What Is Commercial Cleaning? Definition and Proven Efficiency Methods

Commercial cleaning and its definition – the significance of different types of cleaning

Commercial cleaning encompasses a wide range of cleaning services. In addition to visible cleanliness, the focus is also on ensuring hygiene, maintaining the value of real estate and creating an appealing working and business environment.

When it comes to industrial cleaning, the definition is shaped by the wide range of associated cleaning types. Each of these fulfills specific requirements and is used in different industries.

Maintenance cleaning

This type of cleaning includes all regularly performed tasks that ensure the daily operation of a company. These include dusting, wet mopping, emptying waste bins and cleaning sanitary facilities. The aim is to remove dirt before it becomes permanently ingrained. Maintenance cleaning thus contributes to long-term cleanliness and hygiene.

• Offices, schools, hospitals, hotels

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning goes beyond regular cleaning. It removes ingrained dirt and stubborn residues. Special cleaning agents and machines are used to thoroughly clean surfaces such as floors, walls and joints. This type of cleaning is carried out at longer intervals and complements maintenance cleaning.

• Production facilities, warehouses, offices

Facade cleaning

Facade cleaning focuses on the exterior of a building. It removes deposits such as soot or moss. Depending on the material, different methods such as high-pressure cleaning, chemical treatment or gentle brushing techniques are used. The purpose is to protect the building fabric and improve the overall appearance.

• Office buildings, retail, hotels

Window cleaning

Window cleaning involves thoroughly cleaning glass surfaces, frames and folds. In addition to the visual clarity, this type of cleaning aims to protect glass surfaces from damage caused by environmental influences. In particular, large-scale facades use lifting platforms or rope-assisted procedures.

• Office buildings, gastronomy, shopping centers

Special cleaning

Special cleaning includes services that are tailored to extraordinary requirements. These include, for example, the cleaning of clean rooms in the pharmaceutical industry, the removal of construction dust after construction work or the cleaning of production facilities. This type of cleaning requires trained personnel and special equipment.

• Pharmaceutical industry, food industry, construction industry

Each type of cleaning fulfills a clearly defined task that is tailored to the needs of different industries. With regard to industrial cleaning, the definition shows that it is not just a single service – it is much more an integrated concept that is flexibly adapted to the requirements of the respective industry.

What is a building cleaner?

For industrial cleaners, expertise in chemistry, technology and material science is the basis for precise and effective work. In industrial cleaning, the definition and implementation of cleaning processes are central, as they have a direct impact on the hygiene, value retention and functionality of buildings.

A building cleaner is responsible for the cleaning, care and maintenance of various surfaces and rooms. Depending on the area of application, the tasks are diverse and sometimes require specialization. Technical knowledge allows for the safe handling of cleaning machines, high-pressure equipment and chemical cleaning agents. This expertise is essential to treat surfaces gently while achieving maximum cleaning results.

What are the advantages of professional cleaning for companies?

A clean and well-maintained environment offers more than you might expect at first glance. For companies in all sectors, professional cleaning is a key criterion that influences the productivity and well-being of employees and customers. Implementing professional cleaning according to your definition creates a solid foundation for efficient work and a positive working environment.

The advantages of regular and professional cleaning are many and varied and have a direct impact on the operating result. Well-organized cleaning processes – whether daily maintenance cleaning or special procedures such as window and facade cleaning – are indispensable. The most important advantages at a glance:

• Increased employee satisfaction: A clean working environment increases employee well-being and motivation. Studies show that tidy premises boost productivity and have a positive influence on work ethic.
• Health protection: Hygiene is essential, especially in the healthcare sector or in gastronomy. Consistent maintenance cleaning prevents the spread of germs and bacteria. This in turn reduces the risk of outbreaks of disease. In addition, important legal hygiene regulations are complied with.
• Long-term value preservation: regular care protects surfaces from dirt and wear. Floors, windows and facades retain their value and functionality for significantly longer if they are continuously cared for.
• Professional presentation: a clean environment makes a positive impression on customers, business partners and visitors. A well-kept appearance strengthens trust and underlines the professionalism of the company.
• Optimization of operational procedures: Working with a reliable cleaning service provider allows companies to focus their internal resources on core activities. Customized cleaning solutions make day-to-day operations more efficient without taking up internal capacities.

What does commercial cleaning involve? Manual and mechanical processes

Commercial cleaning, by definition, includes a wide range of cleaning types. Both manual and mechanical approaches are available to successfully implement these.

