What exactly do you get when you hire commercial cleaning services? Understanding what’s included—and what costs extra—helps you compare providers accurately and budget appropriately. This complete breakdown covers standard services, add-ons, and what to expect from professional commercial cleaning.

Table of Contents

Standard Commercial Cleaning Services

Most commercial cleaning services include a core set of tasks performed at each visit. These typically cover:

Every Visit (Daily or Per-Visit Tasks)

  • Emptying all trash and recycling bins
  • Replacing bin liners
  • Vacuuming carpeted areas
  • Dust mopping or sweeping hard floors
  • Damp mopping high-traffic hard floor areas
  • Cleaning and sanitising restrooms
  • Restocking restroom supplies (soap, paper products)
  • Wiping down high-touch surfaces
  • Spot cleaning glass doors and partitions
  • General tidying of common areas

Weekly Tasks

  • Dusting all accessible surfaces
  • Cleaning all interior glass and mirrors
  • Detailed kitchen/break room cleaning
  • Sanitising door handles and light switches
  • Damp wiping desks and workstations (if cleared)
  • Vacuuming upholstered furniture
  • Cleaning elevator interiors

Monthly Tasks

  • High dusting (vents, light fixtures, high shelves)
  • Deep cleaning of restroom fixtures
  • Detailed baseboard cleaning
  • Window sill and frame cleaning
  • Spot carpet cleaning
  • Cleaning behind and under moveable furniture

Office Area Cleaning

Office spaces make up the majority of commercial cleaning work. Here’s what’s typically included:

Workstation Cleaning

Task Frequency Notes
Trash removal Each visit All desk-side bins
Vacuuming around desks Each visit Accessible floor areas
Surface wiping Weekly Only if desk is cleared
Keyboard/phone cleaning Usually NOT included Employee responsibility
Desk organisation NOT included Personal items untouched

Common Areas

  • Reception: Thorough cleaning, furniture dusting, floor care
  • Conference rooms: Table wiping, chair arrangement, trash, vacuuming
  • Hallways: Floor care, door/frame wiping, light switch sanitising
  • Waiting areas: Furniture dusting, magazine tidying, floor care

What’s Typically NOT Included

  • Personal items on desks (photos, plants, decorations)
  • Inside desk drawers
  • Personal electronics (keyboards, mice, phones)
  • Moving large furniture
  • Organising papers or files

Restroom Cleaning and Sanitisation

Restroom cleaning is a critical component of commercial cleaning services and typically includes comprehensive sanitisation.

Standard Restroom Tasks

  • Toilets and urinals: Full cleaning inside and out, sanitising
  • Sinks and counters: Cleaning, sanitising, polishing fixtures
  • Mirrors: Streak-free cleaning
  • Dispensers: Cleaning and restocking (soap, paper, sanitiser)
  • Floors: Sweeping and mopping with disinfectant
  • Trash: Emptying and relining bins
  • Partitions: Wiping down stall walls and doors
  • Fixtures: Cleaning door handles, flush handles, light switches

Deep Restroom Cleaning (Periodic)

  • Grout cleaning and sealing
  • Descaling fixtures and showerheads
  • Tile wall deep cleaning
  • Exhaust vent cleaning
  • Partition deep cleaning

Supplies Typically Included

  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Hand soap
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Feminine hygiene products (if dispensers present)
  • Air fresheners

Note: Some contracts exclude restroom supplies—clarify this before signing.

Kitchen and Break Room Cleaning

Break room cleaning keeps communal spaces hygienic and pleasant.

Standard Kitchen Tasks

  • Counters and tables: Wiping and sanitising all surfaces
  • Sinks: Cleaning and sanitising
  • Exterior of appliances: Microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker surfaces
  • Cabinets: Exterior wiping
  • Trash and recycling: Emptying and relining
  • Floors: Sweeping and mopping

What’s Usually NOT Included

  • Inside refrigerator: Typically employee responsibility
  • Washing personal dishes: Individual responsibility
  • Oven/microwave interior: Usually periodic/extra
  • Coffee maker descaling: Maintenance task
  • Expired food disposal: Usually staff responsibility

Periodic Kitchen Deep Clean (Extra)

  • Interior refrigerator cleaning
  • Oven and microwave deep clean
  • Cabinet interior cleaning
  • Backsplash deep cleaning
  • Exhaust hood cleaning

Floor Care Services

Floor care represents a significant portion of commercial cleaning work.

Standard Floor Care (Included)

Floor Type Daily Care Weekly Care
Carpet Vacuuming traffic areas Full vacuuming, spot treatment
Tile/vinyl Dust mop, spot mop Full mopping
Hardwood Dust mop Damp mop with wood cleaner
Concrete Sweep Scrub high-traffic areas

Specialty Floor Care (Usually Extra)

  • Carpet shampooing: Deep extraction cleaning ($0.15–$0.35/sq ft)
  • Floor stripping and waxing: Vinyl/tile restoration ($0.30–$0.60/sq ft)
  • Hardwood refinishing: Buffing and recoating ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft)
  • Grout cleaning: Tile grout restoration ($0.50–$2.00/sq ft)
  • Concrete sealing: Industrial floor treatment ($0.15–$0.30/sq ft)

Additional Services (Often Extra Cost)

Many services are available but typically cost extra beyond the base contract.

