While the definition of a janitorial business can vary by location, it is a type of commercial cleaning company that encompasses a variety of cleaning tasks¹ in professional office environments. These places include medical facilities, financial institutions, factory offices, and so on. The most common names used for these types of service providers are cleaners, janitors, and custodians.
The extent of the janitorial services you may need depends on your workspace. A medical facility, for instance, may have different requirements than a typical office. You should hire a cleaning service that either specializes in cleaning offices like yours or is flexible enough to tailor its cleaning methods to your needs.
Everything You Need to Know About Janitorial Services
There are several reasons to employ a reputable cleaning company to perform your janitorial service, particularly if you are a busy manager or business owner. However, before choosing a business cleaning service, it is crucial that you understand a number of things about janitorial businesses.
The Difference Between Janitorial and Commercial Cleaning Services
Janitorial Services
When scheduling a business cleaning service, you’re likely to come across the terms commercial cleaning service and janitorial service. While these terms may be used interchangeably by some businesses, there are key differences between the two that you should be aware of.
Janitorial services examples include housekeeping and general maintenance, depending on the agency you employ. Janitors do daily cleaning activities and maintain a consistent degree of cleanliness in your office or commercial area as part of this service.
Some businesses may also specialize in providing services to specific industries. Others may specialize in medical center cleaning, while others may concentrate on pre and post-construction cleaning. Finally, some cleaning businesses may provide one-time cleanings, whilst others may offer an ongoing program for regular upkeep.
Commercial Cleaning Services
When it comes to cleaning services, these are typically more thorough and demanding than janitorial services, as commercial cleaners typically handle more difficult responsibilities and heavy-duty cleaning activities. Deep carpet cleaning and hard-surface floor cleaning are two examples. Since these duties are usually only performed occasionally, business owners and managers save this service for special events or semi-annual routine cleanings.
What Are the Duties of a Janitor?
A janitor is in charge of a variety of daily cleaning activities. Here are some of the tasks you can expect your janitor to perform:
- Sweeping floors
- Garbage collection and can emptying
- Vaccuming carpets
- Window cleaning
- Dusting
- Cleaning toilets
- Restocking toiletries
- Disinfecting high traffic areas
However, it’s generally recommended to hire a cleaning service on occasion that can take care of more labor-intensive jobs. These may include a deep cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, floor scrubbing, and carpet cleaning.
Hiring In-House Vs. Outsourcing Janitorial Cleaning Services
Some businesses have an in-house cleaning staff to maintain a sanitary office. However, there are those who either don’t have the funds to do so or would rather contract the task out to an outside company. Although the terms are commonly used interchangeably, “janitorial cleaning services” and “commercial cleaning services” refer to distinct but related services.
Understanding the distinction between these two types of cleaning services can help you make an informed decision when selecting a company to maintain your office or commercial facility. Janitorial cleaning services comprise daily cleaning duties, whereas commercial cleaning services entail larger tasks that need to be performed less frequently.
Types of Building Maintenance Services
Education Facility Cleaning Services
A clean, sanitary environment is essential for every educational institution, whether it be a daycare or a university. There is a high risk of bacteria spreading in commercial buildings due to the high volume of people touching doorknobs and the dirt brought in on people’s shoes. Professional janitorial services are essential to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students and teachers
Medical and Health Care Cleaning Services
Medical clinics and hospitals can be found in virtually any community, making treatment and preventive care easily accessible to anyone who needs it. Medical cleaning services prioritize patient safety² by maintaining a germ-free environment free from cross-contamination and other potential sources of infection. Medical and healthcare facility cleaning is a specialty that requires specialized janitorial staff and janitorial supplies.
Industrial Cleaning Services
Industrial cleaning is a specialized service that typically necessitates a site visit to determine the exact cleaning needs of the organization. A customized approach can include machines, equipment, and even thorough top-to-bottom cleaning. Maintenance and other building management services may also be provided to fulfill all property maintenance needs.
Construction Cleaning Services
Another area of expertise is construction cleaning, which includes “rough” cleaning after framing, electricity, and plumbing have been completed and inspected. Construction cleaning is performed before and/or after the installation of sheetrock to prepare the space for final touches such as the installation of systems furnishings, machinery, painting, flooring, lighting, and more. Once all repair has been completed, a final cleaning can be performed.
Commercial Janitorial Services for Your Business
Daily Janitorial Work
A commercial cleaning service should be able to handle your routine janitorial cleaning tasks and maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of your business on a consistent basis. Janitorial services are important to maintain the professional, clean, and well-kept appearance of small and large enterprises. With constant janitorial services, your business will always look its best and be presentable for customers, clients, and business partners.
How often should a workplace be disinfected? Find out here.
Move-in and Move-out Cleaning
Let’s be honest: moving is a hassle for everyone. Trying to clean the dust and dirt that have gathered over the years may become a headache when transferring offices due to the sheer volume of equipment and staff items. If you’re moving out of or into a commercial facility, you can rest assured that it will be left clean and in pristine condition thanks to the move-in/move-out cleaning services.
Floor Maintenance
Cleaning the floor takes a lot more than a quick sweep if you want to make a good first impression on your business. The importance of clean, well-maintained floors to clients is universal; therefore, you should also consider floor maintenance when selecting a commercial cleaning service.
Bottom Line
When looking for the top commercial cleaning services, keep in mind whether they can tailor to your cleaning requirements and needs. Experienced cleaners can advise you on the range of work and how often your individual workspace needs to be cleaned.
Get in touch with us right away to talk about the specific commercial cleaning service needs of your company. We can’t wait to get started and show you what a difference a truly professional cleaning service makes in your life.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Janitors and Building Cleaners – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm
- American Journal of Infection CoOntrol, Margaret Quinn – https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553%2815%2900075-9/pdf