Metropolitan Cleaners Are Leading the Way in Tailored Janitorial Services

Metropolitan Cleaners Are Leading the Way in Tailored Janitorial Services

In today’s urban environment, professional cleaning is no longer a one-size-fits-all service. As offices, business parks, and commercial properties become more complex and diverse, metropolitan cleaners—cleaning professionals operating in dense urban areas—are shifting their approach. 

The industry is experiencing a significant movement toward customized cleaning plans tailored to the unique needs of each space.

Whether it’s a downtown high-rise, a business hub in Burnaby, or a co-working space in Surrey, businesses now expect more flexibility and precision from their janitorial services. 

Let's explore how this trend is reshaping the cleaning industry and what it means for building maintenance and office cleaning services in cities like Vancouver.

Why Customized Cleaning Plans Are Gaining Popularity

The demand for tailored cleaning solutions is growing across the board—and for good reason. 

Different businesses have vastly different needs. 

A tech startup with minimal foot traffic doesn’t require the same level of cleaning as a medical clinic or a retail store. By customizing service schedules and cleaning tasks, companies can better align their cleaning budget with actual requirements.

This shift is being driven by larger industry trends. According to a report by Business Wire, the global janitorial services market is projected to reach USD 403.61 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.27% from 2020 to 2023. 

This growth signals a strong demand for outsourced, strategic cleaning partnerships—not just routine tidying.

In cities like Vancouver, where businesses operate in high-density, high-visibility areas, the expectations placed on cleaning services for commercial spaces are even higher.

How Metropolitan Cleaners Create Custom Cleaning Plans

Today’s commercial janitorial services begin with a strategic evaluation of the space. 

Most cleaning companies will first conduct a walkthrough to assess foot traffic patterns, surface materials, risk areas, and client priorities. From there, a custom cleaning schedule is built that addresses both routine and specialized needs.

Rather than applying a generic checklist, cleaners in metropolitan areas build service plans that account for real-world factors—such as business hours, visitor volume, and even seasonal changes, which often require a specialized spring cleaning.

Custom cleaning allows businesses to focus resources where they matter most, ensuring higher cleanliness standards while remaining cost-efficient.

What Customized Janitorial Services Typically Include

Tailored cleaning plans often span a wide range of janitorial services, including:

  • Commercial office cleaning: Conference rooms, workstations, common areas, and executive suites.
  • Janitorial cleaning services: Restroom sanitization, waste management, floor care, and more.
  • Building maintenance tasks like light repairs, restocking paper supplies, or reporting facility issues.
  • Eco-friendly cleaning: Use of non-toxic, biodegradable products and sustainable cleaning methods.
  • Specialty services: Post-renovation cleanups, window washing, and detailed disinfection services.

For properties requiring building maintenance in Vancouver, BC, these services can be integrated into a larger facilities management plan, ensuring a consistent standard across all units and tenants.

Benefits of Customized Cleaning Plans for Commercial Properties

So why should a business invest in a customized cleaning program? The benefits are clear:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Eliminate unnecessary services and pay only for what you need.
  • Health and safety: Target high-risk areas for more frequent disinfection, reducing illness and absenteeism.
  • Asset preservation: Proper maintenance extends the life of floors, fixtures, and finishes.
  • Regulatory compliance: Stay aligned with cleanliness standards for commercial buildings in Vancouver and beyond.
  • Brand image: A clean, well-maintained workspace leaves a strong impression on clients and staff.

The global cleaning services market was valued at USD 415.93 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% through 2030.

This reflects an increased recognition that clean, healthy environments are foundational to business success.

Redefining the Role of Janitorial Services

The meaning of janitorial services has evolved far beyond mops and buckets. 

In modern commercial settings, professional commercial cleaning services now include preventative maintenance, documentation, safety training, and communication with facility managers.

As expectations grow, standard janitorial services are being replaced by more strategic and proactive solutions that add long-term value to the property.

A Real-World Example: Cleaning for a 3-Story Urban Office

Imagine a mid-size commercial office in Vancouver's downtown core—three floors, a mix of tenants including law firms, a marketing agency, and a dental clinic. A customized cleaning plan might look like this:

  • Daily: Restroom sanitization, reception area cleaning, trash removal.
  • Weekly: Floor polishing, glass door cleaning, kitchenette deep clean.
  • Monthly: Carpet extraction, HVAC vent cleaning, and eco-friendly disinfection.

