The cleaning sector has seen considerable growth in the UK in recent years. Companies have become far more aware of the threat of infection caused by bacteria and germ transference, particularly in the workplace. A greater emphasis has been put on the need for cleaning particularly in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Commercial cleaning is essential for businesses to maintain a professional and inviting environment. A clean workplace contributes to a positive impression on clients, customers, and visitors, portraying a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. When a business premises is well maintained, it shows a commitment to providing a pleasant and comfortable space for all who enter.
The health and productivity of employees are directly influenced by the cleanliness of the workspace. Regular commercial cleaning helps reduce the spread of germs, bacteria, and allergens, leading to fewer sick days and increased productivity. Employees are more likely to feel motivated and valued in a clean and hygienic environment.
Safety and compliance are also crucial factors. In some industries, strict health and safety regulations must be adhered to, and regular cleaning plays a vital role in minimising potential hazards and risks. By keeping the workplace clean and organised, businesses can reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Additionally, commercial cleaning helps preserve the assets and infrastructure of a business. Regular maintenance prevents excessive wear and tear on office equipment, furniture, carpets, and other surfaces, saving businesses from incurring higher maintenance costs and frequent replacements.
Another significant benefit is improved indoor air quality. Commercial cleaning services can efficiently remove pollutants, allergens, and odours, contributing to a healthier work environment. This results in better air circulation, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and enhancing overall employee well-being.
So, how much does commercial cleaning cost? It’s maybe not as expensive as you might think. Your location will be a factor, as will the type of services you require. As you read on, we will look at the different services under the commercial cleaning umbrella and the costs associated.
What is Commercial Cleaning?
Commercial cleaning refers to the professional cleaning services offered to businesses, offices, commercial establishments, and industrial facilities. These services are typically provided by cleaning companies or janitorial service providers and are aimed at maintaining a clean, safe, and hygienic environment for employees, customers, and visitors.
The scope of commercial cleaning can vary widely depending on the type of business or facility being serviced. Some common tasks involved in commercial cleaning include:
- General cleaning – This includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning surfaces like desks, tables, and countertops.
- Bathroom/Toilet/Changing room cleaning – Thorough cleaning and sanitisation of staff bathrooms, including toilets, urinals, cubicles, sinks, mirrors, and floors.
- Floor care – Cleaning and maintenance of different types of flooring, such as carpets, tiles, vinyl and hardwood.
- Window cleaning – Cleaning of windows and glass surfaces to maintain a clean and presentable appearance.
- Waste removal and recycling – Regular removal and disposal of rubbish and recycling materials.
- Kitchen or staffroom cleaning – Cleaning and sanitising areas where food is prepared and consumed, including appliances, sinks, and worktops.
- Dusting and high reach cleaning – Removing dust from hard-to-reach places and surfaces like vents, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
- Disinfection – In some cases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial cleaning services may include enhanced disinfection protocols to reduce the spread of germs and viruses.
- Janitorial and consumables services – Supplying the supplies and consumables that clients need. This service is usually tagged on to existing cleaning service contracts, but some companies will provide a ‘stand alone’ service.
Commercial cleaning services can be customised to meet the specific needs of each business or facility. Some businesses may require daily cleaning, while others may opt for weekly or monthly services. Additionally, commercial cleaning companies often work outside of regular business hours to avoid disrupting normal operations.
Commercial cleaning is essential for maintaining a clean, healthy, and professional environment that positively impacts both employees and customers and promotes a positive image of the business or facility.
More specific office cleaning services include:
- Daily or weekly general office cleaning
- Frequent IT equipment cleaning (phones, keyboards etc)
- Frequent touch point cleaning (door handles, light switches etc)
- Periodic Carpet cleaning and/or hard floor maintenance
- Frequent kitchen and bathroom cleaning
Hiring a commercial cleaning contractor gives you peace of mind that your business will be clean and sanitary, as well as the safety net of liability insurance which means that you are all covered for any eventuality. They may also have health and safety accreditations, which means that they have proven knowledge about how to ensure safety in the workplace and are aware of hazards and dangers that could cause issues.
