Costs of Hiring Commercial Cleaners

Jul 25

If you’re responsible for maintaining a commercial space, keeping it clean is not optional, it’s essential. But how much does it really cost to hire a commercial cleaning company? And what factors affect that price?

According to the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), the average cost of commercial cleaning services in the U.S. ranges from $0.08 to $0.20 per square foot for standard janitorial work. But pricing can vary widely based on your location, service frequency, building type, and the level of cleaning required.

In this article, we’ll break down what goes into cleaning costs so you can plan your budget, compare quotes, and make an informed decision.

Why Knowing the Costs Matters

Choosing a professional janitorial service is an investment in your workplace. Clean offices help reduce employee sick days, improve indoor air quality, and create a better experience for clients and staff.

But paying too much, or too little, can lead to problems:

Overpaying drains your maintenance budget.
Underpaying can result in poor service or inconsistent quality.
Not understanding your SLA (service level agreement) may lead to surprise charges later.

Let’s walk through the cost drivers that impact your cleaning quote.

Top Factors That Affect Commercial Cleaning Prices

1. Size of the Facility

Most cleaning companies charge by square footage. The larger the space, the higher the cost. But bulk pricing usually means the cost per square foot drops as the total area increases.

Size (sq. ft.)	Average Cost per Visit
Under 5,000	$100–$300
5,000 to 10,000	$300–$700
10,000+	Custom Pricing

2. Cleaning Frequency

How often do you need cleaning? Daily, weekly, or monthly?

Daily cleaning costs more upfront but often yields better value long-term.
Weekly or bi-weekly cleanings are more affordable but may miss buildup.
One-time deep cleaning is priced higher due to labor intensity.

3. Type of Facility

Some spaces require more specialized cleaning or stricter hygiene protocols:

Medical or dental offices (higher risk)
Restaurants and kitchens (grease, food particles)
Schools and daycare centers (germs and allergens)
Warehouses and industrial buildings (dust, spills)

💡 Tip: Cleaning costs are often 10–15% higher for facilities that require certified sanitization procedures.

4. Scope of Work

Not all cleaning tasks are equal. The more detailed the job, the more it costs.

Task	Time & Cost Impact
Basic trash removal	Low
Floor waxing	High
Carpet shampooing	Medium to High
Disinfection/sanitization	Medium (COVID-era norms increased rates)

To reduce costs, clearly define what's included in your service level agreement (SLA).

Pricing Models: What to Expect

Most cleaning service providers offer one of the following pricing models:

Per Square Foot: Most common; easy to compare.
Flat Rate: Simpler for small offices with predictable needs.
Hourly Rate: Ranges from $25 to $65 per cleaner per hour.

Example Breakdown:

Let’s say you manage a 6,000-square-foot office and need three cleanings a week. Here’s an estimated monthly cost:

$0.12/sq. ft. x 6,000 = $720 per cleaning
$720 x 3 cleanings/week = $2,160/month

What's Usually Included in the Price?

A typical quote from a commercial cleaning company may include:

Vacuuming and mopping
Restroom cleaning and restocking
Surface dusting and sanitization
Trash and recycling removal
Breakroom and common area upkeep

But certain add-ons like window cleaning, pressure washing, or floor polishing may be extra. Always ask for an itemized quote.

Additional Cost Variables

Some unexpected charges may show up if you’re not careful. Here are a few examples:

After-hours service (may add 10–20%)
Emergency or last-minute jobs
Holiday or weekend cleaning
Specialized equipment usage (e.g., lift rental for high windows)

Ask upfront if cleaners are bonded and insured, if not, you could be liable for damages or injuries.

How to Compare Quotes Effectively

When getting bids from multiple vendors, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Here’s how:

Review the SLA and make sure all bids include the same services.
Confirm if materials and supplies are included or billed separately.
Ask about hidden fees (fuel charges, overtime, equipment fees).
Request info on the experience and training of background-checked cleaners.

Is It Cheaper to Hire In-House Cleaning Staff?

It might seem that way, but not always. Let’s break it down:

Cost Element	In-House Staff	Outsourced Team
Hourly Wages	Required	Included in rate
Employee Benefits	Required	Handled by provider
Training & Supplies	You pay	Included in service
Supervision & QA	You manage	Provided by vendor

In-house office cleaning staff gives you more control, but outsourcing shifts risk, admin, and training to the pros.

How to Get the Best ROI on Cleaning Services

If you're investing in cleaning, you want the best return. Here’s how to maximize your dollars:

Choose a cleaning service provider with proven reliability and strong references.
Bundle services: Ask if you can include window cleaning or floor care in a monthly package.
Use your SLA to hold cleaners accountable for performance.
Consider quarterly reviews to adjust your contract as your needs evolve.
Use tech-enabled tracking (like digital logs or inspections apps) to verify service quality.

Budget Planning Tips for Commercial Cleaning

To avoid surprises, plan for both predictable and unexpected cleaning expenses.

Recommended Approach:

Allocate 1.5% to 3% of your facility's operating budget for cleaning.
Factor in seasonal deep cleaning (e.g., post-winter carpets, flu season disinfecting).
Include room for emergency or one-time cleanups.

This proactive approach makes it easier to scale your cleaning needs as your business grows.

How This Connects to the Bigger Picture

Understanding cost is just one part of the puzzle. For a full breakdown of what to consider when hiring a cleaning provider, check out our guide to hiring commercial cleaners. It covers vendor selection, service comparisons, and quality control so you can make the right choice from day one.

And if your cleaning goals include sustainability, productivity, or reducing sick days, be sure to read our linked guides below.

Cleaning Costs Aren’t Just About Price

In the end, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Think long-term:

A clean building means happier employees.
A spotless lobby impresses customers.
A properly managed cleaning contract protects your business from liability.

The best value comes from a commercial cleaning company that understands your needs, follows through on promises, and backs everything with a clear service level agreement (SLA).

Want help planning your budget or customizing your cleaning schedule? Reach out to a vetted, bonded and insured cleaning team near you.