Janitorial Services vs Commercial Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

When you know the difference between janitorial services and commercial cleaning, it helps you make the right decision to keep your premises safe and looking spotless.

 

While people often use the terms interchangeably, there are clear distinctions between the two.

 

Each service offers a specific set of solutions, suited to different types of buildings, businesses and cleaning needs. In terms of productivity, a well-maintained workspace makes a real difference.

 

Data collated by Tork Global found that 72% of employees are reluctant to recommend an office with poor cleanliness standards. In addition, 70% feel that poor office cleanliness harms their overall job satisfaction.

 

Nearly two thirds of employees – 63% – get annoyed when colleagues’ desks are messy, research shows.

 

Furthermore, sick days cost British businesses £77 billion a year in lost productivity.

 

Janitorial services

 

Janitorial services are day-to-day or routine cleaning tasks. These tasks focus on maintaining cleanliness on a regular basis and are often carried out daily or several times a week.

 

They are generally provided during or outside of working hours depending on the requirements of the premises.

 

Commercial janitorial services usually include:

 

• Emptying bins
• Wiping down surfaces
• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Cleaning restrooms
• Light dusting
• Spot cleaning carpets

 

The focus is on upkeep rather than deep cleaning. These services are particularly common in smaller facilities that require consistent maintenance throughout the week.

 

The role often resembles a caretaker position, sometimes involving minor building maintenance or support duties alongside cleaning.

 

Janitorial services involve the same kind of routine cleaning but delivered in a business setting. The emphasis remains on maintaining hygiene and cleanliness across shared spaces.

 

Service providers may tailor their approach depending on the sector. For instance, cleaning routines for a medical centre differ from those in a typical office block.

 

Commercial janitorial teams are not usually equipped for deeper industry-specific cleaning jobs. They focus on maintaining a visibly clean environment that supports day-to-day operations without disruption.

 

Commercial cleaning services

 

Commercial cleaning covers a broader and more specialised category of service. It involves thorough, scheduled cleans that involve advanced equipment, specialist products and trained professionals.

 

The services address tasks that go beyond basic cleaning, often tackling areas that require deeper sanitation or attention.

 

Commercial cleaning can include:

 

• Daily Office Cleaning
• Retail & Boutique Cleaning
• Communal Areas Cleaning
• Specialist Floor Cleaning
• Window Cleaning

 

Commercial cleaning teams can also come in for one-off jobs, such as post-renovation cleaning or preparation for inspections.

 

Trained staff and compliance

 

Commercial cleaning companies often require staff to be trained in the safe use of chemicals, working at height and specialist methods such as infection control. These services often need to comply with industry-specific cleaning regulations.

 

Janitorial staff are less likely to need this level of training and are generally not required to meet the same compliance standards.

 

This can make a difference for businesses that are subject to regular health and safety inspections.

 

Tailored to business needs

 

Commercial cleaners provide bespoke packages tailored to your industry and premises.

 

Rather than offering the same schedule every day, they can adjust the cleaning plan based on seasonal changes, staff headcount or special requirements.

 

This flexibility is harder to achieve with basic janitorial routines, which typically follow a fixed checklist.

 

Some of the industries we serve include:

 

• Finance & banking
• Creative media agencies
• Law offices
• Architect firms
• Recruitment agencies
• IT & technology businesses
• Public sector
• Professional practices
• Showrooms

 

Businesses that need adaptable cleaning support will likely find commercial providers more suitable.

 

Commercial cleaning is more advanced

 

The difference in equipment and expertise is significant. Commercial cleaners use professional tools such as floor scrubbers, steam machines, high-grade sanitisers and scaffolding for high windows.

 

• They are better suited to handling larger-scale cleaning challenges. While janitorial staff may handle day-to-day mess and surface cleaning, commercial cleaners go much further to eliminate hidden grime, built-up dirt and bacteria.
• The emphasis is on hygiene and thoroughness, which is vital in certain sectors and any client or consumer-facing environment where cleanliness must meet a higher standard.
• The choice between janitorial services and commercial cleaning depends on the type of premises and the expected level of cleanliness. 
• However, commercial cleaning is arguably the go-to option for cleaning carpets, sanitising office kitchens, washing windows and so on.

 

Daily commercial cleaning ensures consistent hygiene standards so that the premises remain safe for staff, visitors and customers.

 

London: Janitorial services vs commercial cleaning

 

In London, businesses tend to operate in high-traffic environments where maintaining a clean image is essential.

 

Dust, pollution and general wear build up quickly in city buildings, especially those near busy streets, transport hubs or shared office complexes. Commercial cleaning provides a practical solution.

 

Instead of relying on basic maintenance, London companies benefit from services that ensure every part of their workspace is hygienic and presentable.

 

This approach helps avoid health complaints, protects staff well-being and leaves a better impression on visitors or clients.

 

If you found our guide helpful, please take a look at some of our other articles. Some of our most popular blogs include:

 

• Office Etiquette
• Indoor Team Building Activities
• Best Office Pets To Boost Workplace Productivity

 

Think FM provides commercial cleaning services across London, supporting companies of all sizes with tailored cleaning plans that suit their working hours and operational requirements.

 

We deliver the #1 commercial cleaning service London companies love because, quite simply, we do what we say we are going to do. That includes daily office cleaning London businesses trust. 

 

From office buildings to retail outlets and hospitality venues, Think FM ensures the right areas are cleaned at the right time using industry-standard equipment and materials.

 

Most businesses will need some form of cleaning on a daily basis. If your premises need thorough sanitation, specialist attention or deep cleaning of any kind, commercial cleaning is the better option.

 

It is not just about maintaining appearances – it is about protecting people, equipment and the long-term value of your workspace.

 

If you would like to find out more about how we are helping businesses with commercial cleaning, please contact us.

 

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