By customizing the frequency and intensity of these services, commercial cleaners can deliver cleaner environments without over-servicing low-traffic zones.

Core Janitorial Services to Include in a Custom Cleaning Plan

A strong plan should be built on a foundation of reliable, high-impact janitorial services. 

These tasks form the backbone of clean, healthy commercial environments and are commonly tailored to suit each building’s layout, usage, and traffic level.

Here are the essential services metropolitan cleaners often incorporate into custom plans:

1. General Interior Cleaning

This includes daily or routine services such as:

  • Emptying garbage and recycling bins
  • Dusting surfaces and ledges
  • Spot cleaning walls and doors
  • Disinfecting high-touch points like doorknobs and light switches

These tasks are crucial for maintaining basic cleanliness and preventing the buildup of allergens and germs.

2. Kitchens and Breakrooms

Custom cleaning in kitchen areas often includes:

  • Cleaning sinks, countertops, and appliances
  • Disinfecting microwaves and refrigerators
  • Restocking soap, paper towels, and dishwashing supplies
  • Emptying food waste bins

Clean kitchen spaces contribute to employee well-being and reduce odours and pest risks.

3. Bathrooms

Proper restroom sanitation is one of the most important components of any janitorial plan. This includes:

  • Disinfecting toilets, urinals, and sinks
  • Polishing mirrors and chrome fixtures
  • Refilling paper products, soap, and air fresheners
  • Mopping floors with disinfectant

Restroom cleanliness directly affects a business’s reputation and hygiene compliance.

4. Flooring Services

Floors are high-traffic surfaces that benefit from both routine and periodic deep care:

  • Hard surface floors: Sweeping, mopping, and auto-scrubbing
  • Stripping and waxing: Ideal for vinyl or linoleum floors to restore shine and protect against wear
  • Carpet cleaning: Spot treatment, vacuuming, and scheduled extraction to extend carpet life

A tailored approach ensures high-traffic areas receive more frequent attention, preserving floor finishes and improving safety.

5. Interior and Exterior Window Cleaning

  • Interior windows and glass partitions: Cleaned to remove fingerprints and dust
  • Exterior window washing: Typically scheduled quarterly, depending on location and weather exposure

Clear, streak-free windows enhance natural light, which helps with employee well-being and productivity and presents a polished appearance to visitors and tenants.

6. Janitorial Supplies Management

An often-overlooked but critical part of customized plans:

  • Supplying and restocking items like toilet paper, paper towels, soap, garbage bags, air fresheners, and cleaning products
  • Monitoring inventory to avoid shortages or overstocking

Some providers bundle supplies into service contracts, streamlining operations for property managers.

Including these baseline services ensures that your customized cleaning plan isn’t just flexible—it’s also comprehensive. Whether you're managing a small office or a multi-tenant commercial building, having control over both the scope and frequency of these tasks gives you cleaner results and better cost predictability.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Janitorial Services Provider

Not all cleaning companies are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing a provider:

  • Experience with building types similar to yours (offices, clinics, retail).
  • Flexible scheduling and willingness to create customized plans.
  • Eco-conscious practices and product certifications.
  • Strong communication and on-site supervision.

Tailored cleaning results in higher service quality and more efficient operations—especially in commercial environments where brand image and tenant satisfaction matter.

Conclusion

As businesses in Vancouver and other metropolitan areas grow more complex, so too must the services that support them.

Today’s metropolitan cleaners are no longer just service providers. They are partners in creating cleaner, safer, and more productive work environments through targeted, personalized solutions. When you’re ready to find the best metropolitan cleaners for your business, call Metropolitan to find out more (778-565-5435) or fill out a contact form–we’d love to provide you with a free estimate.

How to Disinfect an Office Chair: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Disinfect an Office Chair: A Step-by-Step Guide

An office chair is a critical piece of furniture in any workplace. 

Whether at a desk or in a meeting room, employees often spend hours each day sitting in the same chair, leading to the accumulation of germs, bacteria, and allergens. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to disinfect an office chair, along with some useful tips to make the process more effective. 

