Commercial cleaning is one of those business expenses that's easy to underprioritise — until you start losing clients, staff complain about the bathrooms, or you fail a council inspection. Here's a practical guide to setting up commercial cleaning for your Melbourne business.
How Commercial Cleaning Contracts Work
Unlike residential cleaning (which is often ad hoc), commercial cleaning is typically set up on a contract basis — weekly, nightly, or on a custom schedule that matches your business operations. Here's how the process works:
- Site assessment: A reputable cleaning company will visit your premises before quoting to understand the scope, access requirements, and any specific areas of concern.
- Customised quote: You receive a written quote specifying exactly what's included, how often, and at what price — per clean or per month.
- Contract and start date: Most commercial cleaning arrangements involve a rolling contract with 30 days notice for either party, or a fixed-term agreement for larger premises.
- Regular communication: A good cleaning company assigns you a direct contact — not a call centre — who can respond to issues quickly.
What Commercial Cleaning Typically Includes
Daily / Nightly (for high-traffic premises)
- Vacuuming and mopping all floor areas
- Bathroom clean and restock (toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels)
- Kitchen wipe-down, dishwasher loaded/unloaded
- Bins emptied and relined
- Reception and entrance glass wiped
- High-touch surfaces disinfected (door handles, lift buttons, shared equipment)
Weekly (standard frequency for most offices)
- Desks and workstations wiped
- Meeting rooms fully cleaned including whiteboard ledges and chair bases
- Window sills, ledges, and skirting boards dusted
- Kitchen deep clean including fridge interior
- Stairwells and common areas
Monthly or Periodic
- Carpet deep clean or hard floor machine scrub
- Window exterior cleaning (where accessible)
- Air conditioning vent cleaning
- Light fitting dust
After-Hours Cleaning: Why It Matters
Most Melbourne businesses prefer after-hours cleaning — typically between 6pm and 10pm — for several reasons:
- No disruption to staff during business hours
- Cleaners have full access to desks and work areas
- Fresh, clean workspace for the morning shift
- No noise from vacuuming during meetings or calls
After-hours cleaning requires trust: your cleaning company needs to hold keys or access codes and have police-checked staff. This is non-negotiable for commercial clients — always confirm before signing a contract.
Pricing: What You Should Expect to Pay
Commercial cleaning pricing in Melbourne varies significantly based on premises size, frequency, and scope. As a rough guide:
- Small office (under 200sqm), weekly: $150–$300 per clean
- Medium office (200–500sqm), 2–3x weekly: $300–$600 per visit
- Retail or hospitality (daily): Varies significantly by scope
Be wary of quotes that seem significantly lower than market rates — they often reflect corners cut on insurance, police checks, or staff quality.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
- Are all staff police-checked and covered by public liability insurance?
- Who is my direct contact if I have an issue?
- What's the process if something is missed?
- Do you use eco-certified products? (Increasingly required for sustainability reporting)
- What's the notice period on the contract?
Central Sea Cleaning provides commercial cleaning across Melbourne CBD and Metro suburbs. We handle everything from boutique offices to multi-level commercial premises. Contact us for a free site assessment and tailored quote: 0404 378 911 or info@cscleaners.com.au.