Wondering what’s included in commercial cleaning services? Professional cleaning extends far beyond basic tidying. A comprehensive commercial cleaning package encompasses specialised disinfection protocols, targeted sanitation of high-touch surfaces, detailed floor care, restroom maintenance, waste management, and often specialised services tailored to industry-specific requirements. This guide covers everything Canadian business owners need to know.

Core Services Included in Commercial Cleaning

Professional commercial cleaning services typically organise offerings across several core categories, each addressing distinct facility needs.

General Cleaning and Surface Maintenance

The foundation of any commercial cleaning package includes routine surface cleaning and dust management:

• Dusting desks, shelves, and equipment
• Vacuuming carpeted areas and sweeping hard floors
• Wiping down walls, baseboards, and skirting boards
• Cleaning interior glass surfaces and window sills

These tasks maintain professional appearances while reducing dust accumulation that affects indoor air quality and employee health. High-traffic areas often require more frequent attention than private offices or storage areas.

Restroom Sanitisation and Maintenance

Restroom facilities represent a critical touchpoint in commercial spaces. Professional restroom cleaning includes:

• Sanitising and disinfecting all fixtures (toilets, urinals, sinks, faucets)
• Cleaning mirrors to streak-free condition
• Mopping floors with appropriate disinfectant solutions
• Restocking supplies (toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, sanitary receptacles)

Health Canada guidelines emphasise that all disinfectants used must carry a Drug Identification Number (DIN), confirming they’ve been approved for effectiveness and safety. Many cleaning companies now implement higher-touch surface protocols in bathrooms, recognising that door handles, light switches, and flush buttons are significant infection transmission points.

High-Touch Surface Disinfection

This specialised service targets surfaces frequently contacted by hands:

• Door handles and light switches
• Elevator buttons and stair railings
• Keyboards, phones, and computer mice
• Shared equipment (printers, copiers, coffee machines)
• Chair armrests and conference table edges

Professional cleaners use hospital-grade disinfectants that meet Canadian regulatory standards, applying products with precise dwell times (the contact duration needed for effectiveness) as specified by manufacturers. Research shows that neglecting non-obvious high-touch areas is one of the most common commercial cleaning mistakes.

Floor Care and Maintenance

Floor services vary based on surface type:

Carpeted Areas

• Regular vacuuming (often with HEPA-filtered equipment)
• Periodic deep carpet extraction (typically every 4-6 months for high-traffic spaces)
• Stain treatment using appropriate oxidisers or surfactants

Hard Floors (Tile, Laminate, Hardwood)

• Sweeping and mopping with pH-appropriate cleaners
• Periodic buffing or polishing
• Specialised salt-residue removal in Canadian winter environments

In Canadian winter environments, specialised salt-residue removal is critical to protect floor finishes and prevent slipping hazards, making professional-grade pH-neutral cleaners essential.

Kitchen and Breakroom Cleaning

Commercial kitchen and breakroom areas demand detailed attention. Standard services include:

• Wiping and disinfecting countertops and tables
• Cleaning sinks and faucets
• Sanitising appliance touchpoints (refrigerator handles, microwave doors, coffee maker switches)
• Washing dishes left in sinks
• Sanitising and removing garbage
• Mopping floors

Specialised Services

Beyond standard offerings, many commercial cleaning companies provide targeted solutions:

• Post-construction cleaning: Debris removal, fine dust extraction, paint spatter removal
• Window washing: Interior and exterior
• Pressure washing: For exterior surfaces
• Carpet and upholstery steam cleaning
• Air vent and HVAC filter cleaning
• Floor stripping and refinishing
• Medical or laboratory cleaning: Requiring biohazard protocols

Canadian Commercial Cleaning Pricing Guide

Understanding commercial cleaning costs helps you evaluate quotes and budget appropriately.

Regional Hourly Rates

• Toronto: $35-$50 per hour
• Vancouver: $30-$45 per hour
• Calgary/Edmonton: $28-$55 per hour
• Montreal: $35 per hour average
• Ottawa: $32.50 per hour average

Per Square Foot Pricing

• Small facilities (0-3,500 sq ft): $0.04-$0.52 per sq ft depending on frequency
• Medium facilities (3,500-10,000 sq ft): $0.03-$0.35 per sq ft
• Large facilities (10,000+ sq ft): $0.02-$0.22 per sq ft

Monthly Service Estimates

For context:

• Small office (2,000 sq ft, weekly service): $80-$400 CAD per month
• Medium facility (4,000 sq ft, 3x weekly): $480-$1,240 CAD per month
• Large facility (10,000+ sq ft, daily): $2,000-$5,000+ CAD per month

Post-Construction Cleaning

Post-construction cleaning commands premium pricing: $0.20-$0.60 per square foot or $30-$50 per hour. A 5,000-square-foot commercial space after renovation might cost $1,000-$3,000 CAD for comprehensive cleanup.

Cleaning Frequency Recommendations

Cleaning frequency must align with industry standards, foot traffic, and regulatory requirements.

