The New EVS Landscape: Costs, Technology & Smart Cleaning in 2026

Healthcare facilities continue to navigate significant challenges, including tightened budgets for environmental services (EVS), reduced staffing, changing facility funding structures and technology, all while managing increased demands from patients and staff. In talking with leaders in environmental services (EVS) across the country, I saw these same themes arise repeatedly in 2025, including shared challenges and exciting innovations that are and will change how we work.

Reusable microfiber cloths vs. disposable wipes: balancing performance, cost and efficiency

One topic that continues to generate significant discussion is determining the right disinfectant wipe for your EVS cleaning program: reusable microfiber cloths or ready-to-use (RTU) disposable wipes.

Reusable microfiber cloths paired with dilutable disinfectants have been utilized for many years and have some strong advantages, including durability, excellent soil-removal performance, and generally good chemical compatibility. However, the initial investment can be substantial and costly, with many hidden costs, especially when using a full rental service. If laundering is done in-house, facilities must have the proper equipment, plenty of stock on hand and validated laundering processes, as reusable microfiber will degrade over time. Additionally, if textiles are not processed correctly between uses, there is an increased risk of cross-contamination, which can reintroduce pathogens into the patient care environment.

On the other hand, disposable RTU wipes offer several advantages. Because each wipe is single-use, the risk of cross-contamination is significantly reduced. Performance and contact time compliance is consistent since staff are always using a new product, and there is no laundering required, eliminating water and energy consumption as well as associated costs. Disposable RTU wipes are also lightweight and easier for staff to transport. However, the raw materials used to manufacture disposable microfiber can fluctuate in availability and cost, leading to inconsistent pricing. Additionally, not all disposable microfiber mops or wipes include a sustainability component, so they may not be as environmentally friendly. Furthermore, quality can vary among manufacturers, which may lead to inconsistent performance.

Both reusable microfiber and disposable wipes are viable options, but the stronger candidate for your facility ultimately depends on what aligns best with the needs, goals and resources of your cleaning program.

Dilution control systems vs. ready-to-use products (RTU): striking the right balance between efficacy and costs

Dilution control systems have become increasingly popular as organizations look to standardize cleaning practices and manage costs. However, they require an upfront investment in equipment, staff training and regular maintenance to verify that the units are working properly. If the dilution system isn’t calibrated or maintained, it can lead to over or under dilution,^1,2 which can affect cleaning outcomes, compliance concerns, equipment compatibility, disinfection effectiveness and costs.

On the other hand, although RTU disinfectants may appear more expensive due to cost per use, evaluating the true cost and impact reveals their value. RTU products offer convenience and reliability since they arrive pre-mixed and correctly dosed by the manufacturer, increasing confidence that EVS teams are applying the proper amount of disinfectant for the correct contact time. RTU disinfectants eliminate the risk of incorrect dilution and are ideal for areas that need quick access to clean and disinfect or where staff turnover makes training more challenging. RTUs also support mobile teams working in off-site or hard-to-reach areas where a dilution system may not be available.

The convenience of RTU products allows EVS teams to focus on patient care. Investing in RTU products like Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Disinfectants is one step healthcare facilities can take in the pursuit of patient safety. Clorox Healthcare is widely recognized as a global leader in RTU disinfectant products, offering a broad portfolio designed to support the needs of any EVS department. Their solutions provide consistent, reliable performance and simplify workflows by eliminating the need for on-site dilution, making them a strong fit for a wide range of cleaning and disinfection programs.

AI and robotics: smart integration for the future of cleaning programs

Lastly, as EVS departments struggle to increase, or even maintain, their staff due to ongoing financial pressures, AI and autonomous robots will likely play an increasingly crucial role in supporting daily operations. AI and robotics continue to transform the healthcare industry as a whole, with the market projected to reach a total value of $491 billion by the end of 2027.³ Tasks such as scrubbing floors can be automated, allowing teams to reallocate those saved labor hours to other high-priority needs across the facility, such as discharge room cleaning or enhanced detail work. Beyond cleaning-related use cases, AI holds significant opportunity for infection prevention, particularly in the identification of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs).⁴ While human oversight is critical, AI-enabled HAI surveillance could unlock new ways for infection preventionists to partner with EVS. These capabilities may help pinpoint facility-specific opportunities for enhanced cleaning and disinfection, deliver actionable, facility-wide outcome data, and support predictive analytics to better align EVS staffing with infection risk.

With all the innovations we’ve seen in 2025, it’s clear that EVS is not only accelerating, but that we are redefining the standards of care across the industry. As our field continues to innovate, we are raising standards at an unprecedented pace. As we kick off 2026, it’s no longer a question of if change will happen, but how quickly we can adapt to lead it and continue to grow. What do you look forward to seeing in 2026? Comment with your thoughts on EVS trends that will shape 2026, would love to hear your perspective.