An office cleaning business costs $2,000 to $10,000 to start. Most contracts pay $500 to $5,000 per month. This guide covers equipment, pricing, contracts, finding clients, and building a profitable office cleaning company.
What Is an Office Cleaning Business?
An office cleaning business keeps workplaces clean. You clean desks, floors, restrooms, and common areas in commercial buildings.
Most office cleaners work after business hours. This means you clean in the evenings or on weekends. Offices are empty, so you can work fast.
Office cleaning is a type of commercial cleaning. It focuses on office buildings, not factories or hospitals.
Why Is Office Cleaning a Profitable Business?
Office cleaning offers steady, recurring income. Most clients sign monthly contracts. You get paid the same amount each month.
Recurring Contracts
Offices need cleaning every week. Most sign contracts for 12 months or longer. This gives you predictable cash flow.
One contract can bring in $500 to $5,000 per month. Five contracts can build a full-time income.
After-Hours Work
You clean when offices are closed. This means evenings and weekends. You can start part-time while keeping your day job.
Low Competition for Small Offices
Big cleaning companies focus on large buildings. Small offices with 5 to 20 employees often need cleaners. This is your opportunity.
Easy to Scale
Start by cleaning offices yourself. As you add contracts, hire a team. You can grow from solo cleaner to business owner.
Not sure which path to take? Read our guide on residential vs. commercial cleaning to compare both options.
What Equipment and Supplies Do You Need?
Office cleaning needs specific tools and supplies. Here is what to buy and how much it costs.
Essential Equipment
- Commercial upright vacuum — cleans carpets and hard floors fast
- Backpack vacuum — lighter and faster for large spaces
- Mop and bucket system — flat mops work best for office floors
- Floor buffer or scrubber — for hard floor maintenance
- Trash cart on wheels — saves trips to the dumpster
- Microfiber cloths and dusters — clean surfaces without chemicals
- Spray bottles and caddy — organize your cleaning supplies
Restroom Supplies
- Toilet bowl cleaner and brush — needed for every restroom
- Disinfectant spray or wipes — kills germs on high-touch surfaces
- Glass cleaner — for mirrors and glass doors
- Paper towels and toilet paper — some clients want you to restock
- Trash bags in all sizes — small for offices, large for kitchens
Startup Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial vacuum | $200 to $600 |
| Backpack vacuum | $250 to $500 |
| Mop and bucket system | $50 to $150 |
| Floor buffer or scrubber | $300 to $2,000 |
| Cleaning chemicals and supplies | $100 to $300 |
| Microfiber cloths and tools | $50 to $100 |
| Trash cart and bags | $75 to $200 |
| Business license and insurance | $500 to $2,000 |
| Marketing and website | $200 to $1,000 |
| Total Startup Cost | $1,725 to $6,850 |
How Do You Price Office Cleaning Services?
There are three common ways to price office cleaning. Choose the method that works best for your market.
Price Per Square Foot
Charge $0.05 to $0.20 per square foot per visit. This works well for large offices. It makes pricing simple and fair.
Price Per Office
Charge a flat rate per cleaning visit. Small offices pay $75 to $150 per visit. Larger offices pay $200 to $500 per visit.
Monthly Contract Pricing
Most clients prefer a monthly price. This covers a set number of cleanings per month. Monthly pricing keeps your income steady.
Pricing by Office Size
| Office Size | Cleanings Per Week | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2,000 square feet | 2 to 3 | $400 to $800 |
| 2,000 to 5,000 square feet | 3 to 5 | $800 to $1,500 |
| 5,000 to 10,000 square feet | 5 | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Over 10,000 square feet | 5 to 7 | $3,000 to $5,000+ |
What to Include in Your Price
- Labor costs — pay yourself or your team fairly
- Supply costs — cleaning chemicals, trash bags, and restroom supplies
- Travel time — driving between offices cuts into your profit
- Insurance costs — factor in your monthly insurance payment
- Profit margin — aim for 10 to 30 percent profit after all costs
Use our price calculator to set the right rate for each job.
How Do You Find Office Cleaning Clients?
Finding clients takes effort, but many methods work well. Use several of these strategies at once.
Cold Calling and Door Knocking
Visit office parks and business districts. Walk in and ask to speak with the office manager. Leave a business card and flyer.
Call small businesses directly. Introduce yourself and ask about their cleaning needs.
