In the 2025 Cleanfax Carpet and Floor Cleaning Benchmarking Survey Report, respondents shared their experiences with the challenges they face and the actions they are taking to overcome them. What follows is a candid examination of those pain points and a preview of the themes that will be reflected in the data.

Inflation

The first drumbeat is inflation. Supplies, insurance, chemicals, and fuel—everything is more expensive than it was a year ago.

“Inflation and getting customers to understand price increases,” one survey respondent said. Another pointed to margin pressure coming from every direction: “National companies operating on very small margins.”

The math is brutal and straightforward: If your inputs rise and your rates don’t, your profits vanish. The owners who are staying sane are the ones pricing with intention, building clear scopes, and teaching customers the difference between “cheaper” and “less expensive over the life of the floor.”

Competition

Right behind costs comes competition, at both ends of the spectrum. At the low end, underpricing erodes trust.

One industry professional worried about “operators lowballing who don’t have a clue how to do the job.” At the same time, some customers are negatively impacted by “companies overcharging without the right equipment,” another business owner said.

It creates a noisy marketplace where you can’t claim to be better. You must demonstrate it with documentation, before-and-after proof, measurable outcomes, and guarantees that mean something.

Labor

Labor isn’t far behind. Finding people with the right attitude, training them effectively, and retaining them long enough to become professionals remains the central challenge.

Regarding labor, one respondent said, “getting people who want to work,” along with “not being negative,” yet just “truthful.” Others described the consequences, such as callouts, scheduling chaos, overworked leads, and owners who never seem to get off the truck.

Several respondents believe this year into next will be the year they finally stop being the primary technician. They will hire lead techs, cross-train crews, add a dispatcher, and install a small leadership layer, such as “adding a call center manager, a sales manager, and a director of operations.”

Marketing

Marketing and sales are evolving fast, and many of you are reshuffling the deck.

Some plan to spend more consistently. One respondent wrote that they planned to finally “increase our marketing budget.”

Others are shifting channels toward content and search, such as SEO efforts, content creation, and more targeted marketing to specific demographics.

Some respondents will also return to basics in a few places, such as door-to-door, referrals, and neighborhood service bundles, because nothing beats being visible in the exact areas you want to win.

The solution, according to many, is to show the outcomes, not just the equipment. Speak to building managers and homeowners in their language. Additionally, make it ridiculously easy to book jobs, ensuring customers don’t have to work to get an appointment.

Technology

Technology is no longer a novelty; it’s a lever to be used. On the operations side, customer relationship management (CRM) systems and integrated tools are moving from “nice to have” to “how we run.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to permeate workflow, as well. “AI has been very useful in certain aspects of our business, most importantly time savings with bidding and administrative tasks,” claimed one respondent. Others were more direct: “Implement as much AI as possible.”

Whether you’re using Copilot, ChatGPT, or others to draft emails and proposals, or automating job notes and checklists, the early wins are in tasks you do every day, touch them once, standardize them, and move on.

Service variety

The service mix is changing. Some of you are engaging in window cleaning, grout color sealing, and stone or concrete polishing. Others see adjacent restoration work. “Move more into mold remediation, water damage, and commercial cleaning” are the next logical steps. A few are eyeing air duct cleaning or even solar panel cleaning.

These aren’t random additions, but ways to deepen the revenue stream with existing customers and smooth the revenue curve across seasons.

Just as important, several respondents said their “next move” was internal: “Focus on efficiencies,” “maintain consistent staff,” “new approaches to marketing,” and “hiring more technicians so the owner can focus on sales.”

Educating the customer

Customer education remains a tightrope. With luxury vinyl tile (LVT) replacing carpet in many homes, claims about cleanability and maintenance can be unrealistic.

“Convincing hotels to use our deep cleaning services” is an issue, one pro said, capturing the tension between perceived savings and the real cost of dingy floors, damaged coatings, and failed warranties. The owners who win these conversations bring documentation, such as manufacturer care guides, slip resistance and gloss readings, and clear service schedules that tie appearance to safety, durability, and total cost.

And other industry issues

One pointed this out: “(I am) looking toward retirement, letting the next generation run the business.” That generational note popped up more than once. A few of you are planning exits. Others are grooming new leaders and building systems so the phone can ring without anxiety. It’s all part of the same maturity curve, which includes getting your pricing right, hiring and training deliberately, codifying your processes, then choosing whether to scale, specialize, or sell.

Underneath the tactics runs a simple theme: Margin is a function of discipline. Owners talked about resetting what’s included in the base price, moving furniture, deodorizing, clearly pricing add-ons, and saying “no” to work that doesn’t fit. They discussed the cost of redoing jobs and the value of photo logs, UV inspections for pet issues, and “proof of outcome” to minimize callbacks. They talked about being honest with themselves about their skills, capacity, and the kind of business they wanted to run.

