What is office cleaning?

Office cleaning is a subset of commercial cleaning that specifically focuses on corporate and administrative spaces. Think cubicles, meeting rooms, reception areas, staff kitchens, and shared bathrooms.

Tasks typically include:

• Vacuuming and mopping floors
• Emptying bins and recycling
• Dusting desks and shelving
• Wiping down phones, keyboards, and high-touch surfaces
• Cleaning toilets, sinks, and kitchenettes
• Restocking paper towels, soap, and toilet rolls

These services are usually scheduled daily or several times per week, often after business hours to avoid disruption.

What is commercial cleaning?

Commercial cleaning is a broader category that includes office cleaning—but also extends to other industries and spaces with more complex needs. These might include:

• Schools and universities
• Retail outlets and shopping centres
• Hospitals and medical clinics
• Factories and warehouses
• Hotels and hospitality venues
• Gyms and fitness studios

Commercial cleaning requires teams who can adapt to varied environments, follow specific compliance protocols, and often use specialised equipment or chemicals.

How do they differ?

Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown:

FeatureOffice CleaningCommercial CleaningEnvironmentDesks, offices, boardroomsOffices + hospitals, schools, factories etc.ComplexityLow to moderateVaries widely (some highly technical)Skills requiredGeneral cleaning knowledgeWHS, infection control, equipment trainingEquipmentStandard vacuums, mops, clothsMay include scrubbers, pressure washersCleaning productsBasic disinfectants and spraysIndustrial-grade, food-safe, or TGA-listed

Office cleaning tends to be predictable and routine, whereas commercial cleaning can involve everything from clinical sanitisation to post-construction cleanups.

Can the same provider handle both?

Absolutely—and many do. In fact, the most reliable commercial cleaning services can scale their offering from basic office upkeep to complex, site-specific cleaning solutions across industries.

If you’re running a business with diverse needs—say, office space attached to a manufacturing area—it’s smart to partner with a team that understands both sides of the job.

FAQs

Is commercial cleaning more expensive than office cleaning?

Not necessarily. It depends on the job complexity, frequency, and location. Office cleaning is often more straightforward and thus slightly cheaper.

Do office cleaners need special training?

Basic WHS knowledge is important, but high-level certifications are usually reserved for medical or industrial cleaning.

Can one cleaning contract cover both services?

Yes. Many companies offer bundled packages that include office cleaning as part of broader commercial service agreements.

Final thoughts

So, is commercial cleaning the same as office cleaning? Not quite—office cleaning is just one slice of the commercial pie. If you only need desks dusted and bins emptied, standard office cleaning will do the trick. But if you’re managing a larger or more complex facility, commercial cleaning is the more comprehensive solution.

Either way, teaming up with expert commercial cleaning services ensures your space stays spotless, compliant, and ready for whatever the workday throws at it.