15 min read · 13 Feb 2026

2026 UK Cleaning Regulations: Safer Cleaning for Homes and Short-Lets

The cleaning world is getting an upgrade in 2026 – and it’s good news for anyone who hires a cleaner for their home or Airbnb. New UK regulations are coming into play, especially a big change in how cleaning chemicals are classified and labelled. Now, that might sound technical (and maybe a bit boring), but stick with us. These rules are set to make your home safer, your cleaning service greener, and give you extra peace of mind. Let’s break down what’s happening and why it matters for you, in plain English.

Understanding the New Cleaning Rules for 2026

What’s changing? In Great Britain, the government has updated its rules on cleaning products – specifically how chemicals like detergents and disinfectants must be classified and labelled. By 15 August 2026, all cleaning chemicals in use have to follow the new hazard labelling requirements. In simple terms, the products your cleaners use will need up-to-date labels with clear safety information (no more faded labels or mystery bottles!). Suppliers are responsible for providing correct labels and Safety Data Sheets, but cleaning companies must ensure the products they use are compliant. Even if you’re not a chemist, this matters: it means everyone knows exactly what’s in a product and how to use it safely.

Why the change? The goal is to make cleaning safer and more transparent. Industry experts say this shift towards strict Classification, Labelling and Packaging standards is pushing for “safer and more open cleaning practices”. Think of it as the cleaning industry’s way of saying, “We’ve got nothing to hide – here’s what’s in our bottles.” For you as a client, that translates to greater trust. When your cleaning service follows the latest safety standards, you can be confident there are no hidden nasties being sprayed or wiped around your home.

Crucially, these new labels come with standardised hazard symbols and clear wording. It’s all about safety – protecting cleaning staff and you, the client. Proper labels help ensure no one misuses a product or mixes the wrong chemicals. So next time you see a bottle under your sink with a new label full of icons, you’ll know it’s there for a good reason. It’s the cleaning world’s version of nutrition labels on food – more information upfront so we can all make safer choices.

Why These Rules Matter to Homeowners and Hosts

You might be thinking: “Okay, so my cleaning service has to deal with some new labels. But how does that affect me or my Airbnb guests?” The short answer: in many positive ways.

For your family’s safety: With clearer hazard labels and updated safety data on every product, there’s less risk of accidents or mishaps. For example, if you have kids or pets around, you want to be sure that the “gentle” floor cleaner truly doesn’t pose a hazard. The new rules ensure that any product your cleaner uses has been vetted and labelled for any risks. It’s like having an extra safety net. Cleaning companies now must double-check that every chemical they bring into your home is properly classified and labelled under the latest rules. No expired chemicals, no worn-out warning labels – which means you’re not left guessing what’s being used on your kitchen counter. This is peace of mind that what’s keeping your home clean isn’t secretly making it unsafe.

For short-let property hosts: If you manage an Airbnb or holiday rental, you know how important it is to maintain a safe and appealing space for guests. The 2026 regulations push for safer cleaning practices that can become a selling point for you. Imagine being able to tell guests that your cleaning service uses fully compliant, eco-conscious products. Travellers (especially those with kids, allergies, or just a green mindset) will appreciate that. Plus, by staying ahead of the rules, you avoid any compliance headaches. In the unlikely event an issue arises – say a guest is curious or concerned about a cleaning product used – you can confidently show that everything is by the book. As the industry saying goes, it’s about safety for everyone involved, including the client. And a safe guest is a happy guest, likely to give you those 5-star reviews.

Lastly, these changes are as much about transparency as they are about law. In the past, you may not have given a second thought to what chemicals your cleaner was using. Now, there’s an overall push for openness – you have every right to know what’s being used in your home. A cleaning service that eagerly complies with the new rules is one that welcomes your questions and cares about your comfort. In our experience, clients feel more relaxed knowing their cleaners are proactively taking care of safety details rather than cutting corners.

Sustainability and Waste: More Than a Buzzword in 2026

Green cleaning in action – two of our team members discuss how to reduce waste with eco-friendly products and proper recycling. Early compliance isn’t just about hazard labels; it’s also about embracing new sustainability and waste management practices. In fact, 2026 isn’t only the year of chemical labels – it’s also a milestone for recycling rules and eco-friendly initiatives. And this matters to you because a cleaning service that’s eco-conscious will make your life easier (and greener).

Here’s what’s happening: The UK has been rolling out “Simpler Recycling” rules that even households must follow by 31 March 2026. This means if you live in England, you’ll be expected to sort your rubbish (plastic, paper, food waste, etc.) into the right bins, just like businesses do. Now, in many homes this is already routine, but for some it might be a big change – and a source of stress (“Am I recycling correctly? What goes in the blue bin again?”). The good news is, if you have a cleaning service, they can help take that weight off your shoulders. Cleaning staff often end up handling the bins and recycling as part of their job, especially in rentals or after a big clean. A service that’s up to speed on these new waste rules will ensure your trash is sorted properly without you even having to ask.

