Your customers want spotless spaces. You want a strong, profitable business. With the right commercial cleaning pricing strategy, you can deliver exceptional service and run a profitable cleaning business.
Learn how to set competitive prices for commercial cleaning services to attract more clients and build long-term success.
Pricing Models Used in the Industry
From hourly rates to package deals, pricing commercial cleaning jobs comes down to aligning value with efficiency. Here’s a look at the most common pricing methods to help you choose the right fit for your business.
Hourly vs. Flat-Rate Pricing
Hourly pricing works well for unpredictable jobs like deep cleans, post-construction cleaning, or emergency response. It ensures you’re paid for your time, especially when tasks or conditions are unclear.
Flat-rate pricing is ideal for recurring contracts, like nightly office cleaning. Clients appreciate knowing what they’ll pay each month, and it helps you stabilize income.
Per-Square-Foot Pricing
This model is common in commercial cleaning because it’s easy to scale. You charge based on the building size, usually with different rates depending on facility type and required tasks.
Here’s a quick look at typical rates and labor hours by square footage:
| Square Feet | Average Cleaning Cost | Labor Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 1000 sq. ft |
$200 – $400 |
1 hour |
|
1,000 – 5,000 sq. ft |
$400 – $550 |
1 – 2 hours |
|
5,000 – 10,000 sq. ft |
$575 – $675 |
2 – 3 hours |
|
10,000 – 20,000 sq. ft |
$700 – $1,150 |
3 – 5 hours |
|
20,000 – 40,000 sq. ft |
$1,250 – $1,650 |
5 – 9 hours |
Note: Prices shown are estimates and can vary with job size and service details. Figures are based on Commercial Cleaning Corp’s Pricing Calculator.
Tiered Service Packages
Offer bundled packages to give clients options based on their needs and budget. Tiered pricing opens the door for upsells while making your services easier to understand.
For example:
- Basic: Trash removal, vacuuming, and restrooms
- Standard: Basic Package + dusting, mopping, and kitchen breakroom
- Premium: Standard Package + window cleaning, supply restocking, and disinfection
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to factor in your cleaning business insurance costs when choosing your pricing model.
Commercial Cleaning Pricing Guide (Based on the Service)
Each type of cleaning service varies in complexity, equipment needs, and time requirements — all of which influence how you should price your services. Below is a breakdown of typical commercial cleaning jobs, industry rates, and what factors affect the final quote.
| Service Type | Average Cleaning Rate |
|---|---|
|
Office Cleaning |
$0.10 – $0.40 per sq ft |
|
Deep Cleaning |
$0.15 – $0.20 per sq ft |
|
Medical Facility Cleaning |
$0.25 – 0.35 per sq ft |
|
Post-Construction Cleaning |
Varies based on the project |
|
Disinfection and Sanitizing Services |
$0.25 – 0.35 per sq ft |
|
Carpet Cleaning |
$1,250 – $1,650 |
|
Window Cleaning |
$2 – 5 per window |
Note: Keep in mind, actual prices vary based on location, lawn size, and specific service requirements. Figures are based on data compiled from Jobber and Janitorial Leads Pro.
Office Cleaning
💲 Estimated pricing: $0.10 – $0.40 per sq ft
Office cleaning is one of the most common and stable commercial cleaning services. It’s usually contracted regularly (daily, weekly, or biweekly).
✔️ Tasks and requirements:
- Emptying trash, dusting desks, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning, and wiping down shared spaces like kitchenettes or break rooms
- May require light restocking (toilet paper, soap, etc.) and attention to electronics or sensitive equipment
⚠️ Risks:
- Generally low risk, but factors like cleaning around high-value equipment, sensitive documents, or during business hours (with staff present) can add liability or require extra care
✏️ Pricing tips:
- Base your rates on frequency, square footage, number of restrooms, and density of desks
- Factor in whether cleaning occurs after-hours or during operating hours
Deep Cleaning
💲 Estimated pricing: $0.15 – $0.20 per sq ft
Deep cleaning tackles the dirt and buildup that regular cleaning doesn’t touch. It’s often scheduled seasonally, quarterly, or ahead of inspections to restore spaces to a higher standard of cleanliness.
