What You Should Know About Janitorial Pricing

What You Should Know About Janitorial Pricing

December 10, 2024

Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s not you – it’s me,” during a breakup?

(Maybe you’ve even used it yourself.)

Sometimes, the issue is a mismatch in expectations from the start. This same principle applies to selecting a commercial cleaning company. If both sides aren’t aligned on pricing and what services will be provided, the relationship can end on bad terms.

To avoid this, it’s important to understand how janitorial costs are determined. When you know the key factors that influence pricing, you’re better equipped to create a partnership that works. Here are the five most significant aspects that go into calculating the cost of janitorial services.

We’ll explain them in a way that feels like evaluating a potential partnership.

1. The Volume of Activity in Your Space
The number of people using your building has a huge impact on cleaning costs. The more individuals in your facility—employees, customers, students, or guests—the more cleaning is required. Higher traffic means more dirt, trash, and supply usage. For example, cleaning a 30,000-square-foot office with 400 employees working shifts will cost more than cleaning a 300,000-square-foot distribution center with only 60 employees.

2. The Nature of Your Business
Different industries have different cleaning demands, and the type of business you run will influence costs. A manufacturing plant typically generates more grime and debris than a corporate office, while schools, hospitals, and public spaces often require frequent disinfection and surface cleaning, increasing the overall workload.

3. The Characteristics of Your Facility
The design and features of your building play a big role in determining cleaning costs. Factors such as total square footage, the number of restrooms, the types of floors, and even the building’s age will affect how much time is needed to clean. For instance, an older building with hard floors and tightly packed workspaces will require more time than a newer structure with wide-open areas and carpeting.

4. Your Cleaning Needs and Schedule
Most janitorial contracts include basic tasks like emptying trash, wiping surfaces, maintaining restrooms, and cleaning floors. However, the frequency of these tasks has a significant effect on pricing. A healthcare facility may need floors disinfected daily, while a typical office might only need that service a couple of times per week.

5. Your Cleanliness Expectations
Standards for cleanliness can vary from one person to the next, and your specific expectations will influence how much time and effort is required. It’s essential to communicate your goals clearly with your cleaning provider. For instance, if you expect your facility to be free of dust on all surfaces, including high ledges, more time will be needed, which will reflect in the cost.

Ultimately, all these factors boil down to the time and labor required to meet your needs. Labor typically accounts for the largest portion of janitorial pricing.

Now that you know how cleaning costs are calculated, we have just one final question:

Ready to build a new partnership?

Reach out to us today for a free quote on cleaning services tailored to your facility!