How Much Should Your Business Spend On Cleaning?
How Much Should Your Business Spend On Cleaning Maintenance?
Keeping your business clean isn’t just about appearances; it’s essential for employee well-being, customer confidence, and your company’s reputation. But how much should you actually budget for cleaning maintenance? Let’s break down the key factors that influence this important decision.
1. Assess Your Facility’s Needs
• Consider your business type: Offices, medical clinics, restaurants, and retail spaces have different cleaning requirements. While some businesses do not have customer traffic, others see clients/patients on a more active basis.
• Evaluate size and foot traffic: Larger and busier spaces need more frequent and intensive cleaning.
2. Set a Percentage of Revenue
• A common guideline is to allocate 0.5% to 2% of your annual revenue toward cleaning and maintenance, though specialized facilities may require a higher percentage.
3. Decide on Frequency and Scope
• Daily, weekly, or monthly service? More frequent cleanings come at a higher cost but may be necessary for health or regulatory reasons.
• Think about supplemental tasks, like deep cleaning, window washing, or carpet care, which could have separate costs.
4. Get Quotes from Professional Cleaners
• Contact several reputable cleaning companies for quotes tailored to your needs.
• Compare what’s included in their packages. Some may offer eco-friendly products or specialized services.
5. Factor in Hidden and Opportunity Costs
• A poorly maintained business can lead to employee absences, poor reviews, or even regulatory fines.
• Investing in regular professional cleaning can actually save money in the long run by preventing bigger problems.
Prioritize Value: While cost is a major factor, consider the quality and reliability of the service provider, as a clean and healthy workspace contributes to productivity and employee well-being.
6. Hiring In-House vs. Contracted: Deciding whether to hire internal staff or a third-party cleaning company affects cost structure, with labour typically being the largest expense (50%-70% of the total cost).
A Professional Cleaning Service will charge you a flat rate without hidden costs, so you will know exactly how much it costs, allowing you to plan and budget more efficiently. You will be seen as a client, so that will give you a better position when requesting extra services.
In other hand, hiring an In-House Cleaner (employee) typically costs 1.2 to 1.4 times an employee's base salary to cover the true total cost of employment. An in-house cleaner in Vancouver earns an average of $23.00 per hour; however, the "real" cost to the employer in 2026 is between $27.60 and $32.20 per hour.
Mandatory Employer Contributions (2026 Rates)
Beyond the $23.00 base wage, mandatory and common additional costs include:
Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Employers contribute 5.95% on earnings above the $3,500 annual exemption.
Hourly Impact: ~$1.37/hr
Employment Insurance (EI): The employer rate for 2026 is $2.28 per $100 of insurable earnings (1.4x the employee rate).
Hourly Impact: ~$0.52/hr
WorkSafeBC Premiums: The average base rate for 2026 is $1.55 per $100 of payroll.
Hourly Impact: ~$0.36/hr
Vacation Pay: B.C. law requires a minimum of 4% vacation pay (increasing to 6% after five years).
Hourly Impact: ~$0.92/hr
Paid Sick Leave: Employers must provide at least 5 days of paid sick leave annually.
Hourly Impact: ~$0.44/hr
Conclusion
The amount a business should spend on cleaning varies widely, typically falling between $0.10 and $0.35 per square foot or $45.00 to $100 per hour for standard commercial cleaning services, with costs depending heavily on the business type, size, and frequency of cleaning.
Every business is unique, so your cleaning budget should reflect your specific needs. By considering industry standards, facility size, and cleaning frequency, you can create a budget that keeps your space clean without overspending.
