What’s the difference you may wonder between industrial cleaning and commercial cleaning?

Cleaning is cleaning, right?

Wrong.

There are many key differences between industrial cleaning and commercial cleaning services in New Zealand and it’s all to do with health and safety.

Industrial and commercial premises both come with their own set of cleaning challenges. Variations in height, width, vents, windows, flooring, walls, surfaces, and so many other factors play a role in the different types of cleaning techniques and chemicals used.

Nonetheless, both industrial and commercial cleaning carried out correctly is so important, especially as we’ve all seen how viruses like Covid19 can spread like wildfire.

What is industrial cleaning?

Industrial cleaning services should be based on the type of industrial operations within that business. It all comes back to health and safety, and meeting New Zealand’s high standards – it has to be done right.

Industrial cleaning services require the correct training, equipment, tools, and knowledge to complete the job properly. In general, industrial cleaning has more hazards than a commercial building.

The cleaning of dairy plants or food manufacturing plants have their own set of techniques and speciality areas that require deep and correct cleans more regularly. This includes speciality machinery and equipment.

Breweries are a good example of industrial cleaning; fermenters and large vats need regular cleaning with the correct chemicals to ensure the end product isn’t contaminated and to minimise loss of product.

Sterilisation and extra attention to detail are key to properly ensuring an industrial environment is safe, healthy and free of contaminants.

On the other hand, a business that produces hazardous waste requires extra attention and knowledge from professionals. Understanding how to properly deal with, clean and dispose of hazardous waste isn’t just something you learn overnight. It requires specialized training and certifications.

How industrial cleans are different?

Industrial cleaning is generally cleaning on a larger scale – we are talking large scale buildings here which are often complicated – there are so many nooks and crannies where dust, bacteria, and mould can find themselves.

A larger team of industrial cleaners who have specialist training in that area are often required. Industrial cleaners differ from commercial cleaners with the types of tools and equipment needed for the job.

Industrial buildings can operate on a 24/7 basis – which requires a cleaning team to be:

• flexibility with times, days, etc.


• have a sound knowledge and experience of speciality cleans


• be highly trained in chemical handling, working at heights and difficult areas


• able to work around your operations and are non-disruptive

What is commercial cleaning?

Commercial cleaning services often rely on a regular cleaning schedule with a deep clean needed less often than an industrial cleaning service.

Commercial premises such as retail, office, supermarkets, schools, banks, and other high traffic areas have a constant flow of people. And with so many visitors, there is a good chance that colds, flu and germs are coming through the door too.

Of course, with the impact of Covid-19 and the collective understanding of the general population – Clean Rite now frequent our commercial premises more often.

And so, we should – to ensure your commercial space is tidy, well presented and free of germs and bacteria, which is going to be safer for your staff and customers.

Cleaning a school or daycare is vastly different from cleaning a bank or supermarket. As we mentioned before, all premises are different and bring with them a unique set of cleaning challenges.

Why do you need to keep on top of commercial cleaning?

Keeping on top of your commercial cleaning with regular maintenance and cleans will mean less work and fewer costs for your business in the long run.

Commercial and retail spaces can often fail to schedule regular cleaning plan. That is not something we would advise doing.

If you schedule a customised plan for regular cleaning, your premises will be more manageable for you and save you money.

We are a reputable commercial and industrial cleaning company based in the Waikato and Canterbury Region, but we also service the surrounding areas. Our franchisees have the know-how, a can-do attitude, experience and the right qualifications to get the job done 'RITE'

If you want more information about industrial and commercial cleaning services our website covers many frequently asked questions and you can check it out here.

Our motto is: “Service First - Quality Always”