8 min read · Updated September 2026
The short answer
In the Greater Toronto Area, commercial cleaning is generally priced one of three ways: an hourly rate, a per-square-foot rate, or a fixed monthly contract. Fixed monthly pricing is the most common arrangement for offices, clinics, and managed properties because it makes budgeting predictable for both sides.
As a rough benchmark, most GTA businesses land somewhere between $0.08 and $0.20 per square foot per cleaning visit for standard janitorial work, or roughly $35 to $55 per hour when work is billed hourly. Specialty work — floor stripping, post-construction, high dusting — is quoted separately because it uses different equipment and skill sets.
Typical GTA price ranges by building type
These are planning ranges, not quotes. Two buildings of identical size can differ by 40% in price based on washroom count, floor type, and how many hours a night the work actually takes.
| Facility | Typical size | Common frequency | Typical monthly range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small office / professional suite | 1,500–3,000 sq ft | 3x weekly | $600 – $1,400 |
| Mid-size office floor | 5,000–10,000 sq ft | 5x weekly | $1,800 – $4,000 |
| Medical or dental clinic | 2,000–5,000 sq ft | 5x weekly | $1,400 – $3,200 |
| Retail storefront | 1,500–5,000 sq ft | 5–7x weekly | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Warehouse / light industrial | 20,000+ sq ft | 3–5x weekly | $2,500 – $7,000+ |
| Condo / multi-res common areas | Varies by amenities | 5–7x weekly | $2,000 – $6,000 |
What actually drives your price
- Square footage and layout — open floor plates clean faster per square foot than a maze of small offices.
- Frequency — five nights a week costs more monthly but usually less per visit than weekly service, because soil never gets a chance to build up.
- Washroom count — washrooms are the single most labour-intensive area in most buildings.
- Floor type — carpet vacuuming is fast; VCT that needs regular scrubbing and recoating is not.
- Access and timing — after-hours work, security escorts, elevator bookings, and limited loading access all add labour hours.
- Scope extras — supply management, day porters, recycling programs, and window or carpet cycles each carry their own line.
- Site risk and compliance — clinical, food, or industrial environments require extra training, documentation, and equipment control.
Hourly vs per-square-foot vs fixed monthly
Hourly pricing is transparent but shifts the risk to you: if a crew works slowly, you pay for it. It suits one-off jobs and unpredictable scopes like post-construction touch-ups.
Per-square-foot pricing is common for large, uniform spaces such as warehouses and big-box retail where the work is consistent from visit to visit.
Fixed monthly contract pricing is what most GTA offices and properties end up with. The contractor absorbs the efficiency risk, you get one predictable number, and the written scope defines exactly what's included. This only works when the scope document is detailed — vague scopes are where service quietly degrades.
Why the cheapest quote usually costs more
Cleaning is roughly 70% labour. A quote that undercuts the market by 30% is almost always cutting hours on site, paying below market wages, skipping supervision, or carrying thin insurance — and one of those will surface within a few months as missed nights, constant staff turnover, or tenant complaints.
Before comparing prices, make every bidder quote the same written scope with the same frequencies and the same hours on site. Otherwise you're comparing three different jobs, not three prices.
Questions to ask before you sign
- How many labour hours per visit does this price include?
- Who supervises the site, and how often do they inspect it in person?
- Are you insured, and what's the liability limit? Is WSIB coverage current?
- Are cleaning supplies and consumables included or billed separately?
- What's the notice period to cancel, and is there an auto-renewal clause?
- What happens when a scheduled cleaner is sick — who covers the shift?
- How are extras like carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and floor refinishing priced?
How SMS Maintenance quotes
We walk the building first — always. The walkthrough establishes real square footage, washroom count, floor types, access rules, and the problem areas you actually care about. You get a written, task-by-task scope with frequencies and a fixed monthly price within 24 hours, with no auto-renewal traps and no long lock-in.
Frequently asked questions
How much does commercial cleaning cost per square foot in Toronto?
Standard janitorial work in the GTA typically runs $0.08–$0.20 per square foot per visit, depending on frequency, washroom count, and floor type. Specialty services are quoted separately.
Is commercial cleaning cheaper if I book more often?
Per visit, yes. Daily service keeps soil from building up, so each visit takes less time. Your monthly total will be higher, but your cost per clean and your building's condition both improve.
Do cleaning companies charge extra for supplies?
Some do, some don't. Ask explicitly whether paper products, soap, and liners are included, since consumables can add several hundred dollars a month to a busy building.
How long are commercial cleaning contracts?
One-year terms are typical in the GTA, though month-to-month is available. Watch for auto-renewal clauses and long cancellation notice periods — SMS Maintenance doesn't use long lock-in terms.