✔️ Tasks and requirements:
- High dusting, scrubbing baseboards, cleaning behind appliances and furniture, removing built-up grime, and intensive sanitizing of kitchens and restrooms
- May require special tools, stronger cleaning agents, and more time on-site
⚠️ Risks:
- More physically demanding and time-consuming, increasing the chance of injury, equipment wear, or accidental damage
- Working around heavy appliances or neglected areas can introduce additional hazards
✏️ Pricing tips:
- Price higher than standard cleaning due to the labor and materials involved
- Adjust rates based on the condition of the space
- Remember, the more neglected the space, the higher the rate
Medical Facility Cleaning
💲 Estimated pricing: $0.25 – 0.35 per sq ft
Cleaning healthcare environments like clinics, urgent care centers, and dental offices requires precision, compliance, and a deep understanding of health and safety protocols. These jobs go beyond surface-level cleaning and play a direct role in infection control and patient safety.
✔️ Tasks and requirements:
- Must follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines
- Use hospital-grade disinfectants, perform frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces, sanitize restrooms thoroughly, and properly dispose of biohazards and sharps
⚠️ Risks:
- Higher risk due to increased exposure to pathogens, bodily fluids, and regulated waste raises the risk of liability
- Mistakes can impact patient health or result in non-compliance penalties
✏️ Pricing tips:
- Charge higher rates based on facility type and volume of patient traffic
- Account for cleaning that involves surgical instruments or biohazard handling
Post-Construction Cleaning
💲 Estimated pricing: Varies based on the project
After a construction project wraps up, property developers rely on cleaners to remove dust, debris, paint splatters, and adhesive residue. Post-construction cleaning is typically done in two phases — rough (removing debris, dust, and large materials) and final (detailed cleaning of floors, windows, fixtures, and surfaces).
✔️ Tasks and requirements:
- Includes scraping paint or adhesive, removing stickers, and wiping down walls, cabinetry, and appliances
- May require industrial vacuums, ladders, or specialized tools
⚠️ Risks:
- Higher risk due to hazards like sharp debris, exposed nails, dust inhalation, and slippery surfaces
- Projects may involve tight timelines, unfinished structures, or working at heights, increasing liability, and the need for protective gear
✏️ Pricing tips:
- Charge a premium for multi-story buildings, tight deadlines (e.g., before inspections or handovers), or any job requiring scaffolding or specialty equipment
- When quoting, always factor in personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment wear, and debris disposal
Disinfection and Sanitizing Services
💲 Estimated pricing: $0.25 – 0.35 per sq ft
In a post-pandemic world, disinfection has become a top priority for many businesses, especially schools, gyms, and healthcare offices.
✔️ Tasks and requirements:
- Services include electrostatic spraying, Ultra Low Volume (ULV) fogging, or manual disinfection of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, railings, and shared equipment
- May require the use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved disinfectants, proper dwell times, PPE, and sometimes written documentation or compliance reports for clients
⚠️ Risks:
- Handling strong disinfectants, operating fogging/spraying equipment, and working in sensitive or high-risk environments, such as healthcare or fitness centers
- If protocols aren’t followed precisely, there’s a reputational and legal risk
✏️ Pricing tips:
- Price based on square footage, type of disinfectant used, and whether the building is occupied, which can slow down the process and increase risk
- Be sure to factor in the time and effort required for regulatory documentation or ongoing compliance tracking (if requested)
Carpet Cleaning
💲 Estimated pricing: $0.08 – 0.40 per sq ft
Carpet cleaning is a high-value add-on or standalone service that helps maintain appearance, air quality, and sanitation. It’s often used in offices, medical facilities, and high-traffic commercial spaces.