If you recognize your own situation in these quotes, you’re not alone. Others are working hard to carve out some space in the industry. “Standing out and getting customers as a newer company,” was a big issue that one respondent admitted was a challenge for him.

In the pages that follow, we’ll share the survey data behind these stories: Where the money’s coming from, which services are growing, how teams are staffed, which tools are being adopted, and what’s changing in pricing and procurement.

What we have seen in 2025 compared to last year is that your peers tested more AI, shifted toward commercial, pulled owners off the truck, sweetened benefits, widened their service radius, diversified cleaning methods, added window cleaning and other services, bought more online, grew team sizes, and shifted marketing to LinkedIn and short-form video.

But don’t panic. You don’t need to copy everything. Pick a few moves that fit your goals and turn them into routines. That’s how you make 2026 a winning year, without overcomplicating it.

Download the entire report at the link below!

About this report: Survey data is based on results from email solicitations to carpet-cleaning contractors from Sept. 15 to Oct. 7. Results are self-reported and not based on audited financial statements. Percentages in graphs and charts are rounded to the nearest whole number.

Download the entire report at the link below!

The post The 2025 Carpet and Floor Cleaning Benchmarking Survey Report appeared first on Cleanfax.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new business owner, these top concerns may hit close to home and understanding them can help you act. As you read, notice what some of your peers have said about these issues.

Insurance company headaches

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: insurance companies. Contractors report a range of issues, including slow payments, claim denials, reduced scopes, and unfair practices. Many of you feel like adjusters and third-party administrators (TPAs) are more interested in minimizing payouts than supporting proper restoration.

“Insurance companies are trying to control pricing, shorting scopes, and scaring clients out of filing claims.”

Does this sound familiar? This type of control affects your ability to serve clients properly and to get paid what you’re worth.

Cash flow strain

It’s no surprise that cash flow remains a top pain point, given payment delays and mounting project costs. Poor cash flow disrupts everything, whether it’s waiting on receivables, managing payroll, or handling upfront supply costs.

“AR collections and cash turnover are slowing down… and the claims industry is slowing too.”

You can’t scale or invest in your team if you constantly wait for checks that should’ve cleared weeks ago.

Labor and staffing shortages

Hiring and retaining quality talent is another consistent challenge. Restoration work demands skill, commitment, and availability, which aren’t easy to find in today’s job market.

“Finding good labor help is nearly impossible.”
“We can’t keep motivated employees.”
“We get someone good, and they quickly start looking at better options.”

Many of you noted high turnover, lack of skilled trades, and the struggle to build a team you can rely on. Add in unpredictable weather patterns and labor availability, and staffing becomes a full-time job.

Competition—fair and otherwise

There’s healthy competition, and then there’s cutthroat, race-to-the-bottom competition that undercuts your value. Several of you are seeing a rise in low-quality players entering the industry due to low barriers to entry, along with growing pressure from preferred vendor networks and private equity-backed national firms.

“Too much competition… and ‘pay-for-play’ companies dominate local work.”
“Consolidation is creating unfair advantages.”

You’re not alone if you’ve been edged out of jobs because you weren’t part of a program or because your pricing reflects actual costs.

Rising costs and stagnant pricing

While everything from materials to insurance premiums continues to rise, many say pricing hasn’t kept up, especially when you’re stuck using fixed estimating platforms like Xactimate.

“Labor rates and material costs are increasing, but pricing programs don’t reflect reality.”

Without pricing flexibility, even well-managed jobs can squeeze your margins thin.

Analyze the 2025 Restoration Benchmarking Survey Report and do your due diligence in comparing your operations to the industry.

About this report: The data recorded in this survey is based on answers from restoration contractors who responded to invitations to participate. Results are not necessarily based on audited financial statements.

The post The 2025 Restoration Benchmarking Survey Report appeared first on Cleanfax.

This report highlights significant industry elements, focusing on industry demographics, business structures, revenue trends, operational challenges, marketing strategies, and the use of technology.

One prominent trend emerging from the survey is the operational challenges cleaning companies face. The most significant challenges cited include customer retention, maintaining margins, and cash flow. These challenges are consistent across all business types. Notably, the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still negatively impact about 30% of businesses.

Carpet cleaning as a stand-alone service accounts for 25% of revenue for nearly all companies surveyed, with most offering upholstery, area rugs, and hard surface cleaning.

The most popular pricing structure across the industry ranges from $0.31 to $0.40 per square foot for residential and commercial carpet cleaning. For residential hard floor cleaning, the tally shows that 33% charge $1 or more per square foot, while for commercial hard floor cleaning, it is tied at 18% at both $0.51 to $0.75 per square foot and $1 or more per square foot.

Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry remains in its infancy. Most respondents (51%) have not yet implemented AI technology. However, around 20% of businesses are in the early stages of exploring AI solutions, such as automating customer service tasks, improving operational efficiency, and partially integrating AI technology.

