Walking into a stuffy, messy office on a humid Monday morning in Orlando is the fastest way to kill employee morale. We all know that a clean workspace is vital for productivity, but many business owners aren't sure what they are actually paying for when they hire a cleaning service. Is it just emptying the trash, or do they wipe down the baseboards too?
In this guide, we break down exactly what a professional scope of work looks like so you can make sure you're getting your money's worth.
Standard daily office cleaning includes surface disinfection, emptying trash bins, and sanitizing restrooms and break rooms. It also covers vacuuming high-traffic areas and mopping hard floors. In Central Florida offices, we also pay special attention to glass entryways where pollen, humidity, and I-4 dust leave a heavy residue.
While every contract is different, a solid maintenance plan covers the basics that keep your office healthy.
Dust accumulates fast in Florida. Your cleaning crew should handle "low dusting" every visit. This means wiping down desks, filing cabinets, and window sills below six feet. They should also disinfect high-touch points like doorknobs, light switches, and shared phones to stop the spread of germs.
Floors take a beating, especially when staff track in sand from weekend beach trips or rain from our summer storms.
This is the most critical part of the job. A quick wipe-down isn't enough. The crew must scrub toilets and urinals, disinfect the sinks and counters, polish the mirrors, and refill soap and paper products. A bad smell in the restroom often means bacteria is growing in the grout, which requires specific attention.
It sounds simple, but there is a method to it. Cleaners empty all bins, replace liners, and take the waste to the designated dumpster. In areas like Downtown Orlando or Winter Park where recycling rules are stricter, they should also separate recyclables from general waste.
We aren't talking about hanging off the side of a building here. Daily service usually includes spot-cleaning the glass on entry doors and internal partitions. This removes fingerprints and smudges that make a business look unprofessional.
Most offices with 10-20 employees perform best with service 2-3 times per week. Larger corporate spaces or medical facilities in Orlando usually require daily cleaning to maintain hygiene standards. Low-traffic spaces might only need weekly service, but restrooms and break rooms will deteriorate quickly without more frequent attention.
The frequency depends on how you use your space. If you have clients visiting your office in Lake Nona or Maitland every day, you can't afford overflowing trash cans.
Standard janitorial contracts usually exclude deep carpet extraction, high window washing, and upholstery cleaning. These are typically add-on services performed quarterly or semi-annually. We recommend deep carpet cleaning every 6 months to combat the mold and mildew risks common in Central Florida's humid climate.
Think of your standard service as "maintenance" and these specialized services as "restoration."
This happens once or twice a year. It involves moving furniture to vacuum underneath, scrubbing tile grout, and washing baseboards.
Vacuuming removes surface dirt, but it doesn't get the grime embedded deep in the fibers. Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) is necessary to remove allergens and stains.
If you have just renovated your office in Altamonte Springs, a regular cleaner can't handle the mess. Construction dust is fine and abrasive; it gets into AC vents and electronics. You need a specialized crew with HEPA-filter vacuums to remove it safely.
Look for a company that carries at least $1 million in general liability insurance and conducts background checks on all staff. Ask for local references from other businesses in your neighborhood. A legitimate provider will always offer a written scope of work rather than a vague verbal estimate.
In my 18 years in the industry, the biggest mistake I see business owners make is hiring the cheapest option without checking insurance. If an uninsured cleaner slips on a wet floor in your office, you're liable.
In Orlando, basic office cleaning typically costs between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot for monthly contracts. For a standard 2,000-square-foot office visited twice a week, expect to pay around $350 to $550 per month. Prices vary based on restroom count, floor type, and specific hygiene requirements.
Costs vary, but here is what drives the price up or down:
You don't need to stress about the details of cleaning. That is what professionals are for. By understanding what is included in a standard scope of work, you can hold your cleaning crew accountable and ensure your office remains a welcoming place for both your team and clients.
Ready to get your office sparkling? Don't let the mess pile up. Contact S&W Janitorial Services today at (323) 264-7800 for a free consultation.
