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An office cleaner is a person who cleans and sanitizes commercial establishments. The cleaner can handle basic tasks, such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, dusting surfaces, and wiping down high-contact areas. Some office cleaners will clean windows on the interior of the building but won’t provide exterior window washing as part of their basic service package.
There are three basic types of cleaning services: residential, commercial, and industrial. Residential cleaners take care of homes. Commercial cleaners work in office buildings, stores, and similar businesses. Industrial cleaners maintain factories, manufacturing plants, and other locations where items are made. Some cleaners don’t limit themselves only to the buildings. For example, an industrial cleaner may also handle environmental spills.
Deep cleaning specialists perform more than just basic janitorial tasks. Their services can involve thorough floor cleanings that require moving furniture and other items. Wiping down window sills, cleaning air vents, and dusting artificial plants are other examples. A deep cleaning in the bathroom means that the cleaners disinfect and sanitize all surfaces, including beneath sinks and behind toilets.
The requirements for cleaners depend on the location of the business as well as what type of cleaning is done. Most cleaners need a business license, sometimes known as a vendor’s license. Many companies also have a doing business as or DBA license. Cleaning businesses that work with hazardous substances, such as asbestos, generally require a specialized license.
Office cleaners usually aren’t required to be bonded or insured, but it’s often in a consumer’s best interests to ensure that the companies they hire do have appropriate coverage. This provides a financial safety net in case something happens while the cleaner is completing the job. Common forms of insurance include:
General liability: Coverage for property damage and client injuries
Workers’ compensation insurance: Coverage for employee injuries
Janitorial bonds: Coverage for reimbursement of claims regarding theft or incomplete jobs
Commercial auto insurance: Coverage in case of a work-related auto accident
Cleaning companies use a variety of pricing methods. Some charge per hour, while others will charge by the square foot or per job. Anyone who wants to hire a cleaning company should get a quote from the company and review exactly what’s covered. Discounts for long-term contracts are sometimes available.
Typically, employees don’t need to do any cleaning before the office cleaners arrive. However, it’s sometimes helpful to do basic tidying. This is especially important if the business has sensitive information that the cleaners shouldn’t access. Financial records, personal information, proprietary documents, trade secret statements, and similar documents should be stored securely prior to the cleaner’s arrival.