The affordability of AI technology remains a barrier for many, with smaller businesses particularly concerned about the costs. Despite these challenges, interest is growing to find cost-effective solutions to integrate AI into business operations, although many surveyed have yet to decide what they will do.

The survey data offers optimistic projections for the industry’s growth, highlighted by 87% declaring increased revenue for 2024. Various factors contributed to this growth, including changes in marketing strategies, diversification of services, and the addition of new staff and equipment. However, some businesses expect negative growth due to increased competition and broader economic challenges.

Referrals and social media remain the dominant methods for generating new customer leads. Most  (67%) businesses use Facebook, 27% post on Instagram to attract customers, and 18% promote on LinkedIn to connect with potential customers.

Staffing remains challenging in the cleaning industry, with many businesses reporting difficulties finding and retaining quality staff. The survey reveals that the starting wage for a cleaning technician varies, but most companies pay between $10 and $14 per hour, while more experienced technicians earn $15 to $20 per hour. A mix of wages and commissions is also standard, with 31% of businesses offering commission-based compensation.

Read on and compare the data and statistics to your own as you grow your successful carpet and floor cleaning company.

About this report: The data in this survey is based on results from carpet cleaning contractors responding to invitations for this survey. Results are not necessarily based on audited financial statements. This report was made possible with support from Legend Brands.

Download the entire report at the link below!

The post The 2024 Carpet and Floor Cleaning Benchmarking Survey Report appeared first on Cleanfax.

Rising demand for well-maintained infrastructure is driving market growth, with a trend toward an increased level of outsourcing facility management services.

The outsourcing of facility management services for residential buildings, including air quality control, has allowed building owners to concentrate on high-priority areas such as energy management and financial issues. This trend is driven by the increasing infrastructure development and the benefits of third-party involvement—including risk management, regular system checks, cost savings, and improved facility appeal.

The residential air quality control services market in particular is experiencing significant growth due to increasing awareness about indoor air pollution. Pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide are common concerns. Technologies like carbon filtration, UV light treatment, and ionization are popular solutions. The use of advanced sensors and IoT technology also enables real-time monitoring and automated control of air quality systems.

Additionally, the use of plant-based air purifiers is on the rise, offering a natural and cost-effective alternative.

However, increasing material costs pose a challenge to market growth. These include access tools, inspection tools, hand-cleaning tools, and various types of vacuums. Equipment such as compressed air vacuums, liquid surface treatment applicators, and HEPA vacuums also experience price increases.

The use of various materials in construction, such as concrete and carbon, also contributes to poor indoor air quality. Older homes may have outdated HVAC systems, leading to inadequate filtration and circulation of clean air. Further, factors such as pollution from nearby industries and natural sources as well as personal habits like smoking, can negatively impact indoor air quality.

Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are common pollutants that require special attention. Moreover, allergens and other irritants can trigger health issues for sensitive individuals. Addressing these challenges requires advanced technologies and effective strategies for air filtration, ventilation, and purification. Regular maintenance and upgrades to HVAC systems are essential to ensure optimal indoor air quality.

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The commercial segment, including hospitality establishments, food service industries, healthcare organizations, institutions, and offices, is also driving this growth—while mandatory government standards in healthcare and increasing hotel projects fuel it.

Moreover, employing modern technology—such as floor cleaning robots and advanced cleaning chemicals—is becoming commonplace with a continued focus on efficiency and productivity.

Carpet cleaning and window cleaning services also continue to be in demand, with providers offering various methods such as steam cleaning and pressure washing. Proactive maintenance and regular servicing will be essential to ensure client satisfaction and retention.

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Yet, low penetration rates of contract cleaning services in developing economies may pose a challenge to the market’s growth during the next four years. While cleaning services are growing significantly globally due to increasing infrastructure development, factors such as low consumer awareness, high prices, a lack of trained professionals, and limited availability prevent market growth in emerging regions such as India and Africa.

Another major obstacle is ensuring consistent quality across various client sites. This requires effective communication and coordination between cleaning service providers and clients. Maintaining cost-effectiveness while delivering high-quality services will combat this obstacle and can be achieved through efficient operations, economies of scale, and strategic partnerships.

Additionally, adapting to new technologies and regulations, such as green cleaning methods and labor laws, is essential for staying competitive in the market.

Market Outlook

Contract cleaning services, including floor, carpet, upholstery, and window cleaning along with dusting, have emerged as a crucial component of workplace sustainability and employee wellness in various commercial establishments. Overall, the contract cleaning services industry will require a balance between quality, cost, and innovation to meet the evolving needs of clients, according to Technavio research.

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The flexibility of remote work has contributed to its rise in popularity and paved the way for many industries to adjust and incorporate it into their policies, procedures, and goals. Now, we are asking you to weigh in on whether remote work has made booking residential cleaning appointments easier than before the pandemic.

