Commercial cleaning companies offer specialized cleaning solutions based on the size of the facility and the type of industry. Here’s a breakdown of what commercial cleaning entails and how to choose the right service for your business.

1. Types of Commercial Cleaning Services

Commercial cleaning services can be customized to meet the unique needs of different businesses. Common services include:

General Office Cleaning

• Frequency: Daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, depending on the needs of the office.
• Tasks Included:
  • Dusting and wiping down desks, chairs, and furniture.
  • Emptying trash cans and replacing liners.
  • Cleaning and sanitizing bathrooms (toilets, sinks, mirrors, etc.).
  • Sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming floors.
  • Wiping down common areas (kitchens, break rooms).
  • Cleaning windows and glass surfaces.
• Best For: Regular office maintenance, ensuring a clean environment for employees and clients.

Deep Cleaning

• Frequency: Periodic (e.g., quarterly or yearly).
• Tasks Included:
  • Thorough cleaning of areas not regularly covered in routine cleaning.
  • Carpet cleaning or upholstery cleaning.
  • Cleaning behind and underneath furniture and equipment.
  • Disinfecting high-touch surfaces (e.g., light switches, doorknobs).
  • Scrubbing of grout lines, baseboards, and hard-to-reach places.
  • Detailed window washing, including inside and outside.
• Best For: Businesses that need more than just regular upkeep and want a detailed, top-to-bottom clean.

Floor Care

• Frequency: Regular or as needed.
• Tasks Included:
  • Sweeping, mopping, and waxing floors.
  • Carpet cleaning or steam cleaning.
  • Stripping and resealing hard floors like tile, linoleum, or hardwood.
  • Buffing and polishing floors to maintain their shine.
• Best For: High-traffic areas such as office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities.

Window Cleaning

• Frequency: Regular or as needed.
• Tasks Included:
  • Interior and exterior window cleaning.
  • Removing streaks and smudges.
  • Cleaning high-rise or hard-to-reach windows (often with specialized equipment like scaffolding or ladders).
• Best For: Businesses with large windows, showrooms, storefronts, or buildings with multiple floors.

Post-Construction or Renovation Cleaning

• Frequency: After construction or renovation projects.
• Tasks Included:
  • Removing dust, debris, and leftover building materials.
  • Cleaning windows, walls, and floors to remove construction marks.
  • Disinfecting surfaces to eliminate dust, paint splatters, or other residues.
• Best For: Businesses or buildings undergoing construction, renovation, or tenant turnover.

Disinfection Services

• Frequency: Daily, weekly, or as needed.
• Tasks Included:
  • High-touch surface disinfection (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons).
  • Cleaning and sanitizing communal areas like break rooms and meeting rooms.
  • Fogging or misting to sanitize large areas, especially in the wake of illness outbreaks or pandemics.
• Best For: Healthcare settings, schools, offices, or any workplace where hygiene is a top priority.

Specialized Industry Cleaning

• Medical Office Cleaning: Medical and healthcare facilities require specialized cleaning protocols, especially in areas like patient rooms, waiting areas, restrooms, and exam rooms. Cleaning teams must follow strict hygiene standards to prevent cross-contamination.
• Retail Cleaning: Cleaning stores, showrooms, or malls, including dusting, floor care, window washing, and cleaning high-traffic areas.
• Industrial Cleaning: Factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities may require heavy-duty cleaning to remove dirt, dust, grease, and chemicals.
• Foodservice Cleaning: Cleaning kitchens, dining areas, and restrooms for restaurants or cafeterias, ensuring compliance with health codes.

2. How to Choose a Commercial Cleaning Service

When selecting a commercial cleaning company, you’ll want to consider several factors to ensure that the service meets your business’s needs:

1. Experience and Reputation

• Look for a company with experience in the type of cleaning you need (e.g., office spaces, medical facilities, retail stores).
• Read reviews and ask for client references to gauge the company’s reputation.
• Ensure they have a proven track record of reliability and quality service.

2. Services Offered

• Verify that the company offers the specific cleaning services you need, whether it’s general office cleaning, window washing, deep cleaning, or specialized cleaning like for medical facilities.
• Check if they offer customizable cleaning plans or if they use a one-size-fits-all approach.

3. Insurance and Certification

• Ensure the cleaning company is properly insured in case of any accidents, damages, or injuries that occur during cleaning.
• Look for certifications such as the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS), which indicates a higher level of professionalism and service quality.
• For healthcare-related cleaning, make sure they follow the OSHA standards or specific healthcare cleaning protocols.

4. Flexibility and Scheduling

• Check if the company can accommodate your business’s cleaning schedule. Some businesses require cleaning outside of regular business hours, like early morning or late-night cleanings, or on weekends.
• Ensure they can provide consistent service, especially if you need daily or weekly cleaning.

5. Cost and Contract Terms

• Request a clear, written estimate or quote that breaks down the services provided, frequency, and cost.
• Many commercial cleaning companies charge either by the square footage of your space or an hourly rate.
• Clarify contract terms—whether the service is ongoing or on a short-term contract. Ensure there are no hidden fees.

6. Cleaning Products and Eco-Friendly Options

• If eco-friendly or non-toxic cleaning products are important to your business (e.g., for sustainability or health reasons), make sure the company uses green cleaning solutions.
• Look for certifications like Green Seal or EcoLogo to verify their environmental practices.

3. Cost of Commercial Cleaning Services

The cost of commercial cleaning services varies based on several factors:

• Size of the Facility: Larger spaces require more time and resources to clean.
• Type of Cleaning: Deep cleaning, disinfection, or specialty services (e.g., medical office cleaning) tend to cost more than routine office cleaning.
• Frequency: Daily or weekly cleaning services may be less expensive per visit compared to one-time deep cleanings or post-construction cleanups.
• Location: Prices vary based on location, with urban areas typically having higher rates than suburban or rural locations.

Typical pricing models:

• Per Hour: Most commercial cleaning companies charge between $30–$75 per hour, depending on the size of the job and the scope of services.
• Per Square Foot: Some companies charge by the square footage of the space. For example, pricing can range from $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot for basic cleaning services.
• Flat Fee: For routine cleaning, some companies may offer a flat rate depending on the square footage and frequency of service.

4. Benefits of Commercial Cleaning Services

• Improved Employee Productivity: Clean, organized workplaces can improve employee focus and overall productivity.
• Health and Safety: Regular cleaning reduces the spread of germs, bacteria, and allergens, helping to keep employees and customers healthier.
• Professional Appearance: A clean business environment creates a positive impression on clients, customers, and visitors.
• Compliance: Especially for industries like healthcare or foodservice, regular cleaning helps ensure that your business meets health and safety regulations.

5. Popular Commercial Cleaning Companies

Some well-known commercial cleaning companies include:

• Jan-Pro: Specializes in office cleaning, medical cleaning, and industrial cleaning.
• ABM Industries: Offers a wide range of commercial cleaning services, including facility management and janitorial services.
• Servpro: Known for disaster restoration and deep cleaning services, including mold remediation, fire and water damage cleanup, and general office cleaning.
• CleanNet USA: A national provider of cleaning services with customizable cleaning programs for commercial spaces.
• The Maids: Provides professional cleaning services for both homes and businesses, including office cleaning and post-construction cleanups.