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Learning Mobility to Italy may 27 – 30, 2025
Led by Puhastusekspert, another inspiring and substantive Erasmus+ learning mobility took place from May 27–30, 2025, with Milan, Italy as its destination.
Participants in the learning mobility included P.Dussmann, Eesti Liinirongid AS, Tartu Vocational College, Uma Puhastus OÜ, Viljandi Hospital AS, Elva Hospital AS, SOL Baltics OÜ, North Estonian Medical Centre, Tartu Health Care College, and Arkaadia Puhastus OÜ. The learning mobility was supported by Erasmus+ consortium learning mobility projects no. 2023-1-EE01-KA121-VET-000133792 and 2024-1-EE01-KA121-VET-000236654.
The aim of the learning mobility was to gain an overview of Italian cleaning industry practices, technologies, the organization of sustainable procurement, and work management, to understand how cleaning companies are managed sustainably, and how infection control is ensured in Italy. Additionally, it aimed to expand international contacts and bring best practices to the development of the Estonian cleaning sector, thereby developing the competencies of cleaning sector trainers.
How Does Cleaning Differ in Italy?
A peculiarity of the Italian cleaning sector is that the market largely features machines, accessories, and paper products manufactured in Italy. Professional associations include both cleaning contractors and manufacturers. A need is seen for developing the sector by training both manufacturers and contractors together. Significant steps are being taken in the development of cleaning to ensure that the competencies for various cleaning service positions are uniform across Italy and more broadly in Europe. For this purpose, there is an excellent unified system, the European Qualification Framework, which is not currently in use in Italy but is being strived for. We can proudly say that the same system has been in use in Estonia for over 20 years, and in this regard, we can advise organizations in Italy. Read more about EQF qualification here.
ISSA Pulire 2025 – Europe’s Leading Cleaning Exhibition
The ISSA Pulire exhibition in Milan was one of the most important parts of the learning mobility. It is one of Europe’s largest trade fairs for professional cleaning services and technologies, where, in addition to product and equipment presentations, we also participated in seminars, workshops, and conference presentations. The most interesting topics included cleaning ergonomics, optimization of work methods, measuring and improving cleaning efficiency, air purity and ventilation requirements, innovative cleaning solutions, cleaning procurement requirements in Italy, and the implementation of ESG principles in the cleaning sector.
Innovation in Cleaning
During the ISSA Pulire exhibition, the cleaning innovation awards ceremony took place. Our consortium decided to choose our favorites, and the top five are presented below:
5. Ergotec Window Cleaning Gloves
◦ Window cleaning gloves that keep hands dry and warm
◦ Pleasant design and functionality
◦ Rubber details ensure a good grip
Consortium comment: They do not get wet inside and are very comfortable. We particularly liked that hands stay warm during window cleaning. The gloves are thick, but this does not make working uncomfortable.
4. Unger Green Label Accessories for Glass Cleaning
◦ The first certified sustainable accessory line for professional glass cleaning.
◦ Tool and accessory certifications: C2C Material Health Certificate™ Silver, EU Ecolabel, FSC Mix Credit.
◦ High quality and environmental friendliness; all products are designed to meet both professional needs and strict environmental standards.
Consortium comment: A well-thought-out product line where every accessory has a purpose. Pleasant design.
3. Makita PS001GZ Cordless Floor Maintenance Machine
◦ Very lightweight (under 2 kg)
◦ Allows access to areas where a large cleaning machine cannot reach
◦ Ideal for cleaning and polishing stairs and walls.
Consortium comment: It impressed with its powerful 40V battery, compact design, and adjustable telescopic handle – it is a tool designed with worker comfort and freedom of movement in mind. Speed control, soft start, and LED lighting make its use smooth and professional. It is an excellent choice when a mobile, reliable, and precise cleaning tool is needed for quick response. Cordless, powerful, ergonomic, versatile tool. Suitable for various fields.
