How much should your business budget for commercial cleaning cost? Canadian businesses typically pay between $0.05 and $0.25 per square foot, but the actual cost varies significantly based on location, facility type, and service requirements. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about commercial cleaning pricing in Canada.

Commercial Cleaning Costs Overview in Canada

Before diving into the factors, here’s a quick overview of typical commercial cleaning cost ranges across Canada:

Per Square Foot Pricing

Facility Type	Cost per Sq Ft	5,000 Sq Ft Monthly
Standard office	$0.05–$0.10	$250–$500
Medical/dental office	$0.12–$0.20	$600–$1,000
Retail space	$0.08–$0.15	$400–$750
Industrial/warehouse	$0.03–$0.08	$150–$400
Restaurant	$0.15–$0.25	$750–$1,250

Hourly Rates by Region

City/Region	Hourly Rate Range
Toronto/GTA	$35–$65 CAD
Vancouver	$35–$60 CAD
Calgary/Edmonton	$28–$55 CAD
Ottawa	$30–$55 CAD
Montreal	$28–$50 CAD
Halifax/Atlantic	$25–$45 CAD

Factor 1: Facility Size and Square Footage

Square footage is the primary driver of commercial cleaning cost. However, larger spaces often benefit from economies of scale.

How Size Affects Pricing

• Small offices (under 2,000 sq ft): Higher per-square-foot rates due to minimum charges
• Medium facilities (2,000–10,000 sq ft): Standard pricing applies
• Large facilities (10,000+ sq ft): Volume discounts of 15–25% common
• Multi-location: Additional discounts for bundled contracts

Realistic Cost Examples

Facility Size	Weekly Cleaning	3x Weekly	Daily
1,500 sq ft	$150–$250	$350–$550	$600–$900
3,000 sq ft	$200–$350	$500–$800	$900–$1,400
5,000 sq ft	$300–$500	$700–$1,100	$1,200–$1,800
10,000 sq ft	$500–$800	$1,100–$1,800	$2,000–$3,200

Factor 2: Geographic Location

Location significantly impacts commercial cleaning rates due to labour costs, cost of living, and market competition.

Regional Price Variations

• Toronto and Vancouver: Premium markets with rates 20–30% higher than national average
• Calgary and Edmonton: Competitive pricing, strong service availability
• Ottawa: Government contracts influence pricing; moderate rates
• Montreal: Generally lower rates than Toronto; bilingual service availability
• Atlantic Canada: Most affordable rates; fewer provider options

Urban vs Suburban Pricing

• Downtown core: 15–25% premium for parking, access challenges
• Suburban office parks: Standard rates; easier logistics
• Industrial areas: Often lower rates due to simpler access
• Remote locations: Travel surcharges may apply

Factor 3: Cleaning Frequency

How often you need cleaning directly affects your total commercial cleaning cost. More frequent service typically offers better per-visit rates.

Frequency Pricing Patterns

• Daily cleaning: Best per-visit rate; highest total cost
• 3x weekly: 10–15% savings per visit vs daily
• 2x weekly: 15–20% savings per visit
• Weekly: 20–30% savings per visit; higher single-visit rate
• Bi-weekly/monthly: Highest per-visit rate; lowest total cost

Recommended Frequency by Business Type

Business Type	Recommended Frequency	Reason
Medical/dental	Daily	Health regulations, infection control
Restaurant/food service	Daily	Health code compliance
Retail (high traffic)	Daily	Customer experience, appearance
Standard office	3x weekly	Balance of cost and cleanliness
Small office (under 10 staff)	1–2x weekly	Lower traffic, cost efficiency
Warehouse	Weekly–bi-weekly	Lower cleanliness standards needed

Factor 4: Type of Facility

Different facility types have vastly different cleaning requirements and associated costs.

Standard Office Cleaning

The most common commercial cleaning service, typically including:

• Vacuuming and floor care
• Trash removal
• Restroom cleaning and restocking
• Surface dusting and wiping
• Kitchen/break room cleaning

Typical cost: $0.05–$0.12 per square foot

Medical and Healthcare Facilities

Require specialised disinfection protocols and Health Canada compliance:

• Medical-grade disinfectants (DIN-registered)
• Colour-coded equipment to prevent cross-contamination
• Detailed documentation and compliance records
• Trained staff with WHMIS certification

Typical cost: $0.12–$0.20 per square foot

Restaurant and Food Service

Subject to health inspections and stringent cleanliness requirements:

• Kitchen deep cleaning
• Grease trap and hood maintenance
• Front-of-house daily cleaning
• Food-safe sanitisation

Typical cost: $0.15–$0.25 per square foot

Industrial and Warehouse

Larger spaces with different cleaning challenges:

• Concrete floor sweeping and scrubbing
• Dust control
• Loading dock cleaning
• Less frequent deep cleaning needs

Typical cost: $0.03–$0.08 per square foot

Factor 5: Scope of Services Required

The specific services included in your contract significantly affect pricing.

Basic Cleaning Package

• Trash removal
• Vacuuming carpets
• Mopping hard floors
• Restroom cleaning
• Basic surface dusting

Cost impact: Base rate

Standard Cleaning Package

Everything in basic, plus:

• Kitchen/break room cleaning
• Detailed surface wiping
• Glass/mirror cleaning
• High-touch surface disinfection

Cost impact: 15–25% above base

Premium Cleaning Package

Everything in standard, plus:

• Window cleaning (interior)
• Deep carpet care
• Furniture polishing
• Detailed attention to all areas

Cost impact: 30–50% above base

Add-On Services (Additional Cost)

• Carpet shampooing: $0.15–$0.35 per sq ft
• Floor stripping and waxing: $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft
• Window cleaning (exterior): $2–$8 per window
• Pressure washing: $0.08–$0.35 per sq ft
• Post-construction cleanup: $0.20–$0.50 per sq ft

Factor 6: Time of Day and Scheduling

When cleaning occurs affects both cost and convenience.

