Signing a commercial cleaning contract can feel like a formality, but the details in those pages determine what you actually receive month to month. Before you sign, here is what to look for.
Scope of Work Comes First
The most important section of any contract is the scope of work. It should list every task the crew performs, how often, and in which areas. Vague phrasing like “general cleaning” is a signal to ask for an itemized addendum before you sign anything.
Common Line Items to Look For
- Floor care by surface type
- Restroom sanitization and restocking
- Trash and recycling removal
- Break room and kitchenette cleaning
- Surface and desk wipe-downs
- Window and glass cleaning — specify interior, exterior, or both
What’s Usually Not Included
Biohazard cleanup, post-construction cleaning, exterior pressure washing, and deep carpet extraction are typically excluded from standard contracts. If you expect any of these occasionally, ask for a supplemental rate schedule before you need it.
Clauses to Read Twice
- Auto-renewal: many contracts renew automatically unless you give written notice inside a defined window.
- Escalation clauses: some contracts allow periodic price increases — know the trigger and the cap.
- Termination terms: understand what leaving early costs before you need to find out.
- Complaint procedures: how you report a missed clean, and what the remedy timeline looks like.
Everything Is Negotiable
Ask about trial periods, performance guarantees, and whether the scope can flex as your facility’s needs change. A reputable provider will customize the contract rather than hand you a one-size document.