What Expense Is Office Cleaning? Average Costs and What You Pay For

Office cleaning isn’t just about wiping down desks or emptying trash cans. It’s a full-service operation that keeps your workplace healthy, professional, and productive. But how much does it actually cost? The answer isn’t one number-it depends on size, frequency, location, and what exactly needs cleaning.

What’s Included in Office Cleaning?

Most commercial cleaning services don’t just sweep floors. A typical office cleaning package includes:

• Dusting all surfaces: desks, shelves, blinds, and electronics
• Vacuuming and mopping all floor types-carpet, tile, hardwood
• Emptying and sanitizing trash bins and recycling containers
• Cleaning restrooms: toilets, sinks, mirrors, floors, and refilling supplies
• Sanitizing high-touch areas: door handles, light switches, elevator buttons
• Wiping down kitchen areas: microwaves, refrigerators, coffee machines
• Window cleaning (interior only) on ground-floor or accessible windows

Some companies offer add-ons: deep carpet cleaning, pressure washing entryways, or disinfecting with hospital-grade products. These cost extra but are worth it in high-traffic or healthcare-adjacent offices.

How Much Does Office Cleaning Cost?

The national average for office cleaning in 2026 ranges from $150 to $600 per visit, depending on the size of the space. Here’s a clearer breakdown:

These prices assume standard cleaning. If you need daily deep cleaning, after-hours service, or specialized disinfection (like during flu season), expect to pay 20-40% more.

What Drives the Cost Up?

Not all offices are created equal. Here are the top five factors that bump up your cleaning bill:

1. Location - Cleaning in New York City or San Francisco costs 30-50% more than in midwestern cities due to higher labor and living costs.
2. Frequency - Cleaning once a week is cheaper per visit than daily service. But daily cleaning often ends up costing less over time because messes don’t build up.
3. Number of restrooms - Each additional restroom adds $25-$50 per visit. A 10-person office with one bathroom costs less than a 50-person office with three.
4. Special materials - Hardwood floors need different care than tile. Carpeted areas require steam cleaning every 3-6 months, which adds $100-$200 per session.
5. After-hours cleaning - If your team works 9-to-5 and you need cleaning done after hours, expect a 15-25% surcharge for night or weekend shifts.

Do You Need a Contract?

Most reputable cleaning companies require a 6- to 12-month contract. This locks in your rate and ensures consistent service. Some even offer discounts for long-term agreements-up to 15% off if you sign for a year.

Be careful of companies that don’t use contracts. They might offer a low initial price, then raise it after a few months or disappear without notice. Always ask for a written service agreement that lists exactly what’s included.

DIY vs. Hiring Professionals

Can you save money by cleaning your own office? Maybe-but not always.

Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees might manage weekly cleaning with one staff member. But here’s what gets overlooked:

• Time cost - One hour of cleaning per week means 52 hours a year spent on cleaning instead of work.
• Equipment cost - A commercial vacuum, microfiber cloths, and professional-grade disinfectants cost $800-$1,200 upfront.
• Health risks - Improper cleaning can spread germs. A 2024 study by the CDC found that 68% of offices with DIY cleaning had higher levels of airborne bacteria than those with professional services.
• Liability - If a cleaning employee slips and falls in your office, your insurance may cover it. If your employee does it, you’re on the hook.

For most businesses, hiring pros saves more than it costs-especially when you factor in productivity, safety, and peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Service

Not all cleaning companies are equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Insurance - Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Background checks - Staff should be vetted. Ask if they do criminal background checks.
• Training - Do they train staff on proper sanitation methods? Ask about OSHA or ISSA certifications.
• References - Request 2-3 local business references. Call them.
• Green cleaning options - If you care about sustainability, ask if they use EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal-certified products.

Get at least three quotes. Don’t just pick the cheapest. Look for the one that explains exactly what they’ll do-and why.

What You Can Do to Lower Costs

You don’t have to pay full price. Here are five ways to reduce your cleaning bill:

1. Keep clutter low - Fewer items on desks = faster dusting = lower labor time.
2. Use trash liners - Prevents sticky messes and reduces cleaning time in bins.
3. Train staff to clean up after themselves - A quick wipe-down after coffee breaks cuts cleaning time by 20%.
4. Combine services - Some companies offer discounted bundles: cleaning + window wiping + carpet spot treatment.
5. Schedule smart - Avoid peak seasons (like January after the holidays) when prices rise due to high demand.

Final Thought: Is It Worth It?

Yes. Office cleaning isn’t an expense-it’s an investment. A clean workspace improves air quality, reduces sick days, and makes clients feel more confident in your business. Studies show employees in clean offices are 15% more productive and 30% more likely to stay with the company.

Don’t treat cleaning as a line item to cut. Treat it like your HVAC system: you don’t skip maintenance because it costs money. You do it because skipping it costs more in the long run.

If you’re running a small business, the monthly cost of office cleaning might seem high. But when you consider how much time, health, and reputation it protects, it’s one of the smartest expenses you’ll make this year.