- Most commercial cleaning covers trash, restrooms, floors, surfaces and break areas. Details differ by vendor.
- Periodic tasks such as high dusting, interior glass and floor care are often priced separately.
- If it is not written in the scope of work, do not assume it is included.
"Commercial cleaning" sounds simple, but the phrase covers a lot of ground. Two companies can quote for the same building and include different work. The way to avoid disappointment is to read the scope.
Typical daily or per-visit tasks
- Empty trash and recycling, replace liners
- Clean and disinfect restrooms: toilets, urinals, sinks, counters, mirrors, dispensers
- Restock soap, paper towels and toilet paper (supplies may be billed separately)
- Vacuum carpet and dust mop or damp mop hard floors
- Wipe and disinfect high-touch points such as door handles, push plates, light switches and elevator buttons
- Clean break room counters, sinks and tables
- Spot clean entry glass and lobby surfaces
For a fuller list, see our daily, weekly and monthly cleaning checklist.
Typical weekly or monthly tasks
- Dust reachable horizontal surfaces and vents
- Detail restrooms, including grout, partitions and floor drains
- Clean interior glass and partitions
- Wipe baseboards and doors
- Deep clean break room appliances (outside)
Often quoted as add-ons
- Carpet extraction and floor stripping and waxing
- High dusting above reachable height
- Exterior window cleaning
- Pressure washing
- Post-construction cleanup
- Disinfection or fogging programs
See specialty cleaning services you can request.
What is usually not included
Cleaning companies generally do not repair equipment, move heavy furniture, wash dishes, clean inside refrigerators, or handle regulated medical waste. In medical offices, regulated waste and sharps are handled through the practice's licensed medical waste process. If you need any of these, ask for them specifically.
How to read a scope of work
- Look for task and frequency, such as "restrooms: nightly" or "high dusting: quarterly."
- Look for the exclusions list.
- Ask who supplies consumables.
- Ask how missed items are reported and fixed.
Your building type changes the list. Offices, medical practices, daycares and HOA clubhouses all need different emphasis. A good walkthrough covers all of it before the first visit.