Are you looking to start your own cleaning business? The first thing you would want to do is decide what type of cleaning services you will offer. While there are other areas in which you might specialize, the two most common are commercial and residential cleaning.
In this post, we will highlight the differences between the two services so that you can better decide which one is more suited for you!
Residential Cleaning
The term “residential cleaning” refers to the cleaning of domestic properties. It covers single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, nursing homes, condominiums, and other rental spaces.
Here are the main cleaning services you can offer to residential areas.
- Weekly Cleaning
This is a rapid, full surface-level cleaning of the entire house. Cleaning should be done once a week when the family is at home. Your cleaning staff will need to be aware of this and do their jobs in a way that causes the least amount of inconvenience to their clients. The task they may perform involves handwashing and dusting the following areas in your house, along with other tasks such as wiping, degreasing, scrubbing, etc. (If required).
- Light fixtures and Ceiling fans
- Lamp and lampshades
- Blinds and window sills
- Baseboards
- Lamp and lampshades
- Picture frames and other domestic décor
- Furniture
- Mirror
- Sinks
- Backsplashes
- Kitchen Countertops
- Vacuum stairs and all floors
How Much Time Will It Take?
In this type of cleaning, you have to pay attention to details. Depending on the size and expertise of your crew, it could take a few hours. The length of time taken will also depend on the size of your property and the total beds and bathrooms in your residential area.
- Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is a full-service cleaning that includes everything from the ceiling to the baseboards. The service is usually performed day-period when the client is at home. However, some clients find deep cleaning disrupting their daily routine. This is why they may prefer to be out of the house while you are on the job.
Deep cleaning should include all the weekly cleaning tasks mentioned, in addition to the following:
- Washing and dusting air vents
- Wiping down door and door frames
- Top to bottom cleaning of exterior kitchen/bathroom
- Wiping down wood moldings
- Handwashing and vacuuming blinds
- Vacuuming curtain tops
How Much Time Should It Take?
Deep cleaning should take a team of four cleaners about 60 minutes to clean 1,000 square feet of a home. Keeping that formula in mind can help you maintain your business success during a major cleansing.
- Move-in/Move out Cleaning
A move-in/move-out cleaning is similar to deep cleaning; however, it usually takes much less time. This is because there are no furniture or client belongings to move or clean during the procedure.
Things to Keep in Mind When Providing this Service
- Be professional and Detail-oriented
After all, you will be working in someone’s home. It’s important to remember that it’s not simply about offering a service. It’s also essential to ensure that the client is at ease with you being in their home.
- Bring Your Own Cleaning Products
Cleaning products may be preferred by clients. You may need to account for this when billing them for services.
- Billing
One of the major distinctions between residential and commercial cleaning is that in residential cleaning, you charge on the day of service. Your income may vary depending on how you receive payments.
Some business owners want to switch from residential cleaning to commercial cleaning business. Cleaning Business Coaching might help you in making a smooth transition. But before that, let’s look at what a commercial cleaning business entails.
Commercial Cleaning
In commercial cleaning, you will be responsible for cleaning retail and large business spaces, which include offices, buildings, grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and banks.
A business can require cleaning on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Timing may vary based on the needs of your client. In areas with a large volume of foot traffic, extensive cleanings may be required on a monthly basis.
The job is usually done at night when all employees and customers have left. Cleaning services for commercial and residential properties are similar, although the tasks will vary depending on the space.
How Much Time Should It Take?
Cleaning times will depend on how frequently you visit the job site. The more often your cleaning crew is in the space, the less work it will take to keep your client’s place clean and professional. Otherwise, a larger workforce could be required to ensure a quick turnaround.
Things to Keep in Mind When Providing this Service
- Security
Professional working spaces contain confidential, sensitive, or valuable information and materials. In the case of theft, your client may require you to have insurance or a bond to cover losses or damages. They may also ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and agree to particular security measures.
- Involves Bidding for Contracts
Some commercial companies will purchase your services directly, while others may invite you to participate in a bidding process. You will be required to submit a proposal as part of this procedure. This should include a list of the services you offer as well as the monthly fees you will be charging. This is a highly competitive process that may necessitate some wrangling.
- Cleaning time
The cleaning time is another difference between a commercial and a residential cleaning company. During the cleaning service, your client will not be present in the building. With each new place, you’ll need some time to a to the cleaning time.
Cleaning business coaching teaches business owners how to build a dream cleaning business from a start-up to a success. You can also reach out to us if you plan to grow your existing business by switching from residential to a commercial cleaning business (or diversifying your operations to include them both).
