How Much to Charge Per Square Foot for Commercial Cleaning

Commercial cleaning is an important aspect of maintaining a clean and healthy work environment. However, one of the biggest questions that business owners and facility managers face is how much to charge for commercial cleaning services. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the factors that influence commercial cleaning pricing, and provide a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved.

Factors Affecting Commercial Cleaning Prices

The cost of commercial cleaning services can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Here are some of the main factors that can influence the pricing:

1. Type of building: The type of building being cleaned can have a significant impact on the pricing. For instance, cleaning a small retail store will be less expensive than cleaning a large commercial office building.
2. Frequency of service: How often the cleaning services are required can also affect the pricing. Regular cleaning services will generally cost less per visit than a one-time deep cleaning service.
3. Add-on services: Additional services such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning, or power washing can increase the overall cost of commercial cleaning services.
4. Geographic location: The cost of living in different regions can also affect commercial cleaning prices.

Cost Per Square Foot

One of the most common ways of pricing commercial cleaning services is by square footage. The national average price per square foot is $0.20, but prices can range from $0.04 to $0.50 per square foot depending on the factors listed above. For larger projects, the cost per square foot generally goes down.

Here's a breakdown of the average prices per square foot for different types of commercial buildings:

1. Retail stores and small offices: $0.05 - $0.12 per square foot
2. Large office buildings and warehouses: $0.04 - $0.12 per square foot
3. Medical facilities: $0.10 - $0.50 per square foot
4. Schools and universities: $0.08 - $0.25 per square foot
5. Government buildings: $0.10 - $0.25 per square foot

Hourly Rates

Alternatively, some commercial cleaning companies may charge by the hour. The average hourly rate for commercial cleaning services is $75 per hour, but this can vary depending on the factors listed above. It's important to note that hourly rates may not provide an accurate estimate of the total cost, as additional services and materials may also be required.

Choosing the Right Commercial Cleaning Service

When choosing a commercial cleaning service, it's important to consider not only the cost, but also the quality of the service. A lower price may not always indicate a better value if the cleaning service is subpar. Here are some tips for choosing the right commercial cleaning service:

1. Check references: Ask for references and check reviews from previous customers to ensure that the cleaning service has a good reputation.
2. Experience: Look for a cleaning service that has experience in cleaning buildings similar to yours.
3. Quality of service: Ask about the cleaning processes and tools used, and ensure that the service meets your cleanliness standards.
4. Insurance: Verify that the cleaning service has liability insurance to cover any damages or accidents that may occur during cleaning.

In conclusion, commercial cleaning prices can vary widely depending on the type of building, frequency of service, add-on services, and geographic location. It's important to choose a commercial cleaning service that provides good value for the price, while also ensuring that the service meets your cleanliness standards. By doing your research and considering the factors listed above, you can make an informed decision when hiring a commercial cleaning company.