2. DRYFT Floor Scrubber Dryer
◦ The world’s first S-Motion scrubber-dryer, which cleans up to 100 m² in just 3.9 minutes
◦ Achieves effective cleaning with a vibration frequency of 4,200 rpm
◦ DRYFT features a patented cleaning handle – you use the machine as if you were mopping
Consortium comment: A small, compact floor scrubber. Good results in hard-to-reach areas, can be used in confined spaces. Comfortable to use and gives the feeling of mopping.
1. I-Walk Co-Botic (our consortium’s favorite and also the innovation award winner)
◦ Can be transformed into an I-mop robot
◦ Highly efficient — up to 700 m² cleaned with a single charge
◦ Easy to set up and features a pleasant design.
Consortium comment: The i-walk impressed with its ability to navigate independently and precisely thanks to smart sensor technology. This machine does not replace the worker but supports them – reducing physical strain and taking over large-scale routine tasks. This means that the worker can focus on more detailed and meaningful tasks, which increases the significance of their work and provides greater motivation. This is not just a time-saver – it is a way to value the worker’s contribution and strengthen their role in the work environment. Innovation here lies not only in technology but also in the approach to human-machine collaboration.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to shadow at several large companies, such as Kiehl, Unger, Cartiere Carrara, and Sprintus. During the shadowing, we were able to test various cleaning accessories and machines and verify their effectiveness. We also tested different cleaning methods and compared processes between Estonia and Italy. It was a great help that we could ask questions and receive immediate answers from the original source.
Shadowing at San Raffaele Hospital
Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital was one of the highlights of our learning mobility. It is one of Italy’s largest and most prestigious private hospitals, where we observed the entire cleaning cycle organization, from preparation in the cleaning room, cleaning of general areas and operating rooms, to the completion of cleaning tasks. San Raffaele Hospital is a research hospital founded in 1971 and a polyclinic of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, offering specialized treatment for the most complex health problems, and was recognized in 1972 as a research and treatment institute for diabetology. This hospital has over 60 specialized clinical units and receives 1.9 million patients annually. The hospital’s cleaning practices were of a high standard but differed somewhat from those used in Estonia. For example, pre-moistening textiles, wetting bottles, or pre-cleaning mops before washing in a machine are not used. San Raffaele Hospital was highly dedicated to patient satisfaction – patients should feel as if they are in a hotel and also receive first-class medical service.
Interesting Insights from the Learning Mobility:
◦ Cleaning is often a cultural topic – there are significant differences in cleaning practices across various countries. In reality, cleaning is a science; decision-making must be based on data, and dirt removal should be a conscious activity. This requires international cooperation and common knowledge-based training. We need common principles and rules, as the desire to be efficient is shared. It is necessary to rely on a goal that creates VALUE.
◦ Sector-specific training needs updating; there are more robots and AI, while the conceptualization of cleaning also requires a new perspective. Experience and studies show that longer training courses make people happier and create more value, as individuals begin to act more consciously. Implementing changes takes time; with short training courses, the change lacks systematic support.
◦ A challenge in training and developing the sector is how to make people proud of their work, understand its value, want to learn, how to address the new generation, and where to find resources for teaching.
◦ Customer awareness is a key issue! The sector needs appropriate ways to educate clients.
◦ Cleaning is a well-being service, on which a person’s well-being, health, and sometimes even life often depend. We are affected by unseen dirt, such as microorganisms and air purity. At this point, measurements are particularly important in decision-making; in the absence of data, speculative decisions are made, which are neither sustainable nor relevant.
◦ To engage the younger generation in the cleaning sector, it is necessary to explain WHY cleaning is important and what role it plays in our daily lives.
◦ Each country has its own practices for removing dirt. We do not need to argue about which cloth or brush someone uses. It is important to focus on achieving the desired cleanliness as a result of the activity, rather than just spreading dirt around.
