What's Included in a Commercial Clean?

A commercial clean covers everything a regular daily tidy-up misses. It's a deeper, more thorough service designed for offices, retail stores, warehouses, medical suites, and other business spaces. If you've ever walked into a building after a proper commercial clean, you know the difference right away — the floors shine, the bathrooms actually smell clean, and the surfaces feel fresh. Here's a full breakdown of what you can expect.

Commercial Cleaning Services — The Core Tasks

Most commercial cleaning services start with the basics, but they go a lot further than what a janitor or in-house staff member might do during a quick daily round. When clients ask us what a commercial clean actually covers, we break it down into clear categories so there's no confusion.

General Surface Cleaning and Disinfection

Every commercial clean should include wiping down all hard surfaces — desks, counters, shelving, reception areas, and communal tables. But it's not just a wipe. A proper commercial cleaning service uses hospital-grade or EPA-registered disinfectants on high-touch areas like:

•      Door handles and push plates

•      Light switches and elevator buttons

•      Keyboards, phones, and shared equipment

•      Breakroom surfaces and appliances

•      Reception desk and front counter areas

This part of commercial cleaning is especially importnt in shared workplaces where germs spread fast. A lot of businesses underestimate how much difference proper disinfection makes — especially during cold and flu season.

Floor Care — Vacuuming, Mopping, and Hard Floor Maintenance

Floors take a beating in commercial spaces. Foot traffic, spills, and dust build up quickly. A standard commercial clean includes:

•      Vacuuming all carpeted areas, including edges and under furniture

•      Sweeping or dust mopping all hard floor surfaces

•      Wet mopping tile, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood floors

•      Spot-treating stains on carpet or hard floors

•      Buffing or burnishing where required (often included in janitorial services packages)

For businesses with high-traffic entryways — think retail stores, medical offices, or any place with lots of foot traffic — floor care is one of the most visible parts of the job. Dirty floors are one of the first things customers notice.

  Quick Tip for Business Owners

If your floors look dull or have scuff marks that won't come out with regular mopping, ask your commercial cleaning company about stripping and waxing services or deep carpet extraction. These are add-ons that make a huge visual difference.

 

Restroom Sanitisation and Restocking

Restrooms are one of the most-judged spaces in any commercial building. A commercial cleaning service handles restrooms differently from surface cleaning — it's a full sanitisation process:

•      Scrubbing and disinfecting toilets, urinals, and sinks

•      Cleaning mirrors, faucets, and fixtures

•      Mopping and disinfecting floors, including behind fixtures

•      Wiping down and disinfecting stall partitions and door handles

•      Restocking soap dispensers, paper towels, and toilet paper

•      Emptying sanitary bins and waste bins

•      Removing soap scum, limescale, and mineral deposits

Commercial-grade restroom cleaning products are stronger than what most people use at home. Thats what makes the smell and appearance so noticably different after a professional service.

Office Cleaning — What's Covered in Workspace Areas

Office cleaning is one of the most common types of commercial cleaning services, and it covers more than just emptying bins. A good office clean makes the whole workspace feel organised and professional.

Workstation and Common Area Cleaning

For office spaces, commercial cleaning usually includes:

•      Dusting all desk surfaces, monitors, and workspace items (without moving personal items)

•      Cleaning glass partitions and interior windows at eye level

•      Wiping down chairs, armrests, and chair bases

•      Dusting shelving, cabinets, and storage units

•      Sanitising communal printers, copiers, and shared workstations

Kitchen and Breakroom Cleaning

Office kitchens get messy fast — and they're often the source of complaints between coworkers. Commercial cleaning in breakroom areas typically covers:

•      Wiping down all appliance exteriors (microwave, fridge, coffee machine, toaster)

•      Cleaning inside the microwave

•      Wiping down counters, splashbacks, and sinks

•      Cleaning inside and outside of fridges on request

•      Emptying bins and replacing bin liners

•      Mopping and sanitising the floor

Some clients ask for full fridge cleans — this is usually an add-on service. Worth asking about if your office fridge is... let's say, a bit of a shared problem.

Rubbish Removal and Recycling

Every commercial clean should include emptying all waste bins throughout the premises and replacing the bin liners. Separating recycling from general waste is also part of a professional service — something that matters more and more for businesses with sustainability goals.

Janitorial Services vs. Deep Commercial Cleaning — What's the Difference?

People often mix these up, so it's worth clearing up. Janitorial services are ongoing, regular maintenance cleans — daily, weekly, or a few times a week. Deep commercial cleaning is a more intensive service done less frequently.

