Commercial Cleaning Costs in Ireland: Complete Pricing Guide (2026)

What Does Commercial Cleaning Cost in Ireland in 2026?

Commercial cleaning costs in Ireland vary significantly depending on the type of premises, the level of service required, the location, and the pricing model used. A small office in Galway paying for three cleans per week will have a very different bill from a pharmaceutical cleanroom in Cork requiring daily specialist decontamination.

This guide breaks down the real costs that Irish businesses are paying in 2026. All prices are based on current market rates, our own contract pricing, and industry data from the Irish Contract Cleaning Association. Prices exclude VAT at 23% unless stated otherwise.

If you are looking for residential cleaning prices, see our cleaning prices guide. For a broader overview of what contract cleaning involves, read our contract cleaning guide.

Commercial Cleaning Rates by Service Type

The following rates reflect what Irish businesses are paying for contract cleaning services in 2026. Rates are per cleaner per hour unless otherwise stated.

Office Cleaning

Standard office cleaning is the most common commercial cleaning service. It covers daily or periodic cleaning of desks, floors, kitchens, washrooms, and communal areas in office environments.

• Per-hour rate: €11–€14 per cleaner per hour
• Per m² rate: €1.50–€3.00 per m² per month (based on 5x weekly cleaning)
• Fixed monthly contract: €400–€3,000 per month depending on office size and frequency

Office cleaning is priced at the lower end of commercial rates because the work is relatively straightforward, the environments are low-risk, and the tasks are repetitive and schedulable. See our office cleaning services page for full details of what is included.

Industrial and Warehouse Cleaning

Industrial cleaning covers factories, manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centres, and production facilities. It involves heavy-duty cleaning, specialist equipment, and often requires working around production schedules.

• Per-hour rate: €18–€35 per operative per hour
• Per m² rate: €2.50–€6.00 per m² per clean
• Fixed monthly contract: €2,000–€15,000+ per month

Industrial cleaning commands higher rates because it requires specialist training, industrial equipment (ride-on scrubbers, pressure washers, high-level access), specific PPE, and often involves hazardous substances, food-safe environments, or cleanroom protocols. Read more about our industrial cleaning services.

Healthcare Cleaning

Healthcare cleaning covers hospitals, nursing homes, GP surgeries, dental practices, pharmacies, and any clinical environment. It requires strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols and, in many cases, HIQA compliance.

• Per-hour rate: €14–€18 per operative per hour
• Per m² rate: €3.00–€5.50 per m² per month
• Fixed monthly contract: €1,500–€10,000+ per month

Healthcare cleaning is priced above standard office cleaning because operatives need specific IPC training, colour-coded cleaning systems must be used, documentation and audit trails are required, and the consequences of poor cleaning are serious. For more on healthcare cleaning standards, see our HIQA cleaning standards guide.

Retail Cleaning

Retail cleaning covers shops, shopping centres, showrooms, and customer-facing commercial spaces. Cleaning typically happens outside trading hours (early morning or late evening).

• Per-hour rate: €12–€15 per cleaner per hour
• Per m² rate: €2.00–€3.50 per m² per month
• Fixed monthly contract: €600–€4,000 per month

Retail cleaning rates are slightly above office cleaning because of unsociable working hours (attracting premium pay rates) and the need for presentable, customer-facing standards at all times.

Hotel and Hospitality Cleaning

Hotel cleaning covers guest rooms, public areas, conference facilities, restaurants, and back-of-house areas. Many hotels employ in-house housekeeping teams, but outsourced contract cleaning is increasingly common for public areas and deep cleaning.

• Per-hour rate: €12–€16 per cleaner per hour
• Per room rate: €8–€18 per guest room turnover
• Fixed monthly contract (public areas): €2,000–€8,000 per month

Hotel cleaning is priced per room for housekeeping and per hour or fixed price for public areas. The per-room rate varies based on room size, the standard of the hotel (3-star vs 5-star expectations), and whether linen management is included.

Pricing Models Explained

Commercial cleaning companies in Ireland use four main pricing models. Understanding the differences is essential for comparing quotes and choosing the right arrangement for your business.

