When businesses ask me what they’re actually getting with commercial office cleaning services, I always say—it’s more than just taking out the trash and wiping down desks. A high-quality office cleaning routine is detailed, structured, and designed to keep your workspace healthy, professional, and productive.

My name is Lucas Bryant. I’m a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety. I’ve owned and operated a commercial cleaning company in Michigan for 10 years, and I also serve as a writer and editor for Kwote Advisor. In that time, I’ve worked with everything from law offices to medical practices, and I’ve seen how tailored cleaning plans can make or break a workspace.

If you’re considering hiring a cleaning service or just want to better understand what you should expect, here’s a detailed look at what’s typically included in commercial office cleaning services.

Why a Clean Office Is Good for Business

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how a clean office environment impacts more than just appearances. It plays a direct role in productivity, employee morale, client perception, and even long-term cost savings. Whether you’re running a busy corporate headquarters or a small professional office, cleanliness is not just about aesthetics—it’s a business strategy.

Improved Employee Health and Reduced Sick Days

One of the most overlooked advantages of professional cleaning is its effect on employee health. Dust, allergens, mold, and bacteria accumulate quickly in shared workspaces—especially on high-touch surfaces like keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, and communal areas. Without regular cleaning and disinfection, these can contribute to respiratory issues, allergies, and the rapid spread of colds and flu.

When your office is cleaned consistently and thoroughly, employees are less likely to fall ill. That translates into fewer sick days and fewer disruptions in productivity. Healthy employees work more efficiently, feel better, and show up more consistently—which directly benefits your bottom line.

Boosted Productivity and Focus

Studies have shown that clutter and mess in a work environment can negatively affect concentration and mental clarity. A clean and organized workspace encourages clearer thinking and helps employees stay focused on their tasks.

In my own company, I’ve watched teams perform better simply by working in an environment that feels fresh, sanitized, and orderly. It sets the tone for professionalism and helps people take pride in where they work.

Strong First Impressions on Clients and Visitors

When clients walk into your office, they form opinions within seconds. Stained carpets, dusty shelves, or messy restrooms can send the wrong message—regardless of the quality of your services.

A professionally cleaned office signals that your business is detail-oriented, organized, and serious about quality. Whether you’re hosting investors, potential hires, or long-standing customers, maintaining a clean environment supports your reputation and professionalism.

Higher Employee Morale and Retention

Your team spends a large portion of their day at work, and the environment you provide impacts how they feel about their job. Clean offices contribute to better mood, lower stress levels, and a greater sense of well-being.

When employees see that their workspace is consistently cared for, it tells them that leadership values their comfort and health. Over time, this kind of attention to workplace conditions contributes to higher job satisfaction and better employee retention.

Long-Term Savings on Repairs and Replacements

Regular cleaning doesn’t just maintain appearances—it also protects your physical assets. Carpet fibers last longer when vacuumed and deep-cleaned regularly. Flooring, upholstery, fixtures, and HVAC systems all benefit from consistent upkeep.

A dirty office accelerates wear and tear, which means more frequent repairs and premature replacements. On the other hand, investing in a commercial cleaning service helps extend the life of your office materials and reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Compliance with Industry Standards

In certain industries like healthcare, legal services, or finance, cleanliness and sanitation may be part of compliance requirements. A clean workspace ensures you stay in good standing with regulatory bodies and maintain necessary certifications or inspections.

Even in less regulated industries, presenting a well-maintained environment can reflect positively in audits or client assessments. Now, let’s take a look at some of the services included in commercial office cleaning services.

General Office Cleaning Tasks

At the core of every cleaning contract are routine tasks that keep the office looking tidy and sanitary. These are the day-to-day services that ensure your space is neat and professional.

They usually include:

• Emptying trash and recycling bins
• Dusting surfaces including desks, counters, and windowsills
• Vacuuming carpeted areas and rugs
• Sweeping and mopping hard floors
• Cleaning windows and glass doors (usually interior only unless specified)

In my experience, these basics are crucial, but what sets professional cleaners apart is the consistency and attention to detail they bring to even the most routine work.

Breakroom and Kitchenette Cleaning

These high-traffic zones often get messy fast. That’s why most cleaning crews dedicate special attention to your staff break areas.

Common services include:

• Wiping down countertops, tables, and chairs
• Cleaning out sinks and faucets
• Disinfecting appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers
• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Restocking paper towels, soap, and trash liners if included in your service

Clean, well-maintained kitchens help boost morale and cut down on pest problems.

