For decades, commercial cleaning teams relied on heavy upright vacuums with rigid frames or large canister units with restrictive cords to clean around furniture, fixtures and occupied spaces. Today’s commercial vacuums are designed around the real conditions of facility care. They feature lighter construction, cordless operation, sealed filtration and lower noise. These changes reflect an industry shift toward equipment that helps cleaning teams maintain performance while improving productivity, safety, indoor air quality, operator comfort and sustainability. Engineered for better performance Effective vacuum design starts with moving air efficiently and maintaining consistent performance while capturing dust and debris. Suction remains important, but the best designs balance pickup performance with airflow, filtration, energy use and machine uptime so crews can clean reliably throughout the workday. Smaller, more efficient motors—like brushless motors—deliver longer lifespans and require less maintenance than traditional brushed motors. Engineers are pairing these smaller motors with advanced filtration systems that capture fine dust particles while supporting consistent airflow to improve suction consistency and reduce clogs. Cleaner air, quieter spaces Improved airflow design also contributes to quieter operation. Vacuums used in institutional areas like healthcare facilities, schools and airports must operate at an ultra-quiet sound level during business hours to avoid disturbing building occupants. Facility managers and building service contractors (BSCs) routinely seek out vacuums rated for quiet operation, recognizing that low-decibel performance is essential for maintaining productivity and comfort in shared spaces. Facility managers are also prioritizing indoor air quality, making advanced filtration systems necessary. HEPA filtration systems are now standard in most vacuums. They capture dirt, allergens, dust and fine particles for superior indoor air quality. Cordless convenience Cleaning crews’ capabilities are no longer limited by the location of electric outlets. Cordless vacuums powered by battery technology provide greater freedom of movement and eliminate the need for crews to manage power cords as they move throughout a facility, increasing their productivity. Commercial cleaning crews can achieve 20% more vacuum coverage per hour with cordless vacuums than with traditional corded models, according to a study from the American Institute for Cleaning Sciences. The use of cordless vacuums also helps eliminate tripping hazards and improve safety. Additionally, the rise of cordless backpack vacuums allows cleaning professionals to move freely through tight or crowded spaces and stairwells, and to navigate around obstacles. Lithium-ion battery systems continue to improve, providing longer run times, faster charging and consistent power output, enabling staff to clean larger areas without interruption. Swappable battery packs and modular charging stations further enhance productivity by minimizing downtime and extending operational flexibility across shifts. Automated cleaning technology Taking technology a step further, robotic machines streamline the cleaning process by automating routine floor-cleaning tasks. Advances in sensors, mapping and navigation allow robotic vacuums to operate more independently, navigate complex environments and maintain consistent cleaning patterns. Some advanced models can adjust suction power based on floor type and send maintenance alerts or cleaning reports to facility managers. Robotic vacuums can supplement the existing workforce in industries facing labor shortages, like hospitality, which could face an 8.6 million workforce shortfall by 2035, according to a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council. By taking on repetitive tasks, robotic vacuums free cleaning professionals to focus on work that requires a human touch. As the technology evolves, the focus will shift to creating solutions that work seamlessly alongside cleaning teams without adding unnecessary complexity. Equipment evaluation When investing in innovative vacuums, facility managers and BSCs should prioritize features that align with their facility’s or client’s specific needs. Factors such as cleaning frequency, floor types and indoor air quality requirements will determine which innovations best align with each cleaning job. Third-party certifications, such as the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval, provide assurance of performance and soil removal. Managers should also evaluate machine serviceability, prioritizing parts availability, responsive service support and ease of maintenance. Easy access to replacement parts and prompt equipment service can dramatically reduce downtime for repairs or routine maintenance, keeping cleaning operations on schedule and controlling long-term costs. Equipment that is difficult or expensive to service can undermine operational efficiency and increase the total cost of ownership. Smarter, more sustainable cleaning As vacuum technology continues to evolve, innovation will increasingly focus on maximizing efficiency, reducing environmental impact and streamlining daily use. Advancements in motor, battery and sensor technology empower vacuums to deliver robust cleaning power while conserving energy, resulting in smarter use of valuable labor and energy resources. Ultimately, the future of vacuum technology isn’t just about building more powerful machines. It’s focused on developing solutions that empower cleaning professionals to work more effectively, efficiently and responsibly.
