A written checklist is the single most important document in any commercial cleaning contract. It converts vague expectations into measurable performance and it protects both sides when questions come up. This guide provides a comprehensive, industry-standard commercial cleaning checklist broken down by frequency, along with notes on what's typically included in a baseline contract versus what's quoted as an add-on.
Daily Tasks
- Empty all trash and replace liners.
- Vacuum carpeted areas in traffic paths and spot-vacuum as needed.
- Damp mop hard floors in kitchens, restrooms, and entryways.
- Clean and sanitize all restroom fixtures — toilets, urinals, sinks, mirrors.
- Restock restroom paper, soap, and hygiene supplies.
- Wipe down break room counters, tables, and appliance exteriors.
- Sanitize high-touch surfaces: door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, shared keyboards.
- Spot-clean glass on entry doors and interior partitions.
- Set alarm and secure facility.
Weekly Tasks
- Full vacuuming of all carpeted areas including under desks and along baseboards.
- Damp mop all hard floor surfaces.
- Detail dust workstations, ledges, and horizontal surfaces up to 6 feet.
- Clean interior glass partitions and reception glass.
- Sanitize telephones and desk-level electronics.
- Descale and detail restroom fixtures.
- Clean and polish stainless steel in kitchens and elevators.
Monthly Tasks
- High dusting (above 6 feet): vents, light fixtures, tops of cabinets, door frames.
- Detail edging on carpets and hard floors.
- Polish wood furniture and conference room tables.
- Detail baseboards throughout the facility.
- Clean interior of microwaves and refrigerators (if included).
- Vacuum upholstered furniture.
Quarterly and Annual Tasks (Usually Add-Ons)
- Carpet extraction (steam cleaning).
- Hard floor strip and wax or re-coat.
- Interior window washing.
- Exterior window washing (contracted separately).
- Pressure washing of entryways, sidewalks, and dumpster pads.
- Upholstery and cubicle wall cleaning.
How to Use This Checklist
Attach it as an exhibit to your cleaning contract. Any vendor that won't commit to a written scope document should not be your finalist.
Match frequency to facility use. A high-traffic customer-facing space needs the daily list executed daily; a lightly used back-office space might justify a 2x/week schedule with the daily list executed on those nights.
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