What drives commercial cleaning rates
Rates vary because every building and program is different. These factors matter most when you’re comparing quotes:
- Size and layout. Square footage, number of restrooms, breakrooms, and high-traffic zones. Larger offices often see a lower per-square-foot rate; small suites can cost more per sq ft.
- Location. In MA and CT, labor and travel costs are higher in metro Boston, Worcester, and Hartford than in smaller towns. Expect 10–25% variance by market.
- Frequency. Nightly cleaning usually has a lower per-visit cost than 2–3x per week because the crew knows the building and the route is efficient. One-time or occasional cleans cost more per visit.
- Scope. Basic vacuum, mop, restrooms, and trash removal cost less than programs that include day porter, high-touch disinfection, or floor care (carpet extraction, VCT scrub/recoat).
- Special requirements. Green products, key/access protocols, background checks, or documented QA (walk-throughs, checklists, photos) can add 5–15% to the program.
Typical price ranges (MA & CT)
Use these as a ballpark. Your actual quote will depend on the factors above and on the vendor’s labor and overhead.
By pricing method
| Pricing method | Typical range (office) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per square foot (recurring) | $0.12 – $0.25 / sq ft | Per cleaning visit. Lower end: basic scope, 5x/week. Higher: more restrooms, day porter, or enhanced scope. |
| Hourly (per cleaner) | $35 – $75 / hour | Varies by market and shift. After-hours and weekends can be on the higher end. |
| Monthly flat (small office) | Often derived from sq ft × frequency × rate | Easier to budget; scope should still be written (tasks, areas, frequency). |
By building size (per square foot, recurring)
| Building size | Square footage | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small office | Under 5,000 sq ft | $0.15 / sq ft | $0.22 / sq ft |
| Medium office | 5,000 – 10,000 sq ft | $0.13 / sq ft | $0.18 / sq ft |
| Large office | Over 10,000 sq ft | $0.12 / sq ft | $0.16 / sq ft |
By service type (per square foot)
| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Basic recurring (vacuum, mop, restrooms, trash) | $0.10 – $0.18 / sq ft per visit |
| Recurring + high-touch / disinfection | $0.14 – $0.22 / sq ft per visit |
| Deep cleaning (floors, detail, one-time or periodic) | $0.15 – $0.25 / sq ft |
| Carpet extraction (periodic) | $0.25 – $0.50 / sq ft |
| Floor strip and refinish (VCT, periodic) | $0.30 – $0.50 / sq ft |
Quick cost estimate
A simple way to ballpark recurring cost:
Square footage × visits per month × rate per sq ft = monthly cost
Example: 8,000 sq ft office, cleaned 20 times per month (weeknights), at $0.15 per sq ft per visit:
8,000 × 20 × $0.15 = $24,000/month (before any day porter or floor care).
Same building at 12 visits per month: 8,000 × 12 × $0.15 = $14,400/month. Frequency has a big impact—so lock in exactly how many visits and what’s included in each.
What to ask when you get a quote
So you can compare apples to apples and avoid surprises:
- Scope in writing. Tasks by area (restrooms, common areas, breakrooms, high-touch), frequency, and any exclusions (e.g., “no carpet extraction” or “trash to dumpster, not removal”).
- Rate basis. Is the quote per sq ft per visit, per month flat, or hourly? If flat, what square footage and how many visits does it assume?
- Access and timing. Who provides keys/codes? What’s the expected window (e.g., after 6 p.m.) and what happens if the building isn’t empty?
- QA and documentation. Walk-throughs, checklists, or photo closeout? That’s especially important for multi-site or compliance-heavy facilities.
- Floor care. Is carpet extraction or VCT work included, or quoted separately? How often?
- Insurance and compliance. COI, workers’ comp, and any site-specific requirements (background checks, training).
Why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best
Low price often means less time on site, thinner scope, or no documented QA. Over time, that can mean more callbacks, more turnover, and no clear record of what was done. Look for a vendor that offers clear scope, consistent crews, and documented closeout—so you have one point of contact and proof of service when you need it.