You know that old breakup line, “It’s not you – it’s me”?
(Chances are, you’ve heard it—or maybe even used it.)
The truth behind that phrase is often about unmet expectations. The same thing can happen when a company hires a cleaning service. If you’re not clear on what’s included in the price—or how that price is calculated—what starts as a business relationship can end in disappointment.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the pieces that make up janitorial pricing. When everyone is on the same page from the beginning, it’s much easier to build a long-term, successful partnership. Let’s take a look at the top five factors that influence what you’ll pay for commercial cleaning.
Think of it like reviewing someone’s dating profile—these are the details that really matter.
1. How Much Traffic Your Facility Gets
The number of people who use your building every day plays a major role in pricing. More people means more cleaning—more trash to collect, more floors to mop, more restrooms to restock. For instance, a busy 30,000-square-foot office with 400 employees across multiple shifts will require more cleaning time than a 300,000-square-foot warehouse with just 60 workers.
2. Your Business Type
What kind of work happens in your facility also affects cleaning costs. Some industries simply have higher demands. A production facility, for example, usually deals with more dirt and grime than a standard office. Schools, clinics, and event venues may require extra disinfecting and daily attention to shared spaces, which increases labor needs.
3. Your Building’s Details
Not all buildings are created equal. Factors like square footage, the number of restrooms, floor materials, building density, and even the age of the property all affect cleaning time. A newer building with open spaces and carpeted floors is typically faster to clean than an older, tightly packed office with hard surfaces and lots of nooks.
4. Your Service Requirements
Most cleaning contracts include core services like trash removal, restroom care, floor maintenance, and wiping down surfaces. But how often you want these tasks done will impact the price. A medical office might require daily service, while a professional office may only need cleaning a few times a week.
5. Your Level of Clean
What’s “clean” to one person might not be good enough for someone else. Your expectations influence how much effort and time is required. Some clients want spotless restrooms and dust-free surfaces every day. If you’re particular about the details, that’s totally fine—just know that it may require more labor and come with a higher price tag.
In the end, all of these factors feed into one thing: labor hours. And labor is the biggest driver of janitorial costs.
Now that you know what really goes into the price, we’ll ask you just one thing:
Want to start something new?
Get in touch today for a no-obligation cleaning quote tailored to your facility!
