Digitalisation, Technology

Why Technology Has Become Essential for Cleaning Companies

d. , Lærke Cecilie Ditlevsen

Every year, Cleanmanager hosts an industry day event for the cleaning industry in collaboration with BoConsult. In 2025, the topic was AI, robots and digital tools. And the message was clear: 

If you haven’t already started using technological solutions, now is the time to get on board.

But what does it mean in practice? And how do you start your digital journey when your day-to-day is packed? In this blog post, you’ll learn why cleaning technology is no longer optional in the cleaning industry.

The Challenges in the UK Cleaning Industry

Your business operates in a complex reality. 

  • Labour shortages make it difficult to staff tasks and maintain stable operations.
  • Rising expectations from clients – including demands for documentation, flexibility, and transparency – are placing an increasing administrative burden on management.
  • Tighter deadlines and growing competition are pushing the need for efficient planning and well-defined processes.

The challenges are not only practical, they are structural. More tasks need to be handled with fewer people and at a higher standard, which easily leads to stress, mistakes, and a work environment under pressure. That’s why documentation, transparency, and cleaning technology are no longer optional, they are essential.

Many managers are well aware that software and digital solutions can help. But they’re often left with questions such as:

  • Where should we start?
  • Do we even have time to implement something new? 
  • What if it doesn’t work in practice? 

At the Industry Day, this exact uncertainty was addressed:

Start with what creates the most value. You will make mistakes, and that’s how you learn.

Digitalisation shouldn’t be all or nothing. It should be a down-to-earth journey based on real needs and solutions that make sense in a busy working day.

Presentation about cleaning technology

How Technology Can Solve the Cleaning Industry’s Challenges

The good news is that there’s technology and commercial cleaning software developed specifically for the cleaning industry. Solutions that can be implemented gradually and deliver value from day one.

Some of the most effective places to start digitalising your cleaning business are…

  • Time tracking via app. Make it easy for your staff to register their working hours digitally and avoid paperwork and duplication.
  • Digital planning. Replace spreadsheets and whiteboards with a cleaning scheduling app that makes scheduling and coordination simple.
  • Quality control and documentation. Gather checklists, photo documentation and task completion in one app, so everything is recorded, centralised and easy to follow up on.
  • Robot solutions and sensors. Use cleaning technology to support repetitive tasks and collect data on usage patterns or demand-driven cleaning.

Curious to know more about how digitalisation can make cleaning businesses more efficient? Then have a look at our article, Enhancing Efficiency Through Digitalisation in the Cleaning Industry.

At CleanManager…

… we work every day to make digital transformation manageable and meaningful.

Our commercial cleaning software is designed specifically for the cleaning industry, developed in close collaboration with users and supports the entire workflow: planning, time tracking, quality control, and documentation.

We know that an effective digitalisation strategy isn’t about doing everything at once, but about getting started at a pace that fits your reality.

Dancing robot showing how technology can be fun

What Technology Can Do for Your Cleaning Business

When cleaning robots, sensors and digital tools are used strategically, they don’t just improve things on paper – the difference can be felt in day-to-day operations.

Operational benefits

  • Less manual work and fewer errors
  • More reliable operations and better use of available staff
  • Data that provides clarity and supports smarter decisions

A better working environment

  • Staff receive clearer instructions and avoid unnecessary tasks
  • Fewer frustrations and misunderstandings
  • Greater calm and structure in daily workflows

Improved customer satisfaction

  • Transparency and documentation that build trust
  • Consistent quality, even when staff changes occur
  • The ability to share insights and data directly with clients

Are You Ready to Start Your Digital journey?

Technology and digitalisation don’t have to be overwhelming. On the contrary, experience shows that change works best when you start with what makes sense – and build from there.

Want to explore more about technology in the cleaning industry?

Read our article outlining the pros and cons of technology and digitalisation: Dusting Off the Cleaning Industry with Technology and Digitalisation.

Or, if you’re curious about implementing cleaning robots, have a look at our own case featuring our office robot Mogens in the article: Cleaning Robots: A Real Relief or just Hype? We Tested it.

The digital journey doesn’t begin with major changes. It begins with one thing becoming easier. And that journey is one we’re happy to take with you.

At CleanManager, our commercial cleaning software brings together planning, time tracking, documentation, and quality control in one user-friendly system – built specifically for the cleaning industry.

No matter where you start, the goal is the same: to make everyday work easier and give you better control and oversight.

Lightbulb for innovation and technology

FAQ – Digitalisation and Technology in the Cleaning Industry

How do you get started with digitalisation in a cleaning company?

Begin by identifying the areas where your day-to-day operations are most under pressure – such as planning, time tracking, or documentation. Choose one solution that delivers noticeable value quickly, and implement it in small, manageable steps.

Which technological solutions make the most sense to start with?

Time tracking apps, digital shift planning and quality control are great first steps. They quickly provide an overview and reduce both time consumption and manual errors – without requiring major resources to get started.

What are the benefits of using cleaning robots?

Robots can handle repetitive tasks like vacuuming and floor cleaning. This frees up time, reduces physical strain on staff, and ensures consistent quality – especially in large areas or places with staffing challenges.

How does technology support more sustainable operations?

Digital tools make it easier to plan demand-based cleaning, avoid duplicated work, and reduce the use of resources – for example, with sensors that indicate where cleaning is actually needed. This helps reduce both waste and environmental impact.

Is digitalisation only for large cleaning companies?

No. Technology and software can be tailored to businesses of all sizes. What matters most is not the size of your company, but choosing solutions that match your needs – and implementing them at a pace that suits you.

How does CleanManager support digitalisation?

CleanManager offers an all-in-one software solution for planning, time tracking, documentation and quality control – developed specifically for the cleaning industry. Our team can advise you on where to start and help you take the first step in your digitalisation strategy.

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