Take part in the latest poll here:

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Looking for the results of a previous poll?

Visit our poll archive. There you can see the results of polls on a wide range of topics, such as how you pay your techs, what’s most important when buying a new truckmount, whether auto dialers work when fishing for new business, and many more.

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This post-pandemic workforce period has experienced widespread disruptions, including declines in �����Ի���, record , and an unprecedented increase in , Gallup reports. In turn, managers, who are tasked with bringing stability to the company’s workforce, are feeling stressed. Most managers now are watching for or actively looking for a new job and less than a third (31%) feel engaged with their jobs. Manager satisfaction also has steadily declined since 2021, Gallup reports. This year only 16% of managers said they are “extremely satisfied” with their positions.

In the future, manager’s wellbeing will be critical as Gallup said they account for 70% of the variance in their own team’s engagement. In 2023, only 22% of employees said their performance was managed in a way that motivated them to do outstanding work. Additionally, slightly more than a quarter (27%) of employees said managers included them in goal setting, the research firm found.

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Key findings in the new research report include:
• In 2022 and 2023, among males, the labor force participation rates of those ages 60-64 increased but declined for those ages 75 or older. Increases in the labor force participation rates of females ages 55-59 and 70-74 also were seen in 2022 and 2023, but the labor force participation rates decreased for females ages 60-64 in 2023.

• After rising to its highest point since 2001, in 2022, the male share of the labor force ages 55 or older decreased in 2023. The female share of the labor force ages 55 or older has generally fallen since 2010, though it did increase slightly last year. Despite this, females ages 55 or older are still a higher share of the labor force than they were in the late 1990s.
• In 2022 and 2023, the labor force participation rates of those ages 70-74 trended toward 2019 levels but did not quite reach these rates. The labor force participation rates of those ages 55-59 and ages 60-64 surpassed 2019 levels in 2023. In contrast, the labor force participation rate of those ages 75 or older in 2023 stayed at its 2021 level, below its 2019 level, while the labor force participation rate of those ages 65-69 decreased last year to below its 2022 and 2019 levels.
• Across the age categories of 55 or older, 65 or older and 75 or older, Hispanic Americans had the highest labor force participation rate in 2023 compared with white and black Americans, despite having some of the lowest rates in 2000. Conversely, white Americans, who tended to have the highest labor force participation rates in 2000, had some of the lowest rates compared with Hispanic and black Americans by 2023.
• From 2000-2023, the share of the labor force of Americans ages 55 or older who were Hispanic grew from 5.9% to 13.3%. During the same period, the share of this population that was white decreased from 87.4% to 80.7%.

“The movement of the Baby Boom generation out of the age groups younger than 65 has made the composition of the older workforce even older,” said Craig Copeland, EBRI director of wealth benefits research. “At the same time, the older workforce is becoming more diverse, as a smaller share of white Americans comprise the ages 55 or older population. These are important considerations for employers to understand, as older workers and a more diverse work force calls for additional or new answers to the optimal design of employee benefit plans.”

To view a summary of the research report, click .

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Amid rising tuition costs and mounting student loan debt for college degree seekers, young U.S. workers (ages 25 to 34) without a bachelor’s degree have seen their earnings grow during the past decade. Additionally, young workers without a bachelor’s degree have experienced an overall increase in wealth, and fewer are living in poverty today.

In turn, only 25% of U.S. adults said it’s extremely or very important to have a four-year college degree to land a well-paying job in today’s market. Conversely, 40% said a college degree is not too important or not at all important.

About half (49%) said it’s less important to have a four-year college degree today in order to get a well-paying job than it was 20 years ago. About one-third (32%) said it’s more important.

On the other hand, young college graduates have also experienced improvements during this time. As a result, Pew said the gap in earnings between young adults with and without a college degree has not narrowed.

Still, only about a third (32%) of four-year college graduates said college is worth the cost even if someone must take out loans. Four-year college graduates (58%) are much more likely than those without a college degree (26%) to say their education was extremely or very useful in giving them the skills and knowledge they needed to find a well-paying job.

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The FTC received more than 26,000 public comments in the months leading up to the vote, according to NPR. And now we’re asking you to weigh in on the effect the FTC ban on noncompete clauses will have on your company in our latest poll.

Take part in the latest poll here:

Participation takes only a moment of your valuable time. While your response is confidential, your answer just might help another person in our industry make a business decision or find solace in shared misery. Take a moment to share your thoughts with the latest Cleanfax Online Poll regarding post-pandemic attitudes about cleaning.

Looking for the results of a previous poll?

Visit our poll archive. There you can see the results of polls on a wide range of topics, such as how you pay your techs, what’s most important when buying a new truckmount, whether auto dialers work when fishing for new business, and many more.

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