While ‘janitorial services’ and ‘commercial cleaning’ are often used interchangeably, they actually serve different purposes—and knowing the difference can help you keep your facility in top shape.
Understanding Janitorial Work
Think of janitorial services as your facility’s daily maintenance crew. These are the folks who keep your space consistently clean through regular, routine tasks. Janitorial work typically happens on a predictable schedule—daily, several times a week, or weekly—and focuses on the basics that keep your workplace presentable and hygienic.
What does that look like in practice? Janitorial services usually include emptying trash bins, vacuuming or mopping floors, wiping down surfaces, cleaning restrooms, and restocking supplies like paper towels and soap. It’s the steady, ongoing maintenance that prevents dirt and grime from building up in the first place.
Research shows just how important this consistency is. Studies on cleaning frequency have found that regular maintenance significantly impacts health outcomes in facilities. For instance, research published in environmental health journals indicates that cleaning high-touch surfaces at least twice weekly can reduce contamination and potential infection risks by over 90% in high-traffic areas.
The bottom line? Janitorial services are about maintaining what you’ve got. They keep your space functional and presentable day in and day out.
The Difference with Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning, on the other hand, goes deeper—literally. While there’s overlap with janitorial work, commercial cleaning typically refers to more intensive, specialized, or project-based services that go beyond routine maintenance.
This includes deep cleaning carpets, stripping and waxing floors, power washing, window cleaning, or post-construction cleanup. Commercial cleaning services are often brought in for specific projects or on a less frequent but more thorough schedule—quarterly deep cleans, seasonal maintenance, or one-time services before big events.
Commercial cleaning requires specialized equipment and expertise beyond daily maintenance. Research from healthcare facility studies such as the AJIC study done in 2024, shows that thorough deep cleaning using professional-grade equipment and proper disinfection protocols substantially reduces pathogen transmission risks that regular surface cleaning alone cannot address.
When to Choose Each Service
So how do you know which service you need? For most businesses, the answer is both—just at different times.
Janitorial services are ideal when you need consistent, ongoing maintenance. This works perfectly for offices, retail spaces, medical facilities, or any business with regular foot traffic. Daily or weekly janitorial services ensure your space looks professional and meets basic hygiene standards.
Commercial cleaning services are better for bigger projects that regular maintenance can’t handle:
- Seasonal deep cleans targeting hard-to-reach areas
- Post-renovation or construction cleanup
- Move-in or move-out services
- Preparation before major events
- Periodic maintenance like carpet cleaning or floor refinishing
The REACH study conducted in 2019, suggests that combining regular maintenance with periodic deep cleaning creates the most effective prevention strategy. Routine janitorial work keeps things running smoothly, while commercial cleaning addresses deeper issues that accumulate over time.
How We Do Both
At our company, we provide both janitorial and commercial cleaning with the same trusted staff and commitment to quality you can count on.
Our janitorial teams work on schedules tailored to your needs—daily, three times weekly, or weekly. Our staff are thoroughly trained and background-checked, maintaining the highest standards consistently without disrupting your operations.
For deeper work, our commercial cleaning services bring specialized equipment and expertise for bigger projects. From carpet extraction and floor refinishing to post-construction cleanup, you work with the same reliable team you already trust.
We believe consistency is key—in both showing up and in quality. Whether it’s your regular Tuesday janitorial service or a comprehensive deep clean before an important event, you get the same attention to detail and excellence.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the difference between janitorial and commercial cleaning isn’t just about semantics—it’s about making sure your facility gets the right type of care at the right time. Janitorial services keep you running smoothly day to day, while commercial cleaning tackles the deeper work that maintains your facility’s long-term condition and appearance.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between them. With a cleaning partner who offers both services, you get comprehensive care that keeps your business looking its best, protects the health of everyone who uses your space, and gives you one less thing to worry about.
To learn more about commercial cleaning, click here.
To learn more about janitorial services, click here.