When considering hiring any kind of external service, it’s important to do some research on possible candidates and obtain several quotes. Be aware that a low quote might not give you the high level of cleaning that your business needs.
What Can You Expect from a Commercial Cleaning Service?
When arranging quotes for your commercial cleaning requirements, you need to decide exactly what you need; how often will you require services, and exactly which services you want? Some cleaning companies operate on a minimum number of service hours per week, so be realistic about your requirements as you don’t want to be in a position where you are forced to overpay. Likewise, undercalculating the number of hours you need could see the service fall short of its expected high standard! Prospective professional cleaning companies will advise you of the number of hours needed when they survey your site during the quotation process.
In order to keep your business clean and tidy, weekly general cleaning services should be a minimum. Kitchen, toilet, canteen, and other food prep areas should be cleaned daily.
Consider whether you would like the carpets cleaned, and any hard floors which require specialist attention or maintenance. Window cleaning can be periodic, although many people choose to clean the outside of the windows at more regular intervals than the insides.
When your shortlist of contractors come to quote for you, discuss each aspect of your requirements. Talk to them about workplace hygiene, which will also keep your staff safe as this applies to all types of workplaces, not just those involved in handling food and personal products.
Maintaining workplace hygiene is crucial for the health and safety of employees and visitors. When working with a cleaning contractor, there are several steps both the employer and the contractor can take to ensure that workplace hygiene is consistently maintained:
- Clearly define expectations
The employer should communicate their hygiene requirements and expectations to the cleaning contractor in detail. This includes specifying the areas that need cleaning, the frequency of cleaning, and any guidelines for handling hazardous materials or sensitive areas.
- Develop a comprehensive cleaning plan
The cleaning contractor should create a detailed cleaning plan that outlines the tasks to be performed, the schedule for each task, and the cleaning products and equipment to be used. The plan should align with the employer’s hygiene requirements.
- Regular communication
Establish open lines of communication between the employer and the cleaning contractor. Regular meetings or check-ins can help address any concerns, provide feedback, and make necessary adjustments to the cleaning plan.
- Provide proper training
The cleaning contractor’s staff should receive adequate training on workplace hygiene, the proper use of cleaning equipment, and the safe handling of cleaning products. This will ensure that they are knowledgeable and capable of carrying out their tasks effectively.
- Monitor performance
The employer should regularly monitor the cleaning contractor’s performance to ensure that they are adhering to the agreed-upon cleaning plan and maintaining the required hygiene standards. This can involve inspections, feedback from employees, and performance evaluations.
- Flexibility and adaptability
Both parties should be flexible and willing to adapt the cleaning plan when needed. Circumstances may change, and adjustments may be necessary to accommodate new requirements or address specific issues.
- Address concerns promptly
If issues or complaints related to workplace hygiene arise, they should be addressed promptly and professionally. The employer and the cleaning contractor should work together to identify the root causes and implement solutions to prevent future occurrences.
- Compliance with regulations
Ensure that the cleaning contractor follows all relevant health and safety regulations, including those related to the use and disposal of cleaning products and hazardous materials.
- Encourage employee involvement
Engage employees in maintaining workplace hygiene by promoting personal cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and tidiness in their work areas. This can create a cleaner environment overall and complement the efforts of the cleaning contractor.
- Continuous improvement
Regularly assess the effectiveness of the cleaning plan and explore opportunities for improvement. Embrace feedback and make necessary changes to enhance workplace hygiene continuously.
By establishing a collaborative and proactive approach, employers and cleaning contractors can work together to create a clean and hygienic workplace environment that promotes the well-being of everyone in the organisation.
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Some cleaning contractors will provide you with a list of services which they provide, along with prices for those services, but a more common practice is for them to give you a price per hour, day, week, or month. This price should include any tasks within the cleaning remit, but may exclude equipment hire and cleaning products for specialist jobs. Some contracts may include cleaning materials, but others may not in which case you would be responsible for sourcing and maintaining the supply of products. Most companies prefer to leave the supply of cleaning and janitorial products to their contractor.
You may be asked by your prospective contractor to commit to a minimum term when you take them on. Contracts like these are usually for between 6 and 12 months and will require both parties to give at least a month’s notice to quit. This is standard practice and protects both client and contractor alike.
