Short answer
Commercial cleaning cost is usually determined by labor, frequency, facility size, current condition, access, service window, and the exact checklist. A walkthrough is the most reliable way to compare quotes because it puts each proposal against the same scope.
Square footage is only the starting point
Two facilities with the same size can require very different labor. Restroom count, flooring, break rooms, glass, density of furniture, customer traffic, trash volume, and current condition all change the workload.
- Approximate cleanable square footage
- Number and type of restrooms
- Flooring and glass areas
- High-traffic and food-service zones
Frequency changes both cost and condition
A facility cleaned several times per week usually has a different per-visit workload than a neglected space cleaned occasionally. Ask bidders to state both the service frequency and the tasks completed at each visit.
Access and schedule affect labor
Parking, elevators, security, alarm procedures, limited work windows, and after-hours access can add time. Share these constraints before the quote so proposals are easier to compare.
Compare scopes, not just totals
A lower number can hide fewer tasks, less frequent service, excluded materials, or unclear quality checks. Request a written scope that identifies recurring tasks, periodic tasks, exclusions, and how changes are handled.
- What happens every visit
- What happens weekly or monthly
- Which supplies or consumables are included
- How additional work is approved
Frequently asked questions
Can a commercial cleaning quote be prepared from photos alone?
Photos help show condition and finishes, but a walkthrough usually reveals access, layout, traffic, restrooms, glass, and scope boundaries that photographs miss.
Should every proposal use the same checklist?
Yes. Give each bidder the same priorities and service schedule, then compare any exclusions or suggested changes in writing.