What Do Office Cleaning Contracts Typically Include?

I’ll admit it—when I first looked over an office cleaning contract, I didn’t know what half of it meant. It was full of terms like “sanitization scope” and “janitorial frequency,” and I found myself Googling as I went. If you’ve ever been there too, you’re not alone.

So, for anyone out there who’s about to hire a cleaning service for their office (or already has one and wants to double-check the details), here’s a plain-English breakdown of what most office cleaning services typically include in their contracts—and what you should be looking for before you sign anything.

1. Basic Daily Cleaning Tasks

Let’s start with the obvious stuff. Most contracts will list the regular, everyday tasks like:

• Emptying trash cans
• Vacuuming carpets and rugs
• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Wiping down desks and tables
• Cleaning glass surfaces (like entry doors or windows)

These are the things that keep your space looking tidy day-to-day. If your office gets a lot of foot traffic, these basic tasks might be scheduled daily, but some places go for a few times a week depending on the size and usage.

2. Restroom Sanitization

This one’s a biggie. Restrooms need more than a quick wipe-down, and a good contract will spell out exactly what’s included: disinfecting toilets, urinals, sinks, mirrors, and even the floors. Most services also restock essentials like toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels if you include that in your package.

If you’re running a shared space or a larger office, make sure restroom cleaning happens frequently enough to keep things fresh—and safe.

3. Breakroom and Kitchen Cleaning

This is one of the areas that gets missed when people DIY their office cleaning—and honestly, it’s one of the grossest if left unchecked. Office kitchenettes get heavy use but rarely get deep-cleaned.

Most office cleaning services will include wiping down countertops, cleaning out the microwave, emptying coffee machine drip trays (those things get nasty), and sanitizing sinks and tabletops. Some even take care of fridge cleaning if you ask—though usually that’s a scheduled deep-clean rather than a daily task.

4. Dusting (And Not Just the Obvious Stuff)

Dust isn’t just on your desk—it builds up on baseboards, vents, light fixtures, and all those places no one thinks to check. A solid cleaning contract should include high and low dusting at least weekly. Some places rotate tasks, like doing vent dusting once a month and desk surfaces more often.

If your office has allergies floating around or just feels “stuffy,” dusting can actually make a big difference.

5. Optional Add-Ons and Deep Cleaning

This part usually varies by company, but many cleaning providers offer optional services that aren’t done every visit—things like:

• Carpet shampooing
• Floor buffing or waxing
• Window washing (inside and/or outside)
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces (like door handles and shared electronics)

Some of these might be included on a monthly schedule, others as-needed. If your office has a lot of visitors or you’re in healthcare or education, more frequent deep cleaning might be a good idea.

6. Supplies: Who’s Providing What?

Here’s something that surprised me—some contracts include cleaning products and equipment, while others expect you to supply them. A good commercial cleaning company in Baltimore should explain exactly what they’ll bring versus what you’ll need to stock.

Also worth clarifying: are they using eco-friendly products? Are the disinfectants safe for shared spaces? Ask, especially if anyone in your office has sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Office cleaning contracts don’t have to be confusing, but they often are—especially if you’re reading one for the first time. The key is making sure it covers what you actually need, whether that’s basic cleaning a few times a week or a full-service plan with all the extras.

And remember: a contract isn’t just paperwork. It’s your agreement for keeping your workspace healthy, welcoming, and ready for business. A little clarity up front can save you a lot of frustration later.

If you’re currently reviewing a cleaning contract (or about to start one), don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for a breakdown. It’s your space—you deserve to know exactly how it’s being cared for.