Done & Dusted: Unveiling the UK Cleaning Industry's Untapped Potential

The cleaning sector is a thriving powerhouse in the UK, generating billions of pounds in revenue each year. As more individuals seek a promising future, they are joining the cleaning workforce in record numbers. In this article, we delve into the depths of the UK cleaning industry, exploring its significance within the country's economy and the reaction of British consumers towards booking cleaning services.

Brace yourself for an eye-opening journey as we present captivating facts and statistics that will leave you utterly astounded.

General Stats for the UK Cleaning Industry

1. The UK cleaning industry recorded a staggering annual revenue of approximately £55 billion in 2018. However, the global pandemic exerted a substantial influence, leading to a decline in revenue to £1,029 million by 2021.

2. A remarkable 970,000 individuals are employed within the cleaning industry. When accounting for all cleaning-related occupations, this number soars to a whopping 1.47 million, constituting a remarkable 5% of the UK workforce and firmly establishing the sector as one of the country's largest employers.

3. The commercial cleaning sector alone employs around 450,000 people, with over 50% of them working for the top 1% of cleaning companies in the UK.

4. London and the South East of England serve as the hub for 35% of the cleaning industry workforce, emphasising the concentration of cleaning activities in these regions.

5. With approximately 66,500 registered cleaning companies in the UK, each business maintains an average of 15 cleaners.

6. While London houses around 11,000 cleaning companies, the North-East region of England is home to fewer than 2,000 such companies.

7. Non-native Brits constitute over 40% of the general cleaning workforce, showcasing the diversity of the industry.

8. Women dominate the cleaning sector, accounting for approximately 70% of the entire workforce. However, in roles such as building cleaners and janitors, men represent 69%, whereas maids and housekeepers are primarily female, making up 86% of these positions.

9. The majority of individuals, approximately 65%, work in domestic and commercial cleaning, while the remaining workforce is distributed across various cleaning sub-sectors.

10. During the lockdown, the demand for cleaning services plummeted by nearly 60%. Unfortunately, this resulted in 6% of cleaning companies permanently closing their operations by the end of 2021.

11. The surge in remote work over the past three years has led to a 50% decrease in the need for office cleaning services.

12. On the other hand, there has been a significant 25% increase in demand for domestic cleaning services over the past five years.

How Much Do House Cleaning Services Cost?

The cost of domestic cleaning services can range from £12 to £30 per hour, for deep and tenancy cleaning it ranges from £20 per hour to £70 per hour varying on the location and financial income of the potential client base.

Independent cleaners typically charge an average rate of £15 per hour, while larger cleaning companies charge around £12 per hour and small businesses may charge between £20 to £30 per hour. Cities in the northern parts of the UK are more affordable compared to those along the south coast. For a standard weekly four-hour clean, the cost can range between £48 and £92, contingent upon the county. In London, cleaning services command an additional £5 to £15 per hour compared to other cities.

Carpet cleaning prices typically start at around £60 and can go up to £120, considering the extent of work required and the specific location.

The average cost of end-of-tenancy cleaning across the country stands at a starting price of £190 for a one-bedroom flat.

Interesting Facts about Consumers' Behaviour

1. Among individuals aged 25 to 34, 40% have either already engaged or are actively searching for a house cleaner.

2. Customer satisfaction plays a pivotal role in the success or failure of a cleaning business.

Insufficient and low-quality services.

1. Customer satisfaction is the leading factor that can make or break a cleaning business.

2. Inadequate and subpar services can result in a significant 55% decline in bookings, emphasising the importance of delivering high-quality cleaning experiences.

3. Nearly 50% of Brits dedicate 1 to 4 hours per week to cleaning, reflecting the time and effort individuals invest in maintaining cleanliness in their homes.

4. Surprisingly, 39% of office workers in the UK neglect to wash their hands after using the toilet, highlighting the need for improved hygiene practices in professional environments.

5. Spring cleaning is not a common practice for the majority of people, with only 37% engaging in this comprehensive cleaning ritual.

6. Moreover, 61% of individuals feel motivated to tidy up their homes only when they have free time available.

7. The presence of guests serves as a strong motivator for almost 70% of people to clean their homes diligently, underlining the desire to create a welcoming and tidy environment for visitors.

