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ISSA, the association for cleaning and facility solutions, has announced the return of International Cleaning Week (ICW), taking place 22-28 March 2026.
The week-long event honours the vital work of cleaning professionals, advances industry advocacy, and recognises exemplary organisations and teams through a series of signature celebrations, including the second annual Spotless Spaces Competition and the first-ever ICW Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.
“International Cleaning Week reflects our shared commitment to excellence and the remarkable impact of cleaning and facility professionals worldwide,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. “I am honoured to lead this vibrant community, and excited to celebrate the teams and innovators who raise the bar for healthy, safe, and sustainable environments year-round.”
Spotless Spaces Competition & Awards
The second annual Spotless Spaces Competition, sponsored by Tork, an Essity Brand, is designed to spotlight the facility management teams and cleaning professionals who are committed to creating and maintaining safe, healthy, clean, and accessible spaces for everyone. This exclusive programme honours the individuals and groups whose dedication ensures the environments we rely on, from offices and hospitals to schools and public spaces, support wellbeing, accessibility, and excellence every day. The program recognises:
- U.S. Spotless Space of the Year: Honours an outstanding U.S. team for exceptional facility care.
- International Spotless Space of the Year: Salutes global facility teams outside the U.S. for exceeding the highest standards in clean environments.
- Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award: Recognises a facility that embraces sustainable practices, fosters innovation, and demonstrates a commitment to inclusive hygiene for all users.
“Tork is proud to sponsor the Spotless Spaces Competition and champion a facility or cleaning team whose dedication to sustainability, and inclusive hygiene serves as a best-in-class example for our industry,” said Essity Brand Activation Director Raquel Carbonari. “These professionals are the backbone of safer, healthier and more welcoming environments, and their work directly impacts the wellbeing of every person who enters their facilities. We’re honoured to help shine a spotlight on the innovative leaders who set the standard for excellence every day.”
Enter the competition by January 23, 2026 to spotlight your team by nominating your spotless space. Finalists for the Spotless Spaces of the Year awards will be entered into a public vote. The winner of the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award will be selected based on the specified criteria. 2026 winners will be announced as part of International Cleaning Week and honoured at the inaugural ICW Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. For full contest rules and eligibility details, please review the official terms and conditions.
Clean Advocacy Summit & ICW Awards Dinner
ICW 2026 includes the ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit, 23-24 March in Washington, D.C. This premier event brings together leaders, advocates, and stakeholders for policy briefings, advocacy training, and direct engagement with Congress. The inaugural ICW Awards Dinner, on March 23, will honour spotless spaces competition winners, outstanding advocates, policymakers, and up-and-coming industry leaders, providing unparalleled networking and recognition opportunities.