Network With Property Managers
Property managers oversee many office buildings. They know which tenants need cleaning. Build relationships with them.
Offer a referral fee for each new client they send you.
Online Business Listings
List your business on Google Business Profile. Also list on Yelp, Thumbtack, and Angi. These sites bring in leads.
Bid Sites and Requests for Proposals
Many companies post cleaning jobs on bid sites. Check sites like CleanGig and MyCleaningBids. You submit a proposal and compete for the job.
Learn how to write winning bids in our guide on how to bid on commercial cleaning jobs.
Join Local Business Groups
Join your local chamber of commerce. Attend networking events and meetups. Tell everyone what you do.
Ask for Referrals
Happy clients are your best salespeople. Ask them to refer you to other businesses. Offer a discount for each referral.
Want more client strategies? Read our guide on how to get cleaning contracts.
How Do You Write an Office Cleaning Proposal?
A good proposal wins contracts. Keep it simple and professional. Cover these key sections.
Scope of Work
List every task you will perform. Be specific about what you clean. Name each room or area you will service.
Cleaning Frequency
State how often you will clean. Common options are two, three, or five times per week. Include the days and times.
Pricing and Payment Terms
Show your monthly rate clearly. State when payment is due. Most office cleaners bill on the first of each month.
Insurance and Bonding Proof
Include a copy of your insurance certificate. Show your general liability coverage amount. Most clients want at least $1 million in coverage.
Contract Length
Offer a 12-month contract with a 30-day cancellation clause. This protects both you and the client. It also gives you income stability.
What Does an Office Cleaning Checklist Include?
A detailed checklist keeps your work consistent. It also shows clients exactly what they get.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
- Empty all trash cans — replace liners as needed
- Vacuum all carpeted areas — focus on high-traffic zones
- Mop hard floors — use a damp mop for best results
- Wipe down desks and tables — remove dust and crumbs
- Clean and disinfect restrooms — toilets, sinks, mirrors, and floors
- Restock restroom supplies — paper towels, soap, and toilet paper
- Wipe kitchen counters and sink — clean the microwave inside and out
- Spot-clean glass doors and windows — remove fingerprints and smudges
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
- Dust all surfaces — shelves, window sills, and baseboards
- Clean elevator doors and buttons — if the building has one
- Wipe light switches and door handles — high-touch germ spots
- Vacuum upholstered furniture — lobby chairs and break room couches
- Clean inside the refrigerator — toss expired items if allowed
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
- Deep clean carpets — use a carpet extractor or hire a specialist
- Strip and wax hard floors — restores shine and protects the surface
- Clean air vents and returns — removes dust buildup
- Wash interior windows — inside glass only, unless contracted otherwise
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures — often missed but very visible
How Do You Hire and Train Office Cleaning Staff?
As you grow, you will need a team. Hire the right people and train them well.
Where to Find Cleaners
- Indeed and job boards — post clear job descriptions with pay range
- Word of mouth — ask your current team for referrals
- Local community boards — churches, libraries, and community centers
- Staffing agencies — they screen workers for you
What to Look For
Hire people who are reliable and detail-focused. Past cleaning experience is a plus but not required. A strong work ethic matters most.
Run a background check on every hire. Clients trust you with their office keys.
Training Your Team
Train every new hire in person. Walk through the cleaning checklist step by step. Show them exactly how you want each task done.
Create a written training guide with photos. This keeps quality consistent across your team.
Pay and Scheduling
Office cleaners earn $12 to $20 per hour in most areas. Pay above average to keep your best workers. High turnover costs you more than higher wages.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?
New office cleaners make the same mistakes. Learn from their errors and save yourself time and money.
Pricing Too Low
Many new cleaners underprice their work. Low prices attract bad clients and leave no profit. Know your costs and charge enough.
Skipping Insurance
One accident can end your business. General liability insurance protects you. Get it before you clean your first office.
No Written Contract
Always use a written contract. Verbal agreements lead to disputes. A contract protects both you and your client.
Poor Quality Control
Inspect your work after every cleaning. Better yet, inspect your team's work regularly. One complaint can cost you a contract.
Trying to Grow Too Fast
Do not take on more work than you can handle. Quality drops when you spread yourself too thin. Grow at a pace you can manage.
Ignoring Communication
Respond to client messages quickly. Check in with them regularly. Good communication keeps clients happy and loyal.
As your business grows, try cleaning business software to manage clients, schedules, and invoices from one place.