Keeping a commercial building clean is more than about appearances, it impacts productivity, health, and customer impressions. But one question always comes up for property managers and business owners: how much does commercial building cleaning actually cost in Canada?
This guide explains real Canadian price ranges, key cost factors, and smart budgeting tips. It includes detailed breakdowns, sample cost tables, and practical advice to help you get accurate cleaning quotes without overpaying.
1. How Commercial Cleaning Is Priced in Canada
Cleaning companies in Canada use a few common pricing models: per square foot, hourly, monthly contracts, or per-task pricing. The model depends on the size of the space, service type, and cleaning frequency.
| Pricing Model | Best For | Typical Rate Range (CAD) | Example |
| Per Square Foot | Offices, retail spaces, warehouses | $0.05–$0.55 per sq ft | Large office at $0.10/sq ft = $1,000 per 10,000 sq ft |
| Hourly Rate | Small jobs, move-in/out, ad hoc work | $25–$60 per hour | One-time deep cleaning at $45/hour |
| Monthly Contract | Recurring janitorial services | $200–$1,000+ per month | Medium office: 3,000 sq ft, 3x/week cleaning = $700/month |
| Per Task | Carpet, window, or floor care | Variable by service | Carpet cleaning $0.20–$0.40 per sq ft |
Each model has pros and cons. Hourly pricing gives flexibility for short projects. Square-foot pricing provides transparency for larger sites. Monthly contracts offer predictable costs and priority scheduling.
2. Typical Price Ranges Across Canada
Actual costs vary by region, facility type, and frequency. Below is a summary of average price ranges across major commercial cleaning services in Canada.
| Service Type | Average Cost Range (CAD) | Notes |
| General janitorial (per sq ft) | $0.05–$0.25 | Basic to mid-level cleaning |
| High-traffic or specialty spaces | Up to $0.55 | Includes healthcare, restaurants, labs |
| Hourly cleaner rate | $25–$60 | Skilled staff in Toronto/Vancouver may charge $70+ |
| Carpet cleaning | $0.20–$0.40 per sq ft | Deep extraction or stain treatment extra |
| Floor stripping and waxing | $0.30–$0.50 per sq ft | For vinyl, tile, or hardwood floors |
| Window cleaning | $2–$5 per pane | High-rise glass costs more |
| Deep disinfection / fogging | $0.10–$0.40 per sq ft | Used in hospitals and schools |
| One-time deep clean | $300–$1,500+ | Based on square footage and dirt level |
3. City-by-City Pricing Differences
Labour costs and demand vary by city. Here’s a quick look at how cleaning rates compare across major Canadian markets:
| City / Region | Typical Rate per sq ft | Notes |
| Toronto / GTA | $0.07–$0.20 | Higher wages and insurance costs |
| Vancouver | $0.10–$0.25 | Higher demand and cost of living |
| Calgary / Edmonton | $0.08–$0.18 | Slightly below national average |
| Ottawa / Montreal | $0.06–$0.15 | Moderate pricing, good service competition |
| Smaller towns / suburbs | $0.04–$0.10 | Lower wages and overhead |
4. What Drives Commercial Cleaning Costs
The cost of commercial cleaning depends on several key factors. Understanding these helps you evaluate quotes correctly.
a. Frequency of Cleaning
Daily cleaning costs less per visit because each session requires less effort. Weekly or biweekly cleaning may cost more per visit since dirt accumulates.
b. Type of Facility
Medical, industrial, or food-related facilities need special disinfectants and training, which raise prices.
c. Building Size and Layout
Open spaces are cheaper per square foot. Offices with cubicles, furniture, or stairs require more labour.
d. Condition of the Facility
If a site has not been cleaned regularly, the first deep cleaning will take longer and cost more.
e. Specialized Requirements
High-security sites, PPE requirements, or green-cleaning requests may add costs.
f. Service Timing
Night or weekend shifts cost 10–25% more due to overtime pay.
g. Region and Labour Rates
Minimum wages differ across provinces. Insurance, WSIB coverage, and union wages also affect final prices.
5. Sample Cost Scenarios
To make budgeting easier, here are a few realistic examples:
Example 1: Small Office (1,000 sq ft, twice a week)
- Rate: $0.07–$0.12/sq ft
- Per visit: $70–$120
- Monthly (8 visits): $560–$960
- Annual: $6,700–$11,500
Example 2: Medium Office (5,000 sq ft, nightly cleaning)
- Rate: $0.06–$0.12/sq ft
- Per night: $300–$600
- Monthly (5 nights/week): $6,000–$12,000
- Extras: Carpet cleaning ($0.25/sq ft x 5,000 = $1,250 quarterly)
Example 3: Warehouse (20,000 sq ft, once a week)
- Rate: $0.03–$0.08/sq ft
- Per visit: $600–$1,600
- Monthly: $2,400–$6,400
These examples show how pricing scales with size and frequency. Always confirm your actual rate with an on-site estimate.
