Businesses have to stay clean, for staff, customers, and anyone involved in the business space itself. However, it comes at a cost. Literally. Cleaning costs can vary, and while a small number of businesses can manage cleaning themselves (within reason and still in regulation). Others, due to business size or specific requirements, may have to outsource such work to a commercial cleaning service.
In this blog, we explore all of this and more by uncovering the dirty truth about commercial cleaning costs that nobody talks about.
Sentrex Services stands as a leading provider of comprehensive cleaning and hygiene solutions, serving a vast region from the Northwest to the Southeast of England. With a dedicated team of over 600 professionals, we deliver bespoke cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of each commercial client.
The cost isn’t universal
Commercial cleaning companies don’t have the same price across the board for everyone, as this would make it unfair for customers. The best approach is to have an individual approach.
That being said, commercial cleaning companies typically use one of three main costing models, with the final price being dependent on other variables which can include location, type of premises, size, and service frequency.
Commercial cleaning pricing models
Pricing Model | Description | Best For | Typical UK Rate (estimates) |
Hourly rate | The price is based on the total number of hours worked by each cleaner. This is the most common model, especially for smaller contracts. | Small offices, bespoke cleaning tasks, and properties requiring less than 10-15 hours per week. | £16 to £25 per cleaner, per hour (varies by region/company) |
Per square metre (m2) | A fixed maintenance rate is applied to the floor area. the rate per m² or square foot. Typically decreases as the size of the premises increases (economy of scale). | Large corporate offices, retail units, warehouses, and industrial estates. | £1.00 to £3.00 per m2 (for general maintenance cleaning) |
Fixed monthly/contract rate | A single, pre-agreed monthly fee that covers a defined scope of work (often based on an initial hourly or m2 calculation). | Most common for recurring daily, three-times-weekly, or weekly service contracts. | £400 to £800+ per month (for a medium-sized office with high frequency) |
What are the factors that affect commercial cleaning costs?
The major difference in costs across the UK is regional. The overall price comes down to the following four key variables:
Factor | Influence on Cost | UK Context and Examples |
Location (the regional divide) | Major Cost Driver. | London & South East: Expect the highest rates due to the London Living Wage and high operational costs. Rates can be 20-40% higher than the national average. North/Midlands/Wales/Scotland: Rates are generally lower and closer to the national average (£16-£20/hr). |
Facility type | Varies from Moderate to Major increase. | Standard Offices/Retail: Base rate. Medical (GP Practices/Clinics): Higher rates due to CQC (Care Quality Commission) compliance, specialist chemical requirements, and infection control protocols. Commercial Kitchens/Industrial: Higher due to heavy-duty equipment (e.g., floor scrubbers) and deep degreasing/sanitisation. |
Cleaning frequency | Higher total cost, lower unit cost. | A contract for daily cleaning usually receives a discounted hourly/m2 rate compared to a weekly clean, because less intensive work is required on any single visit. |
Scope and Specialisation | Adds to the base rate. | Does the service include: Window cleaning (internal/external)? Carpet extraction? Floor stripping/polishing? Deep-cleaning of communal kitchen areas? Each specialised service carries its own extra charge. |
The hidden costs of commercial cleaning
As a business looking for commercial cleaning, it is vital to manage your budget and ensuring compliance. So being aware of the sometimes hidden costs of commercial cleaning can be incredibly helpful
1. The real cost of labour and UK compliance
- The Living Wage vs. The Real Living Wage:
- The National Living Wage (NLW) is the legally mandated minimum. Many discount cleaning companies base their price on this.
- The Real Living Wage (RLW) is a voluntary rate based on the actual cost of living in the UK, with a higher rate for London. Ethical, professional companies often adhere to the RLW, which is reflected in a higher, but more stable and reliable, quote.
- The Price of Quality Control (QC): A cheap company cuts costs on supervision. A reputable company includes the cost of a dedicated cleaning supervisor/manager to regularly inspect the work, manage staff, and ensure standards. This prevents your staff from having to manage the cleaning team. Some commercial cleaning services implement a self-auditing process that you can take part in.
- TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations): If you switch cleaning contractors, staff working on your site may be legally entitled to transfer to the new contractor under the same terms and conditions. This can limit your ability to negotiate new rates if the outgoing staff were on high wages or had poor performance. You must clarify TUPE implications when changing contractors.
2. Potential hidden costs in the contract fine print
Hidden Cost Factor | UK Contract Detail to Scrutinise |
Consumables & Dispenser Fees | Does the price include the supply and restocking of toilet roll, hand soap, paper towels, and bin liners? Some contractors charge separately, or charge extra for the dispensers (e.g., soap, hand sanitiser) they install. |
Waste Disposal Scope | Does the service cover general office waste only, or does it include specialist clinical waste (for medical facilities) or secure shredding waste? These almost always incur a separate, legally compliant charge. |
Initial ‘Builders’ Clean’ Fee | If you have recently moved into a new or refurbished property, the first clean will be significantly higher than the quoted maintenance rate due to the heavy-duty effort required for dust and debris removal. |
Insurance and Liability Gap | Ensure the quote explicitly confirms the company has sufficient Public Liability Insurance to cover your property for damage and a comprehensive Employers’ Liability Insurance for their staff, as required by UK law. |
VAT (Value Added Tax) | Remember that most commercial cleaning quotes will be exclusive of VAT (20%) unless you are dealing with a sole trader. Always confirm if the quoted price is the final price you will pay. |
3. Sometimes, it’s too good to be true. (low rates)
Choosing a contractor based solely on the lowest price usually results in the following long-term costs that wipe out any initial saving:
- Increased staff sick days: Poor sanitisation and use of low-grade chemicals lead to a less hygienic environment, contributing to increased illness and staff absenteeism (a major business cost).
- Asset degradation: Incorrect use of harsh chemicals or cheap equipment can permanently damage expensive flooring (e.g., natural stone, expensive carpets) or furniture, leading to early replacement costs.
Reputation damage: Visible poor cleaning standards in high-traffic areas (reception, washrooms) negatively impact the perception of your business by clients and visitors.
The best value for money without compromising cleanliness
At Sentrex, we prioritise commercial, industrial, and specialist cleaning services. Our services aren’t just a standard once-over, we ensure a comprehensive and individually tailored approach perfect for any site.
Here is a list of some of the many services we provide:
- Chemical degreasing
- Steam cleaning
- Pressure washing
- Commercial carpet cleaning
- Trash clean up
- Window cleaning
- Exterior cleaning
- Deep cleaning
In this blog, we have shared the dirty truth about commercial cleaning costs that nobody talks about
Our commitment to fair pricing, environmental sustainability, and personalised service sets us apart. We prioritise quality through rigorous control measures, including monthly audits with advanced software, real-time management via iPads, and an automated time and attendance system.
As members of esteemed trade bodies, we adhere to the highest industry standards. Beyond core cleaning, we offer a full suite of soft and hard FM services, ensuring comprehensive building maintenance. Want to know if our services apply to your business or site? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to secure a superior clean.
