Some people call it “office cleaning.” Others might say “commercial cleaning.” But let’s call it what it really is: a non-negotiable part of running a functional, productive, and safe workplace. And yet, many teams still treat it like an afterthought — even though the psychological and business benefits stack up fast when it’s done right.

So, what is cleaning offices called? Technically, it’s commercial office cleaning. But let’s go deeper — because the name is just the beginning.

What is the correct term for cleaning offices?

The proper term for cleaning offices is office cleaning, a subset of the broader commercial cleaning industry. While domestic cleaning focuses on homes, office cleaning is a specialised service targeting workspaces — including everything from shared desks and lunchrooms to high-touch zones like lift buttons and meeting rooms.

Depending on the provider and the client’s needs, this can include:

• General surface cleaning (desks, floors, walls)

• Rubbish removal and recycling

• Sanitising of communal areas like kitchens and bathrooms

• Restocking consumables (toilet paper, soap, bin liners)

• Disinfection of high-contact surfaces

The industry also uses terms like janitorial services, facility maintenance, and contract cleaning, especially when referring to ongoing arrangements. But in Australia, “office cleaning” is still the go-to phrase, especially for small to medium businesses.

Why does office cleaning matter more than most realise?

Anyone who’s walked into a stale-smelling office with last week’s lunch stains still lingering knows this: a dirty office is more than just a bad look — it erodes employee morale and trust.

Here’s why regular cleaning is mission-critical:

• First impressions: Clients and candidates judge your professionalism the second they step inside.

• Workplace hygiene: With shared surfaces and limited airflow, offices can become germ hubs quickly.

• Staff wellbeing: Clean environments reduce sick days and promote productivity.

• Brand alignment: If you’re positioning your company as premium, innovative or ethical, your space should reflect that.

In short, office cleaning isn’t about “tidiness.” It’s behavioural hygiene that signals how a business treats its people.

Who typically provides office cleaning services?

Office cleaning is typically handled by commercial cleaning companies. These companies range from national providers with industrial capacity to small operators serving local businesses.

Professional office cleaners often operate:

• After hours (to minimise workplace disruption)

• On customised schedules (daily, weekly, monthly)

• With industry-specific training (e.g., for medical, childcare, or legal settings)

What separates quality providers from the rest? Look for teams that:

• Use checklist-based routines

• Are fully insured and police-checked

• Offer flexible contracts, not just fixed-term lock-ins

• Use eco-friendly or low-tox products

• Can provide references or reviews from similar businesses

According to Safe Work Australia, regular workplace cleaning is one of the key risk mitigation strategies for preventing illness and injury — especially in post-COVID office routines.

What’s usually included in an office cleaning service?

While every service provider has its own checklist, most standard office cleaning packages include:

• Desks and workstations: Wiping down surfaces, keyboards, screens (where applicable)

• Floors: Vacuuming carpets, mopping hard floors

• Bathrooms: Toilets, sinks, mirrors, hand dryers

• Kitchens and break areas: Benchtops, sinks, microwaves, fridges

• Bins: Emptying and relining

• Glass and entryways: Spot-cleaning doors and windows

Some providers go further, offering add-ons like:

• Carpet steam cleaning

• Window washing

• High dusting

• Floor polishing

• COVID-safe disinfection services

The best cleaning services don’t just clean — they remove decision fatigue from the workplace. No more guessing who’s restocking the loo rolls.

How often should an office be professionally cleaned?

It depends on:

• Foot traffic: High-traffic offices (e.g., shared spaces or call centres) may need daily cleaning.

• Work type: Medical, food, and childcare sectors often require stricter hygiene routines.

• Size: Larger offices usually need more frequent cleaning or multiple cleaners.

• Budget: Some businesses opt for deep cleans weekly instead of light cleans daily.

In general, a hybrid model works well — light daily cleaning for touchpoints, plus deep cleans weekly or monthly.

Consistency also creates a behavioural nudge: when people see a clean space, they’re more likely to keep it that way (thanks, commitment & consistency bias).

Why professional office cleaning beats DIY

Sure, you could ask staff to empty their bins or wipe down desks. But that approach has a cost — and not just in time.

• Productivity tax: Staff spend time cleaning instead of working.

• Hidden resentment: Cleaning duties can feel unfair, especially if unevenly shared.

• Health risks: Improper cleaning can leave bacteria behind, or even introduce allergens.

There’s also the psychological cue: when people see that management invests in a clean, organised workspace, they feel respected — and often behave more professionally in turn (authority bias in action).

Real example: The startup that cleaned its way to happier staff

One Melbourne startup used to handle cleaning in-house. They rotated tasks weekly and tried to make it “fun.” But the result? Missed bins, murky microwaves, and passive-aggressive Post-it notes.

Once they switched to a local professional cleaning team, two things changed:

1. The kitchen stopped being a battleground.

2. Team members started voluntarily tidying up after themselves — because the baseline standard had risen.

That’s the power of setting a behavioural default: it nudges everyone toward better habits.

Is there a difference between office cleaning and commercial cleaning?

Yes — but it’s more about scope than substance.

Office cleaning refers specifically to cleaning tasks related to workplace environments: desks, floors, meeting rooms, etc.

Commercial cleaning, on the other hand, is a broader category. It includes:

• Office cleaning

• Retail store cleaning

• Warehouse and industrial cleaning

• Medical and dental clinic cleaning

• Hospitality venue cleaning

Think of commercial cleaning as the umbrella term — with office cleaning being one of the most common sub-services.

FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between office cleaning and janitorial services?
A: In Australia, “office cleaning” is more common. “Janitorial” is used more in the US, and can imply a broader role including maintenance.

Q: Can employees be asked to clean their own desks?
A: Yes, but it’s usually more effective to have a baseline professional clean, and ask staff to maintain it.

Q: How do I know if I need daily or weekly office cleaning?
A: Consider your foot traffic, space size, and staff expectations. Start with twice a week and adjust based on feedback.

Final thoughts

Cleaning an office isn’t just about hygiene — it’s about creating a space that signals clarity, care, and competence. It’s one of those invisible cues that shapes behaviour more than we realise.

In workplaces across Victoria, more businesses are realising the payoff of consistent office cleaning in Melbourne — not just for appearances, but for culture.

Because at the end of the day, people perform better in places that feel looked after. Cleanliness isn’t fluff. It’s infrastructure.