Different Types of Cleaning Services: Our Guide

When it comes to running a safe and efficient business space, cleaning is a broad category. The type of cleaning service you need depends entirely on the environment you’re working in.

 

An office, for example, has different needs than a retail store. It won’t necessarily follow the same cleaning rota as a shop or an event venue.

 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the main types of cleaning services you might come across as well as explain which of them Think FM provides.

 

Key takeaways: Types of cleaning services

 

• Cleaning services vary significantly based on the environment – with offices, retail stores, industrial sites and event venues each having unique requirements and cleaning schedules.

• Commercial cleaning is tailored to the business’s needs, helping improve hygiene, productivity and its professional image.

• Specialist cleaning, such as deep cleaning or high-level window cleaning, is needed for situations requiring extra hygiene, hard-to-reach areas, or tall buildings, often using advanced tools and safety measures.

• We focus exclusively on commercial and industrial cleaning for businesses, not domestic cleaning.

 

Office and workplace cleaning

 

Workplaces need more than just a tidy-up now and then. From shared kitchens to meeting rooms, cleaning helps keep everything running smoothly.

 

Our commercial cleaning service is tailored to each business. Whether that means daily cleaning before the team arrives, or a few targeted visits at specific internals, we adjust to your needs.

 

Office cleaning should cover all the usual areas – desks, bins, floors, washrooms, kitchens – and can adapt to high-traffic zones or specialist areas as required.

 

The benefits of a clean office are myriad – including better hygiene, productivity, and a more professional image.

 

Cleaning for industrial sites

 

Factories, depots and distribution centres are tough environments. With constant movement, machinery, and high footfall, mess builds up fast.

 

Industrial cleaning deals with this head-on. It often involves more robust equipment, trained staff and extra attention to safety.

 

We’re used to cleaning around production schedules, working at height, and dealing with everything from grease to dust build-up. 

 

The goal is to keep your workplace safe, functional and fully operational.

 

For more detail on the difference between office cleaning vs industrial cleaning, check out our blog.

 

More complex, specialist cleaning

 

Some workplaces call for a deeper clean. Maybe they’ve just undergone renovations, or maybe hygiene needs are higher than usual.

 

Deep cleaning can include full disinfection, hard-to-reach areas and anything that falls outside a regular clean. It’s often used in healthcare, food prep or education settings.

 

Note: We discuss what a deep clean includes in depth in this article.

 

Window cleaning and high-level work

 

Clean windows make a big difference, especially for businesses that want to look professional from the outside.

 

But not every window is easy to reach. For taller buildings or glass-fronted properties, specialist access may be needed.

 

Read more in our guide to high level cleaning.

 

Natural light matters more than you’d think – it can improve mood, focus and even reduce energy use. Keeping your windows clear helps.

 

Why we don’t do domestic cleaning

 

Domestic cleaning is what most people think of first – wiping down counters, mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, maybe a bit of ironing. It’s essential work, but it’s geared towards private homes.

 

Think FM doesn’t offer residential cleaning. Our clients are businesses, not households.

 

We offer high-quality commercial office cleaning to a range of clients from different industries.

 

With over 20 years of industry expertise, we are well placed to deliver tailored cleaning services to many UK businesses.

 

What type of cleaning service do you need?

 

Not sure where to start? Think about the space you’re managing. How many people use it? What’s the risk level? Are there hygiene or legal requirements to meet?

 

Also consider how often things get messy. A busy office with a communal kitchen will need more upkeep than a quiet satellite workspace.

 

Think FM builds a plan around your workplace, your team and your expectations. That might mean daily cleaning, weekly visits or something more flexible.

 

FAQs: Types of cleaning services

 

What types of cleaning services are available?

 

The main categories include residential, commercial, industrial, deep cleaning, specialist cleaning, event cleaning and window services. Check out the commercial cleaning services we offer for more information.

 

What does commercial cleaning cover?

 

It usually includes desks, floors, toilets, kitchens and bins – and can be adapted to suit each space. Read our guide on the meaning of commercial cleaning for more details.

 

What makes industrial cleaning different?

 

It’s more heavy-duty and often involves cleaning machines, large floor areas or working at height. For more detail on the difference between office cleaning vs industrial cleaning, check out our blog.

 

Final thoughts: Types of cleaning services

 

Enjoyed this article? We also recommend reading:

 

• Office Etiquette Guidelines
• Indoor Team Building Activities
• Best Office Pets To Boost Workplace Productivity
• How to Clean a Whiteboard in the Office
• How Many Sick Days Per Year Do UK Employees Take?

 

The phrase ‘cleaning service’ can mean a lot of different things.

 

For businesses, it’s not just about looking tidy – it’s about creating a space where staff can thrive, clients feel welcome, and everything works as it should.

 

Think FM offers smart, reliable cleaning for commercial and industrial settings. Whether you run a small office or a busy warehouse, we’ll help you keep it in shape.

 

We offer boutique retail cleaning services and daily office cleaning London companies throughout the capital rely on.

 

We deliver the #1 commercial cleaning service London businesses can trust because we do what we say we are going to do.

 

And we’re also proud to be Living Wage Employer accredited, meaning that we pay our cleaning staff wages based on the real cost of living, ensuring low turnover and consistent, uninterrupted service.

 

Want to talk through your options? Get in touch today for a tailored quote or more information.

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