What each covers
Domestic cleaning is cleaning of private homes – houses, flats, holiday lets – usually by an independent cleaner or a domestic cleaning company. Commercial cleaning covers premises used by businesses and organisations: offices, shops, cafés, surgeries, gyms, schools, warehouses and the communal areas of residential blocks.
The main differences
The tasks overlap, but the way the work is arranged is different.
| Domestic | Commercial | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical schedule | Weekly or fortnightly, daytime | Daily or several times a week, often out of hours |
| Arrangement | Informal agreement or simple terms | Written contract and specification |
| Pricing | Per hour per visit | Per cleaner-hour, as a weekly or monthly fee |
| Consumables | Usually the householder's | Often supplied or recharged by the contractor |
| Staffing | Often the same cleaner each time | A team, with absence cover |
| Compliance | Limited | Risk assessments, safe storage of products, sector rules |
Domestic cleaning compared with commercial cleaning
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Scheduling and access
Commercial cleaners often work early mornings, evenings or weekends so they don't disrupt trading. That means key holding, alarm codes and lone-working arrangements need to be agreed in writing. Domestic cleaners usually work during the day, often with a key while occupants are out.
Insurance and responsibilities
Any cleaner or company working on your premises should have public liability insurance. Commercial contractors who employ staff must also have employer's liability insurance. Businesses should make sure cleaning products are stored and used safely and according to the manufacturer's instructions, in line with their own risk assessments.
If you employ a domestic cleaner directly rather than hiring a self-employed cleaner or company, you may have employer responsibilities – GOV.UK has guidance.
