Cleaning Services – Understanding the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Cleaning

Cleaning services have evolved over time and they are not treated the same way they used to be just a few years ago. Many cleaning companies offer both types of professional cleaning services – commercial and residential. However, both of these are quite different and have different requirements making it essential to handle them separately as well. Here are a few key differences between residential and commercial cleaning services:

•        The tools and techniques used for residential cleaning are different from those used in commercial cleaning. The equipment for cleaning large spaces cannot be used inside a home since there is a smaller open area inside a residential property as compared to a commercial building. The chemicals and supplies used for commercial cleaning are stronger than those in residential cleaning.

•        The work hours of the residential and commercial cleaners are different. Most residential cleaners have to work during the normal office hours while commercial cleaners need to do the cleaning after the company’s employees have left. Most companies who cater to both types of cleaning services have different staff for residential and commercial cleaning.

•        Residential cleaning requires attention to detail while commercial cleaning is not as specific. This is mainly because homeowners are keener on checking the minute details while the business owners are not so specific. Since residential cleaners will be in someone’s personal space, people will be more watchful of them and sensitive to how you handle their things. Business owners just want to get a proper cleaning of their office space as agreed on the contract. Commercial cleaning may require you to create a schedule for cleaning tasks such as desks, floors, bathrooms, windows, carpets, etc. On the other hand, you have to finish everything on the same day when cleaning a residence.

•        Many residential cleaning services are usually provided on a per-day basis and payment is also done on the same day. Commercial cleaning services have terms and mode of payment listed on the contract. The profit margins are bigger with residential cleaning than commercial cleaning. The pricing is also done differently since commercial cleaning services require more chemicals, supplies, and equipment as compared to residential cleaning services.

Opportunities in residential cleaning projects outnumber the opportunities in commercial cleaning projects. There is more competition in both areas and cleaning service companies must deal with both of these segments separately to stand out from the competition and potential projects.