At Get Set Clean, we’ve made sustainability a team effort. We train our cleaners on local recycling practices for each area we serve – yes, that even means knowing which borough uses which colour bin bag! If your Airbnb is in London, our team knows the council’s recycling scheme, so they won’t accidentally toss wine bottles in the general waste. It’s a small detail, but these details add up. When your cleaners handle waste correctly, you’re automatically compliant with the new recycling laws, and you’re doing your bit for the planet. And let’s be honest, there’s a nice feeling that comes with knowing your home’s waste isn’t contributing to the landfill more than necessary.

Sustainability goes beyond recycling bins. The 2026 changes also encourage cutting down on plastic packaging and using products that are less harmful to the environment. Professional cleaning services are responding by choosing concentrates, refills, and eco-labeled products whenever possible. For you, that might mean your cleaners start arriving with a super-concentrated cleaning solution they dilute on-site (less packaging waste) or using biodegradable cloths and natural fiber scrubbers. You might not notice all of these tweaks, but you will notice things like fresher air (fewer harsh chemical smells) and fewer plastic jugs piling up under your sink.

Most importantly, when a cleaning service is ahead of the game in sustainability, it gives you peace of mind. You can feel good about the fact that your lovely clean home didn’t come at the cost of the environment. Industry guidance for 2026 points out that if a company can show it uses “sensible, well-documented products” and supports proper waste sorting, it will stand stronger with clients. We’ve found this to be true – our own clients have told us they choose us because we “take care of the details” that align with their values. It’s not just a buzzword or a PR line; sustainable practices actually make a difference in the service you receive. You know that things are being done right, even when no one’s watching. That trust is priceless.

How Get Set Clean Is Adapting and Helping Clients Stay Ahead

New rules can be daunting, but at Get Set Clean we see them as an opportunity to improve our service. We didn’t wait for the August 2026 deadline to start making changes – we’ve been gearing up from the moment these regulations were announced. Here’s an insider peek at what we’ve been doing (and how it benefits you):

A thorough spring-clean of our cleaning cupboard: Early in 2026, we conducted a top-to-bottom review of every cleaning product we use for our clients. We checked that each one will meet the new labelling requirements. If something didn’t measure up, we reached out to our suppliers for updated labels and Safety Data Sheets. In a few cases, we decided to swap out older products for new, eco-friendlier options that already complied with the latest standards. The result? By the time 15 August 2026 rolls around, our shelves (and our cleaning kits) are filled with fully compliant products. No last-minute scrambles, no risk of using anything outdated. When we show up to clean your home, you can be sure every spray and solution is vetted and safe.
Training our team for the new era: We pride ourselves on having knowledgeable, professional cleaners, so training has been a big part of our 2026 prep. We’ve held training sessions to familiarise everyone with the new hazard symbols and labelling system. Our staff now know exactly what those little pictograms on the bottles mean – and more importantly, how to handle each product safely. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it means our cleaners are more confident and careful on the job. One of our senior team members joked that she’s now the “walking Wikipedia of cleaning labels.” If you ever have a question about a product we’re using, chances are your cleaner can explain it on the spot (in non-jargon terms!). This level of awareness keeps both our team and your household safe. No mix-ups, no misuse, and no worries for you.
Updating our cleaning playbook for sustainability: We’ve also woven the new recycling and waste guidelines into our standard operating procedure. As mentioned, our cleaners are briefed on local waste sorting rules – so if part of the job is taking out the trash or organising recyclables, they’ll do it the right way every time. We’ve created a simple checklist for eco-friendly practices during cleans. For instance, bring reusable cleaning cloths (check), avoid single-use plastic bags for garbage (check), use the client’s recycling bins correctly (check). It might sound very basic, but consistency is key. By institutionalising these habits, we ensure every Get Set Clean client gets the same level of care for their home and the environment.
Advising our clients: We believe in partnering with our clients, not just cleaning for them. That means we’re happy to share tips and advice. Many of our domestic clients have asked us how they can make their home cleaning routine more eco-friendly – and we gladly offer suggestions (like which green cleaning products actually work or how to make a simple vinegar cleaning solution for glass if they want to DIY between our visits). For our short-let and Airbnb hosts, we provide guidance on preparing their properties to meet new standards. For example, we’ve helped hosts set up a recycling info sheet for guests (“please put bottles in the green bin, thanks!”) and recommended gentler cleaning products to keep on hand for quick touch-ups, so they know they’re not inadvertently breaking any rules or harming their furnishings. We also keep an open dialogue: if a new regulation is coming that might affect how we service your property, you’ll hear from us. We see it as our job to keep you informed and worry-free.

