Contest Overview

The Spotless Spaces Competition, sponsored by Tork, an Essity brand, celebrates the dedication and hard work of cleaning professionals who maintain pristine, hygienic, and accessible environments. Participants submitted images of the spaces they clean, along with a written description highlighting their cleaning methods, sustainability efforts, and the overall impact of their work.

Judging Criteria to Select Competition Finalist

Each submission will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Cleanliness & Presentation (30%)
   • Visual appeal and overall cleanliness of the space.
   • Attention to detail in maintaining high sanitation standards.
2. Commitment to Health & Safety (25%)
   • Implementation of cleaning protocols that promote occupant health.
   • Use of best practices to reduce the spread of germs and contaminants.
3. Sustainability & Green Cleaning (20%)
   • Use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices.
   • Efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainability.
4. Inclusivity & Accessibility (15%)
   • Consideration of diverse facility users, including accommodations for individuals with disabilities, menstruators, parents with infants, etc.
   • Implementation of facility solutions that enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
5. Team Pride & Storytelling (10%)
   • The passion and dedication conveyed in written responses.
   • Team perspective on what maintaining a spotless space means to them.

Contest Rules

1. Eligibility:
   • The competition was open to active ISSA members of all business classes who submitted an entry by the deadline.
2. Submission Requirements:
   • Participants provided high-quality images of their spotless space (with or without cleaning crew members).
   • A written response answering all required questions about their cleaning efforts.
3. Judging Process:
   • An internal committee will review all entries and score them based on the judging criteria.
   • The top U.S. entries, and top international entries will be selected and put forward for popular vote.
   • All finalists will be notified via email March 10-11.
4. Public Voting:
   • The top U.S. entries, and top international entries will be showcased on the competition webpage, where cleaning and facility solutions industry professionals can vote for their favorite.
   • The voting will be open March 12-22.
5. Three Winners Selected:
   • The Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award will be awarded by Tork and receive special recognition from ISSA in membership communications, ISSA social media, ISSA media interview, recognition at ISSA Advocacy Summit in Washington DC March 31-April 1, and at ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas November 10-13. Tork will judge based on the following criteria:
     1. Exhibits strategic and creative hygiene solutions to solve facility challenges that contribute to business outcomes (60% of judging criteria)
     2. Takes into consideration the needs of the user (visitor and cleaning staff) in the design and products used. Takes into consideration the needs of a broad set of individuals with a variety of abilities (20% of judging criteria)
     3. Takes sustainability into consideration as part of its hygiene practices (20% of judging criteria)
   • The U.S. submission with the highest number of popular votes will be named the U.S. Spotless Space of the Year and receive special recognition from ISSA in membership communications, ISSA social media, ISSA media interview, recognition at ISSA Advocacy Summit in Washington DC March 31-April 1, and at ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas November 10-13.
   • The International submission with the highest number of popular votes will be named the International Spotless Space of the Year and receive special recognition from ISSA in membership communications, ISSA social media, ISSA media interview, and at ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas November 10-13.
   • All three winners will be notified via email and/or phone call March 24-25.
   • All three winners will be announced to the public March 26 via ISSA website and ISSA media outlets.
6. Dispute Resolution:
   • Any disputes regarding contest rules, judging outcomes, or eligibility must be submitted in writing to ISSA within five (5) business days of the winner announcement.
   • ISSA will review disputes and make a final determination, which will be binding and not subject to further appeal.
7. Privacy & Data Protection:
   • Personal information collected during the contest will be used solely for the purpose of administering the competition and recognizing winners.
   • ISSA will not sell or share participant data with third parties without consent.
   • Submitted materials, including images and descriptions, may be published as outlined in the ‘Use of Submitted Materials’ section, but ISSA will respect requests for limited visibility where possible.