What's Included in a Commercial Cleaning Service? (Houston Checklist & Expectations)

Why It's Important to Know What You're Paying For

Not all cleaning companies are created equal. If you're hiring a commercial cleaning company in Houston, you need to know:

• What's actually included in the contract
• What's considered an add-on or billed separately
• Whether the crew is trained for your facility type
• If your property is getting the value you deserve

Core Commercial Cleaning Services (Included in Most Plans)

Here's what a professional commercial cleaning contract should include by default:

✅ General Cleaning

• Dusting desks, counters, windowsills
• Emptying trash and replacing liners
• Vacuuming carpeted areas
• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Cleaning glass (doors, mirrors, entry)

✅ Restroom Sanitation

• Scrubbing toilets, urinals, sinks
• Replacing toilet paper, soap, and paper towels
• Disinfecting stall doors, handles, light switches
• Mopping with disinfectant

✅ Kitchen / Breakroom

• Wipe countertops, appliances, and tables
• Empty trash and clean sink
• Mop floors
• Sanitize touch points (microwave buttons, handles)

Common Add-On Services (Quoted Separately)

These are usually not included in basic janitorial contracts but can be scheduled monthly or quarterly:

| Add-On Service | Description |

|----------------|-------------|

| VCT Strip & Wax | Remove old wax, apply new finish to vinyl flooring |

| Carpet Extraction | Hot water cleaning of carpets for deep stains/odors |

| Window Cleaning | Interior and/or exterior, usually 1x per month |

| High Dusting | Ceilings, vents, and high fixtures |

| Pressure Washing | Entryways, walkways, dumpster areas |

| Electrostatic Disinfection | Targeted COVID/post-flu disinfection with EPA-approved chemicals |

| Day Porter Service | Staff on-site during work hours for all-day upkeep |

What Houston Businesses Should Ask Before Signing

1. What's included in the base rate?
2. How often is the service performed?
3. Are supplies (chemicals, paper products) included?
4. Do you use green or EPA-approved products?
5. What happens if something isn't cleaned properly?

Why Houston Trusts Houston Commercial Cleaning

At Houston Commercial Cleaning, our cleaning programs are built to fit your exact facility — no fluff, no unnecessary upsells.

✅ Transparent quotes

✅ OSHA-trained staff

✅ Medical & daycare certified protocols

✅ Floor care specialists (VCT, carpet, tile)

✅ 24/7 availability

✅ Weekly inspections & reporting

Final Thoughts

If your current cleaner isn't delivering everything on this checklist, you may be overpaying — or worse, putting your business at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in a basic commercial cleaning contract?

A standard commercial cleaning contract should include general cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, mopping), restroom sanitation, trash removal, and breakroom cleaning. Add-on services like carpet extraction, window cleaning, and floor waxing are typically quoted separately.

How often should commercial cleaning be performed?

Most Houston businesses need janitorial services 3-5 times per week for daily maintenance. Deep cleaning services like carpet extraction and floor waxing are typically scheduled monthly or quarterly depending on foot traffic and facility type.

Are cleaning supplies included in commercial cleaning services?

This varies by provider. At Houston Commercial Cleaning, we include all cleaning chemicals and equipment. Some companies charge extra for supplies or require you to provide paper products. Always clarify this before signing a contract.

What's the difference between janitorial services and add-on services?

Janitorial services are routine, ongoing tasks performed daily or weekly (trash, floors, restrooms). Add-on services are deeper, less frequent tasks like VCT strip and wax, carpet extraction, or pressure washing that require specialized equipment.

📋 Download Our Full Commercial Cleaning Checklist

Want to compare your current provider to what Houston Commercial Cleaning includes? Contact us today and we'll send you our inspection-ready checklist + a free quote.