How much does it cost? This is often the first question organizations ask when evaluating floor care equipment. In an environment where facility budgets are tighter than ever, machines with a lower upfront cost can appear to offer immediate savings. However, the well-known phrase, “You get what you pay for,” also applies to floor care machines. For facility managers, choosing equipment based primarily on initial cost can ultimately lead to higher long-term expenses, operational disruptions, inconsistent cleaning results and increased labor demands. In many cases, the least expensive machine becomes the costliest decision over the life of the equipment. Hidden high costs A lower price tag is always appealing, but the true cost of a floor care machine extends far beyond the purchase price. A low upfront cost often reflects compromises in machine durability, engineering quality, serviceability or operational efficiency. While those tradeoffs may not be immediately visible during procurement, they quickly become apparent in day-to-day operations. Floor care machines operate in healthcare facilities, schools, retail stores, warehouses and other demanding environments where equipment reliability directly impacts productivity and cleanliness standards. Low-cost machines that are not engineered for sustained commercial use often experience: More frequent breakdowns Reduced battery performance Inconsistent water or chemical usage Shorter component lifespan Increased maintenance requirements Over time, these issues compound operational costs and place additional strain on already stretched maintenance teams. Operational costs of downtime One of the most overlooked aspects of purchasing floor care equipment is higher maintenance and repair costs, paired with minimal post-sale support. Cheaper machines are often constructed with lower-grade components that wear out faster or require more frequent repairs. In some cases, replacement parts may be difficult to source quickly, further extending downtime. What initially appeared to be a cost-saving purchase can quickly result in emergency repair expenses, increased labor hours, rental equipment costs and delayed cleaning schedules. When a floor care machine is out of service, it disrupts cleaning schedules and reduces labor efficiency, which can cause the facility’s appearance to suffer. For facilities operating across multiple shifts, even minor disruptions can create significant ripple effects. In critical environments, such as healthcare and airports, delays in floor maintenance can also pose safety and compliance risks. Quality commercial floor care machines are built with durability and serviceability in mind. Machines manufactured with higher-grade components are less likely to experience frequent equipment failures. When service is needed, reputable manufacturers provide responsive support, readily available parts, and trained technicians who can minimize downtime. First-class manufacturers also offer Internet of Things (IoT) fleet management technology that enables real-time machine monitoring; tracks critical battery status, usage hours, and location; and delivers proactive uptime management with predictive maintenance. When issues arise, remote diagnostic capabilities can resolve over 50% of technical breakdowns without needing to pay for a costly in-person visit. Investing in quality equipment from a manufacturer with a strong service network can significantly extend equipment lifespan and reduce operational risk. Labor efficiency Labor remains one of the largest operational expenses for facility teams. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), labor accounts for approximately 70% of a business’s overall operating costs. Equipment that slows operators down, requires repeated passes, or needs constant adjustment ultimately increases labor costs over time. Higher-quality floor care machines are engineered for productivity. Wider cleaning paths, faster operating speeds and longer run times allow operators to cover more ground in less time, directly reducing the labor hours required per shift. Advanced features like precise water recovery, automated chemical dosing and intuitive controls minimize operator error and reduce the time spent on recleaning, refilling and troubleshooting. Advanced options like autonomous floor care machines deliver even greater measurable productivity gains. Depending on the model and its features, autonomous floor cleaning machines typically clean between 4,300 and 28,000 square feet per hour. This is substantially higher than the average manual cleaning rate of 2,000 to 2,700 square feet per hour, as estimated by The Official ISSA Cleaning Times. For multi-site operations, the cumulative labor savings across a fleet of time-saving machines represents a significant and recurring cost advantage that compounds year over year. Resource consumption costs Lower-cost machines without precision water and chemical dosing systems are more likely to consume excessive water, chemicals and energy due to less efficient system design. While these operational inefficiencies may seem minor, individually, they drive up supply costs, especially for facilities with daily cleaning requirements. The sustainability liabilities that cheaper machines bring are increasingly relevant to environment, social and governance (ESG) reporting. As ESG reporting becomes standard practice for mid-size and large organizations, excessive water consumption and chemical overuse create sustainability liabilities that can disqualify a facility from green building certifications, like the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which carry financial and reputational value. Advanced floor care systems increasingly integrate technologies that optimize water flow, chemical dosing, battery management and energy consumption to help facility managers meet environmental goals while maintaining high cleaning standards. Total cost of ownership The most effective purchasing decisions are based on total cost of ownership (TCO), not upfront price alone. TCO accounts for the full operational picture, including: Equipment lifespan Maintenance costs Downtime impact Labor efficiency Resource consumption Service and support Replacement frequency In many cases, a higher-quality machine with a slightly higher upfront investment delivers significantly lower operational costs over its lifetime, making it the smarter financial decision in the long run. Long-term performance Industrial floor care equipment is not simply a procurement decision. What you purchase today determines what you pay for—in labor, downtime, repairs and replacements—for years to come. Your choice in floor care equipment directly affects labor productivity, facility appearance, safety and long-term costs. While cheaper machines may reduce short-term spending, they often introduce hidden inefficiencies that cost organizations more over time. Facilities that prioritize durability, productivity, support and operational efficiency are better positioned to reduce risk, maximize uptime and achieve more consistent cleaning outcomes.