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

To start, you’ll need the right cleaning materials for an office

Here’s a list of what you’ll need for disinfecting an office chair:

  • Disinfectant wipes: Choose wipes that are effective against germs and bacteria. Ensure that the disinfectant is safe for office furniture and doesn’t damage the materials.
  • Spray disinfectant: For more extensive cleaning, a spray disinfectant that is suitable for upholstery or office furniture is ideal.
  • Microfiber cloth: Microfiber cloths are gentle on surfaces and effective at picking up dirt and germs.
  • Vacuum cleaner: A vacuum with an upholstery attachment is helpful for removing dust and debris from the chair.
  • Water and mild soap: For fabric office chairs, you may need water and mild soap for a deeper clean.

If you're looking for a place to purchase these items, you can check out our blog on The 10 Best Janitorial Supply Companies in Vancouver for more information! 

Step 2: Vacuum the Chair Thoroughly

Before you begin disinfecting, it’s essential to remove any visible dust, crumbs, or debris from the chair. 

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush or upholstery attachment to clean the fabric, seams, armrests, and wheels. This ensures that the disinfectant you use won’t mix with dirt, which could create a sticky residue.

Vacuuming also helps to reduce the allergens present in the chair, providing a cleaner environment for employees who suffer from allergies.

Step 3: Wipe Down All Surfaces

Now that the chair is free from loose dirt, it’s time to disinfect the surfaces. 

Use disinfectant wipes or a microfiber cloth sprayed with disinfectant to clean all parts of the chair. Pay special attention to high-touch areas such as:

  • Armrests: These are often touched by several people throughout the day, making them hotspots for germs and bacteria.
  • Backrest and seat: Since employees spend extended periods sitting in the chair, disinfecting these areas is essential for reducing exposure to germs.
  • Chair controls: The lever for adjusting height and tilt often comes in contact with hands, so make sure to wipe these areas as well.

Ensure that the disinfectant you’re using is suitable for the material of the chair. 

For example, a leather chair may need a specialized cleaner, while a fabric chair can typically be cleaned with a standard disinfectant. 

Step 4: Clean the Chair’s Wheels and Base

Office chair wheels are often overlooked during cleaning, but they can accumulate dust, dirt, and hair. To clean the wheels:

  1. Vacuum the wheels: Use your vacuum cleaner to remove hair, dust, and debris from the wheels.
  2. Wipe with a damp cloth: If needed, use a cloth dampened with mild soap and water to clean the wheels and the chair's base. This will help remove dirt buildup.

Maintaining clean wheels not only helps with the overall hygiene of the chair but also ensures smooth movement and prevents the buildup of grime that could cause wear on the wheels.

Step 5: Disinfecting High-Touch Areas

When cleaning office chairs, don’t forget to disinfect the high-touch areas that are often neglected:

  • Keyboard and mouse: While cleaning the chair, take the opportunity to disinfect office equipment, such as keyboards and mice, as they are common sources of germs.
  • Office phone: Another frequently touched surface that needs disinfecting.
  • Shared items: Items like staplers, coffee mugs, and pens that are shared among employees should also be disinfected regularly.

Six Steps to a More Productive Workspace

The Importance of Green Cleaning

Green cleaning is particularly important in office spaces, as it helps reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, promotes better air quality, and minimizes the environmental impact of cleaning routines.

Eco-friendly disinfectants and cleaning tools that are just as effective as traditional cleaners but are safer for both employees and the planet.

Green cleaning can also support your company's sustainability goals, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their environmental footprint.

Use a Commercial Office Cleaning Service for a Deeper Clean

Professional commercial janitorial services are particularly helpful for large offices or businesses that require frequent cleaning of multiple office chairs, desks, and communal spaces. 

A cleaning company will handle all the routine maintenance, allowing your employees to focus on their work in a clean, healthy environment, but it’s good to understand the costs. 

Why Disinfecting Office Chairs Matters

Office chairs can harbour harmful bacteria, viruses, and allergens, which can contribute to illness and reduce employee productivity. 

