We've all heard the classic breakup line, "It's not you – it's me."
(Maybe you've even used it yourself.)
The truth is, there's some truth to that statement. Often, mismatched expectations are the root of incompatibility. The same applies when partnering with a commercial cleaning service. If you and your janitorial provider aren’t aligned on pricing or the scope of services, the relationship can become strained—just like in a mismatched partnership.
To prevent this, it’s essential to understand how janitorial pricing is structured. Being aware of the main factors that influence costs can help you build a strong, lasting relationship with your cleaning service. Here are five key elements that play a significant role in janitorial pricing.
To make things fun, let’s think of it as evaluating a potential match.
1. The Activity Level of Your Facility
The first factor that affects cleaning costs is how busy your space is. More foot traffic—whether from employees, customers, or visitors—means more mess. This translates to higher cleaning needs. For instance, cleaning a 30,000-square-foot office with 400 employees will generally cost more than cleaning a 300,000-square-foot warehouse with only 60 workers.
2. Your Industry
The nature of your business also impacts cleaning costs. Different industries have different cleaning requirements. A manufacturing facility, for example, will accumulate more dust and grime than a standard office. Meanwhile, schools, healthcare facilities, and public spaces typically require more frequent cleaning and disinfecting, which can increase overall costs.
3. Your Building’s Features
The layout and features of your building directly influence cleaning time and effort. Factors like total square footage, number of restrooms, types of flooring, and even the building’s age play a role. An older facility with hard floors and tight spaces will generally take longer to clean than a modern building with spacious, carpeted rooms.
4. Services You Need
Most cleaning contracts include standard services like emptying trash, cleaning floors, wiping surfaces, and maintaining restrooms. However, the frequency of these services can significantly impact costs. For example, a medical office may need daily mopping and disinfecting, while a corporate office might only require cleaning a few times a week.
5. Your Standards for Cleanliness
Everyone has their own definition of “clean.” Your expectations will affect the amount of time and labor needed to maintain your desired level of cleanliness. If you expect dust-free surfaces and spotless floors at all times, more frequent cleaning will be required, potentially increasing costs.
How Cleaning Time and Effort Influence Costs
Ultimately, the time and effort it takes to clean your facility are the biggest factors in determining the price of janitorial services. However, understanding the elements discussed above can help you better communicate your needs and manage expectations.
Ready to Partner Up?
Now that you know what influences pricing, here’s the big question:
Are you ready to find the perfect cleaning partner?
If you’d like a free estimate tailored to your facility’s needs, contact us today!