Paper short abstract:

During the global pandemic, the conceptualization of cleanliness changed. Building on initial empirical research into the professional landscape of cleaning, this paper delves into the experiences and viewpoints of stakeholders within the cleaning industry amid the pandemic's zenith in Germany.

Paper long abstract:

In the context of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the conceptualization of cleanliness underwent a significant transformation, becoming a paramount concern. This newfound emphasis on hygiene, framed as a measure of safety from viral threats, cast cleaning work into the spotlight as a vital, albeit often overlooked, component of daily life. In Germany, the critical role of cleaning was officially recognized, categorizing cleaning workers as 'essential'. Despite this classification, the visibility and acknowledgment for cleaning work remained minimal, underscoring a persistent undervaluation. Cleaning work, embedded within the broader spectrum of care and domestic labor, is marked by feminization, precarity, and marginalization, with a high representation of migrant workers.

Building on initial empirical research into the diverse professional landscape of cleaning, this paper delves into the experiences and viewpoints of stakeholders within the cleaning industry amid the pandemic's zenith in Germany. This exploration reveals that cleaning encompasses more than the mere removal of dirt and pathogens; it often embodies a caring and interpersonal dimension. Cleaners were confronted with the dual challenge of safeguarding their own health while acting as protectors against the virus for others, positioning their bodies as both potential vectors and barriers to disease transmission.

The focus of my analysis is on the emergent transformations, vulnerabilities, and dependencies within a crisis that has exacerbated the precarity faced by many actors of the cleaning Industry, which also profoundly influenced the management of spaces, the unseen forces within these environments (e.g., viruses) and the personal safety and health of individuals.