After you have asked any questions and had any queries answered, there will be a contract created between both parties, which may require a deposit. You will then receive a start date and services will commence.
Typical Commercial Cleaning Costs
Commercial cleaning costs can vary; there is no exact science. Depending on the cleaning contractor you choose, and the geographical location of your business, the rates that you could pay can be very different.
Commercial and office cleaning rates per hour based on geographical location
| Area | Typical Rate |
| North of England and Scotland | £12 – £15 per hour |
| London | £15 – £25 per hour |
| South and East of England | £15 – £20 per hour |
| Wales | £12 – £20 per hour |
Evening and weekend cleaning can be more expensive due to the unsociable hours, but this is down to the discretion of the contractor.
Some cleaning contractors may charge by size (square footage or meterage), rather than an hourly rate. This is generally for larger premises but can be scaled down to suit your building and budget. Obviously, the cost will rise depending on the size of your building because of the duration of time taken to clean it as well as factoring in materials and cleaning supplies, and the number of cleaning crew members. Below are the typical rates you can expect to pay each month based on the size of your workplace. These rates are an average and will vary depending on your location.
Commercial and office cleaning rates by area, per month
| Total Square Footage | Average Cost |
| 500 – 3,000 | £195 – £500 |
| 3,000 – 6,000 | £500 – £800 |
| 6,000 – 10,000 | £800 – £1300 |
How long does it take a commercial cleaner to clean a business?
The amount of time taken for commercial cleaning will always depend on the business size and the volume of people occupying it. If the workforce is small each task might not need to be carried out every day. But if the business is on a large scale, then the likelihood is that most areas will need regular cleaning. Consider the number of toilets and hand basins in the bathroom, whether your work premises has food preparation areas etc. As a guide, the table below averages out the man hours needed for general office cleaning.
Commercial and office cleaning hours by area, per week
| Total Square Footage | Number of Man Hours | Frequency of Cleaning |
| 1,000 | 1 | 1-2 |
| 2,000 – 4,000 | 2 | 3-5 |
| 5,000 – 7,000 | 3 | 5 |
Factors Which may Affect the Cost of your Commercial Cleaning
The overall price you pay for your commercial cleaning service can be influenced by several factors. It is essential to consider these factors to ensure you get the best value for your money and a service that meets your needs and standards. Here are some key factors that can affect the pricing:
- Scope of Work
The extent of the cleaning services you require will play a significant role in determining the price. A more comprehensive and detailed cleaning package will generally cost more than basic or standard services.
- Frequency of Service
How often you need the cleaning service can impact the price. Regular contracts or recurring services may offer discounted rates compared to one-time or infrequent cleaning appointments.
- Type of Facility
Different types of commercial facilities have varying cleaning needs and challenges. For instance, a medical facility or laboratory will have more stringent cleaning requirements than a general office space, which can influence the price.
- Cleaning Specifications
The level of cleanliness and specific cleaning tasks you require can influence the price. Specialised cleaning services, such as carpet cleaning, window cleaning, or deep cleaning, may incur additional costs.
- Cleaning Supplies and Equipment
The cost can differ based on the quality of products and tools and equipment used.
- Location
The location of your commercial space can impact pricing due to variations in labour costs, transport links, and accessibility.
- Industry Standards
Cleaning companies may have industry-standard rates based on the type of service they provide. Comparing prices among different companies within the same industry can give you an idea of what to expect.
- Insurance and Liability Coverage
Reputable cleaning companies carry liability insurance to protect against potential damages or accidents during their service. This coverage may factor into the pricing.
- Contract Length
The length of the cleaning contract can influence the pricing. Longer-term contracts may offer better rates compared to short-term or month-to-month agreements.
- Seasonal Factors
Some cleaning companies may adjust their prices based on seasonal demand or factors like weather conditions that could affect the ease or difficulty of cleaning.
- Additional Services
If you require additional services beyond standard cleaning, such as pest control or waste management, the overall cost will reflect these extras.
- Company Reputation and Experience
Established and reputable cleaning companies may charge higher rates due to their experience and track record of delivering quality services.
