When considering the needs of highly functioning health care facilities and the human resources required for health, those who clean hospitals might logically be thought of as a central part of the health workforce, with the value and rewards bestowed on them reflecting their contribution to overall health outcomes. The evidence however, tends to suggest that in many countries this is not the case. Global baseline data, existing norms and standards, resolutions and campaigns, and research, are all potentially helpful in shifting from the status quo to a world where healthcare cleaning and cleaning staff are valued and supported in their work. We will examine each of these in turn, drawing on some hot off the press materials, and thereby stimulate a discussion on this important topic for infection preventionists.