You walk into the office Monday morning, expecting a sparkling clean environment... fresh floors, sanitised desks, restocked bathroom supplies. But instead, the bins are still full, the kitchenette smells like last Friday’s lunch, and your team is already murmuring complaints.
You call your cleaning provider.
They say, “That’s not part of your contract.”
You’re left confused and frustrated.
Sound familiar?
This is exactly why a well-defined Scope of Works (SOW) is ESSENTIAL.
A Scope of Works in commercial cleaning is a detailed document that outlines:
What tasks are included in your cleaning service
How frequently each task will be performed (daily, weekly, monthly)
Specific standards or expectations for each area (e.g., "all surfaces wiped with hospital-grade disinfectant")
Think of it as the cleaning blueprint for your business. It sets clear expectations on who does what, when, and how, removing ambiguity for both you and your cleaning partner.
Without a clear SOW, assumptions creep in. You think the fridge gets cleaned every Friday, they think it’s once a month. Result? Frustration, blame, and a breakdown in trust.
You’re spending good money on professional cleaning. A defined scope ensures you get what you’re paying for, and that you're not being overcharged for tasks that were never agreed upon.
A strong SOW gives you a reference point when standards aren’t met. It’s not personal, it's just following the agreement. This keeps both sides honest and proactive.
In sectors like healthcare, food service, or childcare, cleaning is imperative for hygiene, compliance, and even legal requirements. A thorough SOW aligned with ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) helps you stay compliant and audit-ready.
Not every business is the same. A manufacturing facility has different needs than a law firm or a retail shop. Your SOW should reflect your unique space, traffic levels, equipment, and hygiene risks.
A good SOW doesn’t just say “clean the office.” It breaks things down in clear, actionable ways.
Empty and replace bin liners
Wipe down all desks and touchpoints
Disinfect door handles and switches
Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
Refill soap, paper towels, and sanitiser stations
Clean inside microwaves and fridges
Deep clean of bathrooms
Dust skirting boards and behind furniture
Clean air vents
High dusting (above 2 metres)
Polish windows and glass partitions
Carpet steam cleaning
Strip and seal hard floors
External window cleaning
These tasks are tailored to your space. And to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, Cleancorp uses the Swept app - a real-time cleaning management tool that keeps your scope of works on track, visible, and updated.
With Swept, you get:
Live visibility into what’s been cleaned and when
Instant reporting of issues or missed tasks
Two-way communication between your team and ours
Time tracking and location check-ins for accountability
This tech-backed approach means you always know where things stand, no guesswork, no surprises.
Absolutely. Businesses change, so should your SOW. If your office expands or your cleaning needs shift (like during flu season or a move to hybrid work), your SOW should flex with you.
That’s where documentation is key. A clearly defined SOW gives you a baseline to measure against. Combine it with monthly cleaning reports or a client portal (like what Cleancorp provides) to keep track of performance in real time.
Yes! And this is increasingly expected by clients and stakeholders. For example, Cleancorp’s SOWs can include sustainability specs, like:
Use of Tersano chemical-free cleaning systems
Products from Who Gives A Crap for eco-conscious restocking
Recycling and waste reduction commitments
If your business values its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments, your cleaning SOW should reflect that.
With over 30 years’ experience across Australia and New Zealand, we’ve refined SOWs into a strategic tool, not just a checklist. Here’s how we make sure they actually serve you:
From childcare centres to aged care, logistics to retail, we write SOWs that speak your language and meet your regulations.
Every SOW is built on internationally recognised frameworks:
ISO 9001 for quality control
ISO 14001 for environmental impact
ISO 45001 for workplace safety
Need to add COVID cleans, high-dusting, or audit documentation? No problem. Everything is clearly itemised. No fine print. No hidden charges.
When your Scope of Works is clear, your workplace runs smoother, your team feels safer, and you spend less time chasing problems. Whether you're a small office or a national chain, Cleancorp is here to help you get cleaning off your plate.
Ready to build your custom Scope of Works?
Let’s talk. We’ll walk your site, learn your needs, and create a cleaning plan you can rely on, every single day.
Contact us today for a free site assessment and custom cleaning plan! Give us a call on 1300 211 944 or get a free quote below.