All these efforts mean that by staying ahead of regulations, we keep your experience seamless. Our goal is that you shouldn’t even notice a big change in August 2026 – other than perhaps spotting those new labels on our cleaning bottles or hearing your cleaner mention how they’re using a fantastic new eco-friendly product. We’re doing the homework in the background so you can simply enjoy a sparkling, safe space. After all, providing a clean home is not just about the shine on the surfaces but also about the unseen standards and care that go into the process.

What to Look For in a 2026 Cleaning Service

With the cleaning industry evolving, it’s a smart idea to make sure any service you hire is keeping up. Here are some friendly tips on what to look out for (and ask about) when choosing a cleaning service in 2026:

✅ Compliance and Safety First: Make sure the company is aware of the new chemical rules and already following them. Don’t hesitate to ask, “Are your cleaning products updated to the latest safety standards?” A pro outfit will answer confidently and might even share how they’ve prepared for the 15 August 2026 deadline. This tells you they care about doing things by the book (which ultimately protects you and your property).
✅ Eco-Friendly Practices: Look for a cleaning service that talks about green or sustainable cleaning. Do they use eco-friendly or non-toxic products? Do they avoid unnecessary waste (like using washable cloths instead of heaps of paper towels)? Early compliance with recycling and sustainability norms is a sign of a forward-thinking company. It shows they’re not just cleaning for today, but also thinking about tomorrow’s impact. Choosing a cleaner who already uses recyclable packaging and supports waste sorting means you’re automatically on the right side of those 2026 waste rules.
✅ Trained and Knowledgeable Staff: The best cleaning services invest in training their people. This goes beyond just how to mop a floor – it means safety training, chemical knowledge, and customer service. A well-trained cleaner will know not to mix that bleach-based product with anything containing ammonia (and thus avoid a toxic gas incident). They’ll also handle your belongings with care and professionalism. When a company mentions regular training updates (for example, teaching staff about new hazard labels), it’s a strong indicator that they take their work seriously and value safety.
✅ Transparency and Communication: You should feel comfortable asking what products they use or how they handle waste, and get an informed answer. A trustworthy cleaning service will be transparent – they might have a list of their preferred products, or be able to show you an example of a Safety Data Sheet if you’re curious. They will also keep you in the loop about any changes. For instance, if they decide to switch to a new eco-friendly floor cleaner, they might tell you, especially if it has a different scent you’ll notice. This openness builds trust and ensures there are no surprises.
✅ Proven Experience with Homes Like Yours: This is more general, but still important. If you need a regular domestic cleaner, find a service that has good reviews from homeowners. If you need turnover cleaning for a short-let, find one that knows the drill for quick yet thorough changeovers. In 2026, with all the new standards in play, experience matters. A company that has successfully adapted for other clients will likely do a great job for you too. Don’t be shy about asking for references or checking testimonials – a solid cleaning service will understand that you want to be sure you’re hiring the right people for the job.

Moving Forward: A Cleaner, Safer, Greener Home

The cleaning regulations of 2026 might sound like a lot on paper, but at heart they’re about raising the bar for everyone. For cleaning platforms like us, they provide a clear framework to deliver safer and more sustainable service. For clients like you – busy families, professionals, landlords, and hosts – these rules translate into tangible benefits: safer products used in your home, more environmentally friendly practices, and the reassurance that your cleaners are on top of their game.

Remember, a great cleaning service doesn’t shy away from changes; it embraces them early to keep improving what it offers you. We certainly believe that at Get Set Clean. By understanding why these rules matter and choosing a cleaning provider who follows them, you’re not only protecting your own health and property, you’re also supporting a cleaner environment and responsible business practices.

In short, you deserve a cleaning service that helps you stay clean and stay safe – now with the full backing of 2026’s smarter regulations. Here’s to a sparkling home and total peace of mind in the new era of clean!

Sources: Industry insights on 2026 cleaning standards and expert commentary on the shift toward safer, transparent cleaning practices. These regulations are designed to keep both cleaners and clients safe, while promoting sustainability in every scrub and sweep. Enjoy the benefits – you’ll literally breathe easier.

Legal Notice

This blog is for general information only and should not be taken as legal or safety advice.

While we’ve done our best to summarise the upcoming 2026 UK cleaning and recycling regulations, Get Set Clean cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from how the information is used.

Please note: rules around waste, labelling, and sustainability can vary by borough. It’s up to you to check with your local council and make sure your property meets current HSE requirements.

For local guidance, visit your borough’s waste and recycling page here.