If you are thinking of expanding your cleaning business, you need to understand the difference between janitorial and cleaning services to understand how you can excel in both.

Maintaining cleanliness is essential for a healthy and comfortable environment. Whether it is a home, office, school, or hospital, keeping spaces clean helps prevent germs, improve air quality, and create a pleasant atmosphere. However, when hiring cleaning services, many people get confused between janitorial and cleaning services. While both aim to keep places clean, they have different functions, frequencies, and specializations.

Once you start expanding your cleaning services, it becomes important to check which niche works the best. Do you wish to go in commercial cleaning or residential cleaning? Providing both is also an option.

What is Janitorial Service?

Janitorial service refers to routine cleaning and maintenance of commercial buildings, offices, schools, hospitals, and other facilities. Janitorial services are usually performed daily, weekly, or on a scheduled basis to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.

Janitors or custodians are responsible for keeping a workspace clean and well-maintained. Their duties typically include:

• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Vacuuming carpets
• Dusting surfaces
• Emptying trash bins
• Cleaning restrooms
• Replacing toilet paper and soap dispensers
• Disinfecting high-touch areas
• Restocking cleaning supplies
• Cleaning windows and doors
• Organizing common areas

Janitorial services focus more on regular upkeep rather than deep cleaning. Businesses often hire janitorial staff to ensure that their workspace remains clean throughout the day. These services help prevent dirt buildup and maintain a tidy workplace.

What is a Cleaning Service?

Cleaning service involves more in-depth cleaning than janitorial service. It includes deep cleaning tasks that are not done daily but are necessary to maintain a hygienic and spotless environment. Cleaning services are usually scheduled weekly, monthly, or as needed.

Professional cleaning services are usually hired for homes, offices, or commercial spaces that need extensive cleaning. These services can include specialized tasks such as:

• Carpet shampooing and deep vacuuming
• Window washing
• Upholstery and furniture cleaning
• Deep cleaning of kitchens and appliances
• Floor polishing and buffing
• Pressure washing
• Mold and mildew removal
• Sanitization and disinfection of surfaces
• Post-construction cleaning

Unlike janitorial services, cleaning services are usually one-time or periodic services that require special equipment and trained professionals. For example, if a business is moving into a new office, they might hire a cleaning service for a thorough deep clean before employees start working there.

Key Differences Between Janitorial and Cleaning Services

While both services aim to maintain cleanliness, they have significant differences:

1. Frequency of Service

• Janitorial services are performed regularly (daily, weekly, or bi-weekly).
• Cleaning services are usually occasional or based on specific requirements, such as deep cleaning every few months.

2. Type of Cleaning Needed

• Janitorial services include everyday maintenance and basic cleaning tasks.
• Cleaning services involve deep cleaning, sanitization, and more intensive tasks.

3. Size of the Space

• Larger buildings with high foot traffic, such as schools, offices, or malls, benefit from janitorial services to keep the space clean daily.
• Smaller offices or homes may only need cleaning services periodically.

4. Equipment and Supplies

• Janitorial services use basic cleaning tools like mops, brooms, and disinfectants.
• Cleaning services may use industrial-grade machines, steam cleaners, and special sanitization products.

5. Cost and Budget

• Janitorial services are cost-effective for businesses needing consistent cleaning.
• Cleaning services may be more expensive but provide specialized, deep cleaning solutions.

6. Level of Expertise

• Janitorial staff perform regular cleaning tasks and do not always require extensive training.
• Professional cleaning services employ trained experts who specialize in deep cleaning and sanitization.

What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Janitorial or Cleaning Service

When deciding whether to hire a janitorial or cleaning service, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Type of Cleaning Required

• If you need daily maintenance and basic cleaning, a janitorial service is the right choice.
• If you require deep cleaning for carpets, furniture, or high-touch surfaces, a professional cleaning service is better.

2. Workplace Size and Traffic

• If your business has a lot of employees and visitors, a janitorial service ensures that your space stays clean throughout the day.
• If you operate in a small space, hiring a cleaning service once in a while may be enough.

3. Budget

• Businesses with a tight budget may find janitorial services more affordable because they are ongoing and cover basic cleaning needs.
• Deep cleaning services can be expensive, but they ensure a thorough cleaning when needed.

4. Health and Safety Requirements

• If your facility requires medical-grade sanitation (like in hospitals), hiring a professional cleaning service with trained experts is essential.
• If your business only needs basic tidying up, a janitorial service will be sufficient.

5. Specialized Equipment and Chemicals

• Some industries require special cleaning solutions, such as hospitals, food factories, and daycare centers. Make sure the cleaning service you hire uses safe and approved chemicals for your space.

6. Flexibility and Scheduling

• Some businesses require cleaning outside of work hours to avoid disrupting operations. Choose a cleaning or janitorial service that fits your schedule and operating hours.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Cleaning Services

1. Improved Health and Hygiene

• A clean workplace or home helps prevent illnesses and the spread of germs.
• Proper sanitization reduces bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

2. Enhanced Productivity

• Employees perform better in a clean and organized work environment.
• Clutter-free spaces lead to better focus and efficiency.

3. Professional and Positive Appearance

• A well-maintained office or business leaves a good impression on customers and visitors.
• Clean spaces create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

4. Extended Lifespan of Assets

• Regular cleaning helps maintain carpets, furniture, and floors, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

5. Cost-Effective Solution

• Hiring janitorial services can save money in the long run by preventing major cleaning issues.
• Professional deep cleaning prevents costly damage caused by dirt buildup.

How Novagems Can Enhance Your Cleaning Business Operations

If you’re running a cleaning or janitorial business, managing operations effectively is key to providing consistent, high-quality services. This is where Novagems’ cleaning company software can make a difference. With Novagems, you can streamline your team’s scheduling, track performance, and manage payroll seamlessly—all from one platform.

By integrating Novagems into your operations, your cleaning or janitorial business can run more smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Whether you are managing daily janitorial tasks or coordinating periodic deep cleaning services, Novagems provides the tools needed to optimize your workforce management and improve your service delivery.

Conclusion

While both janitorial and cleaning services help maintain cleanliness, they serve different purposes. Janitorial services focus on daily maintenance and routine cleaning, while cleaning services involve deep, periodic cleaning tasks.

If your business or home needs regular cleaning and maintenance, a janitorial service is the best option. However, if you require thorough cleaning, stain removal, or specialized sanitation, a cleaning service is more suitable.

Understanding the difference between these services will help you choose the right one based on your specific needs and budget. Whether you run an office, a commercial space, or a home, investing in the right cleaning service ensures a clean and healthy environment for everyone.