After-Hours Cleaning (Evening/Night)

• Most common for offices
• Standard rates apply
• No disruption to business operations
• Full access to all areas

Daytime Cleaning

• Required for some facilities (retail, medical)
• May cost 10–15% more due to working around staff
• Requires quiet equipment and discreet service
• May include day porter services

Weekend and Holiday Cleaning

• Premium rates of 25–50% more
• Often used for deep cleaning projects
• May be required for retail environments

Factor 7: Special Requirements

Unique facility needs can significantly impact commercial cleaning cost.

Security and Access Requirements

• Background checks for cleaners
• Bonded and insured requirements
• Restricted area protocols
• Key control and sign-in procedures

Cost impact: 5–15% increase

Specialised Equipment Needs

• Server room or data centre cleaning
• Clean room environments
• Anti-static cleaning requirements
• Specialised floor care equipment

Cost impact: 20–40% increase

Green Cleaning Requirements

• Eco-certified products only
• LEED compliance documentation
• Sustainable practices
• Low-VOC products

Cost impact: 10–20% increase (though gap is narrowing)

Factor 8: Contract Length

Longer commitments typically result in better pricing.

Contract Length Discounts

Contract Length	Typical Discount
Month-to-month	No discount (base rate)
6-month contract	5–10% discount
12-month contract	10–15% discount
24-month contract	15–20% discount
Multi-year with renewal	Up to 25% discount

Contract Considerations

• Balance savings against flexibility needs
• Include service level agreements (SLAs)
• Specify termination clauses
• Build in price adjustment mechanisms

DIY vs Professional Cost Comparison

Some businesses consider in-house cleaning to save money. Here’s a realistic comparison for a 5,000 sq ft office:

In-House Cleaning Costs

Cost Category	Monthly Cost
Part-time cleaner (20 hrs/week @ $18/hr)	$1,440
Supplies and chemicals	$150–$250
Equipment maintenance/replacement	$50–$100
Management and supervision time	$100–$200
Benefits and payroll costs (if applicable)	$200–$400
Total Monthly Cost	$1,940–$2,390

Professional Service Costs

Service Level	Monthly Cost
3x weekly standard cleaning	$700–$1,100
All supplies and equipment included	$0 additional
Insurance and bonding included	$0 additional
Management and quality control	$0 additional
Total Monthly Cost	$700–$1,100

Hidden Costs of In-House Cleaning

• Hiring and training: Time and resources to find and train staff
• Coverage gaps: Vacation, sick days, turnover
• Equipment investment: $2,000–$5,000 initial outlay
• Liability: Workers’ compensation, injury risk
• Quality inconsistency: Without professional training

Tips to Reduce Commercial Cleaning Costs

1. Optimise Cleaning Frequency

Match frequency to actual needs. Many offices can reduce from daily to 3x weekly without noticeable impact.

2. Bundle Services

Combine regular cleaning with periodic deep cleaning from the same provider for package discounts.

3. Sign Longer Contracts

Commit to 12+ months for significant per-service savings.

4. Reduce Scope Strategically

Focus professional cleaning on high-impact areas; assign simple tasks to staff.

5. Maintain Between Visits

Daily employee tidying reduces professional cleaning time and cost.

6. Get Multiple Quotes

Always compare 3–5 providers. Prices vary significantly for similar service levels.

7. Choose Off-Peak Scheduling

Evening cleaning is typically cheaper than daytime or weekend service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does commercial cleaning cost per square foot in Canada?

Commercial cleaning typically costs $0.05–$0.25 per square foot in Canada, depending on facility type and service requirements. Standard offices are at the lower end ($0.05–$0.10), while medical facilities and restaurants are higher ($0.15–$0.25).

What is the average hourly rate for commercial cleaners?

Hourly rates range from $25–$65 CAD depending on location. Toronto and Vancouver are highest ($35–$65), while Atlantic Canada is most affordable ($25–$45). These rates include labour, supplies, and company overhead.

Is it cheaper to hire in-house cleaners or a commercial cleaning company?

Professional cleaning services are typically 30–50% cheaper than in-house staff when accounting for wages, benefits, supplies, equipment, insurance, and management time. A 5,000 sq ft office might cost $700–$1,100/month professionally vs $1,900–$2,400/month in-house.

How often should a commercial space be professionally cleaned?

Most offices benefit from 2–3 professional cleanings per week. Medical facilities, restaurants, and high-traffic retail typically need daily service. Low-traffic warehouses may only need weekly or bi-weekly cleaning.

What’s included in a standard commercial cleaning contract?

Standard contracts typically include vacuuming, mopping, trash removal, restroom cleaning and restocking, surface dusting, and break room cleaning. Add-on services like window cleaning, carpet shampooing, and floor waxing cost extra.

Can I negotiate commercial cleaning rates?

Yes. Longer contracts, bundled services, flexible scheduling, and multi-location deals provide negotiating leverage. Getting multiple quotes also helps establish fair market rates for your area and facility type.

Conclusion

Understanding commercial cleaning cost factors helps Canadian businesses budget effectively and get the best value from cleaning services. While rates vary significantly based on location, facility type, frequency, and scope, most businesses find professional cleaning more cost-effective than in-house alternatives.

Focus on matching services to your actual needs, committing to appropriate contract lengths, and comparing multiple providers. The right cleaning partnership delivers a clean, healthy workplace at a predictable, reasonable cost.

Ready to get an accurate quote for your business? GoodCleaner’s commercial cleaning services offer transparent pricing and customised service packages across Canada. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate!