Quick answer: Commercial janitorial services typically include daily tasks like emptying garbage and recycling, cleaning washrooms, restocking supplies, vacuuming and mopping, and wiping high-touch surfaces; weekly tasks like dusting, detailed kitchen cleaning and spot cleaning walls and glass; and periodic tasks like carpet cleaning, floor refinishing and high dusting. What’s included varies by contract, so property owners should get a written scope that lists each task and its frequency.
“Janitorial services” can mean very different things depending on who’s quoting. One contractor’s price might include restocking and kitchen cleaning; another’s might not. This breakdown helps commercial property owners understand what’s normally covered so quotes can be compared fairly and gaps don’t show up after the contract is signed.
Daily Tasks (Nightly or Each Service Visit)
Washrooms
- Clean and disinfect toilets, urinals, sinks and counters
- Clean mirrors and fixtures
- Restock paper products and soap
- Empty sanitary and waste bins
- Mop floors with disinfectant
Offices and workspaces
- Empty garbage, recycling and compost
- Vacuum carpeted traffic areas
- Sweep and damp mop hard floors
- Wipe clear desk surfaces and high-touch points
Kitchens and break rooms
- Clean counters, sinks and tables
- Wipe appliance exteriors
- Empty waste and recycling
- Mop floors
Entrances and common areas
- Clean entrance glass and door handles
- Vacuum or mop lobbies
- Wipe elevator buttons, rails and interiors
Weekly Tasks
- Dust reachable surfaces: ledges, sills, partitions, furniture
- Detailed vacuuming of edges, corners and under desks
- Spot clean walls, doors and switch plates
- Clean interior glass partitions
- Clean inside microwaves; wipe fridge exteriors
- Descale washroom fixtures as needed
Monthly and Quarterly Tasks
- High dusting: vents, light fixtures, tops of cabinets
- Baseboard cleaning
- Upholstery vacuuming
- Interim carpet cleaning in traffic lanes
- Machine scrubbing of hard floors
Periodic or Project Work (Often Quoted Separately)
- Deep carpet cleaning (hot water extraction)
- Strip and refinish of hard floors
- Exterior window cleaning
- Post-construction or move-in cleaning
- Power washing of entrances and exterior areas
Ask whether these are included, priced as add-ons or excluded. This is where most surprises come from.
What’s Usually Not Included
- Cleaning of cluttered desks or personal items
- Dishwashing (unless agreed)
- Moving heavy furniture
- Biohazard cleanup
- Supplies, unless the contract says the contractor provides them
Questions to Ask When Comparing Quotes
- Who supplies consumables like paper and soap, and how is it billed?
- What products are used, and are they eco-friendly?
- How is quality checked: supervisor inspections, checklists, reporting tools?
- How are issues reported and resolved?
- Are staff trained and covered by WorkSafeBC and insurance?
- What happens if a cleaner is sick or a visit is missed?
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should an office be cleaned?
Busy offices typically need nightly service. Smaller or lower-traffic offices may do well with two or three visits a week.
Are supplies included in janitorial pricing?
Sometimes. Some contracts include consumables; others bill them separately. Clarify this in writing.
Can the scope change over time?
It should. A good contractor reviews the scope as occupancy and use change.
How do I know the work is being done?
Ask for checklists, supervisor inspections and a reporting tool. Some contractors provide photo updates through an app.
Clear Scope, Consistent Results
EcoPlanet Property Services provides commercial janitorial services across Greater Vancouver with detailed checklists, supervisor inspections and real-time reporting through the SWEPT app. Request a free quote or call 604-565-5238.
Commercial Janitorial Services in Vancouver: What’s Included
commercial-janitorial-services-included
What should a commercial janitorial contract actually cover? A line-by-line breakdown of daily, weekly and periodic tasks for Vancouver buildings.
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