Commercial Cleaning vs. Residential Cleaning Services: What’s The Difference?

When it comes to cleaning services, you have two distinct types to choose from: commercial cleaning and residential cleaning. While these two services may sound the same, there are a couple of differences that separate one from the other, with the most obvious being the type of facility it’s intended for. Other things like sanitary requirements and degree of cleanliness are what differentiate commercial cleaning from residential cleaning.

Sounds complicated? Don’t worry. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the differences between commercial cleaning and residential cleaning.

What is commercial cleaning?

Commercial cleaning is a type of cleaning service that’s carried out by a commercial cleaning company: an organization that employs professional cleaners. These people undergo special training to learn how to clean and sanitize commercial buildings such as:

• Healthcare facilities
• Offices
• Hotels
• Schools
• Commercial kitchens

In the world of commercial cleaning, sanitizing is an important aspect. It’s one thing to make an area look clean, but to sanitize it is a completely different task. That’s why professional cleaners combine their expertise along with specialized cleaning equipment to make sure the area they’re cleaning meets certain safety standards. In the event of extreme remediation, professionals must know how to adhere to the stringent requirements and eliminate deadly pathogens.

Technology plays a huge role in a commercial cleaning service. Professional cleaners have access to advanced cleaning equipment a regular person doesn’t have like truck-mounted steam cleaners and industrial vacuum cleaners that make quick work of any cleaning task. Some companies have electrostatic spray disinfection, an advanced tool that applies disinfectant to 3D surfaces for a complete 360° clean.

The level of cleanliness achieved with a commercial cleaning service is really what distinguishes it from a residential cleaning service. As such, these services are usually bonded and insured to cover for damages during the entire cleaning process. Commercial cleaning services are best reserved for businesses and establishments that require a hygienic work environment for the health and safety of the occupants.

What is residential cleaning?

Residential cleaning is pretty much what it sounds like: a cleaning service intended for buildings such as:

• Residential care homes
• Domestic houses
• Other types of domestic dwellings

However, the degree of cleanliness from residential cleaning may vary since it isn’t as strict as commercial cleaning. Residential cleaners either work for a cleaning company or they can be self-employed individuals, meaning their cleaning expertise will vary as well (depending on their training and experience).

Most residential cleaners use their own cleaning methods and equipment. Because of this, there can be discrepancies in the results achieved. If the cleaner is undertrained or inexperienced, they may use harmful chemicals that can damage your floors or belongings. Also, residential cleaners only use household cleaning equipment and supplies which can limit their ability to clean certain areas effectively.

Make no mistake, residential cleaning can be beneficial when you hire the right person. It’s just the inconsistency between services that make it difficult to manage expectations. One huge difference between residential cleaning and commercial cleaning is the bonded or insured status of the residential cleaners. Often times, insurance is not required and any damages done during the entire cleaning process will have to be addressed by the individual cleaner.

Key takeaways

The main difference between a commercial cleaning service and a residential cleaning service is the level of cleanliness. Commercial cleaning services are held to a higher standard compared to residential cleaning services. Commercial cleaners excel at maintaining cleanliness and sanitation across many different areas from medical facilities all the way to industrial facilities. Residential cleaners on the other hand, are more suited for just cleaning homes and other domestic dwellings that don’t require strict sanitation procedures.

Some commercial cleaning companies offer green cleaning services where they use environmentally friendly products in their cleaning routines. Green cleaning supplies and technologies can drastically reduce environmental impacts and minimize allergic reactions from people who frequent the establishment they’re cleaning.

The last, but most important thing to note, is that commercial cleaners are insured and bonded, meaning that any theft or damage that occurs during their cleaning process is protected. A residential cleaner may not have insurance at all, which suggests that they may pay for the damages out of their pocket (or in worse cases, from their client’s).

Making a decision

When choosing between a commercial cleaning service and a residential cleaning service, make sure to ask yourself what type of facility you’re hiring them for. If you’re working in an area where cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation is of utmost priority, you should opt for a commercial cleaning service. If you’re planning to have your home cleaned, then a residential cleaning service is much more suitable. Always contact a reputable cleaning company so that you can have a high-quality cleaning service, whether it be commercial or residential.