Keeping your workplace spotless is more than a matter of appearances — it’s a reflection of your professionalism, your brand, and your commitment to employee well-being. But if you’ve ever searched online for cleaning services, you’ve likely seen two similar terms pop up: commercial cleaning and janitorial services.
At first glance, they sound the same. Yet these two types of cleaning serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction can help you select the right plan — saving time, money, and frustration in the long run.
At ServiceMaster Cleaning Pros, we specialize in both daily janitorial maintenance and deep commercial cleaning. Here’s how they compare, when to use each, and why most successful businesses use a combination of both.
What Is Commercial Cleaning?
Commercial cleaning involves deep, specialized services that go beyond daily upkeep. These cleanings target areas that build up grime, bacteria, and stains over time and often require advanced equipment or professional-grade products.
Examples of commercial cleaning services include:
Carpet and upholstery extraction
Hard surface floor stripping, sealing, and polishing
Deep restroom sanitization and odor removal
High-dusting and vent cleaning
Tile and grout restoration
Window washing (inside and out)
Post-construction or move-in cleaning
Commercial cleaning is typically done weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on your facility’s traffic and needs. These services restore cleanliness and appearance rather than maintain it day-to-day.
Why it matters: Deep cleaning reduces allergens, prevents permanent surface damage, and improves the overall air quality of your building.
For example, the EPA notes that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air — making proper deep cleaning essential for a healthy workplace.
What Is Janitorial Service?
Janitorial services, by contrast, focus on the routine maintenance tasks that keep your workspace consistently clean, organized, and presentable.
Typical janitorial duties include:
Emptying trash and recycling bins
Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping
Wiping desks and high-touch surfaces
Cleaning restrooms and replenishing supplies
Sanitizing break rooms and kitchens
Spot cleaning windows and mirrors
Most businesses schedule janitorial cleaning daily or several times a week, often after hours. The goal is consistency — ensuring every workday starts in a fresh, healthy environment.
Janitorial services are ideal for:
They create the professional first impression that customers notice — and employees appreciate.
Key Differences Between Janitorial and Commercial Cleaning
Both are vital, but each serves a unique role. Use this quick comparison to decide which best fits your needs:
| Feature | Janitorial Services | Commercial Cleaning Services |
|---|
| Purpose | Routine upkeep and sanitation | Deep, specialized cleaning |
| Frequency | Daily or weekly | Weekly, monthly, or quarterly |
| Tasks | Vacuuming, restrooms, trash removal | Floor care, carpet extraction, windows |
| Equipment | Basic tools & cleaners | Advanced machinery & solutions |
| Cost | Lower ongoing investment | Higher per service, long-term value |
| Goal | Maintain cleanliness | Restore, refresh, and protect surfaces |
Think of janitorial work as preventative maintenance — keeping things tidy and hygienic day-to-day — while commercial cleaning is the deep restoration that protects your property over time.
How to Choose the Right Service for Your Facility
Every building is different. The right cleaning plan depends on your industry, size, and standards.
Ask yourself:
What type of facility do I manage?
Offices and schools benefit from daily janitorial service plus periodic deep cleaning.
Healthcare and manufacturing sites often require more frequent sanitation and air-duct cleaning to meet strict standards.
How much traffic does your space see?
High-traffic areas accumulate dust, debris, and bacteria faster, requiring more frequent commercial deep cleans.
What are your hygiene requirements?
What’s your budget and schedule?
Can You Combine Both Services?
Yes — and that’s where ServiceMaster Cleaning Pros really shines.
Many businesses we work with pair daily janitorial maintenance with monthly or quarterly deep cleaning. This approach keeps your building always looking its best while extending the life of flooring, furniture, and finishes.
Example combo plan:
Nightly janitorial cleaning: Vacuuming, trash removal, restroom disinfection
Monthly commercial cleaning: Carpet extraction and tile polishing
Quarterly deep clean: HVAC vent dusting, grout restoration, and window cleaning
This balance keeps your workplace consistently clean and periodically renewed — reducing sick days, boosting morale, and protecting your investment.
Why Hire a Professional Cleaning Partner
A professional cleaning provider ensures reliability, safety, and measurable results.
When you partner with ServiceMaster Cleaning Pros, you get:
Trained and background-checked staff
Green cleaning options and EPA-registered disinfectants
Reliable scheduling and flexible contracts
IICRC-certified technicians for specialty services
Consistent communication and on-site quality checks
Our crews use industry-leading tools and proven processes to clean more efficiently and effectively than typical in-house staff. You’ll notice the difference immediately — in shine, in smell, and in the air quality throughout your building.
The Benefits of a Clean, Healthy Workplace
A spotless workplace doesn’t just look nice — it helps your team thrive. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that clean, well-maintained environments improve employee concentration, lower stress, and reduce absenteeism.
Other proven benefits include:
Better first impressions: Clean spaces build customer confidence.
Healthier air quality: Reduces respiratory irritants and airborne bacteria.
Longer surface life: Floors, carpets, and fixtures last longer with proper care.
Higher productivity: Employees feel more comfortable and focused.
When you choose ServiceMaster Cleaning Pros, you’re not just hiring a cleaner — you’re investing in a healthier, more efficient workspace.
Ready to Customize Your Cleaning Plan?
Whether your business needs nightly janitorial cleaning, quarterly deep cleans, or a combination of both, our local experts can design a plan that fits your schedule and budget.
We proudly serve small businesses, offices, healthcare facilities, warehouses, and educational campuses throughout our community — backed by the trusted ServiceMaster network.
👉 Call now or contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how ServiceMaster Cleaning Pros can keep your workplace spotless, safe, and ready for success.
FAQs
Q: What’s included in commercial cleaning services?
A: Deep cleaning tasks such as carpet extraction, hard floor care, tile and grout cleaning, and post-construction cleanup.
Q: How often should janitorial services be scheduled?
A: Most businesses choose daily service, but frequency depends on traffic volume and building type.
Q: Can one company provide both types of cleaning?
A: Yes — ServiceMaster Cleaning Pros offers integrated janitorial and commercial cleaning plans customized for your business.