◦ The goal is not for cleaning supplies to have an eco-label. The goal is to achieve cleanliness efficiently while saving resources (labor, supplies, cleaning agents).
Participants in the learning mobility included P.Dussmann, Eesti Liinirongid AS, Tartu Vocational College, Uma Puhastus OÜ, Viljandi Hospital AS, Elva Hospital AS, SOL Baltics OÜ, North Estonian Medical Centre, Tartu Health Care College, and Arkaadia Puhastus OÜ. The learning mobility was supported by Erasmus+ consortium learning mobility projects no. 2023-1-EE01-KA121-VET-000133792 and 2024-1-EE01-KA121-VET-000236654.
The aim of the learning mobility was to gain an overview of Italian cleaning industry practices, technologies, the organization of sustainable procurement, and work management, to understand how cleaning companies are managed sustainably, and how infection control is ensured in Italy. Additionally, it aimed to expand international contacts and bring best practices to the development of the Estonian cleaning sector, thereby developing the competencies of cleaning sector trainers.
How Does Cleaning Differ in Italy?
A peculiarity of the Italian cleaning sector is that the market largely features machines, accessories, and paper products manufactured in Italy. Professional associations include both cleaning contractors and manufacturers. A need is seen for developing the sector by training both manufacturers and contractors together. Significant steps are being taken in the development of cleaning to ensure that the competencies for various cleaning service positions are uniform across Italy and more broadly in Europe. For this purpose, there is an excellent unified system, the European Qualification Framework, which is not currently in use in Italy but is being strived for. We can proudly say that the same system has been in use in Estonia for over 20 years, and in this regard, we can advise organizations in Italy. Read more about EQF qualification here.
ISSA Pulire 2025 – Europe’s Leading Cleaning Exhibition
The ISSA Pulire exhibition in Milan was one of the most important parts of the learning mobility. It is one of Europe’s largest trade fairs for professional cleaning services and technologies, where, in addition to product and equipment presentations, we also participated in seminars, workshops, and conference presentations. The most interesting topics included cleaning ergonomics, optimization of work methods, measuring and improving cleaning efficiency, air purity and ventilation requirements, innovative cleaning solutions, cleaning procurement requirements in Italy, and the implementation of ESG principles in the cleaning sector.
Innovation in Cleaning
During the ISSA Pulire exhibition, the cleaning innovation awards ceremony took place. Our consortium decided to choose our favorites, and the top five are presented below:
5. Ergotec Window Cleaning Gloves
◦ Window cleaning gloves that keep hands dry and warm
◦ Pleasant design and functionality
◦ Rubber details ensure a good grip
Consortium comment: They do not get wet inside and are very comfortable. We particularly liked that hands stay warm during window cleaning. The gloves are thick, but this does not make working uncomfortable.
4. Unger Green Label Accessories for Glass Cleaning
◦ The first certified sustainable accessory line for professional glass cleaning.
◦ Tool and accessory certifications: C2C Material Health Certificate™ Silver, EU Ecolabel, FSC Mix Credit.
◦ High quality and environmental friendliness; all products are designed to meet both professional needs and strict environmental standards.
Consortium comment: A well-thought-out product line where every accessory has a purpose. Pleasant design.
3. Makita PS001GZ Cordless Floor Maintenance Machine
◦ Very lightweight (under 2 kg)
◦ Allows access to areas where a large cleaning machine cannot reach
◦ Ideal for cleaning and polishing stairs and walls.
Consortium comment: It impressed with its powerful 40V battery, compact design, and adjustable telescopic handle – it is a tool designed with worker comfort and freedom of movement in mind. Speed control, soft start, and LED lighting make its use smooth and professional. It is an excellent choice when a mobile, reliable, and precise cleaning tool is needed for quick response. Cordless, powerful, ergonomic, versatile tool. Suitable for various fields.
