Singapore’s cleaning industry continues to evolve through the years. As of March 2017, its diverse population consists of 1,200 cleaning companies, with a labor force of about 58,000 cleaners.
The government’s regulatory measures have been crucial to sustaining and shaping the cleaning industry. As part of the government’s commitment to raise service standards in cleaning, it implemented licensing requirements over the years. In 2010, the voluntary accreditation scheme (VAS) was introduced, followed by the enhanced clean mark accreditation scheme (EAS) in 2012. The enforcement of a mandatory cleaning licensing regime beginning April 2014 paved the way for improved standards in professionalism and productivity.
Cleaning companies under the regulatory authority of National Environment Agency (NEA) are mandated to observe stringent requirements before accreditation:
- Registration with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Singapore or Associations/Societies registered with the Registry of Societies (ROS)
- Reputable Track Record in Cleaning Business
- Conduct of Trainings for Cleaners
- Agency-approved Wage Plans for Different Classes of Cleaners
Popular Cleaning Trends for Cleaning Companies in Singapore
As customers’ cleaning preferences and needs change, so do cleaning trends. To stay competitive, professional cleaners adopt innovative cleaning trends. The following trends are believed to shape the future of Singapore’s cleaning industry:
Robotics Equipment for Smart Cleaning
The future of Singapore’s cleaning industry lies in automated cleaning technology. Mr. Khoong Hock Yun, the Chief Data Officer and Assistant Chief Executive of Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), believes that modern cleaning technology is a game changer in the cleaning industry. Thus, in September 2015, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) along with the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Environmental
Management Association of Singapore (EMAS) introduced Robot-as-a-Service (Raas) pilot solution to cleaning companies .
The robotics equipment features an autonomous controller retrofitted to scrubbing machines. Scrubbers are operated autonomously through sensors and equipped with board cameras for monitoring and image recording, along with cleaning task analysis. Using autonomous cleaning machinery is advantageous in terms of consistency and precision.
This pilot technology streamlines workflow processes and lessens chemical and water usage. It likewise makes the cleaning industry manpower-lean as it helps address manpower shortage and reduce exertion of physical labour for cleaning jobs. While a normal cleaner can clean a floor area of at least 300 square metres per hour, robotics cleaning equipment is able to clean thrice the area size for the same duration. Prior to robotics technology, it takes a cleaner over eight hours to complete a flooring of 30,000 square feet. Now the cleaning time is reduced to five hours, even if repeated for high traffic areas.
Eco-friendly cleaning for carpet maintenance
In view of the government’s incentive for green business practices , green cleaning is becoming an industry standard. In fact, this environment-first approach is becoming a fundamental aspect of carpet care.
Green cleaning for carpet maintenance signifies a commitment to use only sustainable and environmentally responsible cleaning agents. It employs carpet cleaning techniques which promote a healthy environment, minimal air pollution and reduce long term health risks like asthma and allergies. It seeks to replace abrasive cleaners containing ammonia, alkali, brighteners and alcohol with organic or plant-based cleaners. Unlike chemical detergents which cause fibre discoloration and carpet wear and tear, water-based solvents are tough on stains but gentle on carpet fibre. They do not thin out carpet material and ensure its longevity and beauty.
Examples of green cleaning methods used for carpet care are:
Dry Steaming
In dry steam cleaning, water is heated to a high steam temperature of about 240-310 Fahrenheit or 115-155 Celsius . The emission of hot steam effectively disinfects germs, molds, bed bugs, dust mites and fungi.
As it does not require cleaning chemicals, it is ideal for hypoallergenic environments. Unlike tradition cleaning methods, steam cleaning saves about 80% water and does not contaminate the air with chemicals, thus contributing to improved indoor air quality.
Engineered activated water
In Electro Chemical Activation (ECA), salt water is electrically charged in an electrolytic cell. The pressurised water, along with electrolyzed and ozonated systems, acts as a powerful sanitizing and cleaning agent. The cleaning solution mimics the effects of commercial detergents . It reacts and loosens deep seated dirt and grime, without using chemicals. It also serves as an antimicrobial solution which kills viruses and bacteria.
Photo Credit: www.orbio.com
Specialty Cleaning Services
Cleaners in Singapore offer both general and specialised cleaning services. General cleaning for commercial enterprises still comprises the bulk of service offerings in the cleaning industry.
Nevertheless, specialty ad hoc services appeal to clients who need thorough cleaning for specific purposes. Cleaning companies offer specialty cleaning solutions suited to specific client preferences. Clients usually require customised one-time clean service for special events, social gatherings and even when selling homes or returning from holidays or long vacations.
Prioritising Training Programmes for Cleaning Workforce
Cleaners (except those who are employed for less than three months) are expected to complete at least one training module, either under ITC or Institute of Technical Education Skills Certificate for Housekeeping Operations or the Environmental Cleaning Work Force Skills Qualifications Framework.
Throughout the licensing period, training compliance is imperative. To ensure workforce competency, at least 50% of the cleaners of the enterprise must have undergone training during licence application, while 100% of the cleaners must already be trained during licence renewal. This requirement applies to both resident and foreign cleaners, whether employed on full-time, casual or part-time basis.
Avalon Services: In Strict Compliance with Industry Cleaning Trends
For quality carpet cleaning at par with the latest cleaning trends, count on the services of a professional cleaning company. Standard carpet cleaning rates in Singapore from accredited cleaning companies are competitive. Pricing plans are flexible, depending on the project specification and client requirements.
Besides project costs, clients must carefully consider the reputation of a cleaning company in choosing a service provider. Avalon Services delivers cost-effective cleaning solutions that prioritise client satisfaction. Guided by an eco-friendly cleaning philosophy, our licensed cleaners use only chemical-free agents and state of the art cleaning technology for excellent results. To request a free quote, contact us today.