A cleaning quote should define where, how often, and exactly what gets cleaned. A price without that scope invites assumptions about windows, ovens, carpet extraction, consumables, dishes, laundry, floor finishing, and dozens of other tasks.
The client does not need a complicated proposal. They need a document that lets them answer four questions quickly:
- What is included?
- What is not included?
- How often will the work happen?
- What will it cost?
Cleaning quote example
| Service | Quantity | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office cleaning visit, up to 6,500 sq ft | 12 visits | $165 | $1,980 |
| Restroom consumable restock labor | 1 month | $190 | $190 |
| Quarterly machine floor care | 1 service | $520 | $520 |
| Monthly total | $2,690 |
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after 6:00 p.m.
Included: Dust and wipe accessible surfaces, vacuum, mop hard floors, empty lined trash bins, clean and disinfect restrooms, clean break-room counters and sink, spot-clean entry glass.
Excluded: Exterior windows, carpet extraction, stripping and waxing, high dusting above 8 feet, biohazard cleanup, and consumable product cost.
Validity: 30 days. Price assumes one secure access credential and uninterrupted after-hours access.
Build this in the commercial-cleaning quote template. For the payment stage, use the cleaning-service invoice template.
Start with the location and service basis
For a commercial quote, record:
- Service address and approximate cleanable square footage
- Building type and occupancy
- Number of restrooms, kitchens, break rooms, and common areas
- Floor types
- Operating and access hours
- Security, keys, alarms, elevator, and parking conditions
- Desired visit frequency
For residential cleaning, replace square footage alone with bedrooms, bathrooms, levels, pets, current condition, and whether the visit is standard, deep, move-in, or move-out.
The quote should say whether it is based on a walkthrough, customer description, photos, or measured information. That basis matters if the actual condition differs substantially.
Attach a task checklist
“General cleaning” means something different to every client. Use a compact checklist grouped by area.
Routine office areas
- Empty lined trash and recycling
- Dust accessible horizontal surfaces
- Vacuum carpet and mats
- Damp-mop hard floors
- Spot-clean doors and interior glass
- Reset chairs and visible common areas
Restrooms
- Clean and disinfect fixtures
- Clean mirrors
- Refill customer-provided consumables
- Empty bins
- Mop floors
Break room
- Clean counters and sink
- Wipe appliance exteriors
- Clean tables
- Empty bins
- Mop floor
The checklist establishes the base service. Anything outside it becomes a quoted add-on instead of an argument after the first visit.
Separate periodic work from routine visits
Tasks performed monthly, quarterly, or annually should not disappear inside the routine price. List them separately:
- Interior or exterior window cleaning
- Carpet extraction
- Floor stripping, finishing, or burnishing
- High dusting
- Pressure washing
- Upholstery cleaning
- Post-construction cleanup
- Deep kitchen or appliance cleaning
For example, a monthly janitorial quote might include twelve routine visits plus one quarterly floor service. The client sees the operational schedule and can remove or approve the add-on without renegotiating the base scope.
Clarify supplies and consumables
State who provides:
- Cleaning chemicals and tools
- Paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, and liners
- Vacuum, floor machine, ladder, or specialty equipment
- Storage space and water or power
“Consumable restock included” can mean the labor to refill dispensers, the actual products, or both. Write the intended meaning.
Price in a way the client can audit
Common structures include:
- Per visit
- Weekly or monthly fixed service
- Per square foot for defined commercial scope
- Hourly for uncertain or one-time cleanup
- Per room, bedroom, or bathroom for residential work
- Separate unit prices for windows, appliances, or floor area
Use the method that matches the certainty of the scope. If the first clean is likely to take much longer, quote it as a separate initial deep clean, then begin the recurring rate after the property reaches maintenance condition.
Add assumptions and exclusions
A short block prevents expensive misunderstandings:
Price assumes normal maintenance condition, working utilities, clear floor access, and secure after-hours entry. It excludes hazardous materials, pest waste, mold remediation, lifting over 35 pounds, exterior height work, and restoration services. Additional work requires approval.
Adapt the wording to work your business is trained, equipped, insured, and permitted to perform. Avoid pretending a generic quote covers specialized hazard or remediation standards.
Define price-review triggers
Recurring scope changes. State when pricing can be reviewed:
- Square footage or occupied area increases
- Visit frequency changes
- Headcount or restroom use changes materially
- Access time is shortened
- New areas or tasks are added
- Supply cost responsibility changes
This is more transparent than silently raising the invoice later. For a term contract, align the quote with the agreement’s notice and price-review provisions.
Cleaning quote checklist
- Client and service address are correct
- Quote number, issue date, and valid-until date are present
- Service basis and approximate size are stated
- Visit frequency and access window are explicit
- Base task checklist is attached or included
- Periodic work is priced separately
- Supplies and consumables have an owner
- First clean and recurring maintenance are distinguished
- Assumptions, exclusions, and price-review triggers are visible
- Deposit, payment terms, and acceptance method are included
Frequently asked questions
Should a cleaning quote be hourly or fixed price?
Use a fixed per-visit or recurring price when the location, frequency, and checklist are known. Use hourly pricing or a range for unusual one-time work whose condition is difficult to measure in advance.
How long should a cleaning quote remain valid?
Thirty days is a practical default. Use a shorter period when labor, supply, travel, or access assumptions are likely to change. State the exact expiry date.
Should a quote include sales tax?
Show the expected tax treatment or state that applicable tax will be added. Cleaning-service taxability varies by state and sometimes by service type, so verify the rule for the service location.
What is the difference between a cleaning quote and estimate?
A quote fits a defined checklist, schedule, and price. An estimate is better when the property condition or required labor remains uncertain. Label the document honestly and explain what could change.