2. DRYFT Floor Scrubber Dryer
◦ The world’s first S-Motion scrubber-dryer, which cleans up to 100 m² in just 3.9 minutes
◦ Achieves effective cleaning with a vibration frequency of 4,200 rpm
◦ DRYFT features a patented cleaning handle – you use the machine as if you were mopping
Consortium comment: A small, compact floor scrubber. Good results in hard-to-reach areas, can be used in confined spaces. Comfortable to use and gives the feeling of mopping.
1. I-Walk Co-Botic (our consortium’s favorite and also the innovation award winner)
◦ Can be transformed into an I-mop robot
◦ Highly efficient — up to 700 m² cleaned with a single charge
◦ Easy to set up and features a pleasant design.
Consortium comment: The i-walk impressed with its ability to navigate independently and precisely thanks to smart sensor technology. This machine does not replace the worker but supports them – reducing physical strain and taking over large-scale routine tasks. This means that the worker can focus on more detailed and meaningful tasks, which increases the significance of their work and provides greater motivation. This is not just a time-saver – it is a way to value the worker’s contribution and strengthen their role in the work environment. Innovation here lies not only in technology but also in the approach to human-machine collaboration.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to shadow at several large companies, such as Kiehl, Unger, Cartiere Carrara, and Sprintus. During the shadowing, we were able to test various cleaning accessories and machines and verify their effectiveness. We also tested different cleaning methods and compared processes between Estonia and Italy. It was a great help that we could ask questions and receive immediate answers from the original source.
Shadowing at San Raffaele Hospital
Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital was one of the highlights of our learning mobility. It is one of Italy’s largest and most prestigious private hospitals, where we observed the entire cleaning cycle organization, from preparation in the cleaning room, cleaning of general areas and operating rooms, to the completion of cleaning tasks. San Raffaele Hospital is a research hospital founded in 1971 and a polyclinic of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, offering specialized treatment for the most complex health problems, and was recognized in 1972 as a research and treatment institute for diabetology. This hospital has over 60 specialized clinical units and receives 1.9 million patients annually. The hospital’s cleaning practices were of a high standard but differed somewhat from those used in Estonia. For example, pre-moistening textiles, wetting bottles, or pre-cleaning mops before washing in a machine are not used. San Raffaele Hospital was highly dedicated to patient satisfaction – patients should feel as if they are in a hotel and also receive first-class medical service.
Interesting Insights from the Learning Mobility:
◦ Cleaning is often a cultural topic – there are significant differences in cleaning practices across various countries. In reality, cleaning is a science; decision-making must be based on data, and dirt removal should be a conscious activity. This requires international cooperation and common knowledge-based training. We need common principles and rules, as the desire to be efficient is shared. It is necessary to rely on a goal that creates VALUE.
◦ Sector-specific training needs updating; there are more robots and AI, while the conceptualization of cleaning also requires a new perspective. Experience and studies show that longer training courses make people happier and create more value, as individuals begin to act more consciously. Implementing changes takes time; with short training courses, the change lacks systematic support.
◦ A challenge in training and developing the sector is how to make people proud of their work, understand its value, want to learn, how to address the new generation, and where to find resources for teaching.
◦ Customer awareness is a key issue! The sector needs appropriate ways to educate clients.
◦ Cleaning is a well-being service, on which a person’s well-being, health, and sometimes even life often depend. We are affected by unseen dirt, such as microorganisms and air purity. At this point, measurements are particularly important in decision-making; in the absence of data, speculative decisions are made, which are neither sustainable nor relevant.
◦ To engage the younger generation in the cleaning sector, it is necessary to explain WHY cleaning is important and what role it plays in our daily lives.
◦ Each country has its own practices for removing dirt. We do not need to argue about which cloth or brush someone uses. It is important to focus on achieving the desired cleanliness as a result of the activity, rather than just spreading dirt around.
◦ The goal is not for cleaning supplies to have an eco-label. The goal is to achieve cleanliness efficiently while saving resources (labor, supplies, cleaning agents).