Daily Cleaning Tasks

• Restroom sanitisation and supply replenishment
• High-touch surface disinfection
• Trash removal and liner replacement
• Entrance and reception area maintenance
• Break room and kitchen surface sanitisation

Weekly Deep Cleaning

• Full floor care (vacuuming all carpeted areas, mopping hard floors)
• Thorough dusting of all surfaces, shelves, and equipment
• Deep restroom and kitchen cleaning
• Window and glass partition cleaning
• Interior wall and door cleaning

Monthly/Quarterly Maintenance

• Professional deep carpet extraction
• Air vent and HVAC filter cleaning
• High-ceiling and light fixture dusting
• Floor polishing or refinishing
• Upholstery and furniture sanitisation

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Commercial Cleaning

Understanding what not to do is equally important as knowing proper procedures:

• Selecting improper chemicals: Using generic household cleaners on professional-grade tasks damages surfaces and fails to achieve sanitation standards
• Neglecting dwell time: A disinfectant sprayed and immediately wiped offers minimal pathogen elimination (most require 10+ minutes contact)
• Overlooking high-touch areas: Cleaning visible dirt while missing frequently-contacted surfaces creates false sense of cleanliness
• Using dirty tools: Reusing cloths without washing spreads pathogens rather than eliminates them
• Cross-contamination: Using the same mop in restrooms and food preparation areas
• Ignoring windows and blinds: Accumulated dust on these surfaces harbours allergens
• Scrubbing stains: This drives stains deeper into carpet fibres—use the blot method instead

DIY vs Professional Commercial Cleaning

Many businesses attempt to manage cleaning in-house, overlooking substantial hidden costs and compliance risks.

DIY Limitations

• Time investment: DIY cleaning consumes 20-40 hours monthly for a small to medium office
• Equipment costs: HEPA vacuum ($300-$800), microfibre mop systems ($75-$200), steam cleaner ($500-$2,000)
• Chemical safety: DIY teams often lack Health Canada DIN product knowledge
• Cross-contamination risk: Without proper training, DIY efforts often worsen hygiene
• Regulatory non-compliance: Healthcare and food service industries have specific requirements

Professional Service Advantages

• Specialised training: Understanding of surface types, product chemistry, and dwell times
• Consistency and accountability: Written schedules, quality inspections, and liability insurance
• Professional-grade equipment: HEPA vacuums, microfibre systems, steam extraction
• Cost efficiency: Bulk purchasing and optimised labour allocation
• Flexibility: Adjustable frequencies based on seasonal needs

Canadian Winter Cleaning Considerations

Canada’s harsh winters create unique challenges:

• Salt and slush damage: Rock salt tracked indoors acts as sandpaper on floor finishes
• Three-layer mat system: Coarse outdoor mat → deep-pile indoor mat → fine-weave mat
• Increased mopping frequency: High-traffic entryways may require 2-3 daily passes
• pH-neutral cleaners: Essential to neutralise salt’s corrosive properties
• Exterior window treatment: De-icing chemicals cause etching if left unchecked

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in basic commercial cleaning services?

Basic commercial cleaning services typically include daily trash removal, restroom sanitisation, high-touch surface disinfection, floor maintenance (vacuuming/mopping), and break room cleaning. Additional services like carpet extraction, window washing, and floor refinishing are usually offered as add-ons or included in premium packages.

How much does commercial cleaning cost in Canada?

Canadian commercial cleaning costs range from $28-$55 per hour depending on location, or $0.02-$0.60 per square foot based on facility size and cleaning frequency. Monthly contracts for small offices typically run $80-$500 CAD, while medium facilities cost $500-$2,000 CAD monthly.

How often should a commercial space be cleaned?

Most offices benefit from 2-3 weekly cleanings, with daily service recommended for restrooms, reception areas, and break rooms. High-traffic facilities like medical offices, restaurants, and retail stores typically require daily professional cleaning. Deep cleaning (carpets, vents, floors) should occur monthly or quarterly.

What products do professional commercial cleaners use?

Professional cleaners use Health Canada DIN-approved disinfectants, hospital-grade sanitisers, HEPA-filtered vacuums, microfibre cleaning systems, and pH-appropriate floor cleaners. Canadian-made eco-friendly options include Dustbane (ECOLOGO-certified), Attitude (EWG Verified), Nature Clean, and Eco-Max products.

What’s the difference between commercial cleaning and janitorial services?

Janitorial services typically refer to routine daily maintenance (emptying bins, restroom cleaning, basic floor care), while commercial cleaning encompasses broader services including deep cleaning, specialised disinfection, carpet extraction, and floor refinishing. Many companies offer both under combined packages.

Should I hire professional cleaners or clean my business myself?

For most businesses, professional cleaning offers better value. DIY cleaning consumes 20-40 hours monthly and requires equipment investment ($500-$3,000+). Hidden costs of improper cleaning include surface damage, health risks from inadequate disinfection, and regulatory non-compliance. Professional services provide trained staff, proper equipment, and liability insurance.

What should I look for in a commercial cleaning contract?

Key elements include: detailed scope of work specifying all tasks, cleaning frequency and schedule, pricing breakdown (hourly or per square foot), cancellation terms, insurance and bonding documentation, quality guarantee or trial period, and communication protocols for special requests or concerns.

Conclusion

Professional commercial cleaning services represent a strategic investment protecting employee and client health, extending facility asset life, ensuring regulatory compliance, and creating positive impressions. Understanding what’s included in comprehensive cleaning, recognising common mistakes, and selecting vendors aligned with industry standards enables businesses to maintain spotless, safe, and compliant facilities year-round.

Need professional commercial cleaning services for your Canadian business? Contact GoodCleaner today for a free consultation and customised quote!