Cleaning products in Japan - statistics & facts
The cleanliness culture in Japan is reflected in its public spaces like streets, train stations, and buildings, where littering is frowned upon and punished heavily. Even though trash cans are scarce on the street, the status quo in public is upheld by cleaning services that are supplemented by community events, where neighborhoods work together to tidy up public spaces. Within private households, domestic chores are still left in the hands of women. But with the integration of women into the labor force and the consequent decline in the time available for housework, multi-purpose cleaning products and all-in-one solutions are in demand to save time.
As for wet cleaning methods, synthetic detergent account for the majority of household cleaning agents distributed in Japan, which include laundry detergent, dishwashing liquids, and general household or furniture cleaners. All-purpose cleaners are marketed as a universal solution to clean surfaces. But removing soils like organic fats, inorganic matter, germs, and bacteria require specialty cleaners. Manufacturers further developed high-concentrated formulations promising effective cleaning of stubborn dirt, which raises concerns about environmental pollution and is a challenge for water treatment facilities.
Tools and formulations to fight soil
Tools used in cleaning residential spaces range from dry sweeping tools to wet wiping ones. A Japanese household has a variety of surfaces including wooden and PVC flooring, stainless steel furnishing, and ceramic tiles that require different treatment methods. Vacuum cleaners were the preferred cleaning tool in Japan, allowing for fast dust control regardless of the surface type. While upright stick-type appliances have been closing in on the popularity of canister-type vacuum cleaners, smart devices like robotic cleaners are still uncommon.As for wet cleaning methods, synthetic detergent account for the majority of household cleaning agents distributed in Japan, which include laundry detergent, dishwashing liquids, and general household or furniture cleaners. All-purpose cleaners are marketed as a universal solution to clean surfaces. But removing soils like organic fats, inorganic matter, germs, and bacteria require specialty cleaners. Manufacturers further developed high-concentrated formulations promising effective cleaning of stubborn dirt, which raises concerns about environmental pollution and is a challenge for water treatment facilities.
