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:<ul><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">General liability: Coverage for property damage and client injuries</li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">Workers’ compensation insurance: Coverage for employee injuries</li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">Janitorial bonds: Coverage for reimbursement of claims regarding theft or incomplete jobs</li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">Commercial auto insurance: Coverage in case of a work-related auto accident</li></ul>License and permit bonds: Coverage purchased by a company to protect government agencies from claims due to cleaning company performance

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.

Many types of businesses can benefit from regular cleaning. This is often a light weekly cleaning with a deeper cleaning once per month. Some companies might also have full deep cleanings done every quarter or semiannually. Hiring a cleaning service instead of having employees clean enables the company to have employees focus solely on growing the company or working with customers. The premises will still have a clean appearance, which appeals to many clients.

There are many options that cleaning companies have if they want to become certified. Some of these relate to the type of cleaning they perform, while others have to do with meeting specific performance standards. Some examples include:<ul><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">Cleaning Industry Management Standard: The company meets the standards set by the ISSA, an international cleaning association.</li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">Cleaning Industry Management Standard – Green Building: The company meets strict standards and has training in green cleaning methods.</li></ul>International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association: This professional association offers a variety of specialty certifications, such as Medical Cleaning, Hazardous Chemical, Master Janitorial, Bloodborne Pathogen, and Green.

Many office cleaning companies offer green options, and some specialize in them. Discussing the desire to have eco-friendly cleaning done is the best way for a business to find out if the cleaner offers this service. Asking what products the cleaner uses and finding out if the company has any green certifications are also helpful.