If you own or operate a business, then you know how important it is to keep your workspace, whether it is an office building, retail store, or warehouse, clean and organized.  The condition of your workspace is a major factor in the impression that people get of your business which can have a direct effect on your bottom line.  Few people will be interested in doing business with a company that cannot keep its own space in good condition.  Keeping a clean and well-maintained workspace will also greatly benefit the performance of your employees.  Studies on workplace cleanliness have shown that employees are generally happier and more productive when they work in a clean and comfortable environment.

While some companies keep their workspace clean by hiring an in-house cleaning crew, others either do not have the resources to hire an in-house crew or would rather hire a third party.  This means that they must hire a professional to provide janitorial or commercial cleaning services.  The phrases “janitorial services” and “commercial cleaning services” are often used interchangeably, but these terms actually describe different types of cleaning services.  If you are looking to hire a cleaning service for your office or commercial building, it helps to understand the difference between the two types of services to ensure you are hiring a professional that can take care of the cleaning you want done.

Janitorial Services and Commercial Cleaning: What is the Difference?

The difference between janitorial services and commercial cleaning is that janitorial services include small, everyday cleaning tasks while commercial cleaning involves bigger jobs that are done a few times per year.  For example, janitorial services include regular vacuuming of the carpeting while commercial cleaning services include deep carpet cleaning.  Hiring a janitorial service is beneficial for everyday cleaning and maintenance.  Companies can look into hiring commercial cleaning services for deep cleanings or to get your workspace ready for a special event.

Janitorial Services

As stated above, a janitorial service provider will take care of everyday cleaning duties and keep your workspace clean and well maintained on a regular basis.  With consistent janitorial services, your office or facility will always look good and be ready for visitors, customers, and business associates.  Companies tend to schedule janitorial services based on their needs, typically on a daily, weekly, or bi-weekly basis.  If your company hires a janitorial service provider for office cleaning, you will be responsible for putting together the schedule and the cleaning tasks to ensure that the job is done to your satisfaction.

Professionals that provide janitorial services are trained to use cleaning products and equipment to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and maintain clean and sanitary conditions.  These services typically include the following:

• Restroom cleaning


Dusting is included with janitorial services.

• Cleaning of employee breakrooms or kitchens
• Sweeping and mopping of hard surface floors
• Vacuuming of the carpet
• Dusting
• Emptying trash

Commercial Cleaning Services

Commercial cleaning services cover bigger cleaning jobs that do not need to be done on a regular basis.  Most companies hire a professional for commercial cleaning services for a one-time job, but you can also contract their services for a few appointments per year.  It helps for your company to know what bigger cleaning projects you want done and when, so you can plan your commercial cleaning services accordingly.  Ask questions about the services when looking for a commercial cleaning service provider and see if they back their work with a satisfaction guarantee.

The cleaning services provided by a commercial cleaning company typically include:

• Carpet Cleaning


Power washing is included in commercial cleaning services.

• Tile and grout cleaning
• Hard surface floor cleaning
• Furniture and upholstery cleaning
• Window washing
• Power washing

Deciding Between Janitorial Services and Commercial Cleaning

If you are interested in consistent cleaning services that keep your office or facility looking clean and presentable, then you need janitorial services.  If there are a couple of big cleaning projects you need done such as upholstery cleaning or power washing, then you need to talk to a company that provides commercial cleaning services.  Most service providers offer both types of cleaning services, and most businesses can benefit from having both types of cleaning services performed throughout the year.  When you are looking for a commercial cleaning service provider, find one that can provide both types of cleaning services to save you the trouble of working with multiple contractors.

About Luke Armstrong

Expert in emergency fire and water restoration services, fire cleanup and water damage cleanup, mold removal, as well as carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Contributor to several restoration and cleaning blogs.