How Much Does Commercial Office Cleaning Cost?

Many businesses struggle to determine how much they should allocate for commercial office cleaning cost. 

This comprehensive guide breaks down the primary factors influencing commercial office cleaning costs in Canada, explores the types of services offered, and helps businesses navigate pricing models and make informed decisions. 

It’s important to remember that any janitorial contract should be set up by having a knowledgeable sales person come out and quote the commercial office space. They can combine all your needs into a single quote that harmonizes the costs instead of providing ad hoc costing which might be too expensive or not provide the correct cleaning needs. 

Whether you’re looking for regular janitorial services or specialized sanitization, we’ll explain everything you need to know.

Factors Influencing Commercial Office Cleaning Costs

Commercial office cleaning costs can vary widely based on several key factors. 

Here’s a breakdown of what impacts pricing:

1. Office Size and Layout

The size of the office plays a crucial role in determining the commercial office cleaning cost. Larger offices require more time, cleaning supplies, and staff to maintain cleanliness. 

For instance, an office space in a major city like Vancouver may cost between $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot for routine cleaning services. 

In smaller cities or rural areas, this cost could range from $0.05 to $0.18 per square foot, reflecting lower labor costs and service demand. 

Larger offices may also need more frequent cleaning, which further increases the overall cost. 

2. Frequency of Cleaning

Offices requiring daily cleaning will face significantly higher costs than those opting for weekly or bi-weekly visits. 

For example:

• Monthly cleaning might start as low as $300, depending on the size of the office (this would be a very small office, 1000 sqft).
• Daily or weekly cleaning services generally cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 monthly, depending on the office size and specific tasks required.

3. Type of Services Required

The type of cleaning services your office needs will greatly affect the cost. The complexity of the services required can lead to higher pricing.

• Standard janitorial services (vacuuming, dusting, trash removal) are the least expensive, ranging from $0.05 to $0.25 per square foot.
• More specialized services such as deep carpet cleaning or floor waxing can cost between $0.15 and $0.40 per square foot.
• High-touch areas such as how to disinfect an office chair, keyboards, and phones require additional effort, which may add extra charges for commercial cleaning and sanitizing services due to the increased labor and expertise involved.

4. Location of the Office

Location plays a significant role in commercial office cleaning cost. 

Offices in urban centers like Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver often have higher rates due to increased labor costs and higher demand. 

For example:

• In Toronto, the cost may range from $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot.
• In smaller cities like Ottawa, prices may be lower, ranging from $0.08 to $0.18 per square foot.

5. Industry-Specific Cleaning Needs

Certain industries require more specialized cleaning, which increases the commercial office cleaning cost. 

For example:

• Healthcare facilities require enhanced sanitization and adherence to strict health and safety standards, making medical commercial janitorial services more expensive than regular office cleaning.
• Foodservice businesses or offices involved with food handling may need additional sanitation services to comply with health regulations, which will drive up the overall cost of cleaning. 

Common Commercial Office Cleaning Services & Their Costs

The following is a breakdown of typical commercial office cleaning services and their associated costs in Canada.

1. Standard Janitorial Services

Standard janitorial services are the most common cleaning tasks required in office spaces, including trash removal, dusting, and general surface wiping, with bathrooms and kitchen cleaning, and potentially monthly items like high dusting. 

Costs for these services typically range from $0.05 to $0.55 per square foot.

2. Deep Cleaning & Sanitization

A more thorough cleaning, including disinfecting high-touch areas and ensuring the spread of germs is minimized, is essential in today’s health-conscious environment. 

Costs for deep cleaning and sanitization services can range from $0.20 to $0.75 per square foot, depending on the level of cleaning needed and the office’s condition. 

If your office requires commercial cleaning and sanitizing services, especially for high-risk environments like healthcare, prices will be higher.

3. Carpet & Floor Cleaning

Carpet and floor cleaning services are commonly requested add-ons to basic office cleaning. 

Prices for these services typically range from $0.15 to $0.40 per square foot, depending on the office size and floor type. 

High-traffic areas may require more frequent cleaning, contributing to higher costs.

4. Restroom & Breakroom Cleaning

Restrooms and break rooms are high-traffic areas that require frequent attention. 

Cleaning these areas will usually cost between $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot, and maintaining a hygienic environment in these spaces is essential for employee health and morale.

5. Specialty Add-On Services

Many businesses require specialty services, such as:

• Window washing for large or high-rise office buildings
• Upholstery cleaning for office furniture
• High dusting for areas that are out of reach of a standard feather duster
• Floor waxing to protect the flooring and improve the shine
• Floor stripping to clean old built-up wax and improve floor appearance 

These add-ons typically incur additional charges and may be billed either hourly or per square foot. 

Pricing Models for Office Cleaning Services

There are two main pricing models used by commercial office cleaning companies:

1. Hourly Rates vs. Flat Fees

Some commercial office cleaning companies charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $20 to $80 per hour depending on the expertise and location. Others offer flat-rate pricing based on the scope of work and office size.

2. Per Square Foot Pricing

For larger office spaces, pricing is often based on square footage. Rates typically range from $0.05 to $0.55 per square foot, depending on the level of cleaning required.

Offices requiring specialized cleaning services that deal with uncommon dirt or debris, such as industrial cleaning services for metal shops or mechanics, may incur higher costs than smaller offices requiring only basic maintenance. 

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Services

Searching for the right “office cleaning services near me” requires evaluating your business’s specific needs and comparing different cleaning providers.

1. Assess Your Needs

Determine the tasks you need completed and how often (daily, weekly, monthly). If you need specialized cleaning (e.g., disinfecting high-touch surfaces or healthcare cleaning), ensure the cleaning company can meet those requirements.

2. Research and Compare Providers

Look for reputable commercial office cleaning companies with experience in your industry. Ensure they have the appropriate equipment and trained staff to meet your cleaning requirements.

3. Request Quotes and Check References

Request quotes from several cleaning companies and review them carefully. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or testimonials from other businesses they’ve worked with to ensure the quality of service.

4. Verify Certifications and Credentials

Check that the cleaning company complies with industry regulations and is certified by recognized standards. Additionally, ensure they use eco-friendly cleaning products if that is important to your business.

5. Make Sure It’s an In-person Quote

Janitorial services are all about understanding the specific elements of a given space and how to clean it appropriately for the needs of the client. This is impossible to do over the phone or through a website. If a company isn’t interested in coming to your site to inspect it and provide intimate detail on what they will provide, don’t bother with them. 

Work With a Team That Doesn’t Cut Corners

Investing in commercial office cleaning services is not only an investment in the physical cleanliness of your office but also in the health, productivity, and overall well-being of your team. 

Whether you require standard full service janitorial or more comprehensive commercial cleaning and sanitizing services, selecting the right provider will help ensure a professional and welcoming environment for both employees and clients.

Reach out to Metropolitan today to find out more or ask for a free quote!