“A janitorial contract should do more than say your building will be ‘cleaned.’ It should define exactly what that means.”
When you hire a commercial janitorial company, what are you actually paying for?
A commercial janitorial service contract should clearly define which areas will be cleaned, what tasks will be performed, how often service will occur, and what is considered an additional service.
That last point is important. “Janitorial service” does not automatically mean every cleaning task your building may ever need is included in the monthly price.
A well-defined agreement helps facility managers understand what to expect and gives both the customer and cleaning provider a clear standard for ongoing service.
At Key Klean, recurring janitorial programs can be built around services such as trash removal, surface cleaning, restroom care, common-area upkeep, quality checks, and responsive communication. Additional cleaning needs can then be incorporated based on the facility and its requirements.
What Is Typically Included in Commercial Janitorial Services?
Routine janitorial cleaning focuses on the recurring tasks needed to keep a commercial facility clean, presentable, and ready for everyday use.
The exact tasks will vary by building, but a janitorial agreement may address areas such as:
| Area | Common Cleaning Tasks |
|---|---|
| Offices and workspaces | Trash removal, vacuuming, hard-floor cleaning, surface dusting, and spot cleaning |
| Restrooms | Cleaning and sanitizing fixtures, mirrors, counters, floors, and waste receptacles |
| Break rooms and kitchens | Counter and sink cleaning, exterior appliance cleaning, trash removal, and floor care |
| Lobbies and entrances | Floor cleaning, glass spot cleaning, dusting, and maintaining a presentable entrance |
| Conference rooms | Trash removal, surface cleaning, vacuuming, and general straightening |
| Hallways and common areas | Vacuuming, mopping, dusting, trash removal, and cleaning high-touch surface |
Cleaning Frequency Should Be Part of the Agreement
A janitorial contract should also state when service will be performed.
Depending on the facility, cleaning may occur daily, nightly, several times per week, weekly, or on another customized schedule.
Some tasks may happen every visit while others occur weekly, monthly, or periodically.
For example, restroom cleaning and trash removal may need frequent attention in a busy office, while certain detail-cleaning tasks may be scheduled less often.
The important thing is that the schedule is clearly defined rather than relying on terms like “regular cleaning.”
What Services May Be Add-Ons?
Routine janitorial service handles the ongoing cleaning needs of a facility. Other services are often performed periodically or added based on the condition and use of the building.
Key Klean offers additional commercial cleaning services that can include:
- Window Cleaning
- Specialty Floor Care
- Detail Cleaning
- Disinfection and Sanitization
- Specialty Cleaning
Are Cleaning Supplies Included?
This is another area that should never be left to assumption.
A janitorial agreement should identify who supplies:
- Cleaning chemicals
- Cleaning equipment
- Trash liners
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Other facility consumables
Cleaning products and restroom consumables are not always treated the same way.
If your organization requires a specific cleaning product or chemical, that requirement should also be discussed before service begins.
The goal is simple: make sure both parties know who is responsible for purchasing, supplying, and restocking each item.
Quality Checks and Communication Matter Too
A service contract should also establish what happens when a facility manager has a question, requests an adjustment, or notices something that needs additional attention.
Key Klean’s current service approach includes quality checks and responsive communication as part of recurring janitorial programs.
Facility managers should understand:
- Who their point of contact is
- How cleaning concerns should be reported
- How service quality is reviewed
- How changes to the cleaning needs are communicated
- What happens when an issue needs to be corrected
A good cleaning relationship needs clear communication in addition to a clear list of tasks.
Questions to Answer Before Signing a Janitorial Contract
Before finalizing service, make sure you can answer these questions:
- Which areas of the facility are included?
- What tasks will be completed?
- How frequently will each area be serviced?
- Who provides cleaning products and consumable supplies?
- Which services cost extra?
- How are specialty services scheduled?
- Who should we contact if something needs attention?
- How is service quality monitored?
If any of those answers are unclear, they are worth discussing before cleaning begins.
The Bottom Line
A commercial janitorial service contract should do more than state that a building will be “cleaned.”
It should clearly define the areas, tasks, schedule, responsibilities, communication expectations, and additional services that make up your cleaning program.
At Key Klean, commercial cleaning programs are designed around the individual needs of each facility, from recurring janitorial service to floor care, window cleaning, deep cleaning, disinfection, and specialty services.
Looking for a janitorial program built around your facility? Contact Key Klean to discuss your cleaning needs and request a customized consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic janitorial services commonly include recurring tasks such as trash removal, surface cleaning, restroom care, vacuuming or mopping, and common-area cleaning. Exact inclusions should always be documented in your service agreement.
Not necessarily. Detailed carpet cleaning, exterior window washing, and other periodic services are often scheduled separately from routine janitorial work. Your agreement should identify which specialty services are included.
This varies by contract. The agreement should clearly state who purchases and provides toilet paper, paper towels, soap, trash liners, and other consumables.
Yes. Cleaning schedules and tasks can be built around the size, industry, traffic, operating hours, and specific needs of the facility.
Build a Janitorial Scope Around Your Facility
A clear cleaning agreement starts with understanding the building. Schedule a walk-through with Key Klean to define the spaces, tasks, frequency, responsibilities, and specialty services your facility actually needs.
