TL;DR: The UK cleaning, hygiene and waste sector is now valued at a record 66.9 billion pounds, and the contract cleaning market is forecast to grow another 200 million pounds during 2026. Demand is strong, but rising business costs and labour shortages remain the biggest pressures.
Here is a quick, useful snapshot of what is happening in the UK cleaning sector this month, with real figures and dated sources so you can see where the demand and the pressure are coming from.
Key facts
- The UK cleaning, hygiene and waste sector is valued at a record 66.9 billion pounds, up more than ten percent in twelve months.
- The contract cleaning market is forecast to grow by a further 200 million pounds during 2026.
- Over 87 percent of sector respondents say sustainability matters, and more than 61 percent name greener chemicals as the top priority.
- Rising business costs and labour shortages remain the biggest challenges cleaning firms face.
A record market value
The headline number this month is the sector value, 66.9 billion pounds for cleaning, hygiene and waste, up more than ten percent year on year. That growth reflects sustained demand for professional cleaning across offices, healthcare, education and hospitality, as organisations keep prioritising hygiene and well maintained workplaces.
Contract cleaning set to grow
Research this year points to the UK contract cleaning market growing by another 200 million pounds during 2026. For cleaning businesses that means more public and private contracts coming to tender, and a real opportunity for firms that can win and deliver managed cleaning work.
Sustainability moves up the agenda
Sustainability is no longer a nice to have. More than 87 percent of respondents confirmed it matters to the sector, and greener chemicals topped the priority list at over 61 percent. Cleaning firms that can show environmentally friendly products and processes have a clear edge when bidding.
The pressures cleaners are managing
The biggest challenge remains the rising cost of doing business, alongside continuing labour and staff shortages. Firms are balancing higher costs with client demand for higher standards, including advanced services like virus and pathogen cleaning in high traffic settings.
What this means for cleaners and clients
For cleaners, demand and contract volume are rising, so visibility and the ability to bid quickly matter. For clients, standards are climbing, and finding a reliable, well matched cleaner is easier when the market is transparent. On CQD New Gen you can browse live public cleaning contracts, find cleaning work, or post a cleaning job free with no commission and no posting fee. It is free to use right now.
FAQ
How big is the UK cleaning industry in 2026?
The cleaning, hygiene and waste sector is valued at a record 66.9 billion pounds, up more than ten percent over the past year.
Is the contract cleaning market growing?
Yes. Research forecasts the UK contract cleaning market to grow by a further 200 million pounds during 2026.
What are the biggest challenges for cleaning firms right now?
The rising cost of doing business is the biggest challenge, along with continuing labour and staff shortages.
Why does sustainability matter in cleaning?
Over 87 percent of respondents say sustainability is important to the sector, and greener chemicals are the top priority for more than 61 percent, so it increasingly shapes contract decisions.
Where can I find live UK cleaning contracts or post a job?
You can browse live public cleaning contracts and post a cleaning job free on CQD New Gen, with no commission and no posting fee.
Sources: FM Industry, NIC Local, The Professional Cleaning Company, PolicyBee