Janitorial cleaning includes daily maintenance tasks, while commercial cleaning involves deep sanitation and disinfection tasks.
Both janitorial and commercial cleaning play a crucial role in maintaining safe, hygienic, welcoming professional environments.
Our guide will cover the difference between janitorial vs. commercial cleaning and which service to choose for your space.
Key Summary
- Janitorial cleaning involves basic day-to-day tasks such as trash removal, dusting, and vacuuming to maintain a tidy environment
- Commercial cleaning involves comprehensive deep cleaning and more specialised techniques to ensure a hygienic environment for staff and guests
- Janitorial cleaning relies on basic products and equipment to complete the job, while commercial cleaning requires heavy-duty equipment and specialised tools
- Choose janitorial cleaning for daily upkeep and everyday cleanliness
- Opt for commercial cleaning if you need deeper cleaning and sanitation
- Both janitorial and commercial cleaning serve important purposes for offices, stores, schools, and commercial facilities
| Janitorial Cleaning | Commercial Cleaning | |
| Description | Routine tasks and daily maintenance services | Comprehensive deep cleaning and specialised tasks |
| Services/Tasks | Sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning restrooms | Carpet extraction, window washing at height, pressure cleaning, sanitation of high-touch surfaces, paint restoration, car park cleaning |
| Purpose | Surface level day-to-day cleaning to maintain cleanliness and function | Deep cleaning for thorough sanitation, hygienic conditions, and a professional-looking facility |
| Tools and Equipment | Standard supplies, such as vacuums, mops, and microfibre cloths | Specialised supplies and industrial-grade equipment, such as pressure washers or steam cleaners |
| Frequency | Daily maintenance | Weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on size of building, industry, and amount of foot traffic |
| Training | Knowledge of basic maintenance and cleaning procedures; staff may consist of in-house employees | Specialised training to ensure compliance with strict safety protocols and industry standards |
What Is Commercial Cleaning?
Commercial cleaning involves thorough sanitation and deep, comprehensive cleaning of businesses, offices, and industrial facilities.
The goal is to remove germs, bacteria, stains, and embedded dirt to ensure a hygienic environment for staff and visitors. Commercial cleaning involves specialised tasks that are less frequent but more labor-intensive.
Learn some of our secrets to a tidy, healthier office here: 9 Insider Tips for Keeping a Clean Office.
What Is Janitorial Cleaning?
Janitorial cleaning involves routine tasks and basic daily upkeep, such as dusting, sweeping, and mopping. This frequent surface-level cleaning ensures a presentable, functional environment and helps prevent the build-up of dirt.
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Key Differences Between Commercial Cleaning and Janitorial Cleaning
Scope
Janitorial cleaning involves more surface-level tasks and basic maintenance, such as rubbish removal, dusting, and vacuuming. The goal is ensuring a presentable, tidy, functional space for workers or guests.
Commercial cleaning involves deep sanitation and more intensive tasks to ensure a sanitised, pristine facility. The goal of commercial cleaning is to deep clean every corner, crevice, and surface.
Tasks
Janitorial cleaning involves basic day-to-day tasks, such as:
- Wiping down windows, high-touch surfaces, and mirrors
- Sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting common areas
- Restocking supplies, such as toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels
- Spot cleaning doors and walls and doors
- Emptying rubbish bins
- Cleaning restrooms, break rooms, and kitchens
Commercial cleaning involves similar tasks along with more intensive, specialised techniques such as:
- Comprehensive deep cleaning, including ceilings, window tracks, corners, and beneath desks and furniture
- Deep carpet cleaning and stain removal
- Sanitising high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, desks, and elevator buttons
- Professional window cleaning
- Pressure cleaning
- Restorative paint cleaning
- Carpark cleaning
- Floor sanitisation and polishing
- High-level dusting
- Removing stains, deeply embedded dirt, and grime from walls, carpets, and surfaces
Equipment and Tools
Janitorial cleaning involves basic equipment and standard cleaning supplies, such as vacuums, mops, and microfibre cloths.
Commercial cleaning requires specialty tools and industrial-grade equipment, such as steam cleaners, pressure washers, and heavy-duty vacuums.
Applications
Janitorial cleaning services are used for daily surface-level cleaning of offices, stores, and smaller spaces.
Commercial cleaning is used for deep sanitation of:
- Offices, especially with high foot traffic
- Large commercial spaces
- Medical facilities
- Industrial buildings
- Car parks
Skill Level and Training
Janitorial cleaning involves basic workplace training to complete tasks such as mopping, dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming.
Commercial cleaning requires specialised training to properly use equipment and meet stringent safety standards. At Broadway Commercial Cleaning, all of our staff members undergo extensive training regarding safe equipment usage, state-of-the-art techniques, security measures, and more.
Learn more about our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment here: WHS / Quality – CM3 Certified Cleaning Services.
Frequency
Janitorial cleaning typically involves day-to-day tasks that can be completed quickly. Daily cleaning tasks usually involve dusting, sweeping, mopping, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning restrooms.
Commercial office cleaning is usually scheduled based on the size of the building, industry, and amount of foot traffic. Commercial cleaning is typically scheduled on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis, but can be tailored to your needs.
Choosing Commercial Cleaning vs Janitorial Cleaning
When should you choose commercial cleaning?
We recommend commercial cleaning services if you need:
- Deep cleaning and thorough sanitising on a periodic or ongoing basis
- Carpet or floor deep cleaning
- Carpet restoration
- Strict hygiene requirements met
- To prepare for an audit or inspection
- To maintain a workplace that has heavy foot traffic
- To maintain a large commercial space, building, strata complex, office, or healthcare facility
When should you choose janitorial cleaning?
We suggest choosing janitorial cleaning for:
- Small to medium offices
- Maintaining consistent cleanliness and an organised space
- Daily upkeep
Note: Some facilities may find that the ideal balance involves a mix of janitorial and commercial cleaning services. The right choice will depend on your industry, building size, usage, foot traffic, and needs.
Often, janitorial cleaning can be completed by in-house staff, but the specialised techniques and equipment of commercial cleaning require professionals.
See our tips on finding a reputable Perth office cleaning service here: How to Choose the Right Commercial Cleaning Company.
Choosing the Right Commercial Cleaning Service
Janitorial and commercial cleaning both play important roles in maintaining safe, welcoming commercial environments.
Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular commercial cleaning, we tailor our services to your schedule and needs. We’ve been providing quality
Office Cleaning Perth services since 1988 and would be happy to discuss your cleaning requirements.