✔️ Tasks and requirements:
- Services range from hot water extraction to low-moisture encapsulation or steam cleaning
- May include spot treatments, deodorizing, and furniture moving
- Requires the right equipment, proper drying times, and sometimes after-hours scheduling to avoid business disruption
⚠️ Risks:
- Over-wetting, mold growth, or staining sensitive materials if improperly cleaned
- Moving furniture can lead to accidental damage, and pet-related cleaning in veterinary offices may involve additional sanitation challenges
✏️ Pricing tips:
- Adjust rates based on cleaning methods, soil level, square footage, and whether furniture needs to be moved
- Offer tiered packages, such as basic, deep, and premium, to stay competitive
- Upsell specialized treatments like spot removal or odor control
Window Cleaning
💲 Estimated pricing: $2 – 5 per window
Commercial window cleaning removes dirt, smudges, and water spots that make a building look run-down. Clean windows let in more light and make a better impression, especially in places where customers or clients are walking by or coming in.
✔️ Tasks and requirements:
- This involves cleaning interior and exterior windows, as well as sills and tracks when specified
- Depending on window height and access, ladders, lifts, or specialized tools may be required
- Cleaning may also include removing decals or protective films (if needed)
⚠️ Risks:
- Working at height carries the risk of falling injuries or equipment accidents
- Cleaning windows with protective films or decals requires extra care to avoid damage
- High-traffic areas and cleaning around delicate surfaces or furnishings increase the risk of accidental damage
✏️ Pricing tips:
- Rates depend on window accessibility, height, and cleaning method
- High-rise buildings or large storefronts may command premium rates
- Regular contracts with institutions like schools, medical offices, and banks provide more stable revenue and lower rates
Factors That Influence Pricing Commercial Cleaning Jobs
Setting accurate pricing for commercial cleaning services requires more than quoting a flat rate. You must evaluate a combination of operational, environmental, and client-specific variables.
Here’s a breakdown of the most critical factors that directly affect your pricing decisions:
Type of Facility and Industry
The nature of the facility significantly affects:
- The time required to clean the space
- The equipment you’ll need to use
- The types of supplies you’ll have to bring
For example, cleaning a medical office involves strict disinfection protocols, while cleaning a warehouse may include dust, oil stains, and high ceilings.
Price a corporate office differently from a gym, daycare, or restaurant based on industry standards and cleaning expectations.
Facility Size and Layout
Square footage provides the foundation for most commercial cleaning quotes. Larger spaces may allow for more efficient workflows, but they also require more labor hours, supplies, and equipment.
Confirm whether the client wants the entire space cleaned or just select areas. Thanks to volume pricing*, the price per square foot usually decreases slightly as square footage increases.
*Volume pricing means the cost per unit (in this case, per square foot) decreases as the quantity increases. In commercial cleaning, this often results in a lower rate per square foot for larger facilities, since cleaners can work more efficiently at scale.
Frequency of Service
The more often you clean a space, the lower your cost-per-visit, and the more predictable your revenue becomes. Daily or weekly contracts justify volume discounts, while one-time deep cleans or irregular visits should command a premium.
Scope of Work
Break down exactly what the client expects:
- Are you only dusting?
- Is disinfecting involved?
- Will you restock consumables, like toilet paper and hand soap?
To get the most accurate quote, include specific tasks in your estimate, like:
- Trash removal
- Interior window washing
- Floor buffing
- Restroom sanitizing
The more labor-intensive or specialized the task, the more you should charge.
Pro Tip: Create a menu of services for new clients and allow them to select which services they want. They may choose services they hadn’t even considered, allowing you to increase revenue.
Labor and Staffing Needs
Estimate how many cleaners you’ll need and how long the job will take. A small office might only need one cleaner for two hours, while a large commercial building may require a crew of five. Factor in needs like:
- Employee hiring
- Training
- Break times
- Potential delays
Labor costs typically represent the most significant portion of your pricing model, so staff efficiency directly impacts your profitability.
Equipment Costs
Certain jobs require specialized products (e.g., degreasers, eco-friendly cleaners, disinfectants) or equipment like floor scrubbers and High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums.
If you provide your own cleaning supplies, include those costs in your quote. If the client supplies their own materials, adjust your price to reflect the reduced overhead, but double-check product quality to avoid rework.
Location and Accessibility
Always factor logistics and travel time into your pricing, especially for recurring jobs.
