What To Expect When You Hire Commercial Cleaning Services

Hiring commercial cleaning services for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not sure what the process involves or what services are typically offered. While commercial cleaning shares similarities with residential cleaning, there are important distinctions. Commercial cleaning is tailored specifically for business environments such as offices, warehouses, medical facilities, and other public or professional spaces. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect when you hire commercial cleaning services, so you can make informed decisions for your business.

Understanding Commercial Cleaning

Unlike residential cleaning, commercial cleaning focuses on larger spaces and heavier traffic areas. As a result, the cleaning techniques, tools, and expectations differ significantly. Businesses often require more frequent, detailed, and specialized cleaning to maintain a professional, sanitary environment.

The cost of commercial cleaning services varies depending on a few key factors:

• Size of the building

• Type of cleaning tasks required

• Frequency of cleaning

• Type of flooring and surfaces

• Special requests such as window or breakroom cleaning

When you first reach out to a commercial cleaning provider, they’ll usually begin with a walk-through or an interview to understand your business’s unique cleaning needs. Here's a breakdown of what they’ll likely ask—and what you should be prepared to discuss.

1. Flooring Types and Maintenance Needs

Commercial cleaning services pay particular attention to the type of flooring throughout your building. Different floors require different cleaning methods, tools, and chemicals, which will affect the service cost.

• Carpeted areas typically require vacuuming during every visit, with steam cleaning or deep shampooing needed periodically.

• Tile, vinyl, or hardwood flooring needs regular sweeping and mopping, and sometimes machine polishing or buffing.

• Industrial floors, such as those in warehouses, may need scrubbing machines and degreasers.

Expect the cleaning company to ask:

• How much square footage is carpeted vs. hard flooring?

• Do you want deep cleaning services for flooring on a schedule?

• Are there special coatings or finishes on any floors?

By providing detailed information, you’ll receive a more accurate estimate.

2. Restroom Cleaning Requirements

Restrooms are high-traffic, high-priority areas in commercial spaces. Maintaining them properly is critical to both hygiene and employee/customer satisfaction.

The cleaning service will want to know:

• How many restrooms are there in the building?

• How many stalls, urinals, and sinks are in each restroom?

• Are mirrors present in each bathroom?

• Do you use paper towels or air dryers?

Services typically include:

• Disinfecting all surfaces

• Scrubbing toilets, urinals, and sinks

• Polishing mirrors

• Refilling paper products (toilet paper, hand towels) and soap

• Emptying trash

You should also specify whether you'd like them to supply consumables or if your business will provide these.

3. Interior and Exterior Window Cleaning

Most commercial cleaning services include interior window and glass door cleaning in their standard packages. This ensures a clean, clear view and contributes to a polished look in office environments.

However, exterior window cleaning may not be included or may come with additional costs—especially if your building is multi-story or requires ladders or lift equipment.

Expect to provide:

• The number of glass doors and interior windows

• Frequency of desired glass cleaning

• Whether exterior windows are to be included

Some companies offer specialized high-rise window cleaning with trained technicians and equipment, but this must be negotiated separately.

4. Break Room and Kitchenette Cleaning

Employee break rooms vary in complexity. Some may only have a small table and microwave, while others function as full kitchens with refrigerators, coffee stations, and sinks.

Most commercial cleaners will include:

• Sweeping/mopping the floor

• Emptying trash

However, you’ll need to specifically request:

• Microwave cleaning

• Sink scrubbing

• Refrigerator interior/exterior cleaning

• Countertop sanitizing

Make sure to clarify exactly what breakroom duties are expected. This ensures you avoid any misunderstandings and that the space stays clean and hygienic for your staff.

5. Waiting Room or Reception Area Cleaning

Reception and waiting areas are the first impression for clients and guests. Clean, welcoming environments reflect positively on your business.

Cleaning services typically include:

• Dusting and wiping down furniture

• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces

• Vacuuming or mopping floors

• Cleaning glass or acrylic partitions

• Emptying trash and arranging magazines

Let your cleaning provider know if you have specific materials or furniture that require special care, such as leather couches or touchscreen kiosks.

6. Establishing a Cleaning Schedule

One of the most important conversations you’ll have with your cleaning service provider is about scheduling.

You can typically choose from:

• Daily cleaning

• Bi-weekly or weekly cleaning

• Monthly deep cleans

• One-time or seasonal cleans

The first visit, often referred to as a "deep clean" or initial clean, may cost more. This is because the cleaning team will need to spend more time getting the space to a baseline level of cleanliness. After that, regular maintenance cleans will take less time and be more cost-effective.

Schedules can also be customized to your business hours—many commercial cleaners work after-hours or overnight to avoid disrupting your staff or customers.

7. Special Services and Add-Ons

Commercial cleaning companies often offer additional services you may not expect, such as:

• Upholstery cleaning

• Pressure washing

• Disinfection fogging/spraying (especially in medical or daycare facilities)

• Pest control coordination

• Light bulb replacement

• Event clean-up

These services may be offered at an additional cost but can be conveniently bundled into a single contract.

8. How Pricing Is Determined

Commercial cleaning services base their prices on several factors:

• Square footage of the facility

• Number and type of rooms

• Special cleaning needs (e.g., industrial kitchens, medical sanitization)

• Cleaning frequency

• After-hours service

• Use of specialized equipment or supplies

Some companies offer flat-rate packages, while others bill per hour or per visit. It’s advisable to get multiple quotes and ensure each one is detailed and includes everything you discussed.

Hiring a commercial cleaning service is one of the best ways to maintain a safe, professional, and welcoming business environment. Whether you manage a small office, a busy medical clinic, or a retail store, professional cleaners can save you time, reduce stress, and improve overall hygiene.

Here’s what you should expect:

• A clear consultation to assess your needs

• Customizable cleaning plans based on your facility

• Transparent pricing with a breakdown of services

• Reliable, trained, and insured staff

• A commitment to quality and consistency

By understanding what’s included and clearly communicating your expectations, you’ll develop a strong working relationship with your commercial cleaning provider—and ensure your business always looks its best.