This article covers deep cleaning practices, professional cleaning standards, the role of office cleaners, and modern frameworks such as the 5S method-all with a Melbourne-specific focus.
How Much Is a Cleaner Per Hour in Melbourne?
Pricing is always a concern for business owners. The average hourly rate for an office cleaner in Melbourne ranges from $30 to $50 per hour depending on office size, tasks, and frequency of service.
Factors That Influence Rates
- Office Size: Larger spaces require longer cleaning times or multiple cleaners.
- Cleaning Frequency: Daily cleaning costs more than weekly, but it helps maintain consistency.
- Services Included: Standard dusting and vacuuming cost less than sanitisation or carpet cleaning.
- Location: Central Melbourne often attracts slightly higher rates due to demand.
For businesses considering cost-effectiveness, contract packages with monthly rates often provide better value than hourly charges.
How Much Is Commercial Cleaning Per Hour in Australia?
Commercial cleaning extends beyond offices, covering retail outlets, warehouses, and schools. On average, Australian commercial cleaners charge $30 to $55 per hour, but rates can rise when special equipment or certifications are required.
In Melbourne, where compliance and quality are highly valued, commercial cleaning rates reflect both skill and demand.
What Is the Minimum Hourly Rate for a Cleaner?
The Fair Work Ombudsman sets national minimum pay standards. As of 2025, the minimum hourly rate for cleaners is approximately $23-$25 per hour. However, professional cleaning companies charge higher because they include insurance, equipment, and quality assurance.
Deep cleaning goes far beyond daily tidying. It targets hidden dirt, germs, and long-neglected areas.
Typical Deep Clean Inclusions
- Steam-cleaning carpets and upholstery
- High-dusting vents, ceilings, and light fixtures
- Sanitising all touchpoints, including switches and keyboards
- Intensive bathroom and kitchen cleaning
- Window and glass panel cleaning
- Polishing hard floors and removing stains
Deep cleaning is often scheduled quarterly or bi-annually, depending on office usage.
The frequency of deep cleaning depends on business type:
- High-Traffic Offices: Monthly or bi-monthly deep cleans.
- Medium Offices: Every 3-4 months.
- Low-Traffic or Specialist Offices: Twice a year.
Neglecting deep cleaning leads to bacteria build-up, poor indoor air quality, and faster wear on carpets and furniture.
Standard Cleaning: Daily or weekly routines like vacuuming, wiping desks, and rubbish removal.
Deep Cleaning: Intensive sanitisation, high-dusting, and fabric cleaning.
Businesses should use both approaches-standard cleaning for maintenance and deep cleaning for long-term hygiene.
Borrowed from Japanese workplace organisation methods, the 5S framework has become a global cleaning standard.
- Sort-Remove unnecessary items.
- Set in Order - Organise everything for efficiency.
- Shine - Clean all areas thoroughly.
- Standardise - Develop consistent cleaning practices.
- Sustain - Maintain discipline for long-term results.
The 5S approach is especially popular in Melbourne's corporate sector, where productivity and image are paramount.
A professional cleaning checklist ensures no detail is overlooked.
Daily Checklist
- Empty bins and replace liners
- Wipe desks and keyboards
- Mop floors and vacuum carpets
- Clean kitchens and bathrooms
Weekly Checklist
- Sanitise fridges and microwaves
- Deep clean bathrooms
- Clean internal glass partitions
Monthly Checklist
- Carpet shampooing
- Upholstery cleaning
- High-dusting vents and shelves
Checklists also help cleaners remain accountable and allow businesses to monitor service quality.
Professional cleaning requires more than basic effort.
Step-by-Step Approach
- Preparation: Gather supplies, check safety equipment, and plan the workflow.
- Decluttering: Clear desks, empty bins, and organise workstations.
- Surface Cleaning: Wipe desks, keyboards, and touchpoints.
- Floor Care: Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, and polish where necessary.
- Sanitisation: Disinfect high-contact areas such as door handles and phones.
- Final Inspection: Walk through the office to ensure standards are met.
Messy offices are common in creative and fast-paced environments. The best way to restore order is:
- Start with clutter removal (old files, unused items).
- Empty bins and recycling first.
- Tidy up desks and arrange items logically.
- Clean floors and sanitise surfaces.
For businesses in Melbourne, professional cleaners often handle messy offices with a structured "reset" approach before maintaining daily cleanliness.
Expectations vary, but Melbourne businesses generally require:
- Reliability and punctuality
- Thorough cleaning of all assigned areas
- Respect for workplace confidentiality
- Flexibility for after-hours or weekend work
- Commitment to hygiene standards
A great office cleaner becomes an invisible yet indispensable part of the workplace.
While staff can handle light tidying, professional cleaning is best left to trained cleaners.
Why Professionals Are Better
- They understand safety and hygiene standards.
- They have access to specialised equipment.
- They work efficiently without disrupting staff.
Staff can contribute by keeping desks organised and respecting communal spaces, but professionals ensure hygiene is maintained to industry standards.
Even with cleaners, employees play an important role.
Best Practices
- Set clear cleanliness policies.
- Provide bins, wipes, and sanitiser stations.
- Encourage staff to tidy desks before leaving.
- Promote shared responsibility in kitchens and meeting rooms.
In Melbourne, many businesses combine professional cleaning with employee participation for the best results.
Conclusion
Office cleaning in Melbourne is not simply about dusting desks or vacuuming floors. It is a comprehensive process that includes daily cleaning, periodic deep cleans, professional standards like the 5S method, and active employee participation.
By investing in structured office cleaning, businesses achieve healthier workplaces, stronger client impressions, and longer-lasting facilities. Whether hiring cleaners by the hour or scheduling full-service contracts, the benefits far outweigh the costs.