Understand cleaning prices to get the best value from your cleaning contractor

Every office has different cleaning needs, from the size of the area to be cleaned to the actual services provided. So what should you look for when trying to get the best possible job at the best possible price?

Size matters

"Most cleaners operate on a fee-for-service basis, but there are some broad pricing guidelines you should keep in mind," says John Laws, Executive Director of the Australian Cleaning Contractors' Association.

"A one-off clean for a very small office should cost around $30. That price goes up with the size of the office. But there is more variety in pricing for large office and high-rise cleaning," says John.

General cleaning prices

A full service clean will average between $16 and $22 per metre per annum. For that price your agreement may include premium items like carpets, floor polishing, windows and sanitary disposal for an entire building over an agreed period.

For the cleaning of tenancy areas – that is, a single floor or part of a floor – the pricing should be between $8.50 and $12 per square metre. These rates include common areas, bathrooms, kitchens and fire stairs.

Basic or full service?

The difference between the $8.50 and $12 clean is the level of service. The less expensive option is a general clean, including bathrooms, toilets and common areas. The $12 option is a "gold standard" clean and might involve taking cups from desks and washing dishes.

If your staff are happy to pitch in and clean up their own dishes, you might be able to save some money and get away with the basic level of service. Having cleaners work outside office hours also works out cheaper, as they can get the job done faster without staff in the way.

The cleaning cost areas

Overall, your per-metre cleaning rate depends on four things. Keep these in mind when asking a cleaning contractor for a quote:

• How often cleaners will be on site
• The level of service they will deliver
• The length of the service agreement
• The size of the job

Best value – one off or ongoing?

"The best value is undoubtedly found in an ongoing cleaning agreement," says John.

"That's because you provide space for the contractor to leave his equipment. He knows he's got the security of the continuing job, which gives him security of employment for his workers."

In contrast, one-off cleaning prices will be higher, as the contractor will have to move equipment in and out and will need to dedicate more time to quoting and organising. In the long run, though, if your business is only after the occasional clean, a casual arrangement will be best.

Get a quote today

Contract cleaners will quote for free and will quote quickly. Get on the phone today to find a cleaner who will save you money with a service tailored specifically for your business size, type and budget.