  Janitorial Services — Regular Maintenance Cleaning

✔ Daily or weekly scheduled visits

✔ Surface cleaning, restrooms, floors, bins

✔ Keeps spaces presentable between deep cleans

✔ Ideal for offices, retail, schools, and hospitality

 

  Deep Commercial Cleaning — Intensive Service

✔ Done monthly, quarterly, or as a one-off

✔ Includes hard-to-reach areas, vents, and behind equipment

✔ Carpet extraction, floor stripping and sealing

✔ Ideal before inspections, after construction, or end-of-lease

 

A lot of businesses do both — regular janitorial cleaning to maintain standards day-to-day, and a deeper commercial clean every quarter. That combination keeps spaces looking their best without paying for deep cleans more often than needed.

Specialised Commercial Cleaning — Industry-Specific Services

Not every commercial space is the same. Medical facilities, restaurants, warehouses, and retail stores all have different cleaning requirments. Here's what specialised commercial cleaning services typically cover by industry.

Medical and Healthcare Facility Cleaning

Healthcare cleaning is governed by strict infection control standards. Commercial cleaners working in medical environments are trained in:

•      Terminal cleaning of patient rooms and treatment areas

•      Use of hospital-grade disinfectants and colour-coded equipment systems

•      Biohazard waste handling and disposal

•      Cleaning and disinfecting high-risk areas including surgical prep rooms

•      Strict documentation and compliance with health authority guidelines

Retail Store Cleaning

Retail commercial cleaning focuses heavily on presentation. Customers notice dusty shelves, smudged glass, and grimy floors immediately. Retail cleaning includes:

•      Entrance and foyer polishing — first impressions matter

•      Display case and glass cleaning

•      Fitting room sanitisation

•      Stockroom and backroom tidying

•      After-hours cleaning so operations aren't disrupted

Warehouse and Industrial Cleaning

Industrial cleaning is a different world — higher ceilings, larger floor areas, and sometimes hazardous materials. Commercial cleaning for warehouses often involves:

•      High-pressure floor washing and sweeping large concrete areas

•      Cleaning loading docks and external entry areas

•      Degreasing floors and machinery surfaces

•      Removing industrial dust and particulate from surfaces and ventilation areas

Window Cleaning and External Building Maintenance

Commercial window cleaning is often a separate service or add-on, but it's part of what most people think of when they picture a fully clean commercial space. It can include:

•      Interior window and glass partition cleaning

•      External window cleaning (ground floor to high-rise)

•      Blind and venetian dusting

•      Frame and sill wiping

•      Pressure washing of external building surfaces, pathways, and car parks

A lot of businesses in busy areas get external window cleaning done monthly — it makes a massive difference to street presence, specially for retail and hospitality businesses.

Carpet Cleaning and Upholstery — Going Beyond the Vacuum

Vacuuming keeps carpets looking okay day-to-day, but commercial carpet cleaning takes it further. This is usually a scheduled add-on service or part of a deep commercial clean:

•      Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) for deep fibre cleaning

•      Dry carpet cleaning for low-moisture or quick-turnaround needs

•      Stain treatment and spot removal

•      Deodorising treatments for high-traffic carpeted areas

•      Commercial upholstery cleaning for sofas, chairs, and fabric partitions

Carpets in commercial spaces harbour dust mites, allergens, and bacteria way faster than people realise. A commercial carpet cleaning every 6–12 months can significantly improve air quality — something staff with allergies will definitely appreciate.

End-of-Lease and Post-Construction Commercial Cleaning

Two of the most common one-off commercial cleaning jobs are end-of-lease cleans and post-construction cleans. These are more intensive than regular commercial cleaning services and have very specific requirements.

End-of-Lease Commercial Cleaning

End-of-lease cleaning for commercial premises is about getting the space back to its original condition before handover. This includes everything in a standard commercial clean plus:

•      Deep cleaning of all surfaces, walls, and skirting boards

•      Cleaning inside all cupboards, drawers, and storage areas

•      Removal of any adhesive marks, tape residue, or blu-tack

•      Full restroom deep clean and disinfection

•      Carpet steam cleaning throughout

•      Cleaning of light fittings and ceiling fans

Failing to do a thorough end-of-lease commercial clean can result in bond deductions or disputes with landlords. It's not an area to cut corners on.

