February 4, 2026·6 min read

What a Real Commercial Cleaning Scope Should Include

The nightly, weekly and monthly tasks property managers in Madison should demand in a janitorial contract — and the red flags to avoid.

Most janitorial contracts fail because the scope is vague. Here is the structure we use for offices, clinics and multi-tenant buildings across Madison.

Nightly tasks

Trash and recycling removal, liner replacement
Restroom sanitizing: fixtures, mirrors, dispensers restocked
Break room wipe-down: counters, sinks, appliance exteriors, tables
Vacuum all carpeted traffic areas, dust-mop and damp-mop hard floors
High-touch disinfection: door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, railings
Entry glass spot cleaning

Weekly tasks

Detail dusting of surfaces, sills, vents and partition tops
Edge vacuuming and under-desk vacuuming
Restroom partition and tile detail

Monthly & quarterly tasks

High dusting and light-fixture cleaning
Hard-floor scrub, buff or recoat
Carpet hot-water extraction on rotation
Interior window and glass detail

Red flags in a bid

No written task frequency chart
No proof of general liability insurance or workers' comp
No supervisor walkthrough or quality checklist
A price far below market — it usually means understaffed shifts

How IBS bids

We walk the building, count fixtures and square footage, and return a written scope with frequencies and a fixed monthly price. No auto-escalators, 30-day out clause.