A clean office environment, supported by office cleaning commercial cleaning services, helps:

  • Reduce the spread of germs: Disinfecting high-touch surfaces and shared office equipment limits the transmission of bacteria and viruses.
  • Promote employee well-being: Regular cleaning creates a healthier, more comfortable workspace that boosts employee morale and reduces sick days.
  • Enhance the office's appearance: Well-maintained chairs contribute to a clean, professional look that makes a positive impression on clients and visitors.

Are You About to Search “Office Cleaning Services Near Me?”

By regularly cleaning and sanitizing chairs, your office can reduce the spread of germs, improve air quality, and create a more comfortable space for employees to work. 

If you prefer a professional touch, consider hiring commercial office cleaning services to ensure a thorough and consistent cleaning process and if you're wondering what commercial office cleaning cost, check out our blog!

Keeping your office chairs disinfected is an important step in maintaining a safe and productive workplace. Check out our services or reach out to Metropolitan to find out more and request a free quote!

How Much Does Commercial Office Cleaning Cost?

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:

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!

Cleaner Cleaning Supplies You Need for an Office

Cleaner Cleaning Supplies You Need for an Office

Maintaining a clean and organized office isn’t just about appearances – it’s about creating a healthy, productive environment for employees and visitors. 

To achieve this, you’ll need the right cleaner cleaning supplies on hand. 

But which janitorial cleaning supplies are essential for an office setting? 

In this guide, we’ll break down the must-haves, from dust brooms to advanced floor machines, and provide tips on efficient organization.

Cleaner Supplies for Every Area of an Office

1. Office Area

The office area includes workstations, meeting rooms, reception areas, and common spaces. 

Maintaining cleanliness here contributes to productivity and creates a positive impression on visitors.

Essential Cleaning Supplies:

  • All-Purpose Cleaners: For desks, tables, and shelves.
  • Glass Cleaner: Keep windows, mirrors, and glass partitions streak-free. 
  • Microfiber Cloths: Ideal for dusting and wiping surfaces without leaving streaks or lint. Microfiber is highly effective at trapping dust and allergens.
    • Keep different colours for different tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Disinfectant Sprays: Essential for sanitizing high-touch surfaces like keyboards, mice, door handles, and light switches. 
  • Dust Brooms, Brooms and Dustpans: For smooth surfaces like VCT tile, concrete, or linoleum. 
  • Vacuum Cleaners: The type depends on your flooring:
    • Upright Vacuums for carpets, with powerful suction and rotating brushes.
    • Backpack Vacuums for large offices, allowing quick movement and less fatigue.
  • Garbage Bags: A variety of sizes are needed for under desks, or larger central garbage bins. 

2. Kitchen / Break Room

The kitchen or break room is a high-traffic area prone to spills, stains, and food-related messes. 

Proper cleaning supplies help maintain hygiene and a pleasant atmosphere.

Essential Cleaning Supplies:

  • All-Purpose Cleaners: For countertops, tables, and appliance exteriors. Opt for food-safe options to ensure safety.
  • Dish Soap and Sponges: For washing dishes and cleaning sinks. Consider biodegradable sponges for an eco-friendly touch.
  • Disinfectant Sprays: Necessary for sanitizing countertops, microwave handles, refrigerator doors, and other shared appliances.
  • Glass Cleaner: For glass tabletops and appliance surfaces.
  • Mop and Bucket: Professional heavy-duty wet mop with a down-press mop wringer.
  • Floor Cleaner: Choose a degreasing floor cleaner for kitchen floors prone to spills. 
  • Trash Cans and Garbage Bags: Heavy-duty garbage bags for food waste to prevent leaks and odours.
  • Paper Towels and Napkins: For quick cleanups and maintaining a tidy area.

3. Washrooms

Washrooms are critical areas for hygiene, but they also serve as a place of relief or disgust depending on their cleanliness. 

Having a dedicated restroom cleaning kit simplifies the process. 

Stocking the right cleaning supplies ensures cleanliness and reduces the spread of germs.