Per-Hour Pricing

The cleaning company charges a fixed rate per cleaner per hour. You specify the number of hours per visit and the number of visits per week. The cleaners complete whatever tasks they can within the allocated time.

Advantages: Simple to understand. Easy to scale up or down. Transparent — you know exactly what you are paying for.

Disadvantages: You are paying for time, not results. A slow or inefficient cleaner costs more. No guarantee that all tasks will be completed in every visit. Difficult to hold the cleaning company accountable for quality because the scope is defined by time, not by tasks.

Best for: Small businesses with simple cleaning needs. Businesses that want flexibility. Situations where the cleaning scope varies from day to day.

Fixed Monthly Contract

The cleaning company conducts a site survey, agrees a detailed specification of tasks and frequencies, and quotes a fixed monthly price. The price does not change regardless of how long the cleaning takes.

Advantages: Budget certainty — you know exactly what you will pay each month. Accountability — the cleaning company must deliver the agreed specification. Incentive for efficiency — the company makes more profit if they clean faster without compromising quality. Quality monitoring is easier because the spec defines what “done” looks like.

Disadvantages: Less flexibility — changes to the specification usually require contract variation. The price may initially appear higher than a per-hour equivalent (because the company builds in a margin for contingency).

Best for: Medium to large businesses. Businesses that want consistent, reliable cleaning. Multi-year contracts. Sites that have been cleaned before and where the scope is well understood.

Per-Visit Pricing

A fixed price is charged for each cleaning visit, based on a defined scope. Common for periodic services like deep cleans, carpet cleaning, or window cleaning rather than daily contract cleaning.

Advantages: Pay only when cleaning happens. Good for irregular or seasonal cleaning needs.

Disadvantages: Can be more expensive per visit than a contract rate. No continuity — different operatives may attend each time.

Best for: One-off deep cleans. Periodic specialist services. Businesses that do not need regular cleaning.

Per-Square-Metre Pricing

The price is calculated based on the floor area of the premises. This model is common in tenders and large commercial contracts where standardisation is important.

Advantages: Easy to compare across different cleaning companies. Scales proportionally with premises size. Standard in public sector procurement.

Disadvantages: Does not account for complexity — a 500m² open-plan warehouse is very different from a 500m² multi-room medical centre. The rate needs to be adjusted for cleaning frequency, sector requirements, and facility type.

Best for: Large commercial premises. Public sector tenders. Multi-site contracts where comparison needs to be standardised.

Typical Monthly Cleaning Costs by Business Size

All prices exclude VAT at 23%. Prices assume standard scope — consumables, deep cleaning, window cleaning, and specialist services are typically additional. For a personalised quote, request a free site survey.

Factors That Affect Commercial Cleaning Costs

If you have received two quotes that are wildly different, it is usually because one or more of these factors differ between the quotations:

Location

Dublin cleaning rates are 10–20% higher than the national average. This is driven by higher wages (the living wage in Dublin is effectively higher due to housing costs), higher travel costs for cleaning operatives, parking charges at client sites, and greater competition for cleaning staff from other industries. Cork, Galway, and Limerick fall between Dublin rates and rural rates.

Cleaning Frequency

More frequent cleaning is cheaper per visit because the premises stays cleaner between visits, reducing the effort required each time. Daily cleaning is typically 15–25% cheaper per visit than twice-weekly cleaning. Monthly deep cleans cost more per visit than weekly maintenance cleans.

Premises Size and Layout

Larger premises benefit from economies of scale — the cost per square metre decreases as the area increases. However, complex layouts (many small rooms, multiple floors, narrow corridors) take longer to clean than open-plan spaces of the same area. A 500m² open-plan office takes less time to clean than a 500m² medical centre with 20 consultation rooms, 4 bathrooms, and a waiting area.

Sector Requirements

Some sectors have regulatory cleaning requirements that increase costs. Healthcare facilities need HIQA-standard cleaning with colour-coded systems, trained operatives, and documentation. Food production facilities need HACCP-compliant cleaning. Pharmaceutical facilities may need cleanroom decontamination. Each of these adds training, equipment, and compliance costs.

