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Janitorial services are routine, day-to-day cleaning and maintenance services that keep commercial, medical, and institutional buildings clean, sanitary, and presentable.
They include tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, restroom sanitation, waste removal, and surface disinfection.
In Canada, janitorial services are essential for maintaining healthy workplaces, meeting public health standards, and protecting long-term building assets.
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What Is Janitorial Services?
Janitorial services refer to ongoing cleaning and basic facility maintenance performed on a scheduled basis—daily, weekly, or multiple times per week.
Janitorial services meaning (simple definition):
Janitorial services are routine cleaning and upkeep tasks that maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and order in commercial and institutional buildings.
Definition of janitorial services:
Janitorial services involve regular interior cleaning, sanitation, waste handling, and minor maintenance to support a safe and functional environment.
These services are typically provided by in-house custodial staff or contracted commercial janitorial services companies.
Core Components of Janitorial Services
Most cleaning and janitorial services include the following core tasks:
1. Routine Floor Care
Sweeping and dust mopping
Wet mopping hard floors
Vacuuming carpets and mats
Spot-cleaning stains
2. Restroom Sanitation
Toilet and urinal disinfection
Sink and counter cleaning
Mirror polishing
Replenishing soap, paper towels, and tissue
Odour control
3. Waste Removal
Emptying garbage and recycling bins
Replacing liners
Safe waste handling in healthcare settings
4. Surface Cleaning and Disinfection
Dusting desks, shelves, and ledges
Wiping down doors and frames
Disinfecting high-touch points:
Light switches
Elevator buttons
Handrails
Door handles
5. General Building Upkeep
Interior glass cleaning
Spot-cleaning walls
Breakroom and kitchenette cleaning
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What Does a Janitorial Service Do?
A janitorial service focuses on daily or frequent maintenance rather than deep or specialty cleaning.
Typical duties of janitorial staff include:
Maintaining cleanliness throughout the facility
Preventing germ buildup and cross-contamination
Ensuring washrooms meet hygiene standards
Keeping workspaces visually professional
Supporting workplace health and safety compliance
Difference Between Janitorial Services and Commercial Cleaning
Many Canadian business owners use the terms janitorial services and commercial cleaning interchangeably.
In reality, they serve different purposes and work best together.
Janitorial Services (Routine Maintenance Cleaning)
Janitorial services focus on daily or frequent cleaning tasks that maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and order in a facility.
They are designed to keep your workplace consistently presentable and sanitary.
Typical janitorial services include:
Vacuuming carpets and mats
Sweeping and mopping hard floors
Dusting desks, shelves, and ledges
Cleaning and disinfecting washrooms
Emptying garbage and recycling bins
Wiping high-touch surfaces
Restocking restroom supplies
Best for:
Offices, retail stores, medical clinics, schools, warehouses, and multi-tenant buildings.
Commercial Cleaning Services (Deep or Specialty Cleaning)
Commercial cleaning services are periodic deep-cleaning or specialty services performed monthly, quarterly, or annually.
They target buildup, stains, and hidden contamination that routine janitorial cleaning cannot remove.
Common commercial cleaning services include:
Carpet shampooing and extraction
Floor stripping, sealing, and waxing
Post-construction cleaning
High-rise or interior window washing
Power washing
Deep restroom sanitization
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Key Difference Summary
| Feature | Janitorial Services | Commercial Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Daily or multiple times per week | Monthly, quarterly, or annually |
| Focus | Routine upkeep and hygiene | Deep or specialty cleaning |
| Purpose | Maintain cleanliness | Restore and protect surfaces |
| Best Use | Ongoing maintenance | Periodic intensive cleaning |
Most Canadian businesses require both for complete facility care.
Types of Janitorial Services in Canada
Professional janitorial services are customized based on building type, traffic volume, and hygiene requirements.
1. Commercial Janitorial Services
Commercial janitorial services are ideal for:
Office buildings
Retail stores
Shopping centres
Warehouses
Corporate facilities
These services focus on maintaining professional appearance and employee health.
Popular service areas include:
Janitorial services Vancouver BC
Janitorial services Mississauga
Janitorial services Calgary
Janitorial services Surrey BC
Janitorial services Brampton
2. Hospital Janitorial Services
Hospital janitorial services follow strict Canadian infection-control standards and medical sanitation protocols.
They are essential for protecting patients, staff, and visitors.
Services include:
Medical-grade disinfecting
Terminal room cleaning
Operating room sanitation
Biohazard waste handling
High-touch surface disinfection
Used by:
Hospitals
Medical clinics
Long-term care facilities
Dental and diagnostic centres
3. Educational Facility Janitorial Services
Designed for:
Schools
Colleges
Universities
These services prioritize hygiene, safety, and infection prevention.
Key focus areas:
Classroom sanitation
Washroom hygiene
High-touch disinfection
Gym and cafeteria cleaning
Hallway and stairwell maintenance
4. Industrial and Warehouse Janitorial Services
Built for:
Warehouses
Manufacturing plants
Distribution centres
Includes:
Dust and debris control
Spill cleanup
Restroom and breakroom sanitation
Safety-compliance cleaning
Equipment-area cleaning
Trusted Commercial Cleaners – Professional janitorial services for Canadian businesses of all sizes.