Essential Cleaning Supplies:

  • Restroom Cleaning Kit: Keep a dedicated kit for the washroom, including:
    • Caddy Organizer: A caddy keeps all supplies organized and easy to transport.
    • Toilet Bowl Cleaners and Brushes: Choose angled brushes for cleaning under rims. Use a powerful, eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner to eliminate stains and odours.
    • Disinfectant Cleaners: For sinks, countertops, partitions, and door handles.
    • Glass Cleaner: For mirrors and reflective surfaces.
    • Air Fresheners: Automatic dispensers help maintain a fresh-smelling washroom.
    • Paper Products: Keep toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and paper towels in ample supply to prevent shortages.
    • Hand Soap and Sanitizers: Standard soap is best, but it’s also good to have access to an antibacterial soap as well
    • Mop and Bucket: Professional heavy-duty wet mop with a down-press mop wringer. Ideally, you have a different mop for the bathroom floors. 
    • Floor Cleaner: Choose a degreasing floor cleaner for kitchen floors prone to spills. 
    • Garbage Bags: Durable garbage bags for restroom bins to maintain hygiene.

How to Organize Cleaning Supplies Efficiently

Knowing how to organize cleaning supplies helps your janitorial team work efficiently and safely. 

Here are some organizational tips:

  • Designate a Storage Area: Choose a secure, easily accessible space like a janitorial closet.
  • Categorize Supplies: Group supplies by type – general cleaning, restroom, floor care, and trash management.
  • Label Everything: Clear labels allow for quick identification and prevent misuse.
  • Safety Precautions: Store hazardous chemicals separately from consumables and in well-ventilated areas.
  • Inventory System: Keep track of supplies to avoid shortages or overstocking.

Deep-Dive on Essential Janitorial Cleaning Supplies for Offices

When you’re standing in front of a row of 15 disinfectants or 12 all-purpose cleaners, it’s not always obvious what to buy. 

The above lists by area help give insight into some of the basics, but what about green products, what about proper dilutions, storage, and labelling? And what are fair prices for on-site cleaning supplies?

Chemicals/Solutions/Cleaners

For most offices, you’ll only need 3-4 cleaning solutions: An all-purpose cleaner, a glass cleaner, a disinfectant, and possibly one for hard flooring. 

It’s possible to get quality products that are either conventional or for green cleaning. 

When selecting green cleaning products, look for certifications such as EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal, which indicate that the products meet stringent environmental and safety criteria. 

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and dilution to ensure effectiveness and safety.

It’s best to have trigger-spray heads and bottles on hand to be able to dilute the chemicals into the intended spray container. 

In a lot of cases, all-purpose cleaners double as window cleaners. And often, there are disinfectants which are suitable for cleaning floors as well. 

If you have no idea what to use, talk to the supplier, or order a couple of options and try them out to find what’s best. 

Most cleaners today can be diluted quite a bit and remain effective, but always follow the stated ratios. 

Finally, pricing for about 4 litres of a cleaning solution can be anywhere from $10 to $40 depending on the manufacturer, quality, and concentration. 

Dusting Equipment

To maintain the cleanliness and air quality of an office dusting is a core necessity. 

There are three levels of dusting and their frequency:

  • Everyday dusting–includes all visible areas at eye level when standing, like blinds, desks, chairs, computers, phones, etc., and can also include floors (if they are not being washed). 
  • Monthly dusting–includes top of cupboards, wall-mounted items above head level like extinguishers or fire alarms, tops of partitions, and air vent grates. 
  • Annual dusting (if necessary)–includes high ceiling elements like lights or exposed pipes, grates, wiring, or other areas which require telescopic poles or ladders. 

For everyday dusting, microfibre clothes are best. Their ultra-fine fibres trap dust, dirt, and allergens. They are reusable, absorbent, and suitable for both dry dusting and wet cleaning. 

Unlike traditional clothes, they don’t leave streaks or lint behind, making them perfect for glass, electronics, and other delicate surfaces.

Some types of blinds might need a feather duster to be cleaned properly, such as Venetian Blinds, but you might be able to get away with using a microfibre. 

If you have large areas of hard flooring, then having a dust mop is ideal. 

For higher surfaces you will need a telescopic pole, or if you have a detachable broom handle, that can work as well. 

For the really high areas of an office with exposed 20-foot ceilings, you will need tall ladders or multiple-stage telescopic poles. It’s also important to have a robust type of feather duster that can hold a lot of layered dust. 

For cleaning high areas that pile up, it’s also good to have eye protection and dust masks or a respirator. 

Floor Care Supplies and Equipment

Although this is probably painfully obvious, there are two kinds of flooring: hard surface and carpet. 

