What Is Commercial Cleaning? (And How It's Different From Domestic Cleaning)

If you’ve ever searched “What is commercial cleaning?” or “Is commercial cleaning the same as domestic?”, you’re not alone. Every month, hundreds of people across Ireland search for this on Google.

So let’s clear it up — no jargon, just straight answers.

So, What Is Commercial Cleaning?

Commercial cleaning means professional cleaning for workspaces and public buildings, like offices, shops, schools, gyms, warehouses, restaurants, and shared apartment blocks.

It’s cleaning that’s done in a business environment, usually after hours or early morning, by trained cleaners using proper equipment, products, and systems.

Think of it this way:
If it’s not a private home, and it’s being cleaned professionally, that’s commercial.

It’s Not Just a Quick Tidy-Up

Commercial cleaning is about much more than wiping a few desks and hoovering the floor.

It’s a specialised field, designed to maintain a high level of cleanliness, hygiene, and professionalism in environments with:

  • High traffic: Many people coming and going daily
  • Specific health and safety regulations: Especially in places like hospitals, restaurants, or schools
  • Specialised equipment and surfaces: Large floor areas, specific machinery, or unique materials
  • A need for a consistent, professional image: A clean business makes a great impression on clients and boosts  employee morale

Who Needs Commercial Cleaning?

If you manage, own, or operate any of the following, you're likely in the commercial cleaning zone:

  • Offices (from small teams to large corporate buildings)
  • Retail stores and shopping centres
  • Healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, dental practices)
  • Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Restaurants, cafés, and food service establishments
  • Industrial facilities and warehouses
  • Gyms and fitness centres
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Hotels and hospitality venues
  • Government buildings

In short, if it’s a professional or public space, it probably needs commercial cleaning — whether it’s daily, weekly, or after big events.

Is Commercial Cleaning the Same as Domestic or Residential Cleaning?

Not quite — and here’s why:

Domestic / Residential Cleaning

  • Cleaning in private homes
  • Usually done during the day
  • Light cleaning like hoovering, dusting, bathroom cleaning, etc.
  • Often carried out by one cleaner
  • No specific industry training required

Commercial Cleaning

  • Cleaning in business or public spaces
  • Often done outside normal working hours
  • Larger scale, more technical tasks
  • Requires training, uniforms, health & safety knowledge
  • Cleaners often work in teams and are insured

In short, commercial cleaning is bigger, stricter, and more specialised.
It’s not just about making things look nice — it’s about keeping workplaces clean, safe, and ready to go for staff and customers.

Still Confused?

We get it. Everyone uses different terms —commercial, domestic, contract, residential, office, professional — and it gets a bit mixed up.

If you’re unsure about the type of cleaning you need, drop us a message. We’ll help you figure it out — no pressure, no pushy sales.

Cheers,
Alona
Aluna Facilities Solutions — The Cleaning People

https://www.aluna.ie/

Email us at hello@aluna.ie
Or call us: 01 564 3604
Serving Dublin and nearby areas

P.S. And if you want to know more about commercial cleaning prices in Ireland, check out our full pricing guide here.