Post-Construction Cleaning

After a renovation or fitout, there's usually construction dust, debris, adhesive, paint overspray, and all sorts of mess left behind. Post-construction commercial cleaning covers:

•      Removing all construction dust from surfaces, vents, and fixtures

•      Cleaning windows and glass of paint and adhesive residue

•      Polishing and sealing new hard floors

•      Deep cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens installed during the build

•      Removing stickers and protective coatings from new appliances and surfaces

•      Debris removal and site clearance

Green Cleaning and Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaning Options

More businesses are asking about eco-friendly commercial cleaning options — and rightly so. Green cleaning uses products that are better for the environment and safer for people working in the space every day.

Eco-friendly commercial cleaning typically includes:

•      Use of plant-based or biodegradable cleaning products

•      Microfibre cleaning systems that reduce chemical usage

•      Low-water cleaning methods where appropriate

•      Non-toxic disinfectants that are safe for sensitive environments (childcare, healthcare, food prep)

•      Recycling and sustainable waste management practices

Green cleaning costs don't have to be higher. In many cases, microfibre systems actually reduce product usage and can lower overall cleaning costs over time. It's worth asking any commercial cleaning company whether they offer this option.

How Commercial Cleaning Frequency Affects What's Included

How often you schedule commercial cleaning has a big impact on what each visit covers. Here's a general guide:

  Daily Commercial Cleaning

• Restroom sanitisation and restocking

• Emptying all bins

• Kitchen/breakroom wipe-down

• Vacuuming high-traffic areas

• Spot mopping and spill clean-up

 

  Weekly Commercial Cleaning

• Full vacuum and mop throughout

• Complete surface wipe-down and disinfection

• Deep restroom clean

• Kitchen appliance exterior clean

• Glass and mirror cleaning

 

  Monthly / Quarterly Deep Commercial Cleaning

• All weekly tasks PLUS:

• Carpet extraction or hard floor buffing

• High dusting — lights, vents, ceiling fans

• Behind and under furniture

• Window cleaning (interior and exterior)

• Upholstery cleaning

 

The right frequency depends on your industry, number of staff, and how much foot traffic comes through your space. A busy café needs daily cleaning. A small accountancy office might be fine with two visits a week.

What to Look for When Choosing a Commercial Cleaning Company

Choosing the right commercial cleaning service matters. Here's what business owners should ask before signing a contract:

•      Are the cleaners insured and police-checked?

•      Do they use commercial-grade equipment and products — or just domestic supplies?

•      Can they provide references from similar businesses?

•      What's their process if you're not satisfied with a clean?

•      Are they flexible with scheduling — after hours, weekends, public holidays?

•      Do they offer eco-friendly or green cleaning options?

•      Is pricing per service or based on time? What's included and what's extra?

The best commercial cleaning companies are transparent, consistent, and actually listen to what your space needs. A good cleaner will notice things you don't — and flag them before they become a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Cleaning

Is commercial cleaning the same as industrial cleaning?

Not quite. Commercial cleaning covers offices, retail stores, schools, medical facilities, and other business spaces. Industrial cleaning is more specialised — it deals with factories, warehouses, and facilities with heavy machinery or hazardous materials. The methods and products used are often quite different.

Does a commercial clean include carpet steam cleaning?

Not always as standard — it depends on the service agreement. Carpet extraction or steam cleaning is often an add-on or part of a scheduled deep clean. It's worth asking your commercial cleaning company how often they recommend it for your type of carpet and foot traffic.

How long does a commercial clean take?

It depends on the size of the space and what's included. A small office clean might take 1–2 hours. A large commercial building or a post-construction clean can take a full day or more. Most commercial cleaning companies will do a walkthrough to give you an accurate time estimate before starting.

Can I customise what's included in my commercial cleaning service?

Yes — and you should. A good commercial cleaning company will work with you to build a scope of work that fits your space, your budget, and your schedule. You don't have to pay for services you don't need, and you shouldn't have to push to add things that matter to you.

What's the difference between cleaning and sanitising?

Cleaning removes visible dirt and grime. Sanitising kills bacteria and pathogens on surfaces. A proper commercial clean should include both — especially in restrooms, kitchens, and healthcare environments. Some industries legally require sanitisation as part of their cleaning protocols.

Ready to Book a Commercial Cleaning Service?

Whether you need ongoing janitorial services, a one-off deep commercial clean, or specialised cleaning for your industry — getting the right service in place makes a real difference to your business. Clean workplaces are healthier, more productive, and leave a better impression on clients and customers.

If you're not sure exactly what your space needs, start with a site inspection or consultation. Most reputable commercial cleaning companies offer these for free. A quick walkthrough is usually all it takes to put together a proper scope and quote — so you know exactly what's included before anyone picks up a mop.

📞 Contact us today to discuss your commercial cleaning requirements.