Urban locations may involve:
- Parking fees
- Long walking distances from your vehicle to the site
- Security check-ins that slow you down
Remote or suburban locations may involve:
- Higher fuel costs
- Increased drive time
Client Expectations and Custom Requests
Build flexibility into your pricing to account for client-specific needs, while charging appropriately for custom or rush jobs.
Some clients may request additional services like pressure washing, carpet cleaning, or deep cleaning on rotation, while others may have tight deadlines or need services outside of regular business hours.
Tools and Templates to Streamline Your Pricing Process
Building accurate quotes shouldn’t slow down your workflow. The right tools speed up your pricing, help you win more commercial cleaning contracts, and keep your business running smoothly.
Simplify the process using these tools:
Cleaning Business Software
Cleaning business software platforms help you price jobs and schedule crews from a single dashboard. Many include:
- GPS tracking
- Reminders
- Automated client updates
These can help you reduce no-shows and improve efficiency!
Pro Tip: Save time and win more jobs with business software built for cleaning professionals.
Job Pricing Calculators
Job pricing calculators give you a fast, consistent way to generate rates based on:
- Square footage
- Labor time
- Cleaning frequency
- Service type
These tools help you avoid underpricing, and many calculators also allow you to factor in profit margins and supply costs, so you quote competitively while protecting your bottom line.
Use Insurance Canopy’s Pricing Calculator below for free!
Pricing Calculator
Price of Job:
$0.00
Quote Templates
Pre-built quote templates let you deliver fast, professional estimates without starting from scratch every time. You can input service details, pricing, payment terms, and scheduling info to help clients understand exactly what they’re paying for.
Jobber offers customizable quote templates that include:
- Service descriptions
- Line-item pricing
- Branded visuals
Clients can approve quotes online, reducing back-and-forth emails.
Custom Relationship Management (CRM) and Invoicing Tools
CRM systems with invoicing features let you track leads, convert them into jobs, and bill clients automatically. You can also review past quotes to improve future pricing accuracy.
Housecall Pro allows you to automate follow-ups, send recurring invoices for regular cleaning contracts, and keep all client interactions organized.
When and How Should I Update My Commercial Cleaning Pricing?
Review your pricing at least once a year, or sooner if your costs increase, especially for:
- Increased cost of supplies
- Hiring employees
- Additional business expenses, like insurance
- Investments in better equipment
- Professional certifications
- Increased demand for your services
- Higher-value clients or industries
When raising prices, give existing clients advance notice (typically 30 days). Be transparent and explain the value they’re receiving, not just the increase. Frame it around improved service, added capabilities, or rising material costs.
Protect Your Profits With the Right Insurance
Pricing your commercial cleaning services correctly helps you stay competitive and grow your business, but protecting your profit takes more than just smart math. One unexpected accident, damaged property, or legal claim can wipe out months of hard work.
By building the cost of cleaning business insurance into your pricing, you protect your business from financial setbacks without cutting into your margins. It shows clients you run a professional operation and gives you peace of mind while you scale.
Want to protect your cleaning business without overpaying? Get a free cleaning business insurance quote today!
Common Questions About Commercial Cleaning Pricing
What’s the Average Profit Margin for Commercial Cleaning Services?
Most commercial cleaning businesses aim for a profit margin between 10% and 15%, depending on the size of the job, overhead costs, and client type. Margins tend to be higher for specialty services like floor waxing, where pricing can be more competitive.
To protect your margin, keep operating costs low and use efficient scheduling and supply management.
How Do I Deal with Clients Who Ask for Discounts or Want to Negotiate?
Always anchor your pricing in value, not just cost. If a client asks for a discount, clearly explain the service benefits. Emphasize your reliability, insurance coverage, and the specific tasks you handle.
If you want to stay flexible, offer a reduced rate for longer-term contracts or bundle services (e.g., include carpet cleaning with regular janitorial). Avoid deep discounts that undercut your margins.
Should I Include the Cost of Insurance in My Price?
Include the cost of insurance in your overhead so you’re not absorbing it out of pocket. Clients also view insured businesses as more credible, which can justify higher rates.
