What do most commercial cleaners charge per hour? Here’s the real answer Australians are finding out the hard way.

In 2025, the hourly rate for commercial cleaners in Australia hovers between $35 to $65 per hour, but that’s just the beginning of the story. The final cost often comes down to the type of premises, frequency, contract terms, and—surprisingly—how well you’ve read the fine print.

This guide strips back the fluff to give you the real figures, pain points, and surprising perks behind the pricing models of commercial cleaning.

Why do commercial cleaning rates vary so much?

If you’ve ever hired a cleaner for your home, you might expect similar pricing logic in the commercial world. Not quite. Business premises come with unique challenges: high-traffic wear and tear, after-hours scheduling, compliance standards, and in some sectors—hazardous waste protocols.

Commercial cleaners price based on:

• Size of the premises: More square metres = more time and equipment.

• Industry regulations: Medical, childcare, or food-related businesses may require certified procedures.

• Cleaning frequency: One-off deep cleans cost more per hour than ongoing contracts.

• Time of day: After-hours or weekend services often attract a 10–20% surcharge.

• Access conditions: Multi-storey buildings without lifts? You’ll pay for that effort.

The pricing structure often combines a flat rate for the job scope with hourly surcharges for additional services. This hybrid model is where the costs can quietly stack up.

What’s included in a standard commercial cleaning rate?

A standard hourly rate usually covers the essentials—dusting, vacuuming, mopping, rubbish removal, and restocking bathrooms. But even here, there’s variation.

For example, window cleaning beyond arm’s reach, carpet steaming, or disinfecting high-touch surfaces often fall outside “standard”. Some providers charge an extra $10–$25 per hour for these specialised services.

Real-world example: One Melbourne café reported a base quote of $42/hr. But with fridge cleaning, floor polishing, and after-hours work, the bill landed at nearly $75/hr.

So, what seems like a good deal at first glance often turns costly when you add up the ‘non-standard’ bits. Always ask for a detailed breakdown before signing.

Are flat rates better than hourly pricing?

That depends on whether you’re running a tight ship or just want a set-and-forget model.

Hourly pricing works best when:

• You have a small space with fluctuating needs.

• You want flexibility to scale up or down.

• The cleaning team is efficient and accountable.

Flat-rate contracts are ideal when:

• You have consistent cleaning needs.

• You want to avoid invoice surprises.

• You value predictable monthly budgeting.

The trick is in the transparency. Flat rates can hide inefficiencies, while hourly rates can inflate if there’s no oversight. Hybrid models are increasingly common—they give a base service at a flat rate, then apply hourly charges for extras.

How much are businesses in Melbourne paying right now?

Across Melbourne, the average sits around $45–$60 per hour for general commercial cleaning. Larger outfits or those requiring certifications (e.g., hospitals or aged care) may stretch to $70–$85/hr.

Some recent numbers from local operators:

• CBD law firm (after-hours cleaning): $62/hr

• Brunswick gym (7-day service): $58/hr flat rate

• Footscray clinic (including biohazard waste): $82/hr

It’s clear that location, industry, and risk play significant roles in determining what you’ll pay.

And in a city like Melbourne, where commercial density meets high hygiene expectations, businesses are less concerned about saving a few bucks than they are about getting consistent, compliant service.

Are these rates negotiable?

Yes—and no.

Larger contracts can leverage volume-based discounts or loyalty perks. Many providers offer:

• Multi-site discounts (e.g., for franchises)

• Seasonal promos (end-of-financial-year specials)

• Referral credits (saving via social proof strategies)

But small businesses or one-off clients won’t have as much room to haggle. And beware: undercutting often leads to cut corners.

Consistency, in Cialdini terms, matters just as much here—providers who promise quality and stick to it over time are worth their weight in gold, even if they charge slightly more.

What red flags should you watch out for?

Here’s what seasoned operators and facility managers say you should look out for:

• Too-good-to-be-true quotes (usually unsustainable or full of upsells)

• Vague service lists with unclear inclusions

• No background checks or insurance on staff

• High staff turnover, leading to inconsistent quality

And then there’s the old bait-and-switch—where a senior cleaner handles the trial, but your regular team is inexperienced. Always request consistency in personnel or at least a reliable supervisor.

Quick FAQs

Q: Do commercial cleaners bring their own supplies?
Yes, most do. But some contracts require the business to provide consumables like bin liners or toilet paper.

Q: Can I get a one-off clean instead of a contract?
Absolutely. Just expect to pay a higher hourly rate—usually $10–$15 more—for one-offs.

Q: Do they work after-hours or on weekends?
Yes, but this often adds a 10–25% surcharge depending on the time and day.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, you’re not just paying for a mop and a bucket—you’re buying peace of mind, workplace hygiene, and employee satisfaction. While the average hourly rate might be easy to find, what’s harder is balancing cost against consistency, especially in a city like Melbourne where expectations are high.

If you’re diving deeper into what a full professional clean should include, this guide offers a solid breakdown of the elements involved in an intensive session—especially useful for businesses wanting to compare value.

For broader benchmarking across commercial sectors, this industry pricing report adds additional insight from a national perspective.