8. , 18% of people choose to wipe their toilet seat every day, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in their bathrooms.

9. 66% of Brits prioritise sanitising the surfaces in their homes daily, indicating a heightened awareness of the importance of germ control and overall cleanliness.

10. The average person spends double the amount of time cleaning compared to professional cleaners to achieve the same level of cleanliness, illustrating the expertise and efficiency that professionals bring to their work.

11. A striking 39% of Brits prefer to discard their dirty appliances rather than clean them, with microwaves, toasters, and kettles being the most commonly replaced items for this reason. This behaviour highlights the convenience-oriented mindset prevalent among a significant portion of the population.

12. On average, individuals spend approximately 12,896 hours of their lives engaged in cleaning activities, equivalent to around a year and a half of continuous cleaning. This staggering statistic emphasises the significant amount of time dedicated to maintaining cleanliness throughout one's lifetime.

13. The kitchen takes precedence as the most frequently cleaned room in people's homes, while the spare bedroom often falls by the wayside, being the room that is cleaned the least frequently.

14. For 72% of people in the UK, their primary motivation for regular home cleaning is their children, reflecting the desire to provide a safe and healthy living environment.

15. Additionally, 45% of individuals clean their homes due to the presence of pets, acknowledging the need to maintain cleanliness in the presence of furry companions.

Scary and Amazing Stats and Facts about Cleaning

1. A staggering 90% of tracked-in dirt is embedded within the first 7 meters of an entrance, emphasising the critical role of effective entryway cleaning to prevent dirt and debris from spreading further into buildings.

2. Surprisingly, there are over 3,000 different types of bacteria present on banknotes and coins, highlighting the potential for contamination through monetary transactions.

3. Alarming as it may be, approximately 55% of all cleaning solvents contain ingredients that can pose serious risks to lung health if inhaled, underscoring the importance of using environmentally friendly and safe cleaning products.

4. The average kitchen sponge harbours more than 10 million live bacteria, making it one of the dirtiest items in the household. Regular cleaning and disinfection of sponges are crucial to maintain hygienic conditions in the kitchen.

5. Without regular disinfection, the germ count on surfaces can increase by an average of 31% daily, emphasising the need for consistent cleaning practices to mitigate the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.

6. Office phones, on average, harbour over 4,000 bacteria per square centimetre, making them a hotspot for potential germ transmission. Regular cleaning and disinfection of office equipment are essential for maintaining a hygienic workplace.

7. Surprisingly, computer keyboards can harbour 200 times more germs than the average toilet seat. This highlights the importance of regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces to reduce the risk of germ transmission.

8. Acting promptly is crucial when dealing with carpet stains, as 90% of all carpet stains can be effectively removed if action is taken within the first 72 hours. Employing the right cleaning techniques and products can help restore the carpet's appearance.

9. Using only a dust mop to clean hardwood floors may result in the reappearance of dust bunnies within approximately 24 hours. Regular vacuuming is necessary to achieve long-lasting cleanliness and minimise the accumulation of dust.

10. Dust is composed of 70% dead skin flakes and 30% outside materials, highlighting the importance of dusting surfaces regularly to maintain a clean and allergen-free environment.

11. average mattress is home to over 6 billion dust mites, microscopic organisms that feed on dead skin cells. Regular mattress cleaning and using protective covers can help reduce the presence of dust mites and potential allergic reactions.

12. In 2009, Terry "Turbo" Burrows set a Guinness World Record for being the fastest window cleaner in the world. He cleaned three windows in just 9.14 seconds, showcasing the speed and efficiency of professional window cleaning services.

13. According to research conducted by the British Cleaning Council, 1 in 10 British households employs a domestic cleaner. Furthermore, nearly 25% of all households with an annual income under £20,000 utilize the services of a home cleaner, highlighting the demand for professional cleaning assistance.

14. The average yearly salary for a domestic cleaner in the UK is a little over £20,000, equivalent to approximately £10.50 per hour. However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as experience level and geographical location, with some cleaners earning up to £22,000 per year.

15. Researchers are optimistic about the future of cleaning services in the UK, as the demand for these services is expected to continue growing. With the lifting of lockdown restrictions, the cleaning industry is projected to experience a significant increase in annual revenue, potentially rising by up to 6% in 2022 and continuing to climb in the coming years.