When it comes to keeping spaces clean and healthy, professional cleaning services are a smart choice. But not all cleaning jobs are the same. Depending on whether you’re maintaining a home or a business property, the type of cleaning service you need will vary. Understanding the key differences between residential and commercial cleaning services can help you choose the right one for your specific needs.
Purpose and Setting
Residential cleaning is designed for private living spaces—houses, apartments, condos, and vacation homes. These services focus on making your home feel clean, comfortable, and welcoming.
Commercial cleaning, on the other hand, is aimed at businesses, offices, warehouses, medical facilities, schools, and retail stores. The goal here is to maintain a professional, sanitary environment for employees, clients, and visitors.
Scope of Work
Residential cleaning typically includes:
Dusting furniture and shelves
Vacuuming carpets and mopping floors
Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens
Making beds and wiping surfaces
Occasional deep cleans (like ovens or baseboards)
Commercial cleaning can be more complex and includes:
Sanitizing high-touch areas like doorknobs, desks, and shared equipment
Cleaning large floor spaces (tile, concrete, carpeted offices)
Window cleaning (often including high windows)
Restroom restocking and sanitizing
Trash collection and disposal
Industrial cleaning (if in warehouses or factories)
Equipment and Products
Residential cleaners usually use basic supplies and consumer-grade equipment like vacuums, microfiber cloths, and household disinfectants. You might even supply your own products based on personal preferences.
Commercial cleaners often use heavy-duty equipment—industrial vacuums, floor polishers, pressure washers, and EPA-approved disinfectants—especially in spaces that require strict hygiene, like hospitals or food service areas.
Schedule and Frequency
Residential cleaning is often scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on the homeowner’s preferences. Some people also book one-time deep cleans for move-ins, move-outs, or special occasions.
Commercial cleaning usually runs on a set routine, often daily or nightly, especially in places like offices or restaurants that must stay clean at all times. Some businesses may even require 24/7 janitorial services.
Staff Training and Certification
Residential cleaners may not need formal training, though reputable companies train staff in safety and effective techniques.
Commercial cleaners often undergo specialized training, especially when cleaning sensitive environments like medical clinics or industrial buildings. Certifications in chemical handling or OSHA compliance may be required.
Pricing Models
Residential cleaning is usually priced by the hour, per room, or by the size of the home. Rates vary based on location and service complexity.
Commercial cleaning is typically priced per square foot, per job, or based on a long-term contract. Since businesses often need larger-scale and more frequent services, commercial pricing reflects that.