One of the biggest misconceptions about office cleaning is that every cleaning company includes the same service.
They don’t.
Most office cleaning companies cover the same day-to-day cleaning tasks, but the final scope of work depends on your workplace, how it’s used and the cleaning schedule you’ve agreed on. That’s why two businesses can receive different office cleaning services, even if their offices are a similar size.
Understanding what’s included helps you know what to expect before the service starts. It also makes it easier to compare cleaning proposals, ask the right questions and avoid assumptions about what’s covered.
In this article, you’ll learn what a standard office cleaning service usually includes, which tasks are often treated as additional services and why every workplace has slightly different cleaning requirements.
Why There’s No Standard Office Cleaning Checklist
Many business owners expect every office cleaning company to follow the same checklist.
In reality, there isn’t a universal standard.
Most commercial cleaning companies tailor their service to the workplace they’re cleaning. A small office with ten employees won’t have the same cleaning requirements as a busy office with 100 staff, even if both occupy a similar amount of floor space.
The way an office is used also matters. A workplace with regular client meetings may need more attention in reception areas and meeting rooms, while an office with a large team may require more frequent cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms and shared spaces.
That’s why professional cleaning companies prepare a Scope of Works instead of relying on a standard office cleaning checklist. It outlines the areas to be cleaned, the tasks to be completed and how often each task will be carried out based on your workplace.
Once you recognize that every office has different cleaning requirements, it becomes much easier to see what’s typically included and why one cleaning schedule may differ from another.
What Does a Standard Office Cleaning Service Include?
Most office cleaning services cover the same core tasks. The difference is usually how often they’re completed, not whether they’re included.
Some tasks are done every visit because they keep the office clean and presentable day to day. Others only need attention once a week or as part of a scheduled maintenance program.
Here’s what you can typically expect.
Tasks Completed During Every Visit
These are the jobs that keep your workplace clean from one business day to the next.
A standard office clean will usually include:
- Emptying rubbish and recycling bins
- Vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors
- Cleaning and sanitising bathrooms
- Wiping kitchen benches, sinks and shared surfaces
- Cleaning reception areas and common spaces
- Removing fingerprints from frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles and light switches
These areas receive the most daily use, so they’re normally cleaned during every scheduled visit.
Tasks Often Completed Weekly
Not every cleaning task needs to be done every time your office is cleaned.
Some jobs are completed weekly because they stay cleaner for longer or simply don’t require daily attention.
These may include:
- Detailed dusting of desks, shelves and office furniture
- Spot cleaning internal glass and partitions
- Removing marks from walls and doors
- Wiping skirting boards and window sills
Cleaning low-level vents and other accessible fixtures
The exact schedule depends on how your office is used and how quickly these areas become dirty.
Periodic Cleaning Tasks
Some cleaning work is carried out less frequently as part of ongoing maintenance rather than the regular cleaning schedule.
Examples include:
- High dusting above normal reach
- Deep carpet cleaning
- Floor polishing or strip and seal
- Internal window cleaning
- Deep kitchen or bathroom cleans
These services help maintain the overall condition of your workplace but usually require additional time, equipment or planning.
Every Workplace Is Different
Think of the list above as a guide rather than a fixed checklist.
For example, a small office with six employees may only need cleaning twice a week, while a busy office with 60 staff and regular client visits may require daily cleaning and more frequent attention to kitchens, bathrooms and shared spaces.
That’s why a professional cleaning company builds the office cleaning schedule around your workplace instead of following the same checklist for every client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you clean after hours?
Yes. Many businesses prefer after-hours cleaning because it allows staff to work without interruption. Evening cleaning is common for offices, while weekend or public holiday cleaning can usually be arranged if your business needs it.
How often should my office be cleaned?
It depends on how many people use your office and how quickly it gets dirty. A small office may only need cleaning a few times a week, while larger or busier workplaces often benefit from daily cleaning. If you’re unsure which frequency is right for your workplace, read our guide to choosing an office cleaning schedule.
Can I choose what’s included?
Yes. Most office cleaning services are customized to suit each workplace. You can discuss the areas you want cleaned, how often they’re cleaned and any additional services you may need before the cleaning schedule begins.
What happens on the first clean?
The first visit usually follows the agreed Scope of Works. Our cleaning team will clean the areas included in your schedule and make sure everything is completed as planned. If anything needs adjusting, it can be discussed after the first service.
Do I need to prepare for the office?
Usually, very little preparation is needed. Keeping desks reasonably clear and making sure cleaners have access to the required areas helps the service run smoothly. Our cleaning team will let you know if anything else needs to be arranged.