The Core Difference
Janitorial service = ongoing, routine maintenance cleaning done regularly (daily, nightly, or weekly)
Commercial cleaning = periodic deep cleaning or specialized cleaning done less frequently
In practice, most companies offer both — but how they're structured, priced, and staffed differs.
Janitorial Service: What It Covers
Janitorial work is the day-to-day upkeep that keeps a facility functional:
- Emptying trash and replacing liners
- Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming
- Restroom cleaning and restocking
- Wiping down common surfaces
- Light kitchen/break room maintenance
This is typically done after hours (or during the day for companies with day porter programs). It's contract-based, recurring service.
Typical cost: $0.07–$0.20 per sq ft per visit
Commercial Cleaning: What It Covers
Commercial cleaning refers to more intensive or specialized work:
- Deep carpet extraction
- Floor stripping, waxing, and burnishing
- Window washing (interior and exterior)
- High-dusting (above 8 feet) and ceiling cleaning
- Post-event or post-construction cleanup
- Power washing exterior surfaces
This is typically scheduled quarterly, semi-annually, or as needed.
Typical cost: $0.25–$1.00+ per sq ft depending on service
Which One Do You Need?
Most businesses need both:
- Janitorial service handles the weekly routine
- Commercial cleaning handles quarterly or annual deep services
If you're a small office that gets professionally deep-cleaned every quarter and does the day-to-day yourself, you may only need commercial cleaning. If you're running a 10,000 sq ft office with 50+ employees, you need ongoing janitorial service.
How to Structure a Combined Contract
When hiring a single company for both janitorial and commercial cleaning:
- Itemize each service separately — don't let the company bundle pricing in a way that makes it hard to compare or cancel individual services
- Set frequency expectations in writing — "Floors stripped and waxed quarterly" should be in the contract
- Verify the same staff aren't doing both — commercial cleaning often requires different equipment and training than daily janitorial work
Pricing Comparison
| Service Type | Frequency | Monthly Cost (5,000 sq ft office) |
|---|
| Janitorial (5 nights/week) | Ongoing | $800–$1,800/month |
| Carpet extraction | Quarterly | $300–$600 per service |
| Floor waxing | Bi-annually | $400–$800 per service |
| Window cleaning | Quarterly | $200–$500 per service |
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