Every year on October 15, people around the world pause to celebrate a group of professionals whose work often goes unseen but whose impact is felt everywhere: cleaners. From office buildings to hospitals, schools, and homes, cleaners make our environment safe, healthy, and pleasant.
Today, on Thank Your Cleaner Day, we recognize the essential role cleaners play in our communities, reflect on the fascinating history of cleaning as a profession, and share some insights and fun facts about the industry.
Why Cleaners Are So Important
Cleaners do more than just “tidy up.” Their work underpins public health, productivity, and wellbeing.
Here’s how their contribution extends beyond what meets the eye:
- Health Guardians:
Cleaners are on the frontline of hygiene. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria; something the COVID-19 pandemic made us all more aware of. - Workplace Productivity:
Studies show that a clean, organized environment boosts focus, morale, and even creativity. A tidy workspace means fewer distractions and a happier, more productive team. - Safety and Maintenance:
Cleaners prevent accidents by keeping floors dry, surfaces dust-free, and equipment in safe condition: reducing slips, trips, and hazards. - Environmental Impact:
Many cleaning professionals today use eco-friendly products and sustainable methods, helping reduce waste and conserve natural resources. - Human Connection:
Cleaners often work early mornings or late nights, quietly keeping our environment running smoothly. Their effort represents dedication, pride, and care: qualities that uplift everyone.
Fun Facts About Cleaning
- The world’s first vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901 by Hubert Cecil Booth; it was so large it had to be pulled by horses!
- The cleaning industry employs over 100 million people globally.
- On average, an office cleaner walks 6 to 8 kilometers per shift.
- Some cleaning solutions, like vinegar and baking soda, have been used since the ancient Egyptians!
A Short History of Cleaning as a Profession
The role of cleaner has evolved over centuries, beginning with the earliest civilisations that valued hygiene and order.
• In ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome attendants were responsible for maintaining cleanliness in homes and public baths.
• During the Industrial Revolution, cleaning became a recognized profession, as factories, offices, and urban spaces required regular maintenance.
• By the 20th century, the rise of commercial cleaning companies turned the role into an essential service; providing employment to millions and keeping the modern world functioning.
Today, cleaning professionals combine traditional care with modern technology, playing a crucial part in keeping workplaces safe and sustainable.
Cleaners are the quiet force behind every clean, safe, and welcoming environment we enjoy. Their work connects the past to the present; from ancient attendants to today’s professionals maintaining modern facilities with care and precision.
At
Domestic and General Property Support Services, we’re incredibly proud of our dedicated cleaning teams who go above and beyond every day. Their hard work keeps our clients’ spaces welcoming, safe, and spotless, often before the world even wakes up. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and pride in what they do represent the very best of our company values.
So today, take a moment to pause, smile, and say:
“Thank you for everything you do to keep our world clean.”
Because without cleaners, the world would quite literally be a mess.
