Janitorial services and Commercial Cleaning FAQ

What’s the difference between janitorial services and commercial cleaning?

Janitorial services and commercial cleaning cover the daily upkeep of a building — things like emptying trash, vacuuming, mopping, wiping down surfaces, and restocking restrooms. Commercial cleaning refers to deeper, less frequent work such as carpet extraction, floor stripping and waxing, window cleaning, and post-construction or specialized sanitization. In practice, many companies (including most in Calgary) offer both under one contract, but the terms describe different layers of service: routine maintenance versus periodic deep cleaning.

Do I need janitorial services or commercial cleaning for my office?

If your office is occupied daily and you need someone emptying bins, cleaning washrooms, and vacuuming common areas every day or a few times a week, that’s janitorial. If you’re also looking for periodic carpet shampooing, hard floor refinishing, or a one-time deep clean (after a renovation, a move-out, or a flu season), that’s commercial cleaning. Most Calgary offices end up with a janitorial contract for daily service plus add-on commercial cleaning a few times a year.

How often should a commercial building be deep cleaned vs. janitorial cleaned?

Janitorial tasks (trash, washrooms, vacuuming, surface wiping) are typically done daily or several times a week depending on foot traffic. Deep/commercial cleaning tasks like carpet cleaning, floor waxing, and window washing are usually done quarterly, semi-annually, or annually — though high-traffic Calgary buildings (especially downtown towers dealing with winter salt and slush) often need floor care more frequently between October and April.

Is a janitorial company the same as a cleaning company?

Often yes — many businesses use “janitorial” and “cleaning company” interchangeably, and a lot of providers (including most in Calgary and across Alberta) do both. The difference, where one exists, is usually about scope: “janitorial” tends to describe the day-to-day maintenance side of the business, while “cleaning company” or “commercial cleaning company” is a broader umbrella that can include specialized, large-scale, or one-time jobs.

What should I check before hiring a commercial cleaning company in Calgary?

Look for WCB Alberta coverage (so you’re not liable if a worker is injured on your premises), WHMIS certification for staff who handle cleaning chemicals, proof of bonding and insurance, and a valid City of Calgary business licence. For medical, dental, or healthcare-adjacent spaces, also ask whether their staff are trained in IPAC (infection prevention and control) protocols.

How much does commercial cleaning cost in Calgary?

Pricing depends on square footage, frequency, and the type of facility (a medical clinic costs more per square foot than a warehouse due to disinfection requirements). Daily janitorial contracts for small-to-mid-size offices are typically quoted as a monthly flat rate based on square footage and visit frequency, while one-time commercial cleaning jobs (carpet cleaning, post-construction cleanup, move-out cleans) are usually quoted per job after a walkthrough. Most Calgary providers offer a free on-site assessment before quoting.

What’s included in a post-construction or post-renovation cleaning?

Post-construction cleaning typically includes dust and debris removal, wiping down all surfaces and fixtures, cleaning windows and window tracks, vacuuming and mopping floors (often multiple passes to deal with fine drywall dust), removing adhesive residue and labels, and detailed cleaning of washrooms and kitchens. This falls under commercial cleaning rather than routine janitorial work because of the equipment and labor intensity involved.

Can I get both janitorial and commercial cleaning from the same company?

Yes, and in Calgary this is actually the norm. Most full-service cleaning companies bundle a daily/weekly janitorial schedule with periodic deep-cleaning add-ons (carpet care, window cleaning, floor stripping/waxing) under a single contract, which is usually more cost-effective and easier to manage than hiring separate vendors.

Why are downtown Calgary buildings hiring more cleaning companies for one-time deep cleans right now?

A lot of downtown office buildings are being converted to residential or undergoing major renovations as landlords respond to high office vacancy (over 30% downtown as of late 2025/early 2026). These conversions and tenant turnovers create demand for one-time, large-scale commercial cleaning — post-construction cleanup, move-out cleans for vacated floors, and move-in prep for new tenants — separate from any ongoing janitorial contracts for occupied space.

Do cleaning companies in Alberta need special training for winter conditions?

Not a formal certification, but reputable companies adjust their service plans for Alberta winters — increasing entryway mat maintenance and hard floor cleaning frequency to manage salt, sand, and slush tracked in from outside, which can damage flooring and create slip hazards if not addressed regularly. This is usually handled as part of an enhanced janitorial schedule rather than a separate service.

What’s the difference between a cleaning company and a janitorial staffing company?

A janitorial staffing company places cleaning staff to work under your management (you supervise them, sometimes using your own equipment and supplies), while a commercial cleaning or janitorial services company manages the entire job — staffing, supervision, equipment, supplies, and quality control — under their own contract and insurance. Most businesses prefer the latter because it removes the management burden.

Is it cheaper to hire an in-house cleaner or a commercial cleaning company?

An in-house cleaner can seem cheaper on paper, but you take on payroll, benefits, WCB premiums, training, equipment/supply costs, and coverage during sick days or vacations. A commercial cleaning contract bundles all of that into one predictable monthly cost and typically includes backup staffing if someone’s absent — which is why most small-to-mid-size Calgary businesses outsource rather than hire directly.