Understanding what’s included in commercial cleaning services helps you compare quotes accurately and ensure your facility receives proper care. According to CCOHS, proper workplace cleaning is essential for employee health and safety.

This guide breaks down exactly what professional commercial cleaners typically provide, what costs extra, and how to customize services for your specific needs.

Standard Commercial Cleaning Services

Most commercial cleaning contracts include these core services performed on your scheduled frequency:

1. Floor Care

• Vacuuming: All carpeted areas including edges and corners
• Sweeping: Hard surface floors throughout the facility
• Mopping: Damp mopping of tile, vinyl, and hard floors
• Spot cleaning: Treatment of visible stains and spills

2. Surface Cleaning

• Dusting: Desks, tables, shelves, and horizontal surfaces
• Wiping: Countertops and work surfaces
• Disinfecting: High-touch surfaces (door handles, light switches)
• Glass cleaning: Interior glass doors and partitions

3. Trash and Recycling

• Emptying: All waste bins and recycling containers
• Relining: Fresh garbage bags in all bins
• Disposal: Proper waste removal to designated areas

4. Restroom Cleaning

• Toilet cleaning: Bowls, seats, and exterior surfaces
• Sink cleaning: Basins, faucets, and counters
• Mirror cleaning: Streak-free glass care
• Floor mopping: Disinfection of bathroom floors
• Restocking: Paper products and soap (supplies may be separate)

5. Kitchen/Break Room Cleaning

• Counter wiping: All surfaces and tables
• Appliance exteriors: Microwave, refrigerator handles
• Sink cleaning: Basin and faucet maintenance
• Floor care: Sweeping and mopping

6. Reception and Common Areas

• Furniture dusting: Reception desks and seating areas
• Floor care: High-traffic area maintenance
• Glass cleaning: Entry doors and display cases

Periodic Deep Cleaning Services

These services are typically included weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on your contract:

Weekly Services

• Thorough vacuuming of all areas including under furniture edges
• Detailed dusting of furniture and fixtures
• Interior window and glass cleaning
• Baseboard wiping

Monthly Services

• High dusting (vents, light fixtures, top of cabinets)
• Detailed restroom deep cleaning
• Kitchen appliance deep cleaning
• Door frame and threshold cleaning

Quarterly Services

• Vent and air return cleaning
• Light fixture detailed cleaning
• Upholstery vacuuming
• Blind dusting or cleaning

Specialized Add-On Services

These services typically cost extra and are quoted separately:

Floor Services

• Carpet shampooing: $0.15–$0.40 per sq ft
• Floor stripping and waxing: $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft
• Tile and grout cleaning: $0.25–$0.50 per sq ft
• Hardwood refinishing: $0.50–$1.00+ per sq ft

Window Services

• Interior window washing: $3–$6 per window
• Exterior window washing: $5–$10 per window
• High-rise window cleaning: Specialized pricing

Specialty Cleaning

• Post-construction cleaning: $0.15–$0.50 per sq ft
• Move-in/move-out cleaning: $0.10–$0.25 per sq ft
• Pressure washing: $0.08–$0.35 per sq ft
• Electrostatic disinfection: $0.10–$0.25 per sq ft

Consumable Supplies

• Toilet paper and paper towels: Often client-supplied or billed separately
• Hand soap and sanitizer: May be included or extra
• Trash bags: Usually included in service

What’s Usually NOT Included

Clarify these items when reviewing quotes:

• Exterior cleaning: Sidewalks, parking areas, building exterior
• Landscaping: Grounds maintenance and lawn care
• Snow removal: Winter maintenance services
• Pest control: Requires specialized licensing
• Biohazard cleanup: Requires specialized training and certification
• Electronics cleaning: Computer interiors, server rooms
• Personal items: Cleaning inside desks or personal storage

How to Customize Your Service

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

• Identify high-traffic areas requiring more attention
• Note any specialized areas (server rooms, labs, kitchens)
• Consider industry-specific requirements
• Determine preferred cleaning times

Step 2: Request Detailed Quotes

• Ask for itemized breakdown of included services
• Get separate pricing for add-on services
• Clarify supply responsibilities
• Understand frequency for each service

Step 3: Create a Scope of Work

• Document all agreed-upon services in writing
• Specify frequencies for each task
• Include quality standards and expectations
• Define communication and feedback processes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is typically included in commercial cleaning?

Standard commercial cleaning services include floor care (vacuuming, mopping), surface dusting and disinfecting, trash removal, restroom cleaning, and break room maintenance. Deep cleaning and specialized services usually cost extra.

Do commercial cleaners bring their own supplies?

Most professional cleaning companies provide their own cleaning products and equipment. Consumable supplies like paper products and soap may be client-supplied or billed separately—clarify this when comparing quotes.

How often should commercial cleaning be done?

Most offices benefit from basic cleaning 2–5 times weekly depending on traffic. High-traffic areas like restrooms may need daily attention, while deep cleaning tasks are typically monthly or quarterly.

Can I customize my commercial cleaning package?

Yes, reputable cleaning companies tailor services to your specific needs. You can adjust frequency, add or remove services, and focus attention on priority areas. Get all customizations documented in your service agreement.

What’s the difference between cleaning and janitorial services?

Janitorial services typically refer to ongoing, routine maintenance (daily/weekly), while commercial cleaning can include one-time deep cleaning or specialized projects. Many companies offer both under the term “commercial cleaning.”

Conclusion

Understanding what’s included in commercial cleaning services helps you compare quotes accurately and ensure your facility receives proper care. Standard services typically cover floor care, surface cleaning, trash removal, and restroom maintenance, while specialized services like carpet cleaning and floor waxing are usually priced separately.

Always request a detailed scope of work that specifies exactly what’s included, at what frequency, and what costs extra.

Need customized commercial cleaning services? Contact GoodCleaner for a tailored quote on professional cleaning in Ottawa!