Almost every first phone call we take includes some version of the same question: "Roughly how much is this going to cost?"
We'd love to reel off a number. The trouble is that two offices of the same size can end up with quotes that look nothing alike, and any figure printed on a blog post would either be wrong for you or so vague it would be useless. So instead of a price list, here is what actually moves the price. Once you know that, you can judge any quote for yourself, ours included.
What Changes the Price
The size and layout of the space
Floor area is the starting point, but layout matters just as much. A big open-plan floor is quick to vacuum. The same area divided into a dozen small offices, each with its own door, desk and bin, takes noticeably longer. Extra levels, stairs and a lot of bathrooms all add time.
How often you want us in
A daily clean and a monthly clean are different jobs. Regular visits keep a space in good shape, so each visit can be quicker. A monthly visit has more to catch up on. That is why per-visit prices can look different depending on frequency, and why you should compare quotes for the same schedule.
The type of premises
A standard office is one thing. A medical centre or aged care home calls for more care around disinfection and procedure. A warehouse needs heavier equipment for heavy soiling. A school has hundreds of small hands and a lot of shared surfaces. Different buildings need different skills and different amounts of time.
What's on the task list
"Cleaning" can mean emptying bins and wiping the kitchen, or it can include inside windows, high-level dusting, carpet cleaning and restocking toilet paper. Two quotes for "office cleaning" might cover completely different work. This is the number one reason quotes look far apart.
When the work happens
Timing can affect the price, especially for weekends, public holidays or short-notice bookings. If you have flexibility, tell us. It sometimes opens up better options.
The condition of the space right now
If a space hasn't been properly cleaned for a while, the first visit is usually bigger. Many clients start with a deep clean to reset things, then move to a lighter maintenance schedule. That keeps ongoing costs steady and avoids the first clean being squeezed into a short visit.
Consumables and extras
Who supplies the hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels and bin liners? Sometimes it's included. Sometimes it's billed separately. Neither is wrong, but you need to know before you compare.
Why the Cheapest Quote Can Be the Most Expensive
Cleaning is mostly labour. So when one quote comes in well below the others, something has to give. Usually it's one of these:
- Fewer hours on site than the job really needs
- Less training or supervision
- Cheaper products or older equipment
- Thinner insurance cover
The result often looks fine on day one, then slowly slips. You end up chasing missed spots, switching providers and paying twice.
A few fair questions to ask any cleaner: How many hours will be on site each visit? Who will be doing the work? What insurance do you carry? A decent company will answer all three without hesitation.
How to Compare Quotes Properly
- 1Give every provider the same brief. Same space, same schedule, same tasks.
- 2Get the scope in writing. "Regular cleaning" isn't a scope. A list of tasks is.
- 3Check what's included and what's extra. Consumables, windows, carpets and deep cleans are the usual surprises.
- 4Ask about insurance. You want to know it's there before anything goes wrong.
- 5Read the contract terms. Look at notice periods, lock-in lengths and how price reviews work.
- 6Look at reviews or ask for a reference. A real client's opinion tells you more than a brochure.
Fixed Price or Hourly?
Fixed price per visit or per month is predictable. You agree the scope, and you pay the same amount each time. It suits most regular commercial cleaning.
Hourly pricing is flexible and can suit irregular jobs, but it's harder to budget for.
Neither is better in every case. What matters is that the cleaner explains which model they use and why.
What a Good Quote Includes
- A clear list of tasks
- The days and times of each visit
- A price per visit or per month
- What's included, such as equipment and consumables
- Anything charged separately, priced upfront
- The terms, in plain English
If a quote is one line and a number, ask for more.
How We Quote at Cleanerway
We like to understand your space before we put a price on it, either with a quick look or with a few good questions. Then we give you a clear price upfront, without confusing extras. That's what we mean by straightforward pricing.
Want to see how it works for your premises? Explore our commercial cleaning services, then get your quote or call 1300 60 7110.