Out-of-Hours Cleaning

Cleaning outside standard business hours attracts premium rates. Early morning (before 7am) and evening (after 6pm) cleaning is standard for many commercial clients and is priced into normal rates. Weekend cleaning attracts a 10–25% premium. Bank holiday cleaning attracts a 50–100% premium. Night cleaning (10pm–6am) attracts a 25–40% premium.

Contract Length

Longer contracts are cheaper. A 3-year contract will typically be 5–10% cheaper than a 1-year contract for the same specification. This is because the cleaning company can amortise setup costs (recruitment, training, equipment) over a longer period and has the revenue certainty to invest in the contract.

Dublin vs Rest of Ireland: The Price Gap

Dublin commands the highest cleaning rates in Ireland. Here is a typical comparison for the same specification:

The gap is narrowing year on year. The national minimum wage (€13.50/hr in 2026) sets a floor that applies equally everywhere. The main drivers of Dublin premiums are transport costs, parking, and staff retention rather than the wage itself.

How to Compare Commercial Cleaning Quotes

Receiving three quotes of €800, €1,200, and €2,100 for the same premises does not mean the cheapest is the best value or the most expensive is overpriced. Quotes differ because they are based on different assumptions. Here is how to compare them fairly:

1. Check the Specification

Are all quotes based on the same scope of work? Does each quote specify exactly which tasks will be performed, how often, and in which areas? A quote that includes washroom consumables, periodic deep cleaning, and window cleaning will be higher than one that covers basic daily cleaning only. Ask each company for a detailed task schedule (sometimes called a work specification or cleaning schedule) so you can compare like with like.

2. Check Insurance Levels

The minimum you should accept is €6.5M public liability insurance. Some businesses require higher levels. Employers’ liability insurance should be at least €13M. Ask for certificates of insurance, not just stated amounts. A company quoting very low prices may be cutting costs on insurance cover.

3. Check Staff Vetting

All cleaning operatives working on your premises should be Garda vetted. This is especially important for healthcare, education, and any setting where vulnerable people are present. Ask whether the cleaning company conducts Garda vetting, reference checks, and right-to-work verification for all staff.

4. Check What Is NOT Included

Common exclusions that can add significantly to your costs:

• Consumables: Toilet rolls, hand soap, paper towels, bin liners — these can cost €100–€500 per month depending on premises size. Some companies include them; others charge extra.
• Window cleaning: External window cleaning is almost always extra. Internal glass cleaning is usually included in standard office cleaning.
• Deep cleaning: Periodic deep cleans (carpet extraction, hard floor stripping, high-level dusting) are usually charged separately from the daily contract.
• Pest control: Always separate. Do not expect a cleaning company to include pest management unless specifically offered.
• Waste removal: Standard bin emptying is included. Bulky waste, confidential shredding, and recycling management may be extra.

5. Check Quality Monitoring

How does the company measure and maintain quality? Look for: regular site inspections by a supervisor or contract manager, documented quality audits with scores, a system for reporting and resolving issues, and willingness to meet regularly to review performance. Companies that invest in quality management charge more but deliver consistently. Companies that do not monitor quality may start well but decline over time.

6. Ask About Staff Continuity

High staff turnover is the biggest quality problem in commercial cleaning. A company that pays the minimum wage, offers zero-hour contracts, and has no training programme will have constant staff changes. This means your premises gets a different cleaner every few weeks, each one unfamiliar with your layout, your preferences, and your security requirements. Ask about staff retention rates, employment terms, and how the company handles holidays and sickness cover.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

These are the costs that catch businesses by surprise after they have signed a cleaning contract:

