07 Nov, 2026
In this article, we will go through what is included in common area cleaning, how often to clean, and what to consider when looking for a provider. This article was written by Service Pro Inc, a commercial cleaning company that has been providing services to businesses throughout Alberta since 2017. For an overview on commercial cleaning in general, check out our full guide to commercial cleaning in Calgary.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know
Condos and apartments are cleaned in common areas such as the Lobby, Hallways, Lifts, Stairwells, Mail Room, Amenity Rooms, and Waste Rooms. Most buildings in Calgary have high-traffic common areas cleaned between 2-5 times a week, while hallways are usually cleaned once a week. Extra attention is paid to entrances during winter to manage salt and slush.
What is Included in Common Area Cleaning?
A typical comprehensive cleaning schedule tailored for multi-unit residential buildings would include:
- Lobby and Hallway: Vacuuming and mopping hard floors and carpets.
- Lifts/Elevators: Interior cleaning including walls, floor, and disinfecting buttons.
- Stairwells: Sweeping, mopping, and wiping down handrails.
- Touchpoints: Disinfecting door handles, intercoms, and mail areas.
- Glass & Waste: Glass doors and entrance windows cleaned. Bins emptied (waste/recycling), and waste room tidied.
- Amenity Rooms: Cleaning gyms, party rooms, and laundry facilities.
How Often Should We Clean a Condo or Apartment?
| Area | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Lobby and Entrance | 3-5 Times per week |
| Lifts / Elevators | 3-5 Times per week |
| Waste and Recycling Rooms | 2-5 Times per week |
| Hallways | Once a week (or more depending on size) |
| Stairwells | Once to twice a week |
| Deep Cleaning Carpets | Once/twice per year depending on needs |
Note: These should be seen as a guideline. The cleaning schedule for a 300-unit tower will be very different to a 30-unit walk-up. It’s always best to have a site visit to get the correct schedule for your condo building.
Entrance & Lobby Cleaning in Winter
Calgary can be brutal during winter. Salt, sand, and slush are tracked into the lobbies. This causes the floor finishes to become dull and can cause the carpets to become gritty.
You may want to enquire whether your provider can offer extra visits to entrances between late fall and spring. They should also be able to clean the mats. Good mats will help stop a lot of grit from getting into the hallway.
Lifts, Stairwells & Waste Rooms
These areas are where most complaints come from. Lifts are a heavily used common area, so they should be regularly disinfected.
Stairwells can get quite dusty and dirty if neglected. Waste rooms need regular, thorough cleaning due to smells travelling quickly to nearby residential hallways.
How to Choose a Condo Cleaning Company
When choosing a condo cleaning company, condo boards and property managers should look for specific traits to ensure reliability and quality.
- Relevant Experience: Experience working with multi-unit buildings. Ask them to provide examples of similar properties they have cleaned.
- Written Schedule: Condo boards should know exactly what will be carried out and when.
- Insurance and WCB: Ask for proof of proper insurance coverage before any work is carried out.
- One Point of Contact: Property managers will want fast responses if a resident has a problem.
- Trusted Staff & Oversight: Ask who oversees the quality of work and what happens if they miss a visit.
- Flexible Times: Offering cleaning during the day, evening, and weekends will be less disruptive to residents.
- Clear Contract Terms: Make sure the contract has clear terms. How long will it run for? How much notice do you need to give? What constitutes an extra charge?
How Much Does Condo Cleaning Cost in Calgary?
The price will depend on the amount of floors, units, size of common areas, type of flooring, how often they are visited, and if there are any extras such as deep carpet cleaning. It’s best to get an accurate quote based on the site rather than an amount per unit online. Often, low quotes mean they are cutting corners with labour and oversight.
Why Choose Service Pro Inc?
We’ve been providing services to our commercial clients throughout Alberta since 2017. We intentionally only work with a select amount of clients to ensure absolute quality. Our team provides all cleaning equipment and tools. This includes eco-friendly and non-toxic products, micro-fibre cloths, and commercial vacuums. We can also provide flexible cleaning times including day, evening, night, and weekends.
Ready to Get Your Building Cleaner?
Let us know about your property and schedule. We can create a bespoke cleaning programme to fit your building's exact needs.
Need a Custom Cleaning Schedule?
We provide tailored cleaning services for condo boards and property managers across Calgary and Alberta.
Request a Free Quote Call 877-704-4640
