Understanding office cleaning cost is essential for Canadian businesses budgeting for facility maintenance. Professional cleaning services range from $0.05-$0.25 per square foot or $20-$65 per hour, depending on location, facility size, and service frequency. This comprehensive guide breaks down pricing across major Canadian cities and helps you determine the best value for your business.

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Office Cleaning Pricing Models in Canada

Professional cleaning companies across Canada use three primary pricing models. Understanding each helps you compare quotes and negotiate better rates.

Hourly Rate Pricing

Hourly pricing works best for smaller offices or irregular cleaning schedules:

  • Standard office cleaning: $25-$50 per hour
  • Deep cleaning services: $40-$65 per hour
  • Specialised services: $45-$75 per hour (medical facilities, laboratories)

Most cleaning crews work in pairs, so hourly quotes typically cover two cleaners working simultaneously. A two-hour visit at $40/hour totals $80 for the session.

Per Square Foot Pricing

For larger commercial spaces, per-square-foot pricing provides predictable budgeting:

Office Size Rate per Sq Ft Example Cost (per visit)
Small (under 1,000 sq ft) $0.10-$0.15 $100-$150
Medium (1,000-5,000 sq ft) $0.08-$0.15 $80-$750
Large (5,000+ sq ft) $0.05-$0.10 $250-$500+

Larger contracts receive proportionally lower rates due to economies of scale. A 3,000 sq ft office at $0.10/sq ft costs $300 per cleaning session.

Flat Monthly Rate Packages

Monthly contracts offer the most predictable budgeting and often the best per-visit value:

  • Weekly service: 15-20% discount vs individual visits
  • Daily service: 25-30% discount vs individual visits
  • Annual contracts: Additional 5-10% savings

Regional Rates Across Canada

Office cleaning cost varies significantly by geographic location. Here’s what to expect in major Canadian cities:

Toronto and Greater Toronto Area

Toronto leads pricing in Eastern Canada due to high labour costs and competitive demand:

  • Standard cleaning: $35-$50 per hour
  • Deep cleaning: $45-$65 per hour
  • Per square foot: $0.12-$0.20
  • Premium for downtown locations: 15-25% above GTA suburbs

Vancouver

Vancouver commands the highest rates nationally, reflecting elevated labour costs:

  • Standard cleaning: $35-$55 per hour
  • Deep cleaning: $50-$65 per hour
  • Per square foot: $0.15-$0.25

Calgary and Edmonton

Alberta markets offer more moderate pricing:

  • Standard cleaning: $28-$45 per hour
  • Deep cleaning: $40-$55 per hour
  • Per square foot: $0.08-$0.15

Montreal

Montreal remains the most economical major market in Canada:

  • Standard cleaning: $20-$40 per hour
  • Deep cleaning: $35-$50 per hour
  • Per square foot: $0.05-$0.12

Ottawa

  • Standard cleaning: $30-$45 per hour
  • Deep cleaning: $40-$58 per hour
  • Per square foot: $0.10-$0.18

Smaller Cities and Rural Areas

Outside major urban centres, rates drop significantly:

  • Standard cleaning: $20-$35 per hour
  • Per square foot: $0.05-$0.10

Monthly Service Package Pricing

Monthly packages provide the clearest budgeting framework for most businesses. Here are typical ranges based on office size and cleaning frequency:

Small Office (Under 1,500 sq ft)

Frequency Monthly Cost What’s Included
Weekly $200-$500 Basic cleaning, trash, washrooms
Bi-weekly $150-$350 Basic cleaning, trash, washrooms
Daily $800-$1,500 Full service including restocking

Medium Office (1,500-5,000 sq ft)

Frequency Monthly Cost What’s Included
Weekly $500-$1,200 Comprehensive cleaning package
2-3x weekly $700-$1,800 Regular maintenance + weekly deep clean
Daily $1,500-$3,500 Full janitorial service

Large Office (5,000+ sq ft)

Frequency Monthly Cost What’s Included
Weekly $1,000-$2,500 Comprehensive cleaning package
3-5x weekly $2,000-$4,000 Regular maintenance + deep cleaning
Daily $3,500-$6,000+ Full janitorial with day porter

Factors That Affect Office Cleaning Pricing

Understanding what drives office cleaning cost helps you anticipate quotes and negotiate effectively.