6. Specialized Cleaning Services and Rates
Some cleaning tasks are priced separately due to equipment and training needs.
| Specialized Service | Average Cost (CAD) | Details |
| Carpet extraction | $0.20–$0.40/sq ft | Truck-mounted or portable extractors |
| Floor strip and wax | $0.30–$0.50/sq ft | Includes stripping old finish and resealing |
| High-level window cleaning | $3–$6 per pane | Increases with building height |
| Disinfection/fogging | $0.10–$0.40/sq ft | For hospitals or outbreak response |
| Move-in/move-out cleaning | $400–$1,500 | Depends on building condition |
7. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Many clients overlook these additional fees when budgeting for cleaning services:
- GST/HST: Always confirm if quoted prices include taxes.
- Consumables charge: Some contracts exclude paper products or specialty chemicals.
- After-hours premium: Expect 1.25x–1.5x markup for night shifts.
- Emergency callouts: Charged as flat fees or minimum hours.
- Setup / onboarding: Initial deep cleaning or site prep may have a one-time fee.
8. How to Get Accurate Cleaning Quotes
When requesting proposals, ask vendors to provide full transparency. Here’s what to include in your procurement checklist:
- Scope of work (areas and tasks per visit).
- Frequency of cleaning (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Estimated hours per visit and number of staff.
- Equipment and products used (eco-certified or not).
- Proof of insurance, WSIB, and background checks.
- Pricing breakdown (hourly, per sq ft, or monthly).
- Setup or first-clean cost.
- Contract terms, SLAs, and escalation process.
- Price increase clauses and renewal options.
- References from similar facilities.
Pro tip: Request at least three quotes and schedule on-site walkthroughs. This ensures accurate pricing and prevents surprises later.
9. How to Lower Your Commercial Cleaning Costs
Cutting costs doesn’t always mean cutting quality. Smart planning and negotiation help reduce expenses without compromising cleanliness.
- Bundle services: Combine janitorial, carpet, and window cleaning under one vendor.
- Regular maintenance: Frequent light cleaning prevents costly deep cleans.
- Use mats and entry systems: Reduce tracked-in dirt.
- Long-term contracts: Offer stability for lower monthly rates.
- Schedule efficiently: Avoid premium after-hours shifts.
- Train staff: Have in-house teams handle basic tidying tasks.
- Monitor KPIs: Review cleaning performance to avoid over-servicing.
10. Red Flags When Hiring a Cleaning Contractor
Be cautious of these warning signs:
- No written contract or vague scope of work.
- Lack of liability insurance or WSIB proof.
- No references or poor online reviews.
- Unexplained price increases after signing.
- Inconsistent staff or lack of background checks.
Always insist on written agreements, defined responsibilities, and clear service levels.
11. Contract Clauses to Protect Your Business
When finalizing your cleaning agreement, include these key points:
- KPIs and inspections: Define measurable standards (dusting frequency, restroom checks).
- Price escalation limits: Restrict annual increases to CPI or fixed percentages.
- Termination terms: Define notice periods and remediation options.
- Liability coverage: Ensure sufficient insurance against damage or injury.
- Confidentiality: Protect sensitive office or client data.
- Green cleaning requirements: Specify certified eco products if sustainability matters.
12. Final Recommendations for Canadian Businesses
Commercial cleaning costs in Canada vary, but understanding price ranges and service factors helps you budget realistically.
Here’s a quick summary table for budgeting:
| Type of Building | Average Monthly Cost (CAD) | Notes |
| Small office (under 1,000 sq ft) | $300–$800 | 2–3 cleanings per week |
| Medium office (3,000–5,000 sq ft) | $700–$1,500 | Nightly cleaning |
| Large office (10,000+ sq ft) | $2,000–$6,000+ | Includes full janitorial service |
| Warehouse (20,000+ sq ft) | $2,400–$6,000 | Weekly or biweekly cleaning |
| Medical / lab facilities | $0.20–$0.55 per sq ft | Specialized disinfection required |
Key takeaways:
- Expect $0.05–$0.55 per sq ft or $25–$60 per hour for most services.
- Always get quotes after an on-site visit.
- Choose trusted, insured, and well-reviewed contractors.
- Bundle services and schedule regular cleanings to reduce total cost.
- In large cities like Toronto or Vancouver, expect slightly higher rates.
A reliable commercial cleaning partner doesn’t just clean your space—they help maintain your brand image, employee satisfaction, and long-term facility value. Investing in professional cleaning pays off with fewer health risks, longer-lasting surfaces, and better productivity.
