When it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy workspace, understanding the distinction between commercial cleaning and janitorial services is key. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinctly different aspects of commercial cleaning services that cater to various needs within a business environment.
The cleaning sector creates a huge number of jobs, employing over 957,000 people. If we also factor in other jobs that involve some degree of cleaning (such as hospitality), that number rises to over 1.6 million, which equates to 5% of the UK’s total workforce.
Whether you need day-to-day cleaning tasks or a more in-depth, specialised cleaning treatment, choosing the right service can play a pivotal role in the maintenance and professional image of your business.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into what each of these services entails, helping you decide which one aligns best with your company’s requirements for a pristine working atmosphere.
Understanding commercial or professional cleaning services
Typically, larger, more intricate structures like office towers or shopping centres are the focus of commercial cleaning services. A comprehensive cleaning of the entire property is included in these services, which are usually offered by a cleaning firm with experience. This involves dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces.
Additional services like window cleaning, waste removal, and carpet cleaning may also be offered, according to the client’s particular needs. To cause as little disturbance to regular operations as possible, a commercial cleaning company will frequently work the weekends or after business hours.
Understanding janitorial cleaning services
On the other hand, janitorial services focus on smaller-scale routine maintenance tasks within a building. These tasks are typically performed by an in-house staff member referred to as a janitor.
Janitorial services include daily cleaning tasks such as emptying bins, restocking supplies, and sanitising high-touch areas like doorknobs and countertops. They may also be responsible for minor repairs and maintenance, such as changing light bulbs or fixing leaky taps, this is possibly the main difference between janitorial and commercial cleaning.
Janitorial services are conducted during business hours and may even occur multiple times a day, depending on the needs of the building.
Commercial cleaning service vs janitorial services
The key difference between janitorial and cleaning services lies in the scale of tasks performed. Understanding your specific cleaning needs is crucial in determining which service is right for your business.
Pros of commercial cleaning services
One of the main advantages of professional office cleaning services —which we have already discussed—is the capacity to handle more difficult and thorough cleaning assignments. Commercial cleaning services are necessary if you need window washing, deep carpet cleaning and waste disposal.
Furthermore, deep cleaning workplaces and sanitising common areas is best left to these business services. The COVID-19 epidemic highlighted how simple it is for one person to infect another, particularly if the work environment is not first clean and sanitised, making deep cleaning services more crucial than ever.
And lastly, you can use “as needed” commercial cleaning companies. You can likely afford to hire these cleaners on an as-needed basis, saving a significant amount of money by not having to pay them a complete salary and benefits package.
Pros of janitorial services
There are a number of advantages to janitorial services. Janitors were crucial employees during the COVID-19 epidemic because they ensure that work surfaces are always clean while you are at work—whether it be with a full team or just one person on duty. Furthermore, it’s true that happier and more productive workers will come from a cleaned workspace.
Additionally, as we have mentioned, janitors are constantly available for emergencies. Janitorial staff can assist in clearing up any mess caused by an unexpected spill or other mishap before anyone is hurt. This is crucial because workplace accidents might expose you to lawsuits from injured staff members and clients.
Cons of commercial cleaning services
Hiring professional cleaners has very few disadvantages. However, before hiring someone, there are still a few “cons” to consider.
For example, some commercial cleaners are less suited to clean small businesses because their primary focus is on larger workplaces. However, any size business can benefit from having a reliable cleaner to keep their spaces hygienic and clean all year round. Finding the right commercial cleaning provider to advise on the best service for your business space is always a good idea.
Cons of janitorial services
For many businesses, janitorial services are an integral element of daily operations. However, you should be aware that janitorial services have certain disadvantages. The fact that most janitors only work full-time is arguably the largest disadvantage, as it can eat up at business costs to employ a new dedicated position.
This implies that smaller and newer businesses can find it challenging to reap the benefits of employing janitors, and may handle the tasks in-house instead.
Lastly, the range of cleaning tasks that most janitors are capable of performing is strictly limited—you likely won’t find them scaling buildings to clean the windows or taking care of larger sanitation concerns.
This implies that for some tasks, with or without a strong janitorial team, you will want the services of commercial or office cleaning companies – think of us like the true pros.
Looking for expert cleaning services for your commercial building?
The decision between commercial cleaning and janitorial services ultimately depends on the specific needs and priorities of your business. If you have a large building with high traffic areas that require deep cleaning, then commercial cleaning may be the best fit for you. However, if your priority is maintaining daily cleanliness during business hours, then janitorial services may be more suitable.
Armour Property Services are a full-service cleaning and facilities management company, providing a range of commercial cleaning services for over 15 years. Covering London and the South East, our clients rely on our efficient and effective regular commercial cleaning for a variety of commercial spaces.
For commercial cleaning services that deliver, get in touch today.
Commercial cleaning vs janitorial services FAQs
What is the difference between commercial cleaning and janitorial cleaning?
While commercial cleaning entails larger work completed a few times a year, janitorial cleaning services involve smaller, routine cleaning duties.
Is commercial cleaning worth it?
In terms of ease and quality, the quick answer is that commercial cleaning is worthwhile. Consider it as an extension of your business, just like you would any other professional service. In any public area, impeccable cleaning is essential. Therefore, it ought to be obvious to outsource commercial cleaning.
What is meant by janitorial service?
Janitorial cleaning services encompass all major and minimal cleaning tasks that must be completed on a frequent, often daily, basis. These include housekeeping tasks including dusting surfaces, sweeping floors, and cleaning restrooms, sinks, and toilets.
