Cleaning Chemicals Market By Ingredient Type (Surfactants, Solvent, PH Regulators, Chelating Agents) , By Product Type (General Purpose Cleaners, Sanitizers and Disinfectants, Metal Cleaners, Laundry Cleaning, Others) By Application (Manufacturing and Commercial Offices, Retail and Foodservice, Medical, Automotive, Others) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033
The cleaning chemicals market was valued at $47.2 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $73.0 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2033.
Cleaning chemicals are hard surface cleaners that are formulated to remove stains, dust, foul odors, and other contaminants from various surfaces. They play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene, cleanliness, and aesthetics in both residential and commercial settings, thereby preventing the spread of contaminants. Common cleaning chemicals include detergents, disinfectants, degreasers, acid cleaners, and alkaline cleaners.
The growth of the global cleaning chemicals market is majorly driven by increase in awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, particularly in the wake of health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and rise in concerns about infectious diseases and their prevention. A study by McKinsey & Company estimated a 200% increase in the demand for disinfectants and sanitizers in healthcare settings during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, rapid urbanization and exponentially growing population, especially in emerging economies, have led to increased demand for cleaning products in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. A report from the World Bank estimated that urban population growth in India and China will account for nearly 50% of the increase in global urban population by 2030. This surge is expected to significantly boost the demand for residential and commercial cleaning products. Furthermore, expansion of industries and manufacturing sectors that require cleaning chemicals for machinery, equipment, and production facilities as well as expansion of sectors such as healthcare, food and beverage, and hospitality, which have stringent cleanliness standards, have significantly contribute toward the market growth. However, increase in environmental and health concerns is expected to restrain the market growth. A report by the Environmental Working Group—a U.S.-based activist group that specializes in research and advocacy in agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants, and corporate accountability—highlighted that many traditional cleaning chemicals contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances that can cause respiratory issues and environmental pollution. Furthermore, availability of alternative cleaning methods acts as a key deterrent factor of the market. On the contrary, manufacturers are focusing on the development of eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning chemicals as consumers are shifting their preference toward biodegradable, non-toxic, and low-VOC cleaning chemicals. Such developments are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the market growth.
The global cleaning chemicals market is segmented into ingredient type, product type, application, and region. On the basis of ingredient type, the market is divided into surfactants, solvent, PH regulators, chelating agents, and others. By product type, it is classified into general purpose cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants, metal cleaners, laundry cleaning, and others. Depending on application, it is categorized into manufacturing & commercial offices, retail & foodservice, medical, automotive, and others. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Key FindingsOn the basis of ingredient type, the surfactants segment is expected to dominate the market by 2033.
By product type, the general-purpose cleaners segment is anticipated to exhibit highest growth in the coming years.
Depending on application, manufacturing &commercial offices is projected to emerge as a leading segment during the forecast period.
Region wise, cleaning chemicals are likely to gain high prominence in Asia-Pacific in the near future.
Competition AnalysisCompetitive analysis and profiles of the major players in the global cleaning chemicals market include CLARIANT, BASF SE, Dow, DuPont, Ecolab, Evonik, Pilot Chemical Corp, Unilever Professional India, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, and The Clorox Company. These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships to sustain the intense competition and gain a strong foothold in the global market.
Key Market SegmentsBy Ingredient TypeSurfactants
Solvent
PH Regulators
Chelating Agents
By Product TypeGeneral Purpose Cleaners
Sanitizers and Disinfectants
Metal Cleaners
Laundry Cleaning
Others
By ApplicationManufacturing and Commercial Offices
Retail and Foodservice
Medical
Automotive
Others
By RegionNorth America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
UK
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Thailand
Malaysia
Indonesia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
LAMEA
Brazil
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Argentina
Rest of LAMEA
Key Market Players
CLARIANT
BASF SE
Dow
DuPont
Ecolab
Evonik
Pilot Chemical Corp
Unilever Professional India
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
The Clorox Company