Window Cleaning

  • Interior windows: Often weekly/monthly; sometimes included
  • Exterior windows: Almost always extra; $2–$8 per window
  • High-rise windows: Specialist service required

Carpet and Upholstery

  • Carpet shampooing: Quarterly recommended; extra cost
  • Upholstery cleaning: Chairs, sofas, partitions; extra cost
  • Stain treatment: Special stain removal; may be extra

Deep Cleaning Services

  • Initial deep clean: One-time thorough cleaning before regular service
  • Seasonal deep clean: Comprehensive cleaning quarterly/annually
  • Post-event cleanup: After corporate events or parties

Specialty Disinfection

  • Electrostatic disinfection: Comprehensive surface coverage
  • Outbreak response: Enhanced cleaning after illness
  • High-touch focus: Increased frequency disinfection

Specialty Cleaning Services

Some facilities require specialised commercial cleaning services beyond standard offerings.

Medical and Healthcare Cleaning

  • Health Canada DIN-registered disinfectants
  • Colour-coded equipment to prevent cross-contamination
  • Biohazard waste handling protocols
  • Detailed documentation for compliance
  • WHMIS-certified staff

Industrial and Warehouse Cleaning

  • Large-area floor scrubbing
  • Loading dock cleaning
  • High-ceiling dusting
  • Industrial equipment exterior cleaning
  • Debris and dust control

Data Centre and Server Room Cleaning

  • Static-safe cleaning procedures
  • Raised floor cleaning
  • HEPA-filtered vacuuming
  • Equipment-safe products
  • Controlled access protocols

Post-Construction Cleaning

  • Debris and dust removal
  • Window and glass cleaning (sticker removal)
  • Fixture and surface cleaning
  • Floor preparation and cleaning
  • Final detail cleaning

Supplies: What’s Included vs What You Provide

Understanding supply responsibilities prevents confusion and unexpected costs.

Cleaning Company Typically Provides

  • All cleaning chemicals and products
  • All cleaning equipment (vacuums, mops, etc.)
  • Microfibre cloths and cleaning tools
  • Safety equipment for staff
  • Speciality equipment (floor machines, etc.)

Often Included (Verify in Contract)

  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Hand soap
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Trash can liners
  • Air fresheners

Client Typically Provides

  • Specialty products if specific brands required
  • Coffee and kitchen supplies
  • Tissues/facial tissue
  • Cleaning closet or storage space
  • Water and electrical access

Service Frequency Breakdown

Here’s what to expect at different service frequencies:

Daily Cleaning

Best for: High-traffic offices, medical facilities, retail, restaurants

  • All per-visit tasks completed daily
  • Weekly tasks distributed throughout the week
  • Highest cleanliness standard maintained
  • Quick response to spills and issues

3x Weekly Cleaning

Best for: Medium-traffic offices, professional services

  • Per-visit tasks three times per week
  • Weekly tasks completed within the schedule
  • Good balance of cost and cleanliness
  • Most popular for standard offices

Weekly Cleaning

Best for: Small offices, low-traffic facilities

  • Comprehensive cleaning once per week
  • All weekly tasks completed each visit
  • Employees may need to handle daily tidying
  • Most cost-effective option

Bi-Weekly or Monthly

Best for: Minimal-use spaces, storage facilities

  • Basic maintenance cleaning
  • Dust and debris control
  • Restroom service if applicable
  • Budget-friendly for low-traffic areas

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The terms are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, janitorial services include light maintenance tasks (changing light bulbs, minor repairs) alongside cleaning, while commercial cleaning focuses solely on cleaning tasks. Most modern providers offer similar services under either name.

Are cleaning supplies included in commercial cleaning services?

Professional cleaning companies typically provide all cleaning products and equipment. Restroom supplies (toilet paper, soap, paper towels) are often included but should be confirmed in your contract. Some clients prefer to provide specific products due to allergies or preferences.

Do commercial cleaners clean inside desk drawers?

No. Standard commercial cleaning services don’t include personal workspace areas like desk drawers, personal items, or inside filing cabinets. Cleaners will dust and wipe desk surfaces only if they’re cleared of personal items.

How often should commercial carpets be professionally cleaned?

High-traffic commercial carpets should be professionally deep cleaned every 3-6 months. Regular vacuuming (included in standard service) maintains appearance between deep cleanings. Spot treatment should be immediate for spills and stains.

Is window cleaning included in commercial cleaning services?

Interior window and glass door cleaning is often included weekly or monthly. Exterior window cleaning is almost always an additional service with separate pricing. High-rise exterior windows require specialist equipment and are always extra.

Can I customise what’s included in my commercial cleaning service?

Yes. Reputable providers create customised cleaning specifications based on your facility’s needs. You can add services, increase frequencies for specific areas, or reduce scope to fit your budget. Always get custom requirements in writing.

Conclusion

Understanding what’s included in commercial cleaning services helps you compare providers accurately, budget appropriately, and set clear expectations. Standard services cover the essentials—trash, floors, restrooms, and surfaces—while specialty services address specific needs at additional cost.

Request a detailed scope of work from any provider you’re considering. The best cleaning partnerships begin with clear communication about what’s included, what costs extra, and who provides which supplies.

Want a customised cleaning package for your facility? GoodCleaner’s commercial cleaning services are tailored to your specific needs and budget. Contact us today for a detailed proposal!