Commercial cleaning is the professional cleaning of workplaces, facilities, and business environments - NOT homes. Commercial cleaning is designed for offices, schools, hospitals, retail, and other non-domestic spaces that demand professional standards.
In this guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about commercial cleaning:
What it is and why it matters.
The types of services included.
How it differs from residential cleaning.
Who uses it, and how often.
Costs, benefits, and trends.
By the end, you’ll not only understand the basics, you’ll see why investing in commercial cleaning is non-negotiable for any modern business.
At its simplest, commercial cleaning is:
“The professional cleaning of non-domestic spaces, carried out by trained staff, using specialised equipment and products tailored to the needs of businesses.”
This can include:
Daily cleaning (desks, kitchens, bathrooms).
Periodic deep cleans and one-off services (carpets, upholstery, windows).
Specialist services (infection control, industrial floor scrubbing, post-construction cleans).
Think of it as outsourcing hygiene and presentation to professionals who can do it more efficiently, more safely, and to a higher standard than most businesses could manage in-house.
Workplaces are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Without proper cleaning, germs spread fast, costing businesses in sick leave and reduced productivity.
A clean workplace builds trust. Clients and visitors judge your professionalism the second they walk in. Dirty carpets or sticky floors can undermine your brand instantly.
Industries like healthcare, hospitality, and food services are heavily regulated. Commercial cleaning ensures compliance with hygiene standards, avoiding fines or shutdowns.
Clean, uncluttered spaces reduce distractions and improve employee morale. Studies show workers are up to 12% more productive in clean environments.
| Aspect | Commercial Cleaning | Residential Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Large-scale (offices, schools, warehouses, hospitals) | Homes, apartments |
| Frequency | Daily or scheduled | Weekly, fortnightly |
| Equipment | Industrial machines, HEPA vacuums, disinfectants | Domestic products |
| Standards | Regulatory compliance, health & safety | Comfort & appearance |
| Staff Training | Accredited, specialist training | General cleaning skills |
Key takeaway: Commercial cleaning is not just “more of the same”, it’s a specialised service designed to meet the demands of high-traffic, high-risk environments.
Commercial cleaning covers a wide range of industries and specialised needs. Here are the most common categories:
National Cleaning – Coordinated cleaning services across multiple sites, ensuring consistent standards nationwide.
Office Cleaning – Daily upkeep of workspaces: dusting, vacuuming, kitchen sanitisation, bathroom cleaning.
School Cleaning – Keeping classrooms, halls, and shared spaces safe and hygienic for students and staff.
Aged Care Cleaning – Specialist cleaning for aged care facilities with a focus on infection control and resident wellbeing.
Retail Cleaning – Storefronts, fitting rooms, shopping centres, and glass cleaning to maintain a welcoming environment.
Strata Cleaning – Shared residential and commercial spaces such as lobbies, stairwells, lifts, and car parks.
Industrial Cleaning – Factories, warehouses, heavy-duty floors, grease/oil removal, and high-risk areas.
Child Care Cleaning – Thorough cleaning to meet hygiene standards in child care centres and protect young children’s health.
Commercial Carpet Cleaning – Deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery to remove dirt, allergens, and stains.
Hospitality Not-for-Profit / Government / Charity Cleaning - Reliable, budget-conscious cleaning tailored for community organisations, government facilities, and charities. These services focus on maintaining safe, hygienic environments while supporting compliance with funding and regulatory requirements, so teams can focus on delivering impact rather than worrying about cleanliness.
Hospitality Cleaning – Hotels, restaurants, and bars, including kitchens, guest rooms, lobbies, and shared areas
| Industry | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Office | Daily basics + deep clean every 6 months |
| Schools | Daily during term + periodic deep cleans |
| Hospitality | Multiple times daily (kitchens, guest rooms) |
| Healthcare | Strict daily cleaning, often multiple rounds |
| Retail | Daily cleaning before/after trading |
| Industrial | Weekly to daily, depending on operations |
| National | Varies by site size; standardised schedules across locations |
| Aged Care | Daily cleaning with focus on infection control |
| Strata | Weekly to daily for shared spaces; deep clean monthly |
| Child Care | Daily cleaning with strict hygiene standards |
| Commercial Carpet Cleaning | Quarterly deep clean; more frequent for high-traffic areas |
| Not-for-Profit / Gov / Charity | Daily to weekly, depending on facility type and funding requirements |
Costs vary by facility size, service type, and frequency. For a better idea of how much you might be spending on your commercial cleaning, use our free Instant Pricing Calculator.
| Service | Typical Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| General Office Cleaning | $30–$50 per hour |
| Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning | $3–$6 per m² |
| Window Cleaning | $4–$8 per pane |
| Industrial Deep Clean | $45–$70 per hour |
On average, small offices may spend a few hundred dollars per week, while large facilities with specialist needs may spend thousands.
Reduced Absenteeism: Fewer sick days.
Lower Long-Term Costs: Preventing damage to carpets, upholstery, HVAC systems.
Enhanced Reputation: Clients, employees, and partners notice.
Sustainability: Many modern providers use eco-friendly products and waste-reduction practices.
Green Cleaning: Eco-certified products and reduced chemical usage.
Touchpoint Cleaning: Focus on high-contact areas (door handles, switches).
Technology Integration: Smart cleaning schedules, IoT-enabled dispensers, robotic cleaners.
Health-Centric Services: Post-COVID, demand for disinfection and air-quality management is higher than ever.
Commercial cleaning is usually outsourced to specialist providers (like Cleancorp). These companies:
Train staff in safety and compliance.
Invest in professional-grade equipment.
Tailor services to industries (schools vs. hospitals vs. offices).
Outsourcing ensures reliability, consistency, and compliance — at a lower cost than hiring in-house cleaners.
Q1. What exactly does commercial cleaning include?
It covers general daily tasks (vacuuming, wiping, bins), plus periodic deep cleans and specialist services.
Q2. How is it different from janitorial services?
“Janitorial” often refers to routine, day-to-day cleaning. Commercial cleaning can be broader, including deep and specialist services.
Q3. Is commercial cleaning worth the cost?
Yes. It reduces sick leave, extends asset life, and boosts reputation. For most businesses, it pays for itself.
Q4. Do commercial cleaners use eco-friendly products?
Many providers (including Cleancorp) are shifting to sustainable, non-toxic products to protect both people and the environment.
Q5. How do I choose the right commercial cleaning provider?
Look for experience in your industry, proof of staff training, B Corp or eco-certifications, and transparent pricing.
It’s the backbone of every safe, healthy, and professional workplace. More than just wiping down surfaces, it’s about protecting health, preserving assets, and projecting professionalism.
For businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and beyond... commercial cleaning isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Need expert advice or a tailored cleaning plan? Contact Cleancorp today and discover how professional commercial cleaning can transform your workplace.