Commercial Window Cleaning vs. Janitorial Services: What’s the Difference?

Maintaining a clean, professional commercial property requires more than simply cleaning floors and common areas. Clear windows can make a building look more inviting, enhance natural light, and create a positive impression among customers and employees.

Commercial window cleaning and janitorial services address different areas of a business and can work together as part of a broader maintenance plan. Janitorial teams typically handle routine cleaning throughout a building, while professional window cleaners specialize in glass and related surfaces. 

Understanding the difference can help business owners determine which services their business needs and how often they should be scheduled.

Key Takeaways

• Commercial window cleaning focuses on glass, windows, and related surfaces, while janitorial services address general building cleanliness.

• Professional window cleaners use specialized equipment and techniques for interior and exterior windows on low-rise commercial properties. 

• Janitorial services may include limited window cleaning, but exterior and specialized glass often require a professional window cleaning company. 

• Many businesses benefit from using both services as part of a comprehensive maintenance plan.

What Are Commercial Window Cleaning Services?

Commercial window cleaning services are designed specifically to clean windows and glass surfaces in businesses and commercial properties. Primary services include interior and exterior window cleaning, but depending on the location, additional services like screen cleaning, awning cleaning, skylight cleaning, storm window cleaning, exterior light cleaning, and ceiling fan cleaning may also be included. 

Professional window cleaners such as Fish Window Cleaning® use commercial-grade equipment and specialized cleaning techniques. Depending on the property, technicians may use squeegees, microfiber tools, extension equipment, or water-fed poles.

For exterior windows, purified water systems can effectively remove dirt and contaminants without leaving behind mineral deposits. Water-fed poles can also allow trained technicians to clean many windows from the ground, reducing the need for ladders or other access equipment.

What Are Commercial Janitorial Services?

Commercial janitorial services focus on maintaining the overall cleanliness and sanitation of a business or commercial property. Depending on the provider, services often include tasks such as vacuuming and mopping floors, cleaning restrooms and common areas, emptying trash, and sanitizing surfaces.

Some janitorial providers may also offer basic interior glass and window cleaning. However, the scope and equipment may vary. 

Commercial Window Cleaning vs. Janitorial Services: Key Differences

Although both services contribute to a clean, well-kept business environment, janitorial services and professional window cleaning serve distinct purposes. 

Scope of Services

The biggest distinction is the scope and level of detail involved in cleaning windows. 

Janitorial services generally address the overall cleanliness of a commercial property. As part of a typical cleaning routine, a janitorial team may also wipe down easily accessible interior glass to remove fingerprints, smudges, or light dust. However, this type of routine cleaning typically differs from the specialized equipment and techniques used by window cleaners. 

Professional commercial window cleaners focus specifically on glass and the surrounding areas, using techniques designed to remove dirt, pollen, water spots, fingerprints, and other buildup.This distinction becomes especially important for exterior windows, large storefronts, and other glass that requires specialized equipment. 

Specialized Equipment and Training

Professional window cleaning requires equipment and training that most janitorial teams don't use as part of their regular services, such as commercial-grade squeegees, water-fed poles, extension tools, and specialized cleaning solutions.

Window cleaning technicians receive training in equipment use, ladder safety, and other procedures specific to commercial window cleaning. 

Fish Window Cleaning technicians are extensively trained and use professional-grade equipment and safety practices. FISH specializes in commercial properties up to three stories, while its water-fed pole systems can reach windows up to six stories high.

Cleaning Frequency and Scheduling

Janitorial services may occur daily or several times per week because businesses need routine attention to high-use areas such as floors and restrooms.

Professional window cleaning is typically scheduled less frequently but provides more specialized care for windows and glass surfaces. Many commercial properties benefit from window cleaning every one to three months, although the ideal schedule depends on the property. For instance, a busy retail storefront or restaurant may need more frequent window cleaning because fingerprints, smudges, and other buildup accumulate quickly. 

By combining routine janitorial care with a window cleaning schedule, businesses can keep their entire property looking clean while giving their windows the specialized attention they need.

When Does a Business Need Both Services?

For many businesses, janitorial services and commercial window cleaning can complement each other as part of a complete property maintenance strategy.

A janitorial team can maintain the building's day-to-day cleanliness, while a window-cleaning company handles specialized glass-cleaning needs.

For instance, a busy office building may have janitorial staff who clean floors, restrooms, and common areas every day while occasionally wiping down windows. The business may then schedule professional window cleaning separately based on the property's needs. 

At FISH, customized commercial window cleaning programs help businesses maintain clear windows year-round.

Looking for specialized window cleaning for your business? Fish Window Cleaning offers customized commercial cleaning programs for low-rise properties, with scheduling based on your facility's needs. Contact your local FISH team today for a free estimate. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Commercial Window Cleaning and Janitorial Services?

Commercial window cleaning specializes in cleaning interior and exterior glass, windows, and related surfaces. Janitorial services focus on general building cleanliness, including floors, restrooms, common areas, and other interior spaces.

Do Janitorial Services Include Window Cleaning?

Some janitorial companies may offer basic window cleaning, particularly for easily accessible windows. Businesses with extensive glass, exterior windows, storefronts, or other specialized cleaning needs may benefit from hiring a dedicated commercial window cleaning company like FISH. 

How Often Should Commercial Windows Be Professionally Cleaned?

Many businesses benefit from window cleaning every one to three months. However, the ideal frequency depends on factors such as property type, customer traffic, weather, landscaping, and local environmental conditions. High-traffic storefronts may require more frequent cleaning. 

Can a Business Use Both Commercial Window Cleaning and Janitorial Services?

Absolutely. Many businesses use janitorial services for routine building maintenance and professional window cleaners for specialized glass cleaning.