Maintenance cleaning

• Dusting: Use of microfiber cloths to remove dust and fine dirt
• Wet mopping: Cleaning floors with a wet mopping system and suitable cleaning agents, depending on the floor covering
• Disinfection: Wiping surfaces with disinfecting solutions, especially in sensitive areas such as sanitary facilities
• Industrial vacuum cleaner: Removal of coarse dirt and dust on carpets or smooth floors
• Scrubber dryer: Wet cleaning and drying of large floor areas in a single operation

Basic cleaning

• Scrubbing: Use of hand brushes and cleaning agents to remove stubborn dirt
• Removal of protective coatings: Dissolving of old coatings using chemicals and mechanical reworking
• Single-disc machine: Deep cleaning of floors using rotating brushes, ideal for stubborn dirt
• Wet vacuum cleaner: Vacuuming up water and loosened dirt after cleaning to allow the floor to dry quickly

Facade cleaning

• Manual cleaning: Sponges or brushes to loosen dirt such as algae, soot and dust
• Chemical treatment: Manual application of special cleaning agents to remove graffiti or deposits
• High-pressure cleaner: Removal of stubborn dirt using water under high pressure

Window cleaning

• Wiping: Manual cleaning of glass surfaces with rubber squeegees for streak-free results.
• Hand polishing: Repolishing of glass with lint-free cloths.
• Window cleaning robots: Automated cleaning using devices that stick to window surfaces and move along the glass panes

Special cleaning

• Cleanroom cleaning: Use of lint-free cloths and disinfecting agents to maintain particle-free conditions in sensitive environments
• Special processes: Manual removal of building dust or production residues
• Scrubber dryer: Cleaning large areas after construction work
• Wet vacuum cleaner: Picks up water and dissolved dirt
• Single disc machine: Used for stubborn dirt or special floor coverings

Manual methods are particularly suitable for detailed work and delicate surfaces. They enable targeted cleaning when precision is required. Machine-based processes, on the other hand, score points for efficiency, time savings and consistently high cleaning quality. Combining the two methods in a targeted manner produces optimal cleaning results that meet the individual requirements of the environment and area of application.

Legal requirements for industrial cleaning: Definitions and regulations

The legal requirements for industrial cleaning are clearly regulated and affect different industries, such as gastronomy or healthcare. Areas such as kitchens, operating theaters or patient rooms must always meet high hygienic standards so that health risks are reliably minimized. Constant disinfection and thorough maintenance cleaning are the basis for complying with hygiene regulations in gastronomy or hospital hygiene guidelines, for example.

Occupational safety is also of great relevance: for example, skilled workers need suitable protective clothing and appropriate tools, for example for cleaning facades or windows. The labor law provides for this. In the case of building cleaning, the definition thus includes not only the cleaning itself but also compliance with specific standards.

Sustainable building cleaning: What is it?

Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important in the cleaning industry. It is no longer just about efficient cleaning. The responsible use of resources is also crucial. A central aspect of this development is the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products. These products are free of harmful chemicals and thus protect the environment.

Furthermore, energy-efficient processes are part and parcel of sustainable industrial cleaning. Machines that achieve high cleaning performance with low energy consumption reduce CO₂ emissions and lower operating costs. This fits into the holistic concept of sustainable industrial cleaning, which by definition combines cleanliness and environmental awareness.

The future of industrial cleaning: Definition influenced by trends and technologies

The cleaning industry is constantly evolving. As technology advances and cleanliness requirements change, methods and tools continue to evolve. Particularly in the commercial sector, trends are emerging that rely on intelligent solutions to save time and resources while maintaining high cleaning quality.

One example is the increasing use of industrial vacuum robots and cleaning robots. These devices use advanced technologies and clean surfaces autonomously. With the help of sensors and GPS technology, they navigate independently through rooms, recognize obstacles and adapt their cleaning strategy in real time. Another trend is the digitalization and networking of cleaning processes in connection with smart cleaning. The use of the Internet of Things (IoT) allows cleaning services to be monitored and controlled in real time. Apps can be used to adjust cleaning schedules, control machines remotely, or check the status of cleaning results. Such technologies show how much industrial cleaning and its definition has shifted from traditional methods to automated solutions.

Industrial cleaning: Definition and cleanliness create added value

Commercial cleaning, by definition, is an important part of maintaining hygiene, safety and an aesthetic appearance. Depending on the requirements, different types of cleaning are used, which often include innovative processes and increased sustainability. For companies, continuous and professional cleaning is important not only for reasons of hygiene. According to the definition, professional building cleaning is also a decisive factor for maintaining the value of buildings and for the well-being of employees, customers and business partners.