Cleanliness is not just a virtue, but a vital component for any successful business. A spotless, well-maintained workspace conveys professionalism, boosts employee morale, and ensures the health and safety of those within. In the commercial realm, achieving and maintaining this level of hygiene often requires outsourcing to professional cleaning services.
The UK cleaning industry employs 1.47 million people in total. In 2019, cleaners contributed £58.9 billion to the UK economy, amounting to a £1.6 billion increase in industry turnover since 2018.
But how much should your business budget for these essential services?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll peel back the layers of commercial cleaning services and their costs, helping you understand the nuances involved so you can make informed decisions to protect your bottom line without compromising on cleanliness.
What is a Commercial Cleaning Service?
A commercial cleaning service is a professional cleaning company that specialises in providing cleaning and janitorial services for businesses, offices, and other commercial spaces. These commercial cleaning companies typically offer a wide range of services such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting, window cleaning, and more. They may also provide specialised services like carpet cleaning or waste removal.
Types of Commercial Cleaning: There are several types of commercial cleaning services available, each catering to specific needs and budgets. Some common types include:
Office Cleaning
Office cleaning is a broad term that encompasses the general maintenance and upkeep of an office space. It typically includes tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, trash removal, and disinfecting common areas like break rooms and restrooms.
A study found that 94% of workers reported feeling more productive in a clean workspace, while 77% said they felt they produced a higher quality of work in a cleaner environment.
Industrial Cleaning
Industrial cleaning services are geared towards businesses in industrial settings such as factories, warehouses, manufacturing plants, etc. These spaces often require specialised cleaning techniques and equipment due to the nature of their operations.
School Cleaning
School cleaning services cater to educational institutions and involve maintenance of classrooms, restrooms, hallways, and common areas. These services may also include disinfecting high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, desks, and shared equipment.
Restaurant Cleaning
Restaurant cleaning services are tailored to the specific needs of food establishments, which often require deep cleaning and sanitation to adhere to strict health codes and regulations.
The Factors Controlling Your Commercial Cleaning Costs
The first conundrum a business owner or manager faces when it comes to commercial cleaning costs is the multitude of variables that influence the final figure.
Size of the Space
Naturally, larger spaces require more time and resources to clean. It’s important to understand that the square footage of your area is fundamentally proportional to the cost.
Frequency of Cleaning
The more often a space is cleaned, the less extensive each cleaning session needs to be. But, be wary not to overestimate. Infrequent deep cleaning can lead to a significant build-up of dirt and incur larger costs in the long run.
Specific Services Required
Beyond the standard vacuuming and dusting, specialised services such as window cleaning or upholstery cleaning come at an additional, more detailed cost.
Location and Accessibility
A space’s location impacts costs due to varying market rates, and extensive locations or those requiring specialised access can drive up costs further through extended cleaning times or additional equipment.
Understanding these fundamentals better prepares you to assess your business’s unique needs and predict costs more accurately.
The Cost Breakdown of Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning costs can be divided into three main categories: labour, supplies, and additional services.
- Labour Costs: This is typically the most substantial portion of the total bill. The number of cleaners, their hourly wages, and the time taken all factor in.
- Supplies and Equipment: Whether it’s the cost of chemicals and paper products or the maintenance of machinery, these are necessary but often cumulatively lower costs.
- Additional Services: Window and carpet cleaning, for example, are services outside the regular cleaning routine that add to the overall expense.
Understanding where your money goes empowers you to make smart decisions when budgeting for commercial cleaners.
Comparing Cleaning Pricing Models
The commercial cleaning market offers various pricing models that cater to different business structures and requirements.
- Hourly Rates vs. Flat Rates: Per hour rates offer flexibility but can make for unpredictable expense forecasting. Flat rates provide clarity but might not be the most cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating cleaning needs.
- Contract-Based vs. One-Time Services: Contract-based services often offer better long-term rates and more consistent quality. One-time services maintain flexibility but can be costlier per cleaning instance.
By comparing these models, you can determine the best fit for your business, ensuring cost-efficiency and service satisfaction.
Tips to Optimise Commercial Cleaning Costs
It’s one thing to understand costs, but another to manage and optimise them. Here are several strategies to keep your commercial cleaning costs in check.
- Develop A Cleaning Schedule: A routine, well-structured cleaning schedule not only ensures that your space stays consistently clean but also avoids unnecessary costs from panicked last-minute clean-ups.
- Prioritise Essential Services: Ensure that you and your cleaning service provider are on the same page regarding what services take priority. This will help focus your budget on areas that need it most.
- Negotiate Effectively: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with cleaning service providers. Businesses that require ongoing services can leverage these relationships to secure more favourable terms.
Following these tips can lead to a more streamlined and economical approach to maintaining the cleanliness of your commercial spaces.
Achieving a Balance of Cost and Quality
While cost is an important factor, never forget the value of quality when it comes to commercial cleaning. A service that saves you money but provides subpar cleaning is no bargain.
- Quality Assurance: Regular inspections and open communication can ensure that your chosen cleaning service maintains a high standard of work.
- Employee Feedback: Employees are the first beneficiaries of a well-maintained space. Their input can be valuable in gauging the effectiveness of the cleaning service.
- Continuous Improvement: Strive for a partnership with your cleaning service provider, one where both parties work towards continuous improvement in service and cost efficiency.
Ultimately, balancing cost with quality ensures that your investment in commercial cleaning consistently supports your business goals.
Looking for a Friendly and Professional Commercial Cleaning Company for your Space?
In conclusion, navigating the world of commercial cleaning costs is an exercise in understanding your space, your needs, and the market.
By dissecting the factors that influence cost, breaking down the components of the bill, exploring different pricing models, and implementing cost-saving strategies, you can manage this essential expense effectively. Remember, the true cost of commercial cleaning extends beyond the financial— it’s an investment in your business’s success, employee well-being, and client satisfaction.
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.
We’ll work with you to understand your requirements for a personalised commercial cleaning quote.
For commercial cleaning services that deliver, get in touch for a free quote today.
How much does Commercial Cleaning Cost FAQs
How much does commercial cleaning cost in the UK?
Commercial cleaning prices will vary depending on a number of factors such as the type of commercial space, the frequency of cleaning and if you require any additional services or deep cleaning. Get in touch with Armour who will be more than happy to talk you through the services we offer and provide a personalised quote.
How often should commercial spaces be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning depends on the specific needs and usage of each space. It’s essential to work with your cleaning service provider to develop a tailored schedule that meets your business’s requirements while being mindful of cost efficiency.
Are one-time cleaning services more expensive than contract-based services?
Generally, yes. One-time cleaning services provide flexibility but can be costlier per cleaning instance compared to contract-based services, which often offer better long-term rates and more consistent quality. However, the cost-effectiveness ultimately depends on your business’s specific needs and usage of cleaning services.
