Remember that breakup where someone said, “It’s not you – it’s me,” in a clumsy attempt to soften the blow?
(Or maybe you were the one saying it.)
They might have had a point. Sometimes, two people just aren’t a good fit because their expectations don’t align. This same concept applies when choosing a commercial cleaning service. If you and your cleaning company aren’t on the same page about pricing and what it includes, your professional relationship could end just as awkwardly as that breakup.
We want to help you avoid that scenario. By understanding how janitorial pricing is determined, you can ensure that the partnership with your next cleaning company is built to last. Here are five key factors that influence the cost of janitorial services.
We’ll even explain it in terms that feel like you’re reviewing a dating profile.
1. Your Facility’s Activity Level
The most significant factor in janitorial pricing is the number of people using your facility. The more people there are—whether they’re employees, students, visitors, or patients—the more cleaning will be needed. More people generate more trash, more dirt, and require more frequent restocking of restroom supplies. For example, cleaning a 30,000-square-foot call center with 400 employees across three shifts will cost more than cleaning a 300,000-square-foot distribution center with just 60 employees.
2. The Nature of Your Business
The type of business you run also plays a big role in determining cleaning costs. Different businesses have different cleaning requirements. For instance, manufacturing facilities often produce a lot of dirt and grime that’s tougher to clean than what you’d find in a typical office building. Schools, medical facilities, and public venues usually require more frequent disinfection, adding to the overall cleaning effort.
3. The Physical Characteristics of Your Building
The layout and features of your building can significantly impact cleaning time. Factors like the total cleanable square footage, number of restrooms, types of flooring, building density, and the age of the facility all come into play. For example, an older building with hard surface floors and densely packed cubicles will generally take longer to clean than a newer building with spacious offices and carpeted floors.
4. Your Specific Cleaning Needs
Most janitorial contracts cover the basics—trash removal, dusting, floor care (like vacuuming and mopping), and restroom maintenance. However, the frequency of these services can vary, which affects the overall cost. For instance, a medical facility might need floors mopped daily, while a corporate office may only require this twice a week.
5. Your Cleanliness Standards
Different people have different definitions of what “clean” means. Your expectations will influence the amount of cleaning time needed. It’s crucial that your expectations are clearly communicated and understood by your cleaning team. For example, if you expect spotless door frames every day, that might require additional cleaning time and, consequently, a higher cost.
Ultimately, all these factors contribute to one major element—the amount of labor hours needed to maintain your facility. Labor is the biggest component of janitorial pricing.
Now that you know what a cleaning company considers when assessing your needs, we have just one last question:
Wanna go out?
If you’re interested in a free estimate for your facility, feel free to reach out to us today!