Commercial Cleaning vs. Domestic Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

Cleaning is cleaning, right?

Actually, no. There’s a big difference between commercial and domestic cleaning, and if you’re a business owner, knowing the distinction matters — especially when choosing the right cleaning provider.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Domestic Cleaning?

Domestic cleaning is what you’d typically get in a private home. Think:

• Vacuuming carpets

• Dusting surfaces

• Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens

• Changing bedsheets

• Mopping floors

It’s about maintaining a comfortable, hygienic space for a family or individual.

What Is Commercial Cleaning?

Commercial cleaning is designed for business premises and shared public spaces. That includes:

• Offices

• Retail stores

• Medical clinics

• Schools

• Warehouses

• Hospitality venues

The cleaning here is on a larger scale, often with different tools, chemicals, and requirements (e.g. compliance with hygiene standards).

Key Differences at a Glance:

FeatureDomestic CleaningCommercial CleaningLocationPrivate homesBusiness/public premisesEquipment usedBasic household toolsIndustrial-grade equipmentCleaning productsShop-boughtCommercial-strength & COSHH-compliantSchedulingFlexible, casualOften out-of-hours or scheduled routinesHealth & SafetyMinimalEssential training requiredScale1-2 rooms, small areasLarge multi-room spaces

Why Domestic Cleaners Can’t Always Do Commercial Work

Many people assume a good domestic cleaner can just "scale up" and clean offices — but it’s not that simple.

Commercial cleaning often involves:

• Adhering to legal hygiene standards

• Cleaning shared areas used by dozens or hundreds of people

• Using chemical products safely

• Working within tight schedules

• Providing risk assessments and method statements

If you hire a cleaner without experience in commercial environments, you risk non-compliance, poor results, and even health hazards.

Why Businesses Need Commercial Specialists

Here’s why it pays to work with a dedicated commercial cleaning company:

1. Knowledge of Regulations: From COSHH to industry-specific hygiene standards (like for food premises or medical sites), trained cleaners know how to stay compliant.

2. Specialist Tools: We use industrial vacuums, disinfectants, and cleaning systems that are far more effective than what you’d use at home.

3. Scalable Teams: Whether it’s one cleaner twice a week or a team of four every evening, we build a plan around your space.

4. Professional Accountability: We’re fully insured, trained, and committed to quality assurance. You won’t find that with a casual cleaner.

Why Saaf Cleaning?

We’ve been cleaning businesses across Hitchin and Letchworth for over a decade. Our clients include offices, salons, medical spaces, and more — all with different cleaning needs.

What you get with us:

• Professional cleaners trained in Health & Safety and COSHH

• Fully insured service with excellent local reviews

• Flexible contracts and no hidden fees

• A friendly, responsive team who genuinely care

In Summary

Don’t settle for a cleaner who "also does offices". When it comes to your business, choose a company that specialises in commercial cleaning — with the experience, equipment, and systems to back it up.

Need a reliable commercial cleaner in Hitchin or Letchworth?

Let’s have a chat. Contact us today to get a tailored quote and cleaning plan.