Quoting a commercial cleaning job comes down to breaking the space into simple parts—square footage, frequency, and what kind of cleaning the client needs. Around Washington DC, most cleaning pros start by walking the property, checking floor type, restrooms, and high-touch areas like break rooms or lobbies. The best way to quote fairly is by mixing time-based pricing (hourly) with space rates (per square foot).

Step 1: Walk the Building

Before sending a quote, always walk the site. Ask who uses the space and how often. A small office in Georgetown with light daily traffic is totally different from a warehouse near Navy Yard where dust builds up fast.

Pro tip: Bring a clipboard or phone notes. Write down restroom count, floor type (tile, carpet, concrete), and window coverage.

Those details drive your cleaning time—and that’s what drives your quote.

Step 2: Use a Simple Formula

Most DC commercial cleaners charge between $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot, depending on traffic and frequency.

Here’s a quick example:

• 5,000 sq. ft. office in DC
• Nights only, 5 days a week
• Includes trash removal, restrooms, vacuuming, and mopping

That job might land around $1,200–$1,500 a month.

Adding floor stripping, window washing, or deep carpet cleaning will push it higher.

Step 3: Build It Into a Monthly Contract

Commercial clients like predictable costs. Include the total monthly rate, what’s included each visit, and how often deep cleanings happen. Write your quote in plain language—cleaning checklists help clients see the value.

If you already have other clients nearby—say along K Street or downtown—mention that. Local reliability builds instant trust with property managers.

Step 4: Add Service-Specific Pricing

Different buildings require different cleaning services. Use clear line items in your proposal:

• Office cleaning: trash, vacuuming, restroom sanitation
• Post-construction cleaning: dust removal, wipe-down, flex scheduling
• Floor stripping & waxing: priced per square foot and condition
• Disinfecting & fogging: one-time add-on during flu season or COVID spikes
• Window cleaning: interior and exterior, typically monthly or quarterly

These services make your quote transparent and easy to adjust later.

Step 5: Build Local Trust

Commercial cleaning in DC runs on reputation. When quoting, share your Google reviews or reference nearby clients. For example, “We clean two offices by Union Station and one client near the Capitol.” That shows you’re established locally and serious about service quality.

Also mention your gear—eco-friendly products or HEPA vacuums are small add-ons that help win contracts.

Step 6: Close With Clear Call to Action

Once you finish quoting, send an email summary with pricing and cleaning details. Always leave room for a property walk-through to finalize the number. You can say something like:

“I’d be happy to stop by this week and confirm square footage before finalizing your quote.”