Is Commercial Cleaning the Same as Office Cleaning?

Business property owners or administrators are often confused about whether to hire commercial or office cleaning services. Most think these are the same. But they cater to different workplace environments.

It’s crucial to hire the right cleaning service to achieve the results your business needs. In this blog post, we define and differentiate commercial and office cleaning to help you make an informed decision.

What is Office Cleaning?

Office cleaning is a service to create a healthy, comfortable, and productive space for employees and visitors. This cleaning service typically includes the following tasks:

Cleaning and disinfection: dusting of desks, equipment, and other high-touch surfaces
Floor care: mopping of floors and vacuuming of carpeted areas
Public or shared space cleaning: disinfecting front desks, waiting areas, and pantries
Restroom cleaning and sanitation: scrubbing of tiled floors, sinks, toilets; restocking of restrooms with supplies like soap and paper towels
Trash removal: emptying bins and putting fresh bin liners

Professional cleaners typically work during non-business hours to reduce disruption. Property owners or managers also regularly schedule office cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dirt and germs.

What is Commercial Cleaning?

Commercial cleaning involves a broader range of services for different commercial spaces, like retail shops, shopping malls, grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, gyms, and warehouses.

It includes basic office cleaning tasks plus more specialised services like:

Deep cleaning: carpet shampooing, window washing, and floor polishing
Industry-based cleaning: equipment and machinery cleaning, surface disinfection to prevent the spread of illness, removal of hazardous waste, strict adherence to hygiene standards
Post-construction cleaning: removal of dirt and debris to prepare the space for its occupants

Commercial cleaning is more comprehensive. It also requires more time and resources. Business owners and managers can tailor commercial cleaning services based on their establishment’s needs. Because of this, commercial cleaners need proper training, particularly in handling specialised equipment and cleaning agents.

What Factors Make Office Different from Commercial Cleaning?

Here are the key differences between commercial and office cleaning services.

1. Scope and Scale of Cleaning Services

Office cleaning centres on routine or general janitorial tasks like wiping, dusting, and mopping. On the other hand, commercial cleaning involves more intensive tasks, like window washing, carpet shampooing, and deep cleaning, that require skill, time, and specialised equipment.

Office cleaning tasks apply to smaller spaces such as office rooms and cubicles. In contrast, commercial cleaning suits larger establishments like multi-storey malls, manufacturing plants, and warehouses.

2. Cleaning Frequency

Office heads or managers typically schedule cleaning services weekly or monthly during non-working hours.

Commercial cleaners can visit a site as needed. For instance, some commercial spaces that handle toxic substances may require cleaning services several times a week. In contrast, construction sites may only need a one-time cleaning to remove dirt and debris.

3. Cleaning Equipment and Skills

Office cleaners use standard tools such as vacuums, mops, and cleaning cloths. They generally opt for mild cleaning agents that do not require heavy protective gear.

On the other hand, a commercial cleaner needs intensive training to learn different specialised equipment, cleaning agents, and techniques. This training ensures that they can perform their cleaning duties correctly and safely.

As some commercial spaces deal with hazardous chemicals or wastes, commercial cleaners may come to the site in complete protective clothing.

4. Costs

Commercial cleaning usually costs more than office cleaning, as it provides more comprehensive sanitation for larger spaces. More time and labour are also necessary to complete commercial cleaning duties.

Office cleaning fees can vary based on task type, property size, and frequency. It is better to consult the cleaning company and ask for an exact quote before committing. Typically, members of their cleaning team will assess your premises beforehand to see the extent of services needed.

Which One Should You Choose: Office or Commercial Cleaning?

Assess your space and consider the following factors to decide whether to hire commercial or office cleaners.

Workspace Size

If your work area is small and has a few rooms, office cleaning should be sufficient for your needs. However, if your work area occupies several floors or an entire building, this would require specialised tools and expertise that commercial cleaners can provide.

Cleaning Requirements

Does your workspace need basic dusting, vacuuming, and disinfecting? If yes, then professional office cleaners can take care of your needs. However, if your work area has heavy machinery, hard-to-reach windows, carpeted floors and upholstery, or hazardous waste, you should hire commercial cleaners.

Cleaning Schedule

Office cleaning schedules can be daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your staff size, foot traffic, and workplace activities. Deep cleaning schedules for offices are also available.

Cleaning schedules also work for commercial spaces. However, they require more time and resources. Commercial space owners can also hire professional cleaners at any time, especially if they handle toxins and hazardous substances.

Choose the Right Cleaning Service for Optimum Results

Keeping your workspace clean, healthy, and safe is an investment. So, be sure to know the right cleaning services that meet your standards and needs.

At PPSG, we provide office and commercial cleaning services that you can customise to suit your work environment or industry requirements.