Office Cleaning Costs UK: A Complete Guide for Businesses (2026)

# Office Cleaning Costs UK: A Complete Guide for Businesses (2026)

A clean office is not just about appearances—it impacts employee productivity, health, and your professional image. Whether you run a small startup or manage a large commercial building, understanding office cleaning costs helps you budget effectively and choose the right service level for your needs.

Average Office Cleaning Costs in 2026

Commercial cleaning prices vary based on office size, cleaning frequency, and service scope. Here are current UK rates:

Hourly Rates

| Service Type | Price Range | Typical Rate |
|--------------|-------------|--------------|
| Basic office cleaning | £13–£20/hour | £16/hour |
| Contract/commercial cleaning | £15–£25/hour | £20/hour |
| Specialist cleaning (carpets, windows) | £25–£40/hour | £32/hour |
| Deep cleaning/sanitisation | £25–£35/hour | £30/hour |

Monthly Contract Rates by Office Size

| Office Size | Hours/Week | Monthly Cost |
|-------------|------------|--------------|
| Small office (up to 500 sq ft) | 2–4 hours | £130–£280 |
| Medium office (500–1,500 sq ft) | 5–10 hours | £320–£720 |
| Large office (1,500–3,000 sq ft) | 12–20 hours | £780–£1,600 |
| Commercial building (3,000+ sq ft) | 25+ hours | £1,700+ |

Per Square Foot Pricing

Some cleaners price by area:

Basic cleaning: £0.50–£1.20 per sq ft per month

Full-service cleaning: £1.20–£2.50 per sq ft per month

One-off deep clean: £0.80–£2.00 per sq ft

What Affects Office Cleaning Costs?

Multiple factors influence your commercial cleaning quote:

1. Office Size and Layout

Larger spaces cost more, but layout complexity matters too. Open-plan offices clean faster than spaces with many small rooms, partitions, or obstacles.

2. Cleaning Frequency

More frequent visits often reduce per-visit costs:

Daily cleaning: £12–£18/hour (regular contract rate)

3x weekly: £14–£20/hour

Weekly: £15–£22/hour

Fortnightly: £17–£25/hour

One-off: £20–£35/hour

3. Industry and Cleaning Standards

Different sectors require different standards:

Standard office: Basic rates apply

Medical/dental: +30–50% (infection control requirements)

Food preparation: +25–40% (hygiene compliance)

Industrial: +20–30% (heavy-duty cleaning)

Technology/clean rooms: +40–60% (specialised protocols)

4. Location

London and major cities command premiums:

Central London: £22–£40/hour

Greater London: £18–£28/hour

Manchester/Birmingham: £15–£22/hour

Other UK cities: £14–£20/hour

Rural areas: £13–£18/hour

5. Timing

Business hours: Standard rates

Evening cleaning: Standard rates

Early morning (before 7am): +10–15%

Weekend cleaning: +20–30%

Bank holidays: +50–100%

What Is Included in Office Cleaning?

Standard commercial cleaning services typically include:

Daily/Regular Cleaning

Emptying bins and recycling

Vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors

Dusting desks, surfaces, and equipment

Cleaning kitchens and break rooms

Sanitising toilets and washrooms

Replenishing consumables (soap, toilet paper)

Cleaning entrance areas and reception

Periodic Deep Cleaning

Carpet shampooing and extraction

Hard floor stripping and resealing

Window cleaning (interior and exterior)

High-level dusting and light fitting cleaning

Upholstery cleaning

Kitchen appliance deep cleaning

Air vent and duct cleaning

Specialist Office Cleaning Services

Beyond standard cleaning, businesses often need:

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

£1.50–£3.50 per square metre

Recommended every 3–6 months for high-traffic areas

Extends carpet life and improves air quality

Window Cleaning

Interior only: £1.50–£3 per window

Interior and exterior: £3–£6 per window

High-level/access equipment: additional charges apply

Computer and IT Equipment Cleaning

£5–£15 per workstation

Prevents overheating and maintains hygiene

Specialist anti-static products used

Post-Construction Cleaning

£2–£5 per square foot

Removes building dust and debris

Essential before occupying renovated spaces

Sanitisation and Infection Control

£0.50–£1.50 per square foot

Fogging and touch-point disinfection

Important during flu season or illness outbreaks

In-House Cleaning vs Contract Cleaning

Should you hire directly or use a cleaning company?

In-House Cleaning Staff

Pros: Direct control, dedicated to your premises, flexible scheduling
Cons: Employer responsibilities (NI, pension, holiday), recruitment costs, cover for sickness, equipment purchase
True cost: £12–£15/hour wage + 25–30% employment costs = £15–£19.50/hour actual cost

Contract Cleaning Company

Pros: No employment responsibilities, trained staff, equipment provided, cover arranged, insurance included
Cons: Less direct control, multiple sites may mean changing staff
Typical cost: £15–£25/hour all-inclusive

Verdict: For offices under 3,000 sq ft, contract cleaning usually offers better value and fewer headaches.

How to Choose an Office Cleaning Company

1. Check credentials: Look for BICSc membership or ISO accreditations

2. Verify insurance: Minimum £5 million public liability

3. Request references: Speak to current clients

4. Review contracts: Check notice periods and flexibility

5. Assess communication: Will you have a dedicated account manager?

6. Trial period: Start with a 3-month trial before committing long-term

Reducing Your Office Cleaning Costs

1. Encourage desk cleanliness: Clear desk policies reduce cleaning time

2. Provide adequate bins: Reduces litter and speeds up emptying

3. Schedule smartly: Off-peak times often cost less

4. Bundle services: Combine daily cleaning with periodic deep cleans for discounts

5. Maintain your space: Prompt repairs prevent bigger cleaning jobs

6. Get multiple quotes: Compare at least 3 local providers

Office Cleaning Contracts: What to Look For

Standard commercial cleaning contracts include:

Service schedule: Exactly what happens when

Staffing: Number of cleaners and hours allocated

Quality standards: Measurable KPIs and inspection procedures

Equipment and supplies: Who provides what

Insurance details: Coverage levels and certificates

Termination clauses: Notice periods and break clauses

Typical contract lengths range from 3 months to 3 years. Start shorter until you are confident in the service.

Get Your Office Cleaning Quote

Ready to transform your workplace? [Book your office cleaning service](/book) with ShimmerPro and enjoy a cleaner, healthier, more productive environment for your team.

We provide flexible commercial cleaning contracts tailored to businesses of all sizes across the UK. From daily maintenance to specialist deep cleans, our trained professionals deliver consistent, reliable results.

Request your free, no-obligation quote today.