You don’t need to be reminded of the fact that appearances matter to your business. A lot. And if you’ve started asking yourself what commercial cleaning is, you’re already in the right direction.
But what is commercial cleaning, exactly? How much does it cost? What can it do for your bottom line?
This guide tackles the top questions business owners ask about professional cleaning services. From the nitty-gritty of daily tasks to the bigger picture of how a spotless space can boost your brand and profits, consider this your one-stop shop for getting your business gleaming.
A recent study published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Tourism revealed a compelling truth: when it comes to restaurants, cleanliness isn’t just about hygiene – it’s a major factor driving customer satisfaction, repeat business and even the likelihood of complaints.
While the research focused on dining establishments, the underlying principle holds for all types of businesses: a clean space is a profitable space.
So what exactly is commercial cleaning?
Both cleaning methods involve tidying spaces, commercial cleaning isn’t just your average spring cleaning. It’s a specialized service that caters to businesses and public spaces’ unique needs. Think bustling offices, retail stores, sterile medical facilities, or even massive stadiums
All of these require professional cleaning to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment.
#2. What’s The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Cleaning?
Feature | Commercial Cleaning | Residential |
Scope | Larger areas, more surfaces, and higher traffic | Smaller spaces and less frequent cleaning |
Frequency | Often daily or multiple times per week | Typically weekly or bi-weekly |
Equipment | Industrial-grade vacuums, floor buffers, carpet extractors, pressure washers, specialized disinfectants | Standard household vacuums, mops, brooms, and cleaning solutions |
Regulations | Must adhere to industry-specific health and safety codes | Fewer strict regulations |
Services | Wide range of services including floor care, carpet cleaning, window washing, property management cleaning, etc. | Typically basic cleaning tasks |
Expertise | Trained professionals with certifications (e.g., ISSA) and knowledge of specific cleaning techniques, chemical safety, and handling biohazards. Understands the nuances of cleaning different surfaces (marble, wood, stainless steel) and industries (healthcare, food service). | Often done by homeowners or general cleaners with less specialized knowledge. May not be equipped to handle complex cleaning needs or larger spaces. |
#3. Is Commercial Cleaning Worth It?
Cleanliness is more important than ever in a post-lockdown era. COVID-19 still exists and businesses have to adapt to customer perception, as they are increasingly becoming concerned about the cleanliness of places they visit.
A recent study published in Consumer’s Reaction to the Observance of Hygienic Principles in the Stores during the Outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic discovered that 95% of consumers say a clean store is important to their overall shopping experience. Customers are more likely to return to a store they perceive as clean and more likely to recommend it to others.
This heightened awareness extends beyond retail to all business types. Whether it’s an office, medical facility, a school, or a manufacturing plant, a clean environment is not just about aesthetics, but fostering a safe and healthy space.
Safe and Healthy
Commercial cleaning goes beyond surface-level tidying. Professional cleaners are trained to disinfect high-touch surfaces, sanitize restrooms, and eliminate germs that can cause illness.
Research published in Emerging Infectious Diseases demonstrated the efficacy of disinfectants like bleach in rapidly inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19.
This comprehensive approach to disinfection reduces the spread of infectious diseases, protecting both employees and customers. A healthier workforce means fewer employees take sick days off, a significant productivity boost, and lower healthcare costs.
Productive and Positive
Clean and organized workspaces can be powerful catalysts to boost employee morale and performance.
A study also found a direct link between workplace cleanliness and employee productivity.
Employees in clean environments reported significantly higher levels of perceived productivity compared to those in less clean spaces. Several factors account for the higher perceived productivity:
- Reduced stress and frustration due to dirty workspaces
- Improved focus and concentration when employees aren’t constantly battling clutter or worrying about grime
- Increased job satisfaction due to a clean and well-maintained environment which shows a company cares about their employees and values their contributions.
The study also revealed that employees in clean workspaces reported higher levels of job satisfaction and were less likely to take sick leave, highlighting the broader impact of cleanliness on employee well-being and overall company performance.
Professional and Reputable
First impressions matter. A sparkling clean facility shows clients and customers you take pride in your business and value their experience. It reflects a commitment to quality and professionalism which can build trust and enhance your brand image.
Cost-Effective
Investing in regular commercial cleaning is also investing in your business’s future. You prevent premature wear and tear and extend the lifespan of furniture, floors, and equipment when you make it a habit to call your local commercial cleaning company.
#4. How Do Commercial Cleaning Services Charge?
Here’s a breakdown of how commercial cleaning services typically charge:
- Hourly: You pay for the time a cleaner spends at the facility. It’s flexible for much smaller jobs or infrequent cleanings but costs may fluctuate depending on the number of cleaners and the time it takes to finish the job.
- Square Footage: Many companies base their price on the total square footage of your space. It offers a predictable cost but may not account for the specific cleaning needs of various areas (e.g.: high-traffic restrooms vs individual offices).
- Flat Fee: Some cleaners offer a fixed price per cleaning, regardless of the size or specific tasks. This can be convenient for budgeting, but it may not offer the flexibility needed if your cleaning requirements change.
- Custom Quote: Many commercial cleaning providers offer custom quotes based on your needs. It considers aspects like the size of the space, cleaning frequency, desired services, and any unique cleaning challenges you might have.
#5. How Much Does a Commercial Cleaning Service Cost?
There’s no umbrella answer to this question. Commercial cleaning costs vary from company to company and even more so, as businesses often go for a customized quote.
Here are some ballpark figures:
- Per Square Foot: $0.05 to $0.20 per square foot, per cleaning.
- Hourly: $25 to $90 per hour, per cleaner.
- Monthly (Smaller Offices): $500 to $2,000 per month.
- Monthly (Larger Facilities): Several thousand dollars and up, depending on size and complexity.
Remember, these are just averages. Your actual costs could be higher or lower.
Ready to see the difference that a truly clean workplace can make? Craddock’s Cleaning Services in Dallas offers free custom quotes tailored to your specific needs and industry.
Claim your FREE quote in 24 hours or less and let Craddock’s Cleaning Services handle the dirty work while you focus on what you do best — growing your business.