A Yakima County, Washington, resident who was hospitalized with severe illness after contracting bird flu following exposure at a dairy with infected cattle died on Nov. 1. This is the first known person in the U.S. to die from complications from bird flu in 2026 and the third in the U.S. to die from bird flu since February 2024, when the virus jumped into dairy cattle for the first time, CNN reported. Yakima health officials said the individual had underlying health conditions, but they would not be releasing the name, gender or age of the deceased. On Oct. 31, the Yakima Health District (YHD), in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), reported its second human case of bird flu in a resident after exposure at a dairy with infected cattle. At that time, the individual was hospitalized with severe illness and had underlying health conditions. On Oct. 8, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed the first detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in two dairy farms in Yakima County. This marked the first known case of HPAI in cattle in Washington. Dairy cattle in 19 states have been infected since the outbreak began in March 2024. With the Oct. 8 announcement, YHD contacted the affected dairies to monitor and protect the health of people exposed to the infected cattle. It offered to coordinate testing for any exposed person who develops symptoms to ensure prompt identification and appropriate treatment for any human cases. In addition, WSDA worked with the farms to employ strict biosecurity measures and quarantine the infected cattle. By Oct. 15, YHD confirmed its first case of bird flu in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy. The resident did not experience severe illness or require hospitalization. The individual isolated at home. On Nov. 1, YHD confirmed its third human case of bird flu in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy. The individual has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalized. With these three cases, health officials still said the risk of avian influenza infection to the public remains low. People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus. Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare. It has never been documented in the U.S. Public health officials are continuing to monitor individuals who had close contact with the patient for symptoms.
ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, has been approved by the Department of Labor as the first Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor for the Cleaning Technician occupation. This apprenticeship is the first nationally recognized registered apprenticeship for front-line cleaning workers and marks the first time the professional cleaning industry has entered the national apprenticeship framework. The competency-based program pairs structured training with applied, on-the-job experience. Apprentices will work toward nationally recognized credentials, with an emphasis on safety, infection prevention and professional standards. The program gives employers a consistent pipeline of skilled talent in a field that has long lacked a formal career ladder. “Cleaning professionals keep our schools, hospitals, businesses and communities healthy and safe, yet the industry has never had a nationally recognized apprenticeship pathway for its front-line workforce,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. “We are grateful to the Department of Labor for approving this apprenticeship and ISSA as the first national sponsor. This program gives workers the first-ever clear path from entry-level roles to supervisory positions and gives employers a proven tool to train, retain and advance their people.” ISSA plans to enroll its first cohort of approximately 20 apprentices beginning Dec. 1. The following organizations have agreed to serve as pilot employers: GRBS Inc. Goodwill Industries Southern California Integrity Maintenance Solutions LLC Melwood Enterprises Verde Clean LLC "For many people with disabilities, the cleaning and custodial industry provides an entry point into the workforce when other options are not available. Now, a formal apprenticeship training will create a pathway to turn a first job into a career," said Larysa Kautz, CEO of the Melwood family of companies. "By combining hands-on experience with structured training and career development, this partnership can help workers build lasting skills, achieve greater economic independence, and find stable jobs in this industry. Melwood is proud to serve as a pilot employer in this effort to expand career opportunities and strengthen the custodial workforce." “Cleaning is essential work, and the people doing it deserve recognition, investment and a clear path to grow,” said Amber Reyna, chief revenue officer and partner of Verde Clean. “At Verde, we’re supporting ISSA’s apprenticeship program early because we see tremendous value in giving people a pathway to build their skills and advance while helping employers attract, develop, and retain the talent our industry needs.” Registered apprenticeships are one of the most effective workforce strategies available to employers. According to the labor department, employers receive US$1.47 in return for every $1 invested in apprenticeships through improved productivity, lower turnover and reduced recruitment costs. The department also reported that 97% of employers using registered apprenticeships said the model has increased worker productivity, and 92% said it has improved employee engagement and retention. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roughly 350,300 openings for janitors and building cleaners each year during the next decade, and employers continue to face high turnover and a shortage of structured career pathways. Demand for skilled cleaning professionals has also grown since the pandemic, as health and safety expectations have increased. For workers, the program offers a portable, labor department-recognized credential, progressive wage increases and a defined route to supervisory roles. Apprentices may also qualify for financial support, such as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, 529 savings plans and scholarships. Employers in certain states may be eligible for tax credits that offset qualified education expenses and wages. Employers interested in sponsoring apprentices in future cohorts starting in 2027 can learn more and express interest on the ISSA website.
ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, named the 2026 ISSA Achievement Awards honorees. The annual program recognizes cleaning and facility solutions industry professionals who are driving the industry forward through their positive contributions in their businesses and beyond. These five honorees will be recognized Nov. 17 during the ISSA Spotlight Event and Awards ceremony at ISSA Show North America 2026, which takes place Nov. 16-19 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. “The strength of our industry is built on the dedication, leadership and contributions of individuals who continually raise the bar for excellence,” said Laurie Sewell, ISSA Board of Directors President. “This year’s honorees represent the very best of our industry—from those who have dedicated decades to advancing our profession to emerging leaders shaping its future. Their commitment to innovation, education, mentorship and service inspires us all and demonstrates the lasting impact one individual can make.” The 2026 Achievement Awards and their recipients are: ISSA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve Swigart, Spartan Chemical Co. chairman Presented by the ISSA Board, this award honors an individual whose substantial contributions have advanced the industry and ISSA over a significant period of time. Steve Swigart has done exactly that since joining Spartan in 1970. He has helped guide the family-owned manufacturer through decades of growth and innovation while supporting educational opportunities for building service contractors and their families. Through it all, his guiding principle has remained simple: Build a company with good people. Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award: Stan Doobin, Harvard Maintenance owner and CEO This award is reserved for individuals with at least 10 years of outstanding service to the professional cleaning industry. Stan Doobin has given more than four decades. After trading plans for a Wall Street career to join his family's janitorial business, he helped grow Harvard Maintenance from about 80 employees into a national operation with more than 12,000. Along the way, his employee-first leadership and commitment to sharing knowledge have left a lasting mark on the industry. Manufacturer Representatives’ Distinguished Service Award: Jeff Stone, ProTeam national sales manager This award recognizes individuals who support manufacturer representatives, the industry and ISSA. Jeff Stone has done all three throughout a career built on relationships and service. His path began in his family's soap business in Detroit and led to 39 years representing ProTeam. Stone also spent 29 years as an independent manufacturer's representative and served on the ISSA Board of Directors. His story highlights the value of staying involved, mentoring others and never burning bridges. ISSA Rising Star Award in Honor of Jimmy Core: Jameka Carter, Imperial Brady events and social media project manager This award recognizes one of the 30 members of the 2026 Class of ISSA Emerging Leaders for notable contributions to their organization and the industry. Jameka Carter earned that distinction by growing from credit analyst to events and social media project manager at Imperial Brady. She brings people together through the company's Innovations Expos and her service on the ISSA Hygieia Network Event Committee. Her story underscores the power of mentorship, kindness and stepping outside one's comfort zone. ISSA Trainer of the Year Award Honoring Marion Ivey: Helge Alt, Puhastusekspert president Now in its second year, this award recognizes outstanding excellence in training and education within the commercial cleaning and facility solutions industries. Helge Alt of Estonia's Puhastusekspert has demonstrated that excellence for more than three decades by helping cleaning professionals turn knowledge into better results. Her training emphasizes practical skills that improve cleanliness while reducing wasted time, supplies and chemicals. Through educational resources, international projects, and work developing Estonia's cleaning qualification system, Alt equips front-line workers and supervisors to raise standards and take pride in their profession. Join ISSA in celebrating these five Achievement Awards recipients at the ISSA Spotlight Event and Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Nov.17, at 9 a.m. PST at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Register now for ISSA Show North America 2026 here.
A child in Lewis County, New York, has died after contracting measles. It is the state’s first measles-related death in 30 years. This comes as more than 4,852 measles cases have been reported across the U.S. this year as of Oct. 29—the most since 1991—according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “I am heartbroken to learn that a child in Lewis County has died after contracting measles,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. “As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine what this family is going through. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this child. “Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination remains our best protection against this dangerous disease. This is New York’s first measles-related death in 30 years, a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable illnesses. “In New York, we will continue to stand by proven public health measures and do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.” The news comes four weeks after Governor Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency in response to the measles outbreak across areas of New York and neighboring states, expanding the pool of eligible individuals who can administer measles vaccines and providing swift access to additional resources if needed. As of Oct. 24, there have been 178 total cases this year: 170 in New York State outside of the city and eight in New York City. While the CDC has only confirmed three deaths from measles complication this year (New York’s recent death is not reported in this total), Pennsylvania has confirmed five measles-related deaths. As the leading state for outbreaks this year, Pennsylvania has reported 1,433 measles cases in 44 counties this year as of Nov. 2, with 269 disease-related hospitalizations, according to state health department data. The commonwealth also shared that approximately 300 health department staff are proactively working with residents, community organizations and health care providers to combat the measles outbreak in the commonwealth through access to fact-based information and access to the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Commonwealth health staff have administered more than 6,800 MMR vaccinations at 238 pop-up vaccination clinics in the affected communities since the outbreak began in late April. Dozens of additional vaccine clinics are scheduled for the upcoming weeks and months, based on community interest and need. In pop-up clinics and at state health centers combined, Pennsylvania nurses have administered more than 10,600 MMR vaccine doses to residents across the commonwealth in 2026.