Determining the Cost of Cleaning Your Building

“How much will it cost to keep your facility clean and inviting?”

This is one of the most frequent questions we get when discussing our janitorial services. Many clients go straight to the pricing section of our proposal, eager to understand the numbers. For those involved in making these decisions, it’s critical to know what drives these costs.By understanding the key factors that impact pricing, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right cleaning service provider.

1. How Many People Use the Facility

The number of people in your building is a major factor in cleaning costs. More people naturally generate more messes, whether it’s trash, dirt on the floors, or restroom supplies that need frequent replenishment. This includes employees, customers, students, or patients. For instance, a 300,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility with 900 employees across three shifts will require far more cleaning than a 500,000 sq. ft. distribution center with just 100 employees. Simply put, the more people in the space, the greater the cleaning demand.

2. Type of Business

The kind of work your business does plays a significant role in determining cleaning needs. For example, manufacturing facilities often produce more dust, dirt, and grime compared to a corporate office. Similarly, schools, hospitals, and public venues typically require more frequent disinfection to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. The type of business directly impacts the time and effort required for cleaning.

3. Building Features and Layout

The characteristics of your building also play a large part in cleaning costs. Factors such as total cleanable square footage, number of restrooms, flooring types, building density, and the facility’s age all influence cleaning time. For example, an older building with hard floors and crowded workstations may take significantly longer to clean than a newer, open-plan facility with carpeted floors. These details dictate the equipment, cleaning supplies, and labor needed to do the job effectively.

4. Types and Frequency of Services

Most cleaning contracts include standard services like trash removal, wiping surfaces, floor care (vacuuming or mopping), and restroom cleaning. However, how often these tasks are performed can greatly impact labor costs. For example, in healthcare settings, floors are often mopped daily to maintain strict hygiene standards, while in an office environment, this might only be done a couple of times a week.

5. Cleanliness Expectations

Perceptions of cleanliness vary widely. What one person considers acceptable, another might find inadequate. These differences can have a big impact on cleaning time and costs. It’s essential to establish clear expectations between the facility manager and the cleaning provider. For instance, a facility owner who insists on spotless door frames and dust-free vents at all times will require more labor hours to meet these higher standards.

What Determines the Final Cost?

Ultimately, the cost of cleaning your facility depends on several variables. Labor is the largest expense, and the number of hours needed to complete the work will vary depending on how many people use the space, the type of business, the building’s layout, the services required, and the level of cleanliness expected.

If you’d like to discuss your facility’s cleaning needs and receive a personalized estimate, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here to help!