1. Office Size and Layout

  • Open floor plans: Faster to clean, lower per-sq-ft rates
  • Multiple private offices: More time-intensive, higher rates
  • Multiple floors: Equipment transport adds time and cost
  • High ceilings: Specialised equipment may be required

2. Number of Employees

More employees means more contamination and wear. A practical guideline: add one cleaning day per week for every 10 employees.

3. Industry Type

  • Standard corporate offices: Base rates apply
  • Medical/dental facilities: 20-40% premium for compliance requirements
  • Food service areas: 15-25% premium
  • Industrial spaces: 10-30% premium depending on contamination level

4. Location and Accessibility

  • Downtown core locations: 15-25% premium for parking and travel time
  • After-hours cleaning: May reduce rates by 5-10% (no disruption premium)
  • Remote locations: Travel surcharges may apply

5. Service Level Required

  • Basic cleaning: Trash, vacuuming, washrooms, surface wiping
  • Standard cleaning: Basic + kitchen, dusting, floor mopping
  • Premium cleaning: Standard + detailed cleaning, restocking supplies
  • Deep cleaning: Comprehensive service including carpets, windows, high areas

Add-On Service Costs

Beyond standard janitorial cleaning, specialised services command premium pricing:

Service Pricing Model Typical Cost
Carpet cleaning (extraction) Per sq ft $0.20-$0.40/sq ft
Window washing (interior) Per window $4-$8/window
Window washing (exterior) Per window $6-$12/window
Floor stripping and waxing Per sq ft $0.30-$0.60/sq ft
Tile and grout cleaning Per sq ft $0.25-$0.50/sq ft
Disinfection/sanitisation Per sq ft $0.10-$0.50/sq ft
Upholstery cleaning Per piece $50-$150/piece
HVAC/vent cleaning Custom quote $300-$800+

DIY vs Professional Cleaning: True Cost Comparison

While DIY cleaning appears cheaper initially, professional services often prove more cost-effective when accounting for all expenses.

DIY In-House Cleaning Costs

Best for: Micro-businesses under 1,000 sq ft with very tight budgets

Monthly expenses:

  • Cleaning supplies: $50-$100
  • Paper products and liners: $30-$50
  • Equipment depreciation: $20-$40
  • Equipment maintenance: $10-$20
  • Supply total: $110-$210/month

Hidden labour costs:

  • Time required: 10-15 hours/week
  • At $25/hour admin wage: $1,000-$1,500/month
  • True total: $1,100-$1,700/month

Initial equipment investment: $300-$600 (vacuum, mop system, supplies caddy)

Professional Service Costs

For the same 1,000 sq ft office:

  • Weekly service: $200-$400/month
  • 2x weekly service: $350-$600/month
  • Daily service: $800-$1,200/month

Value Proposition of Professional Cleaning

Professional services deliver significant advantages beyond direct cost savings:

  • Reduced sick days: Studies show 30% fewer employee sick days in professionally cleaned offices
  • Higher job satisfaction: Employees report 25% higher satisfaction in well-maintained environments
  • Equipment included: Professionals bring commercial-grade equipment worth $500-$2,000+
  • Insurance coverage: Professional liability protects against damage claims
  • WHMIS compliance: Trained staff handle chemicals safely and legally
  • Consistent quality: Standardised checklists ensure uniform results

Cleaning Frequency Guidelines

The right cleaning frequency depends on several factors. Use these guidelines to determine your needs:

By Employee Count

A practical rule: schedule one additional cleaning day per 10 employees.

