Industry News

ISSA’s 2026 International Cleaning Week Returns To Washington, DC In March

Celebration features second annual Spotless Spaces Competition and inaugural ICW Awards Dinner.

The association for cleaning and facility solutions, ISSA, is bringing back International Cleaning Week (ICW).

Taking place March 22–28, 2026, the weeklong event honors the vital work of cleaning professionals, advances industry advocacy and recognizes exemplary organizations and teams through a series of signature celebrations, including the second annual Spotless Spaces Competition and the first ICW Awards Dinner in Washington, DC.

“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 honored 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 program honors the individuals and groups whose dedication ensures environments – from offices and hospitals to schools and public spaces – support wellbeing, accessibility, and excellence every day.

The program recognizes:

US Spotless Space of the Year: Honors an outstanding US team for exceptional facility care;

International Spotless Space of the Year: Salutes global facility teams outside the US for exceeding the highest standards in clean environments; and

Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award: Recognizes 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 well-being of every person who enters their facilities. We’re honored to help shine a spotlight on the innovative leaders who set the standard for excellence every day.”

Entries are being accepted until January 23, 2026. 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 honored at the inaugural ICW Awards Dinner in Washington, DC.

Clean Advocacy Summit & ICW Awards Dinner

ICW 2026 includes the ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit, March 23–24, in Washington, DC. The premier event unites leaders, advocates, and stakeholders for policy briefings, advocacy training, and direct engagement with Congress. The inaugural ICW Awards Dinner, on March 23, will honor spotless spaces competition winners, outstanding advocates, policymakers, and up-and-coming industry leaders, providing unparalleled networking and recognition opportunities.

Visit issa.com/icw for more.

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