Accreditations
When hiring a commercial cleaner, it’s essential to ensure that the cleaning company or individual possesses the necessary accreditations and certifications. These credentials demonstrate their competence, professionalism, and commitment to quality services, and any professional contractor should have at least one of them. Here are some accreditations you could ask for:
- SafeContractor
SafeContractor is a leading health and safety accreditation scheme that ensures companies meet specific safety standards. It assesses various aspects of the cleaning company’s operations to ensure they comply with health and safety regulations.
- ISO 9001
This certification demonstrates that the cleaning company has implemented a quality management system that adheres to international standards. It indicates their commitment to providing consistent and reliable services.
- British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc)
Membership or certification with BICSc shows that the cleaner has received formal training and education in the cleaning industry. This helps ensure a higher level of professionalism and expertise.
- CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)
CHAS is a government-backed health and safety accreditation scheme. Having this accreditation indicates that the cleaning company complies with health and safety standards.
- National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA)
If you require carpet cleaning services, ensure that the cleaner is a member of the NCCA. This accreditation shows they have undergone specialized training in carpet cleaning techniques.
- British Cleaning Council (BCC)
Membership in the BCC indicates that the cleaning company is part of the UK cleaning industry’s recognized trade association.
- Safe Management of Waste and Resources (SMWR)
This certification ensures that the cleaning company handles waste appropriately and follows environmentally friendly practices.
- Environmental Management Standard ISO 14001
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of the cleaning services, look for companies with this accreditation, which demonstrates their commitment to environmental management.
- Public Liability Insurance
Ensure the cleaning company has valid public liability insurance to protect against any damages or accidents that might occur during the cleaning process.
- References and Testimonials
While not official accreditations, checking for references and testimonials from previous clients can provide insight into the cleaner’s reliability, quality of service, and professionalism.
Always ask the cleaning company to provide proof of these accreditations and verify their authenticity before hiring them for your commercial cleaning needs. It’s essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy cleaning service to ensure a clean and safe working environment for your business.
Is Commercial Cleaning Worth It?
Whether commercial cleaning is worth it depends on various factors such as the size and nature of your business, your budget, and your priorities. Here are some considerations:
- Professional Image
A clean and well-maintained workplace creates a positive impression on clients, customers, and employees. It reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which can enhance your brand’s image.
- Health and Safety
Regular cleaning reduces the spread of germs and contaminants, promoting a healthier environment for your employees and visitors. This can lead to fewer staff sick days and increased productivity.
- Compliance
Depending on your industry, there may be regulations or standards regarding cleanliness and sanitation that you need to abide by. Hiring commercial cleaning services can ensure that you meet these requirements.
- Time and Efficiency
Outsourcing cleaning tasks allows your employees to focus on their core responsibilities, improving overall efficiency and productivity. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to complete the job effectively and in a timely manner.
- Cost-Effectiveness
While hiring commercial cleaning services involves financial investment, it can be cost-effective in the long run. Outsourcing your cleaning eliminates the need to purchase supplies and equipment, as well as the costs associated with training and managing in-house cleaning staff.
- Flexibility
Many commercial cleaning companies offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your business hours and specific cleaning needs. You can customise the frequency and focus of cleaning services based on your requirements.
- Quality Assurance
Reputable and professional commercial cleaning companies typically guarantee the quality of their services. They may offer satisfaction guarantees, providing you with peace of mind knowing that the job will be done to your satisfaction.
Ultimately, whether commercial cleaning is worth it for your business depends on comparing these factors against your specific needs and circumstances. Try a cost-benefit analysis and consider the potential long-term benefits to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Cleaning Checklist?
A cleaning checklist is a structured list of tasks and chores that need to be completed in order to clean a particular space effectively. It serves as a guide to ensure that all necessary cleaning duties are addressed thoroughly and efficiently.
A typical cleaning checklist may include tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors, wiping surfaces, sanitising bathrooms, and organising clutter. Depending on the specific needs of the space being cleaned, the checklist may vary in complexity and detail.
A professional cleaner uses a checklist for several reasons:
- Ensuring thoroughness
Cleaning checklists outline all the tasks that need to be completed in a particular space. This helps ensure that no areas are overlooked or neglected during the cleaning process, resulting in a more thorough job.
