Swearlt - Transparency of Cleaning Measures
Sector: Tertiary sector · Industry: Cleaning and caretaker services · Organisation: Swearlt · Maturity level: Concept
Swearlt is a blockchain-based system for transparent documentation of cleaning measures in public spaces. The system enables companies to immutably document every cleaning step in the blockchain and provide consumers with real-time insight into performed hygiene measures via QR codes. This strengthens trust among users of public spaces, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Documentation status
- Project status: Concept
- Evidence: Evidence medium
- Editorial review: Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026
Description
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) analysed the application potentials of blockchain for various work areas, including documentation of service delivery such as cleaning services, in the publication Blockchain Technology: Opportunities and Risks.
Cleaning companies face a fundamental problem: How can they prove that cleaning actually took place and was carried out to the required quality? Current approaches: timesheets (manual, falsifiable), on-site QR code scans (easy to circumvent), supervisors (expensive, poor scalability). Blockchain solution: cleaners use an app that records the location upon entering the cleaning area and creates a blockchain entry; IoT sensors can detect cleaning activities (vacuum cleaner switched on, mop trolley moved) and document them directly on-chain; the client sees in real time what was cleaned and when. Performance-based billing: instead of per hour, billing can be based on actually performed, blockchain-verified cleaning units. Particularly relevant: hospital hygiene (infection prevention), food businesses (HACCP documentation), public facilities (accountability requirements).
Perspectives
B2B — organisations perspective
Building cleaning companies can offer blockchain-secured proof of performance — seamless documentation builds trust with clients, enables performance-based billing, and simplifies quality certifications.
B2C — consumers perspective
Consumers gain direct insight into the cleaning history of public spaces through QR code scans. This builds trust and enables informed decisions about using certain facilities.
Employees perspective
Cleaning staff must digitally document their work steps in detail, which initially means a changeover. However, the system can also contribute to enhancing their work as it becomes transparent and traceable.
Benefits
General
- The system builds trust through transparent and traceable documentation of all cleaning measures.
- Companies can position themselves as hygiene-conscious and technologically advanced providers.
- Automated documentation reduces administrative effort and minimises sources of error.
B2B — organisations
- Cleaning companies can charge premium prices for demonstrably transparent and high-quality services.
B2C — consumers
- Consumers receive real-time information about hygiene measures and can make informed decisions about using public spaces.
Employees
- Digital documentation can contribute to professionalisation and better appreciation of cleaning work.
Challenges
General
- Implementation requires extensive training of staff in handling the new technology.
- Possible security vulnerabilities in the blockchain platform or system failures could affect documentation.
B2B — organisations
- Companies must invest in new technology and staff training without a clearly measurable ROI.
Employees
- Cleaning staff might resist the additional digital documentation that changes their daily work.
Technology foundation
The system uses blockchain technology for immutable storage of cleaning data, excluding manipulation. The type of blockchain used is not specified but could be a private or permissioned blockchain to control access to sensitive operational data.
Tags
Transparency, Hygiene, Blockchain, QR code, Trust