Employees Recommended Frequency Rationale
1-10 Weekly or bi-weekly Minimal traffic, low contamination
10-30 2-3x weekly Moderate traffic, regular wear
30-50 3-4x weekly High traffic, frequent equipment use
50-70 5x weekly Very high traffic intensity
70+ Daily Maximum contamination risk

By Industry Type

  • Healthcare/medical: Daily minimum, often 2x daily
  • Food service: Daily minimum
  • Retail (customer-facing): Daily
  • Professional services: 2-3x weekly
  • Administrative offices: Weekly to 2x weekly
  • Warehouse/industrial: Weekly

Seasonal Adjustments for Canadian Climate

  • Winter (Nov-Mar): Increase floor cleaning frequency by 25-50% due to salt and slush tracking
  • Spring (Apr-May): Add deep cleaning session for pollen and post-winter refresh
  • Flu season (Oct-Apr): Increase high-touch surface disinfection frequency

How to Save Money on Office Cleaning

1. Bundle Services

Combining regular cleaning with periodic deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, or window washing often qualifies for package discounts of 10-20%.

2. Sign Annual Contracts

Committing to 12-month contracts typically saves 5-15% compared to month-to-month arrangements.

3. Choose Off-Peak Hours

After-hours or early-morning cleaning may reduce rates by 5-10% while avoiding workplace disruption.

4. Reduce Scope Strategically

Focus professional cleaning on high-impact areas (washrooms, kitchen, reception) while handling basic tasks in-house.

5. Get Multiple Quotes

Always obtain 3-5 quotes from different providers. Prices for identical services can vary by 30-50% between companies.

6. Maintain Good Relationships

Long-term clients often receive preferential rates and priority scheduling. Communicate regularly with your provider about expectations and feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does office cleaning cost per hour in Canada?

Hourly rates range from $20-$65 depending on location and service type. Toronto and Vancouver command $35-$55/hour, while Montreal and smaller cities range from $20-$40/hour. Deep cleaning and specialised services cost $45-$75/hour.

What is the cost per square foot for office cleaning?

Per-square-foot pricing typically ranges from $0.05-$0.25. Small offices pay $0.10-$0.15/sq ft, medium offices $0.08-$0.15/sq ft, and large facilities benefit from economies of scale at $0.05-$0.10/sq ft.

How much should I budget monthly for office cleaning?

For a typical 2,000 sq ft office with weekly cleaning, budget $400-$800/month. Daily cleaning for the same space runs $1,500-$3,000/month. Larger facilities with 5,000+ sq ft should expect $1,000-$5,000+/month depending on frequency.

Is professional cleaning worth the cost?

Yes, for most businesses. Professional cleaning reduces employee sick days by 30% and increases job satisfaction by 25%. When accounting for hidden labour costs, equipment, and liability, professional services often cost less than DIY approaches while delivering superior results.

What’s included in a standard office cleaning service?

Standard services typically include: trash removal and liner replacement, vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors, washroom cleaning and supply restocking, kitchen/breakroom sanitisation, surface dusting and wiping, and high-touch surface disinfection.

How often should an office be professionally cleaned?

Frequency depends on employee count and industry. Most offices with 10-30 employees benefit from 2-3x weekly cleaning. Customer-facing businesses and healthcare facilities require daily service. Use the guideline of one cleaning day per 10 employees.

Do cleaning companies provide their own supplies?

Most professional cleaning companies provide all supplies, equipment, and consumables as part of their service. Some offer discounts if clients provide supplies. Always clarify what’s included in your quote.

How can I reduce office cleaning costs?

Bundle services for package discounts, sign annual contracts for 5-15% savings, schedule off-peak hours, get multiple quotes, and maintain a good relationship with your provider for preferential rates.

Conclusion

Understanding office cleaning cost in Canada helps businesses budget effectively and choose the right service level. While prices vary significantly by region—from $20/hour in Montreal to $55/hour in Vancouver—the investment typically pays dividends through reduced sick days, improved employee satisfaction, and professional appearance.

For most offices, professional cleaning services deliver better value than DIY approaches when accounting for hidden labour costs, equipment, and liability. Focus on finding a reputable provider who understands your specific needs and can deliver consistent quality at a fair price.

Ready to get accurate pricing for your office? GoodCleaner’s commercial cleaning services provide transparent, competitive rates for Canadian businesses. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote!