Commercial janitorial service typically includes trash and recycling removal, restroom cleaning, breakroom and kitchen cleaning, dusting of reachable surfaces, vacuuming carpets, mopping hard floors, cleaning entry glass and touchpoints, and reporting maintenance issues, all performed on a fixed schedule. Periodic tasks such as high dusting and baseboards happen weekly or monthly. Specialty work like carpet extraction, floor refinishing, exterior windows and post-construction cleanup is usually excluded or priced separately. The written scope is what actually defines "included."
How janitorial scopes are organized
The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes janitors as keeping buildings clean and in orderly condition, with duties such as gathering trash, cleaning restrooms, mopping and vacuuming, and notifying managers when repairs are needed. Professional scopes organize those duties by area and frequency so nothing is left to interpretation.
Room-by-room breakdown
Restrooms
| Task | Typical frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean and disinfect toilets, urinals, sinks and counters | Every visit |
| Clean mirrors and dispensers' exteriors | Every visit |
| Empty waste and sanitary receptacles | Every visit |
| Mop floors | Every visit |
| Report or restock supplies (per contract) | Every visit |
| Wipe partitions and door handles | Every visit or weekly |
| Detail walls around fixtures | Weekly |
| Clean vents and light lenses within reach | Monthly |
Workspaces and private offices
| Task | Typical frequency |
|---|---|
| Empty trash and recycling | Every visit |
| Vacuum traffic areas | Every visit |
| Dust cleared desk surfaces and furniture | Weekly |
| Detail vacuum edges and under desks | Weekly |
| Spot-clean glass partitions | Weekly |
| High dusting of vents and ledges | Monthly |
Breakrooms and kitchens
| Task | Typical frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean counters, sinks and tables | Every visit |
| Wipe appliance exteriors | Every visit |
| Empty trash and recycling | Every visit |
| Mop floors | Every visit |
| Clean microwave interior | Weekly |
| Clean cabinet fronts | Monthly |
Entries, lobbies and corridors
| Task | Typical frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean entry glass and door hardware | Every visit |
| Vacuum or mop entry floors | Every visit |
| Wipe reception counters | Every visit |
| Vacuum corridors | Every visit or several times a week |
| Detail baseboards and corners | Monthly |
Conference rooms
| Task | Typical frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe tables, reset chairs | Every visit |
| Empty trash | Every visit |
| Vacuum | Every visit or several times a week |
| Clean whiteboard trays | Weekly |
Touchpoints
Door handles, push plates, light switches, elevator buttons, handrails and shared equipment exteriors are cleaned on a schedule. The CDC notes that routine cleaning removes most germs from surfaces, with disinfection added where risk is higher.
Things janitorial service usually includes but buyers forget
- Issue reporting: leaks, burned-out lights, damaged fixtures and pest signs
- Lock-up: securing doors and arming alarms per procedure
- Wet floor signage during and after mopping
- Basic recycling sorting as your program requires
What is usually excluded or priced separately
| Task | Why it is separate |
|---|---|
| Carpet extraction or shampooing | Specialized equipment and drying time |
| Hard floor stripping, refinishing or burnishing | Specialized equipment and project scheduling |
| Exterior windows above ground level | Specialized access and safety |
| Post-construction cleanup | Project work with different hazards |
| Kitchen equipment and hood cleaning | Specialist trades |
| Biohazard cleanup | Specialized training and disposal |
| Moving furniture or equipment | Not routine cleaning |
| Cleaning inside personal workspaces' drawers or devices | Privacy and liability |
Northmark focuses on recurring janitorial service and does not offer the specialty services listed above. If you need them, ask your provider whether they perform them directly or subcontract them.
Consumables
Whether paper towels, toilet paper, soap and trash liners are included varies by contract. Some buyers supply their own. Others prefer the provider to manage supply and bill it. Either works if it is written down.
How to make sure "included" means included
- Get a written scope listing every task by area and frequency.
- Confirm exclusions in writing.
- Ask how periodic tasks are tracked so they actually happen.
- Ask how quality is verified. See our QA program.
For a ready-made format, use our janitorial scope of work template. For office-specific tasks, see the office cleaning checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Does janitorial service include restroom supplies?
It depends on the contract. Some providers include consumables, while others restock client-supplied products or bill supplies separately.
Is carpet cleaning included in janitorial service?
Routine vacuuming is included. Carpet extraction or shampooing is usually a separate specialty service.
Do janitors clean desks?
Typically they dust cleared desk surfaces and leave papers and personal items untouched.
Do janitorial services include window washing?
Interior glass and entry doors are usually included. Exterior windows above ground level are usually separate.
Sources
Published · Northmark Facility Services.