Restroom Sanitization

Restrooms require a higher level of disinfecting than other areas. A quality office cleaning service will follow strict protocols to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.

This includes:

• Disinfecting toilets, urinals, and sinks
• Cleaning mirrors and counters
• Restocking toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels
• Mopping floors with disinfectant
• Emptying and sanitizing trash receptacles

In industries like healthcare or food service, more frequent restroom cleaning may be needed, sometimes multiple times a day.

High-Touch Surface Disinfection

Especially since the pandemic, more businesses have prioritized disinfecting high-touch areas daily. These include:

• Door handles
• Elevator buttons
• Light switches
• Phone receivers
• Shared computer equipment

Many of our clients now request this service as part of their standard routine, and it makes a big difference in reducing the risk of illness in the office.

Carpet and Floor Care

While regular vacuuming and mopping are part of daily cleaning, professional office cleaners typically offer scheduled deep-cleaning services as well.

For example:

• Carpet shampooing or steam cleaning (monthly or quarterly)
• Floor waxing and buffing for tile or vinyl
• Spot treatment for spills or stains

Proper floor maintenance not only extends the life of your surfaces but also keeps the office looking sharp for clients and staff alike.

Window Cleaning (Interior and Exterior)

Most standard cleaning contracts include interior glass cleaning—think office windows, conference room glass, and partitions. Exterior window cleaning is usually offered as an add-on service or scheduled seasonally.

Depending on your building’s height or layout, you may need a specialized window cleaning team, especially for high-rise buildings.

Optional Add-Ons

Some cleaning companies offer a range of optional services to meet unique needs. Over the years, we’ve customized packages with the following:

• Restocking supplies (soap, paper goods, sanitizer)
• Deep disinfection or electrostatic spraying
• Post-construction cleanup
• Move-in or move-out cleaning
• Seasonal floor care or carpet protection

When I sit down with a new client, we always talk about what’s important for their team and how often it’s needed. A medical office will have different cleaning needs than a co-working space, and a good commercial cleaning provider will know how to adjust accordingly.

How Often Should You Schedule Commercial Office Cleaning Services?

One of the most common questions I get from new clients is how often they should have their office professionally cleaned. The truth is, there’s no universal answer—it really depends on the size of your workspace, how many people use it, the type of work being done, and your hygiene expectations.

That said, most professional commercial cleaning companies (ours included) offer flexible scheduling options to meet different needs. You’ll usually see services available on a daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis, and many providers also offer custom schedules based on traffic levels or special requirements.

Common Cleaning Frequency Options

Daily Cleaning
This is ideal for high-traffic offices, shared workspaces, medical facilities, and any environment where cleanliness is tied to health or first impressions. Daily service ensures desks are wiped, floors are cleaned, restrooms are sanitized, and trash is emptied every evening.

2–3 Times Per Week
This frequency works well for mid-sized offices or teams working hybrid schedules. It keeps common areas clean without the cost of daily service.

Weekly Cleaning
Smaller offices with fewer employees often choose weekly cleanings. If your team keeps things tidy on their own, weekly deep cleaning of restrooms, floors, and surfaces can be enough.

Monthly or As-Needed Deep Cleaning
Regardless of your routine cleaning schedule, we always recommend a deeper clean monthly or quarterly. This includes carpet shampooing, floor waxing, window cleaning, and disinfecting less accessible areas like vents and baseboards.

Factors That Affect How Often You Need Cleaning

• Foot traffic: The more people moving through your space, the more frequently you’ll need cleaning.
• Type of business: Healthcare, retail, and foodservice operations need more frequent cleaning than, say, a quiet design studio.
• Seasonal needs: During flu season or high allergy months, additional disinfecting services may be smart.
• Client presence: If you regularly host clients, a clean space reflects professionalism and builds trust.

In my experience, it’s always better to start with a slightly more frequent schedule and scale back if needed. It’s much easier to reduce cleaning than to fix issues caused by not having enough.

A trustworthy cleaning provider will help you assess your office’s specific needs and recommend a frequency that keeps your team safe, your workspace spotless, and your business running smoothly.

About the Author
My name is Lucas Bryant. I’m a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety. I’ve owned a successful commercial cleaning company in Michigan for 10 years and serve as a writer and editor for Kwote Advisor. I specialize in office hygiene strategies, janitorial service contracts, and sustainable cleaning solutions for businesses of all sizes.