The Top 7 Facility Management and Commercial Cleaning Trends for 2025

Facility management continues to evolve rapidly, and 2025 promises to bring exciting innovations and shifts in how buildings are maintained and cleaned.

With building owners and facility managers under increasing pressure to reduce costs, operate efficiently, and maintain eco-friendly practices, keeping up with the latest trends is essential.

The janitorial and facility management space is no exception, as it continues to adapt to emerging technologies, new regulations, and changing workforce expectations.

Here’s a look at the top 7 trends shaping the future of facility management and janitorial services in 2025.

1. Outsourcing Janitorial Services

For years, businesses have debated whether to manage janitorial teams in-house or outsource these services. The decision in 2025 is crystal clear — outsourcing has become the preferred model for cost efficiency and operational simplicity.

Why? Managing internal janitorial teams often comes with considerable costs, from high turnover rates and HR expenses to the time spent on supervision and training.

By outsourcing, facility managers can allocate these resources elsewhere while leaving cleaning in the hands of experts.

Professional cleaning companies now use advanced equipment, offer rigorous training programs for their teams, and ensure compliance with industry standards—all without adding unnecessary stress to your operations. And as a bonus? Outsourcers often provide more consistency and quality.

2. Robotics and Next-Generation Cleaning Machines

Nothing will ever replace a human. However, the days when a commercial cleaner’s toolkit was only a mop, bucket, and vacuum and numbered. That toolkit is getting bigger and more powerful! By 2025, robotic cleaning machines and autonomous technologies have been added into the mix of resources.

Picture this: Robots equipped with sensors and mapping technology autonomously navigating large office spaces, scrubbing floors, and even cleaning windows. These robots boost efficiency and reduce labor costs while achieving consistent, high-quality results.

Some innovations—like automated restroom cleaners and robotic vacuums—are already popping up in facilities, signaling a new era where smart machines handle repetitive tasks, freeing up human custodians for more specialized, detailed cleaning.

3. AI in Smart Buildings

Today’s buildings are getting “smarter,” and artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in this transformation.

AI is being embedded into building management systems, giving facility managers data-driven insights into everything from cleaning schedules to energy efficiency.

For example, imagine AI sensors that monitor restroom usage and notify janitorial teams when supplies are running low or the space needs attention or AI algorithms proactively planning cleaning schedules based on real-time occupancy patterns.

These innovations ensure cleaning resources are deployed efficiently, waste is minimized, and employees and visitors enjoy seamless experiences. AI in smart buildings is empowering managers to make better decisions while optimizing resource allocation.

4. Data-Driven Maintenance

Gone are the days of guessing when maintenance is needed—2025 is all about predictive upkeep. From HVAC systems to janitorial services, data now plays a starring role in facility management.

Using IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, facilities can now monitor the condition of equipment and infrastructure in real-time.

Sensors in air systems can detect when filters need replacing, while other devices track wear and tear on cleaning machines.

For janitors, this means moving from a reactive approach (fixing something when it breaks) to a preemptive one (addressing potential issues before they happen). Predictive maintenance minimizes costly downtime and ensures facilities operate at their best—consistently.

5. Green Chemicals and the Ban on Forever Chemicals

Environmental consciousness is no longer optional—it’s a must. With growing restrictions on environmentally harmful substances like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), referred to as “forever chemicals,” facility managers and cleaning teams are shifting toward safer alternatives.

Green cleaning chemicals, which are biodegradable and free of hazardous ingredients, are taking over supply closets.

These eco-friendly solutions not only reduce environmental impact but also improve air quality and reduce health risks for occupants and cleaning staff.

Facility managers leading the sustainability charge are also earning recognition in industries where corporate social responsibility is a growing priority. After all, a green cleaning program not only protects the planet but also supports healthier, happier workplaces.

6. Upskilling and Education for Cleaning Teams

The industry is not just about mops and dusters. Cleaning crews, janitors, and facility managers are being equipped with more complex tools and technologies, meaning upskilling has become a top trend in 2025.

New training programs are focused on teaching custodial teams to operate advanced robotics, interpret IoT data, and implement eco-friendly cleaning methods.

Additionally, facility managers are learning about the latest building technologies and compliance standards to stay ahead of the game.

Plus, professional certifications and workshops are on the rise, giving cleaning professionals new opportunities to elevate their skills and build their careers in a competitive market.

An educated workforce is a productive one, and investing in training is proving to be a win-win for employers and employees alike.

Some janitorial companies, like OpenWorks, offers franchise opportunities with education in business growth, commercial cleaners and chemicals, as well as tech and best practices.

These service providers are typically among the best in business as they are always learning. In a continually evolving industry, training, upskilling and education is necessary.

7. Enhanced Customer Experience in Janitorial Services

Customer experience (CX) isn’t just for retail or hospitality—it’s becoming a focus in the cleaning and facility management sector, too. Forward-thinking janitorial companies are now treating occupants and building users as customers, tailoring their services to meet their evolving needs.

How does this play out? Services are now more responsive and proactive, driven by real-time data, personalized schedules, and transparent communication between janitorial providers and clients. Enhanced CX translates to fewer complaints, faster issue resolution, and greater satisfaction for everyone involved.

Recurring janitorial service providers are even promoting added perks, such as including aromatherapy options, engaging customer feedback programs, and unveiling “cleanliness performance” metrics. Facility managers are taking notice—when the end users of a building consistently rave about its cleanliness, everyone wins.

Stay Ahead of the Trends

Facility management and janitorial services are no longer stuck in the past—they’re advancing quickly, thanks to technology, sustainability, and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction. For facility managers and building owners, staying ahead of these trends is key to maintaining successful, efficient, and forward-thinking operations.

Looking to integrate these trends into your facility? Start with small steps—consider outsourcing janitorial services, introducing robotic cleaning machines, or adopting green cleaning products. From there, the possibilities are endless.

The bottom line? Innovate, educate, and elevate—your facility deserves it. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you’ll be well-prepared for the exciting future of facility management in 2025. Contact OpenWorks to make it easy.