australia’s east coast, where close to 80 percent of industry operators are located, green cleaning has become a key differentiator. Businesses and stakeholders are pushing for energy-efficient equipment, non-toxic chemicals and reduced packaging waste. For contractors, aligning with these expectations is no longer optional. Advances in product formulation and cleaning systems mean sustainability can now coexist with performance and cost-efficiency.
Forecasts for 2025 highlight the forces shaping the next phase of industry growth: eco-friendly products, automation, multi-purpose solutions, subscription models and resilient supply chains. Workforce strategies are also evolving, with operators seeking new ways to attract and retain staff in a tight labour market.
After several years of volatility caused by the pandemic, the industry is entering a period of steadier expansion. The appetite for innovation, efficiency and sustainability is strong, and cleaning companies that embrace these shifts will be best placed to capture the opportunities ahead.
