In this blog, we explore the differences between janitorial and cleaning services, the scope of work involved, and when you might require one over the other.
Janitorial services typically refer to routine, ongoing cleaning tasks that are performed in commercial or institutional settings, such as offices, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities. These services are generally more maintenance-focused, ensuring that a facility stays consistently clean day after day.
Janitors or custodians handle day-to-day cleaning chores, including sweeping, mopping, dusting, and restocking supplies like paper towels and soap. The goal of janitorial services is to maintain a clean, organized environment for employees, clients, or residents. Janitors may also be responsible for maintaining cleanliness in restrooms, emptying trash bins, and ensuring that the overall ambiance of the building is welcoming and hygienic.
Some routine janitorial services include:
Janitorial services are typically contracted on a regular schedule—daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the needs of the building or facility. The frequency of janitorial visits will depend on the type of facility and the level of traffic it experiences. For example, a high-traffic office building might need daily janitorial services, whereas a small office might only need it weekly.
Cleaning services, on the other hand, tend to encompass a broader range of cleaning tasks and may be more specialized than janitorial services. These services are typically used for more detailed, occasional, or one-time cleaning projects rather than ongoing maintenance. Cleaning services can be hired for deep cleaning, post-construction cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or seasonal cleaning tasks.
While janitorial services are essential for maintaining cleanliness on a day-to-day basis, cleaning services go above and beyond, offering more in-depth cleaning tasks that require more specialized techniques, equipment, and time. Cleaning services are often employed when a space needs a deep clean or when a more thorough cleaning job is required than what janitors typically handle.
Some of the core services provided by cleaning services include:
Standard Solutions Maintenance Group proudly provides expert janitorial services to businesses in Genesee, Oakland, and Livingston counties.
Now that we’ve outlined the general roles of janitorial and cleaning services, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between janitorial and cleaning services:
The primary difference between janitorial services and cleaning services lies in the scope of work. Janitorial services are focused on routine maintenance cleaning tasks that keep a space tidy on a daily or weekly basis. These services are less time-consuming and usually involve simpler tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and emptying trash bins.
Cleaning services, on the other hand, are designed for more comprehensive, detailed, and specialized cleaning. They’re often scheduled for specific needs, such as a deep cleaning or a one-time event, and the tasks are more intensive than those provided by janitorial staff. For example, cleaning services may be required for carpet cleaning, window washing, or post-construction cleanup.
Janitorial services are generally ongoing and scheduled regularly—daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, depending on the facility. The goal of janitorial services is to maintain a constant level of cleanliness in the workplace or facility.
Cleaning services, however, are usually less frequent. They are typically employed for one-time jobs or seasonal cleaning projects, like deep cleaning or spring cleaning. These services may be scheduled as needed, depending on the specific needs of the client.
While janitorial services tend to focus on routine maintenance and upkeep, cleaning services involve deeper, more specialized cleaning tasks. For instance:
Janitorial services are typically quicker to perform because the tasks are routine and do not require much detailed attention. A janitor can clean an office space in a few hours, depending on the size of the area.
Cleaning services, however, tend to take longer because they involve more in-depth work. A deep cleaning of an office, for instance, can take several hours or even days, depending on the level of detail required.
Cleaning services often require specialized knowledge and equipment, especially for tasks like carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, or window washing. Professional cleaners are trained to use various tools and cleaning products to ensure that surfaces are treated properly and thoroughly.
Janitors, in contrast, typically use basic cleaning tools like brooms, mops, vacuums, and cleaning cloths. While they may perform routine cleaning tasks with skill, they are not necessarily trained for the more specialized cleaning services they provide.
Because cleaning services tend to be more detailed and involve more time and effort, they are usually more expensive than janitorial services. Janitorial services, being focused on regular maintenance, are typically more affordable and are priced based on the size of the facility and the frequency of visits.
In contrast, cleaning services are typically charged by the job or by the hour, and the price can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the task, the size of the area being cleaned, and the equipment required.
Deciding between regular cleaning and janitorial cleaning services and cleaning services depends on the type of cleaning you need. Here are some scenarios to help guide your decision:
While janitorial services and cleaning services both focus on keeping a space clean, their functions differ in terms of scope, frequency, and complexity. Janitorial services are ideal for maintaining daily or weekly cleanliness in commercial or residential spaces, while cleaning services provide more in-depth and specialized cleaning tasks as needed.
When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your facility. Whether you need ongoing maintenance cleaning or a one-time deep clean, understanding the differences between janitorial and cleaning services help you make an informed decision and ensure your space stays clean and hygienic.
Whether you need janitorial services like window cleaning or general cleaning services like post-construction clean up, Standard Solution Maintenance Group provides businesses with a wide range of solutions, no matter which type of cleaning services you need. We don’t just meet industry standards—we go above and beyond to provide solutions that truly make a difference for you every single day. Whether it’s routine office cleaning or event clean-up, our dedicated team works tirelessly to create a spotless, healthy environment that fosters productivity and enhances your business’s image. Contact us today so we can start talking about your cleaning needs.
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