Why Janitorial Services Matter for Canadian Businesses
1. Health and Hygiene
According to Health Canada, regular surface cleaning significantly reduces contamination and lowers infection transmission risk in shared spaces.
This is critical for:
Offices
Schools
Medical facilities
2. Professional Appearance
A clean facility:
Improves employee morale
Increases customer trust
Strengthens brand credibility
First impressions matter in Canadian business environments.
3. Workplace Productivity
Research from the University of Arizona shows contaminated surfaces can harbour bacteria for up to 48 hours.
Regular janitorial cleaning:
Reduces employee sick days
Improves indoor air quality
Supports mental well-being
4. Regulatory Compliance
Canadian employers must comply with:
Provincial workplace safety regulations
Public-health sanitation standards
Professional janitorial services help maintain compliance and reduce liability.
Real-World Example (Canada)
A medical clinic in Mississauga, Ontario hired professional hospital janitorial services after recurring patient complaints.
Results within 60 days:
38% reduction in patient complaints
Improved infection-control audit scores
Higher patient satisfaction ratings
How Often Should Janitorial Services Be Performed?
| Facility Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Office | Daily or 3–5× per week |
| Medical Clinic | Daily or multiple shifts |
| Retail Store | Daily |
| School | Daily |
| Warehouse | 2–5× per week |
How to Choose the Right Janitorial Services Provider in Canada
1. Verify Experience and Credentials
Look for:
Years in business
Industry specialization
Proof of insurance
WSIB compliance
2. Confirm Scope of Services
Ensure the provider includes:
Routine cleaning
Disinfection
Restroom care
Waste removal
3. Ask About Cleaning Standards
Confirm:
Use of Health Canada-approved disinfectants
Infection-control protocols
Staff training programs
4. Look for Local Coverage
Reliable providers should serve:
Vancouver
Kelowna
Victoria BC
Kamloops
Abbotsford
5. Request a Custom Quote
Avoid flat pricing without a site inspection.
Professional companies provide tailored pricing.
Janitorial Services Near Me: What to Expect
When searching “janitorial services near me” in Canada, a professional provider should offer:
On-site assessment
Custom cleaning plan
Transparent pricing
Trained, uniformed staff
Quality-assurance inspections
Common Add-On Services
Interior window cleaning
Carpet spot cleaning
Day porter services
Supply restocking
Emergency cleanup
Costs of Janitorial Services in Canada (2025 Estimates)
| Facility Size | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Office (2,000 sq ft) | $600–$1,200 |
| Medium Office (10,000 sq ft) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Medical Clinic | $2,500–$6,000 |
Pricing depends on:
Cleaning frequency
Scope of services
Facility condition
Location
Best Practices for Maximizing Janitorial Service Value
Schedule cleaning outside business hours
Conduct quarterly quality audits
Use written cleaning checklists
Maintain open communication
Track performance KPIs
Conclusion
Janitorial services are a critical operational investment for Canadian businesses.
They support health, regulatory compliance, professional appearance, and long-term facility care.
Get Cleaning Quote – Receive a tailored janitorial plan with transparent pricing today.
Whether you operate an office in Vancouver, a clinic in Mississauga, or a warehouse in Calgary, professional commercial janitorial services deliver measurable value.
Choosing the right provider protects your people, your reputation, and your property.
FAQ's
What are janitorial services?
Janitorial services are routine cleaning and basic maintenance tasks performed on a daily or scheduled basis to keep commercial and institutional buildings clean, hygienic, and orderly. These services typically include vacuuming, mopping, restroom sanitation, waste removal, surface disinfection, and general upkeep to support a healthy and professional environment.
How are janitorial and commercial cleaning different?
Janitorial services focus on regular, day-to-day cleaning tasks that maintain cleanliness and hygiene, such as floor care, washroom cleaning, and garbage removal. Commercial cleaning refers to less frequent deep-cleaning or specialty services, including carpet shampooing, floor stripping and waxing, post-construction cleaning, and detailed disinfection.
What tasks does a janitorial service perform?
A janitorial service performs routine cleaning duties such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning and disinfecting restrooms, emptying garbage and recycling bins, wiping high-touch surfaces, and maintaining breakrooms and common areas to ensure a consistently clean and safe facility.
Are hospital janitorial services different from regular ones?
Yes, hospital janitorial services follow strict medical sanitation and infection-control standards. They include medical-grade disinfecting, terminal room cleaning, biohazard waste handling, operating room sanitation, and high-touch surface disinfection to protect patients, staff, and visitors from contamination and infection risks.
How often should janitorial services be scheduled?
Most facilities require janitorial services daily or three to five times per week, depending on building size, foot traffic, and hygiene requirements. Medical clinics, schools, and retail stores usually need daily cleaning, while warehouses and offices may need service several times per week.
Are janitorial services tax-deductible in Canada?
Yes, janitorial services are considered a legitimate and deductible business expense in Canada. Businesses can claim cleaning and maintenance costs as operating expenses when filing corporate or small business taxes, as long as the services are directly related to business operations.
What is the definition of janitorial services?
Janitorial services are defined as routine cleaning and maintenance tasks carried out regularly to maintain hygiene, safety, and cleanliness in commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. These services support workplace health standards, professional appearance, and long-term facility maintenance.