When evaluating commercial cleaning proposals, confusion often arises over what constitutes basic janitorial service versus comprehensive architectural facility care. Here is a clear breakdown of typical service inclusions.
Commercial Cleaning vs. General Domestic Cleaning
Many property managers assume cleaning is a single universal trade. In truth, commercial cleaning operates on an entirely different scale and engineering standard than domestic house cleaning.
Commercial cleaning demands industrial-grade HEPA equipment, strict compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, specialized chemical dosing systems to avoid surface damage, public liability insurance, and formal Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Core Contractual Inclusions in Standard Commercial Cleaning
A comprehensive commercial cleaning specification typically includes four core functional areas: 1. Floor Care & Circulation: Scheduled sweeping, vacuuming, and damp-mopping across all open floorplates, corridors, elevator cars, and staircases. 2. Surface Hygiene & Contact Points: Methodical disinfection of high-touch vectors (door handles, light switches, push plates, handrails) to mitigate the spread of seasonal illness. 3. Restroom Detailing & Restocking: Deep sanitisation of sanitary fixtures, continuous replenishment of consumables, and odor control. 4. Waste Management & Recycling: Emptying bins, replacing liners, sorting recyclable paper and plastics, and transporting waste to the building's central refuse room.
Periodic & Specialist Inclusions (Often Structured as Rotational Tasks)
Beyond daily routines, a well-structured commercial contract incorporates rotational tasks: - Monthly High-Level Dusting: Cleaning light diffusers, emergency exit signs, and architectural ceiling bulkheads. - Deep Carpet Extraction: Scheduled hot-water soil extraction to protect the investment in modular carpet tiles. - Architectural Glazing: Internal window partition washing and low-level external facade cleaning. - Hard Floor Burnishing: High-speed mechanical buffing of terrazzo, vinyl composition tile (VCT), or polished concrete to restore gloss.
What Is Typically Excluded (Requiring Specialist Add-Ons)
To maintain transparent expectations, standard commercial cleaning contracts generally exclude: - External high-rise window cleaning requiring abseiling or suspended scaffolding. - Specialized data center sub-floor anti-static plenum cleaning. - Commercial kitchen grease extraction duct and exhaust fan degreasing (which requires certified fire-safety hood specialists). - Biohazard or industrial chemical remediation.
Published by Glorica Facility Editorial Team
Glorica Cleaning Services • A Division of Dedry Group