• Annual price increases: Most contracts include a clause allowing annual price increases linked to CPI or the minimum wage. Check the increase mechanism and cap. An uncapped CPI clause could mean 5–8% increases per year.
• Setup / mobilisation fees: Some companies charge a one-off fee for equipment, initial deep clean, and staff recruitment. Typically €500–€2,000. This should be disclosed in the quote.
• Exit charges: Check the contract notice period. 30 days is reasonable. 90 days is standard for larger contracts. Some companies include exit penalties or equipment removal charges.
• Consumable markups: If the cleaning company supplies consumables (toilet rolls, soap, bin liners), check their prices against wholesale suppliers. Some companies charge significant markups on consumables as a profit centre.
• Additional service charges: Tasks that fall outside the daily specification — a one-off deep clean of the kitchen, a carpet stain removal, cleaning after a company event — will be charged extra. Ask for the ad-hoc hourly rate in advance.
• Key holder / alarm charges: If the cleaning company needs to open and close your premises, some charge a key holder premium (€20–€50 per month) or an alarm response fee.

What Is Included vs What Costs Extra

This is the standard breakdown for a typical commercial cleaning contract in Ireland. The exact split varies by provider, but this reflects industry norms:

Typically Included in Daily Contract

• Vacuuming all carpeted areas
• Mopping all hard floors
• Emptying all bins and replacing liners
• Cleaning and sanitising all toilets, urinals, and washbasins
• Restocking washroom dispensers (if consumables included)
• Wiping desks, counters, and work surfaces
• Cleaning kitchen surfaces, sink, and appliances (exterior)
• Cleaning internal glass doors and partitions
• Dusting accessible surfaces (desks, shelves, window sills)
• Spot-cleaning marks on walls and doors
• Cleaning lifts (floor, panels, doors)
• Sweeping entrance areas

Typically Extra (Periodic or On-Request)

• External window cleaning
• Carpet deep cleaning / extraction
• Hard floor stripping, sealing, and polishing
• High-level cleaning (above 3m — light fittings, ceiling vents, high shelving)
• Upholstery and fabric cleaning
• Kitchen deep clean (ovens, fridges, behind appliances)
• Pressure washing (car parks, walkways, building exterior)
• Graffiti removal
• Specialist floor treatments (anti-slip, resin floors)
• Washroom deep clean and descaling

When to Choose Contract Cleaning vs One-Off Cleaning

Not every business needs a cleaning contract. Here is when each option makes sense:

Choose a Contract When:

• Your premises needs cleaning 3 or more times per week
• You have staff, customers, or patients on site daily
• Your sector has regulatory cleaning requirements (healthcare, food, pharma)
• You want consistent quality from the same cleaning team
• You need washroom and consumable management included
• You want predictable monthly costs for budgeting

Choose One-Off or Periodic Cleaning When:

• You need a deep clean once or twice a year
• You are preparing for an event, audit, or inspection
• You are moving in or out of premises
• Your premises is closed for part of the year (seasonal businesses)
• You have in-house cleaners but need specialist services (carpet cleaning, window cleaning) periodically

Many businesses use a hybrid approach: a daily contract for core cleaning plus periodic one-off services for deep cleaning, carpet care, and window cleaning. This is often the most cost-effective arrangement.

Getting the Best Value from Your Cleaning Budget

These are practical steps to reduce your cleaning costs without reducing quality:

1. Get a site survey, not a phone quote. Any reputable cleaning company will visit your premises before quoting. A site survey ensures the quote is accurate and avoids surprises later. Optus Glean provides free site surveys across Ireland.
2. Choose fixed-price over per-hour. Fixed-price contracts give you budget certainty and hold the cleaning company accountable for delivering a specification, not just filling hours.
3. Consolidate services. Using one company for daily cleaning, periodic deep cleans, window cleaning, and washroom services is typically 10–20% cheaper than using separate specialists. See our facilities management guide for more on integrated service delivery.
4. Commit to a longer contract. A 3-year contract with annual review will be cheaper than a rolling monthly arrangement. The cleaning company can invest in the relationship knowing they have revenue certainty.
5. Do not chase the cheapest price. A cleaning company quoting 30% below the market rate is either underpaying staff (leading to high turnover and poor quality), underinsured, or will raise prices after the first review. Quality and reliability save money in the long run.