Maintaining a clean and hygienic office is more than a cosmetic effort. It directly impacts employee productivity, workplace safety, and client impressions. In Australia, professional office cleaning has become an essential service across industries ranging from finance to healthcare. Yet many businesses still struggle with questions like: How much does office cleaning cost? How often should an office be cleaned? What are the professional standards?
This comprehensive guide covers every important detail. You will learn about the cost factors, the scope of professional office cleaning, international best practices such as the 5S system, and even the hourly pay rates for cleaners in Australia. Whether you are a business owner, a facilities manager, or a decision-maker evaluating cleaning contracts, this article will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Office cleaning is not just about appearance. It plays a crucial role in:
Employee Health – Regular cleaning reduces allergens, bacteria, and dust buildup that cause sick leave.
Workplace Productivity – A tidy and organised office environment helps staff focus.
Compliance and Safety – Many industries are required to meet hygiene standards for compliance purposes.
Client Impressions – First impressions matter. A spotless workplace communicates professionalism.
One of the most common questions asked is: How much does office cleaning cost in Australia? The answer varies depending on several factors:
Office Size – Larger spaces take more time and resources.
Frequency of Cleaning – Daily cleaning costs more than weekly or fortnightly visits.
Scope of Work – General tidying is cheaper than deep cleaning or carpet steam cleaning.
Location – Rates differ between major cities like Sydney or Melbourne and regional towns.
Special Requirements – Sanitisation, eco-friendly products, or high-touch disinfection increase pricing.
On average:
Hourly rate for commercial cleaners: $30 – $50
Daily rate for a cleaner: $150 – $300 depending on hours worked
Self-employed cleaner rates: Often more flexible but can be higher due to no bulk contracts
If you’re hiring for 3 hours, expect to pay around $90 – $120 in most cities.
Many businesses ask: What does professional office cleaning consist of? The answer lies in a combination of daily tasks and periodic deep cleans.
Emptying bins and replacing liners
Vacuuming carpets and mopping floors
Dusting desks, shelves, and high-touch surfaces
Sanitising shared areas like kitchens and bathrooms
Cleaning glass surfaces and windows at eye level
Carpet shampooing or steam cleaning
Deep cleaning of upholstery
Window cleaning (external and high access)
Strip and sealing of vinyl floors
Detailed sanitisation of high-traffic zones
Preparation – Gather supplies, PPE, and cleaning products.
Declutter – Remove loose items, papers, and waste.
Dusting & Vacuuming – Eliminate surface dust and dirt.
Surface Sanitisation – Apply disinfectant to desks, switches, and doorknobs.
Floor Care – Sweep, mop, polish, or vacuum depending on floor type.
Final Inspection – Ensure all areas meet professional standards.
While often used interchangeably, there are key distinctions:
Commercial Cleaning – Covers broader spaces such as warehouses, schools, shopping centres, and gyms.
Office Cleaning – Focuses specifically on workplace environments with staff desks, meeting rooms, and shared amenities.
Understanding this difference ensures businesses hire the right type of service provider.
To maintain consistency, many workplaces adopt cleaning systems and rules.
Spend 20 minutes cleaning at the end of the day.
Spend 10 minutes tidying during working hours.
This prevents overwhelming messes and reduces the workload for professional cleaners.
This rule suggests that employees should spend 6 minutes every 10 working hours contributing to general tidiness (e.g., washing their mugs, wiping desks).
Borrowed from Japanese lean management practices, the 5S system ensures maximum workplace efficiency:
Sort – Remove unnecessary items.
Set in Order – Arrange items for easy use.
Shine – Clean regularly.
Standardise – Create consistent cleaning routines.
Sustain – Maintain discipline long-term.
Implementing a structured system involves:
Assigning zones for cleaning responsibility
Scheduling professional cleaners at appropriate intervals
Maintaining a checklist for accountability
Many businesses and employees wonder: What is the going rate for cleaners in Australia?
Hourly rates: $30 – $40 per hour (commercial sector)
Self-employed cleaners: $35 – $60 depending on experience
Specialised cleaning jobs: Carpet or window cleaners may charge premium rates
Hazardous material cleaning (biohazard or asbestos removal)
High-rise window cleaning
Specialised disinfection services
These sectors pay more due to higher risks and training requirements
The frequency of cleaning depends on:
Office Size – Larger offices may require daily cleaning.
Foot Traffic – High-traffic offices (call centres, coworking spaces) need more frequent cleans.
Industry Standards – Healthcare and food businesses require stricter hygiene compliance.
General Recommendation:
Daily: Kitchens, bathrooms, rubbish removal
Weekly: Floors, carpets, dusting
Monthly: Deep cleaning and sanitisation
Some businesses question cleaning costs. However, several factors justify the pricing:
Labour costs in Australia are higher than in many countries
Cleaning requires ongoing supplies, chemicals, and equipment
Compliance with safety regulations adds to expenses
Professional cleaners often include insurance coverage in their fees
Yes. Removing clutter ensures cleaners can focus on professional tasks like sanitising and vacuuming instead of moving personal items.
2 hours: Bathrooms, kitchens, vacuuming small office
3 hours: Bathrooms, kitchens, vacuuming, dusting, and rubbish removal in a medium office
Use of commercial-grade products
Following structured checklists
Meeting hygiene and safety standards
With rising health awareness, office cleaning is becoming more technology-driven. Trends include:
Green Cleaning – Eco-friendly and non-toxic chemicals
Smart Scheduling – AI-powered cleaning schedules based on usage patterns
Electrostatic Disinfection – Advanced methods to sanitise surfaces
These trends ensure workplaces remain safe, efficient, and compliant in the years ahead.
Office cleaning in Australia is not an optional expense but a critical investment in workplace health, compliance, and productivity. From understanding costs to adopting structured systems like the 5S method, businesses that prioritise cleanliness stand to benefit the most. Whether you are paying a cleaner for 3 hours, implementing daily cleaning checklists, or considering the difference between office and commercial cleaning, the insights provided in this guide can help you make informed, cost-effective, and sustainable choices.