- Consistency
Checklists provide a standardised approach to cleaning, ensuring that the same level of cleanliness is achieved each time. This is especially important for commercial cleaning services where consistency is key to meeting client expectations.
- Time management
By breaking down the cleaning tasks into a checklist, cleaners can better manage their time and prioritise tasks efficiently. This helps them complete the job within the allotted time frame and meet any deadlines.
- Accountability
Checklists serve as a record of the tasks that were completed during each cleaning session. This allows both the cleaner and the client to track progress and ensure that all agreed tasks have been carried out satisfactorily.
- Communication
Checklists can also serve as a communication tool between cleaners and clients. They can be used to outline specific preferences or requirements for cleaning certain areas, ensuring that expectations are clear and met.
Will the Rise in the National Living Wage Affect the Price of My Cleaning Contract?
The rise in the national living wage could potentially impact the price of your cleaning contract. Since labour costs typically represent a significant portion of the expenses for cleaning companies, an increase in the national living wage will almost certainly lead to higher operating costs for cleaning businesses.
To offset these increased costs, cleaning companies may adjust their pricing for contracts, including yours. They could pass some of the increased costs onto their clients through higher service fees. However, the extent to which prices might rise can vary depending on factors such as the specific terms of your contract, the competitiveness of the cleaning market in your area, and the strategies adopted by cleaning companies to manage their costs.
It’s advisable to discuss any potential price adjustments directly with your cleaning service provider to understand how they plan to navigate the impact of the rise in the national living wage on their business operations and pricing structure.
What is the Biggest Cost in the Cleaning Industry?
Labour costs are typically the most significant expense in the cleaning industry. This includes wages for cleaners, supervisors, and administrative staff, as well as associated expenses such as training, benefits, and payroll taxes. Other costs can include (but are not limited to):
- Cleaning Supplies and Equipment
Purchasing and maintaining cleaning supplies, tools, and equipment can be a substantial expense. This includes items such as vacuum cleaners, mops, detergents, disinfectants, and other specialised cleaning products.
- Insurance
Cleaning companies typically need various types of insurance coverage, including liability insurance to protect against claims for property damage or injuries, as well as workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees in case of work-related injuries.
- Transportation
Depending on the scale of operations and the range of services provided, transport costs can be significant. This includes fuel expenses for company vehicles, maintenance costs, and potentially leasing or purchasing vehicles.
- Training and Certification
Ensuring that cleaning staff are properly trained and certified in various cleaning techniques and safety procedures can incur expenses. This may involve conducting training sessions, obtaining certifications, and staying updated with industry standards and regulations.
- Marketing and Advertising
Promoting services and attracting clients requires investment in marketing and advertising. This could include online marketing, print materials, participation in trade shows, and other promotional activities.
- Overheads
This includes rent or mortgage payments for office space or storage facilities, utilities, office supplies, and other general administrative expenses.
- Regulatory Compliance
Meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards may involve costs associated with obtaining licenses, permits, and complying with health and safety regulations.
- Customer Acquisition and Retention
Acquiring new clients and retaining existing ones often involves expenses related to sales efforts, client relationship management, and customer service initiatives.
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Unfortunately, not all cleaning companies are as reliable and trustworthy as they first seem. Sometimes you could end up with a careless cleaner and an unprofessional clean. Where a CQC standard is also required, this could leave your premises at risk of immediate closure. At Brightr we are proud to be Northampton’s best reviewed, most trusted cleaning company. We also offer professional, high quality cleaning in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
Our cleaners must provide us with two references, undergo a rigorous training program, and agree to close supervision of their cleaning. With this process, we can guarantee cleaning services of the highest possible standard. Each of our team are uniformed and badged so that you are able to easily identify when they are visiting.
Our cleaners are conscientious, well-mannered and can work around the public without creating a disturbance, allowing them to clean your site during the day which eliminates the need to entrust us with keys to your premise. If you prefer your premises to be cleaned in the evening our team can provide cleaning services at a time to suit you.
If you are looking for a trusted cleaning company who offer a consistently high quality service, contact us for a free no obligation quotation.
