Estimating the cost to clean an office building involves calculating the size of the building, the scope of cleaning required, the frequency of cleaning, and other factors like labor costs, equipment, and supplies.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you estimate the cost of cleaning an office building…

Calculate the Square Footage

• Total Square Footage: Measure the total area to be cleaned. This includes…
  • Offices (individual rooms, cubicles)
  • Common Areas (lobbies, hallways, meeting rooms)
  • Restrooms and Break Rooms
  • Storage Rooms or Utility Areas
  • Kitchen or kitchenette
• Example – If the building is 5,000 sq ft (combined office and common areas), this will be the base measurement for cost estimation.

Determine the Type of Cleaning

• Basic Cleaning – Regular cleaning tasks, such as…
  • Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping floors.
  • Dusting surfaces, furniture, and high-touch areas (light switches, door handles).
  • Trash removal and recycling.
  • Cleaning restrooms (toilets, sinks, mirrors).
• Deep Cleaning – Includes tasks like…
  • Carpet cleaning or shampooing.
  • Window cleaning (interior and possibly exterior).
  • High-dusting (ceiling fans, light fixtures).
  • Deep cleaning of kitchens and break rooms.
  • Sanitizing appliances and fixtures.
• Specialized Services – If the office requires specialized cleaning (e.g., medical office cleaning, post-construction cleaning), this will increase the cost.

Calculate the Cleaning Frequency

• Daily Cleaning – For offices that require daily maintenance (usually larger offices or high-traffic areas).
• Weekly or Bi-weekly – For offices with lighter traffic or smaller spaces.
• One-Time or Occasional – For deep cleans, seasonal cleaning, or after-office events.
• Example – For daily cleaning, expect a higher rate due to the frequency of the service.

Consider Labor Costs

• Hourly Rates – Cleaning services typically charge by the hour for labor.
  • Average rates range from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on location and complexity.
• Team Size – Larger buildings may require a team of cleaners, which could increase the total cost. For example:
  • One cleaner may take 4-5 hours for a 2,000 sq ft office.
  • A team of 2-3 cleaners could clean a larger office (5,000 sq ft) in 6-8 hours.
• Labor Cost Calculation – Multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours it takes to clean.
  • Example – If the cleaning crew charges $30/hour, and it takes 6 hours to clean the office, the labor cost would be…
    • $30/hour × 6 hours = $180 per cleaning session.

Include Costs for Supplies & Equipment

• Cleaning Supplies – Some companies include the cost of cleaning supplies in their rate, while others charge extra. Supplies can include…
  • Cleaning agents, disinfectants, paper towels, trash bags, etc.
• Equipment – If specialized equipment is needed (e.g., floor buffers, carpet steamers), there may be an additional charge.
  • Example – Supplies might cost around $15-$30 per cleaning session, depending on the building’s size and needs.

Factor in Additional Costs

• Windows – Cleaning exterior windows may involve additional charges, especially for multi-story buildings.
• Carpets & Floors – Carpet cleaning or floor waxing might be extra, depending on the office’s needs.
• Restocking Consumables – Restocking paper towels, soap, toilet paper, etc., may be an extra charge or part of the cleaning fee.
• Travel/Transportation Fees – If the cleaning service is far from the office location, there may be an added travel fee.

Example Calculation for a 5,000 Sq Ft Office Building

Let’s say you have a 5,000 sq ft office building that needs weekly basic cleaning

• Labor Cost
  • Cleaning company charges $30 per hour.
  • It takes 8 hours to clean the entire office (assuming a team of 2 cleaners).
  • Labor Cost: $30/hour × 8 hours = $240 per cleaning.
• Supplies Cost
  • Cleaning supplies and consumables might cost around $25 per cleaning session.
• Additional Costs
  • Window Cleaning: For 5,000 sq ft, this could cost an extra $150 for basic window cleaning (interior only).
  • Restocking: If the office needs supplies restocked, this might add another $30 for toilet paper, soap, etc.

Total Cost for One Weekly Cleaning

• Labor Cost – $240
• Supplies Cost – $25
• Window Cleaning – $150 (if applicable)
• Restocking Supplies – $30 (if applicable)

Total = $240 + $25 + $150 + $30 = $445 per week.

If you’re cleaning this building daily, multiply by 4 (for 4 weeks in a month)

Monthly Cost = $445 × 4 = $1,780 per month for weekly cleaning.

Factors to Adjust Your Estimate

• Building Layout – More floors or complex layouts may require more time.
• Cleaning Tasks – Deep cleaning or specialized services (e.g., carpet cleaning, window washing) can increase costs.
• Frequency – More frequent cleaning (daily vs. weekly) will increase costs.
• Location – Rates may vary based on geographic location (e.g., large cities tend to have higher cleaning rates).

By understanding these factors and adjusting based on your specific needs, you can arrive at an accurate estimate for cleaning an office building.