There are many types of hard flooring, such as VCT, linoleum, concrete, and terrazzo. 

There are many types of carpets, such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, olefin, and wool. 

Hard Surfaces: 

For removal of dust on hard surfaces, it’s pretty easy, dust mops or wet mops.

It’s common for a quick-drying wax solution to be put down on any hard flooring that has regular traffic on it. 

This protects the flooring from abrasion and wear and with enough wax regularly applied, it can extend the life of a floor for anywhere from 15-20 years or more (depending on the quality of the hard surface). 

With repeated application of wax, there is inevitable build-up, and the wax itself can start to look bad. 

There are lots of ways to maintain wax, including light of full stripping and re-waxing, burnishing, or regular deep cleaning. 

The equipment for waxing is a mop and it’s usually good to have a garbage bag to tie around the mop head after use since wax mops are hard to clean and not good to use for other cleaning once they’ve been used for wax. You’ll also need your jug or container of wax to pour out as you move. 

Doing light or full stripping and re-waxing or regular deep cleaning means you’ll need to have a floor machine (auto-scrubber) of some kind–ride standing or ride along. New, these machines are anywhere from $2000 to $10,000. 

For burnishing, a special type of high-speed floor machine is used, and can also start around $2000. 

Carpets: 

For the removal of dust from carpets there’s vacuuming and hot-water extraction. 

Vacuuming needs to be done regularly to be effective, and backpack vacuums are great for high-frequency and large layouts. For a deeper clean an upright vacuum with a beater bar is best. 

For truly deep carpet cleaning, you’ll need portable units or a trunk mount. This is because carpet works like an air filter, trapping all airborne material into its fibres. 

Vacuuming helps keep the levels at a minimum, but the only way to really remove a large percentage of the dirt from the fibres is to flush them with water and high-powered suction.

Upright vacuums can start around $500 and go to over $1000 pretty easily, and backpack vacuums are similar. 

Carpet portables start around the $3000 mark and truck mounts are around $10,000 new and need to be built into a utility vehicle to be able to run, so altogether it’s probably upwards of $50,000. Best to call a company that owns these already. 

Disposable Janitorial Supplies

It’s easy now to get green cleaning supplies that are good quality at any janitorial supply store, the only barrier is the cost. 

Paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, and all cleaning solutions that are eco-friendly and green can be found. 

Determining whether or not you can afford them is up to you, but the costs are getting more and more marginal. 

When deciding on paper towels and toilet paper–items that get used often and need constant restocking–price might be a bigger factor. 

For garbage bags, you can often get away with keeping the same bag in a given garbage bin as long as something wet or stinky isn’t thrown out. Often desk garbage is just dry material and can be dumped into a single large bag while doing rounds. 

It might take a couple of months to determine your costing based on usage.

But one other really important part is quality. You and your staff will know if the quality of the toilet paper is not great and you will feel it quite literally every day. 

There are lots of options for this kind of disposable supply, so make sure you figure out what’s both affordable but also pleasant to use. 

Where to Find Quality Cleaning Supplies

To maintain a steady stock of cleaning essentials, it’s important to partner with a reliable cleaning supplies supplier. 

Many offices benefit from buying commercial cleaning supplies in bulk, which is cost-effective and convenient. 

If you’re searching for “cleaning supplies near me,” explore local janitorial stores or trusted online suppliers offering delivery options.

For those of you in the Lower Mainland, check out our list of the Top 10 Janitorial Supplies Companies in Vancouver. 

Professional Help: Office Cleaning Janitorial Services

Managing office cleanliness internally can be challenging, especially in larger spaces. 

Outsourcing to office cleaning janitorial services can save time and ensure consistent results. 

Professional cleaners bring their own janitorial office cleaning supplies, allowing your team to focus on core business tasks.

Final Thoughts

Keeping an office clean requires strategic planning and the right janitorial items. 

By investing in high-quality cleaner cleaning supplies and organizing them effectively, you create a productive and healthy work environment. 

Whether you opt for in-house maintenance or hire office cleaning janitorial services, understanding the essentials is key.

Ready to stock up on janitorial cleaning supplies? Partner with a trusted janitorial company like Metropolitan today to ensure your office stays spotless and efficient.