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A smiling woman in a housekeeping uniform, wheeling a cart with towels and linens

Cleaning staff do critical work. They keep surfaces spic and span, and their days are filled with dirt, sweat, and other unmentionables. More than 836,000 people work as maids and housekeepers in the United States. The right uniforms can help them do their jobs effectively while they feel good.

While uniforms serve an important function, they are also a visible reminder of your brand and values. Keeping things fresh could mean getting new customers or impressing those you already have. Torn, dirty, or otherwise low-quality uniforms reflect poorly on your business and contribute to unhappy employees.

These cleaning uniforms ideas could spark your imagination and help to improve your image.

8 Cleaning Uniforms Ideas

Are you looking for inspiration as you consider your cleaning staff uniforms? These eight ideas could help you get started.

1. Change the Color

Consumers are remarkably sensitive to color. For example, 39% of people surveyed said they’re most attracted to the color schemes shown on a website (rather than the other visual elements).

If you’ve used the same color for your cleaning uniforms for years, consider switching the palette. You could pick a different hue from your brand colors, or choose a color that’s often found in your location. Remember to pick a color that will hide dirt and stains, so your staff always looks tidy.

2. Emphasize Your Eco-Friendly Roots

Consumers flock to companies that protect the environment. For example, in a 2020 survey, over 60% of survey respondents stated that they would spend more for a product that came in sustainable packaging. If you take steps like this to highlight your commitment to green principles, do the same with your uniforms.

Look for options made with sustainable materials (like bamboo) or that are easy to clean with a wipe-down (instead of scrubbing in water). Remember to share the news with your customers, so they know that you’ve made the switch. Highlight the factors that make these new uniforms a green choice.

3. Take It Casual

Per a Gallup poll conducted in 2023, the majority of people wear casual clothing to work. If housekeeping staff members wear stiff and starched clothing, they could stand out from those they’re working with. The contrast could make customers uncomfortable.

Look for cleaning uniforms with few collars, ruffles, and pleats. Unisex options made of soft fabrics look comfortable while getting the job done.

4. Make It Formal

While the Gallup poll suggests that most people wear casual clothing to work, about 3% say business professional clothing is the norm for them. If the majority of your customers are dressed up, perhaps your staff should do the same.

Look for formal cleaning uniforms with plenty of details, such as starched collars and lace. They could help your customers feel like they’re in the luxurious environment they deserve.

Essentially, think of your clientele and the overall environment of your business. Match the level of clothing formality to that.

5. Upgrade the Functionality

Cleaning professionals work hard and often carry tools like keys and rags. However, some uniforms don’t allow staff to carry the things they need as they work.

For example, studies show that women demand pockets in all sorts of clothing items, including pajamas. If the current cleaning uniforms don’t have pockets, adding them could make your staff very happy.

Staff working in medical environments may also appreciate antimicrobial scrubs. Thinking about the work the staff does and how to make it easier is wise.

6. Invest in Durability

Experts say clothing worn as an outer layer (such as a uniform worn over underwear) doesn’t need to be washed until it’s been used four to five times. However, cleaning staff may need to wash their uniforms much more often due to the nature of their work.

Cheap uniforms tend to wrinkle and split when they’re washed too often. They may also be discolored due to harsh bleaching and stain removal products. Changing your cleaning uniforms to a version that’s much more durable could ensure staff always looks good. It’ll also ensure you have to replace your uniform inventory less frequently.

7. Make Your Brand Wearable

Experts say a well-designed logo can help to differentiate a brand from the competition. If your logo is particularly distinctive, place it on cleaning uniforms in discreet places, like sleeves or chest pockets. You could also look for ways to incorporate an element of the logo (like flowers or leaves) into the pattern that covers the uniform.

8. Remember the Work

Cleaning can be nasty and smelly work, and humans can discriminate an estimated 1 trillion different odors. Look for uniforms that come with odor-resistant finishes or that are made of moisture-wicking materials. The new versions could ensure that the workplace both looks and smells better.

Make the Right Choice

The cleaning uniforms ideas we’ve shared could be inspiring, and that inspiration could entice you to start looking for newer alternatives. Before you do, get input from your key stakeholders.

Ask your staff what kind of cleaning uniforms they might like. Quiz a few of your top customers about your brand and what they might like to see. And then do a trial run of the new uniform and see how everyone responds. You want to ensure your staff members like it before you make a final decision. Asking them shows that you care about their experience.

Uniform Rental Service from Alsco Uniforms

At Alsco Uniforms, we have more than 130 years of experience in linen rentals. Did you know we also provide uniform rental services? We have thousands of uniforms to choose from, and our laundry services are exceptional. The uniforms are rugged, durable, and customizable.

You never have to worry about your uniform inventory when you work with us. We’ll launder your uniforms, and when they become torn, stained, or otherwise worn, we’ll replace them. This ensures your staff members always look professional, clean, and fresh. Contact us to find out more about our rental services.