To calculate a cleaning rate, you typically need to consider various factors that contribute to the overall cost of cleaning services. This includes the size of the space, the type of cleaning (standard or deep cleaning), frequency of cleaning, and any special requirements.

Here’s a simple way to calculate the rate…

Determine the Area to Be Cleaned

• Measure the square footage of the area to be cleaned (in square feet). For example, if the office is 1,500 square feet, this is the space that needs cleaning.

Identify the Cleaning Tasks

• Break down the cleaning tasks involved
  • Basic Cleaning – Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, trash removal, surface wiping.
  • Deep Cleaning – Carpet shampooing, window washing, high-dusting, sanitizing appliances, etc.
• Special tasks (e.g., floor waxing, upholstery cleaning) may cost extra.

Choose the Cleaning Frequency

• One-time cleaning – Typically costs more per hour or per square foot.
• Ongoing cleaning (daily, weekly, monthly) – Usually comes with a discount per cleaning session since it’s more consistent.

Calculate Labor Costs

• Determine the hourly rate for the cleaning team or individual. This can vary based on location, the experience of cleaners, and the type of cleaning service.
  • Hourly rate for a cleaner – This may range from $20 to $50+ per hour, depending on factors like location and the complexity of the job.
• For example, if an hourly rate is $30 and it takes 2 hours to clean a space, the labor cost would be:
  • Labor Cost = Hourly Rate × Hours Worked
  • Labor Cost = $30 × 2 = $60

Account for Supplies and Equipment

• Some cleaning services include the cost of supplies in the rate, while others charge separately for cleaning materials (e.g., cleaning products, equipment rentals).
• This can be a flat fee or a per-use charge. For example…
  • Cleaning Supplies Fee: $10 – $25 per session.

Factor in Additional Costs

• Travel Time or Fuel Costs – If the office is far from the cleaning company’s base, you may need to factor in a travel charge.
• Special Services – Add costs for any specialty services like deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, or window washing. These are usually billed separately or at a higher rate.
  • For example, carpet cleaning might cost an extra $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot.

Sample Cleaning Rate Calculation

Let’s assume you need to clean an office space of 1,500 sq ft with basic cleaning tasks.

• Basic cleaning rate – $0.20 per square foot (common rate for basic office cleaning)
  • Cleaning Cost = 1,500 sq ft × $0.20 = $300 per session
• Labor cost – Let’s say you have a cleaner who charges $30 per hour, and the cleaning takes 2 hours.
  • Labor Cost = $30 × 2 hours = $60
• Supplies cost – Flat fee of $15 for cleaning supplies.
• Total cost
  • Basic cleaning cost = $300
  • Labor cost = $60
  • Supplies cost = $15
  • Total = $300 + $60 + $15 = $375 per cleaning session (for basic cleaning)

Other Billing Structures

• Per Hour Rate – If charged by the hour, you’ll calculate based on the number of hours the cleaning crew takes.
  • For example, if the cleaner charges $35 per hour and the job takes 3 hours, then the total would be $105.
• Per Square Foot Rate – As shown above, some cleaning services charge based on square footage.
  • A typical rate might range from $0.15 to $0.50 per sq ft, depending on the services provided.

Summary of Key Factors

• Size of the space (sq ft)
• Type of cleaning (standard vs. deep cleaning)
• Frequency of cleaning (daily, weekly, one-time)
• Labor rates and number of cleaners
• Supplies and equipment
• Additional services (e.g., carpet cleaning, window washing)

By considering these factors, you can calculate a fair cleaning rate for the office space in question.