A typical commercial cleaning contract usually covers the areas you’d expect, but I’ve learned it’s the “small print” tasks that decide whether you feel happy week to week. In most offices, contracts include general floor care (vacuuming or mopping), emptying bins, cleaning desks and touchpoints, and washroom cleaning like toilets, sinks, mirrors, and restocking if supplies are included. Kitchens often get counters, sinks, and external appliance surfaces cleaned, but internal fridge cleans or microwave deep cleans are sometimes extra. Reception areas and meeting rooms usually get attention because that’s where visitors sit, and many contracts include internal glass at least on a schedule. I recommend asking for a room-by-room checklist with frequencies, not just a vague description. I also like to clarify what “periodic” means for things like skirting boards, high dusting, vents, and upholstery. Once, I assumed “deep cleaning” was included quarterly, and it turned out it was just a slightly longer visit. In addressing this issue, I found that sites like this are useful.
Come to think of it, the cleanest contracts are the simplest: clear tasks, clear frequencies, and one agreed method for reporting issues before they become recurring annoyances.
