Commercial cleaner invoice template
A worked example for commercial cleaners in the home, garden and cleaning category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A commercial cleaner invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Commercial cleaners typically allow 30 days to pay. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example commercial cleaner invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 30 day terms. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
N. Reid
Commercial cleaner
21 Harbour View
Plymouth
PL1 6HJ
Bill to
Ms P. Lindqvist
Flat 6, 27 Park Avenue
Bristol
BS8 1LN
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- 31 October 2026
- Terms
- 30 days
- Reference
- Commercial cleaner work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office cleaning contract, Unit 4, 5 evenings per week, October 2026 | 1 month | £1,240.00 | 20% | £1,240.00 |
| Consumables: toilet rolls, hand soap, bin liners | 1 month | £86.00 | 20% | £86.00 |
| Carpet shampoo, reception and meeting rooms | 1 fixed | £180.00 | 20% | £180.00 |
- Subtotal
- £1,506.00
- VAT at 20%
- £301.20
- Total
- £1,807.20
Typical rates for commercial cleaners
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £16 to £28 |
| Typical day rate | Not usually quoted |
| Payment terms | 30 days |
| Deposit | Not usually taken |
| VAT flat rate sector | Business services not listed elsewhere (12%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do commercial cleaners usually invoice?
Commercial cleaners invoice monthly in advance or in arrears against a contract that sets the visits per week, the areas covered and a fixed monthly fee. Consumables are either included or recharged at cost plus a handling margin, and periodic work such as carpet shampooing or window cleaning is quoted separately. Clients expect 30 day terms, a purchase order number and a VAT invoice once the business is large enough to be registered.
Commercial cleaners in this example give the customer 30 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £16 to £28.
What should a commercial cleaner put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, commercial cleaners should:
- Quote the contract reference, the site address and the month covered on every invoice.
- Show consumables as a separate line with a unit breakdown available on request.
- Invoice periodic deep cleans separately from the monthly contract fee.
- Ask for a purchase order number up front; accounts departments reject invoices without one.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do commercial cleaners charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for commercial cleaners is usually “Business services not listed elsewhere” at 12% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- Should commercial cleaning be invoiced in advance or arrears?
- Either is acceptable if the contract says so. Invoicing in advance on the first of the month improves cash flow and is common with small clients; larger firms usually insist on arrears with 30 day terms. Put the period covered on the invoice so it is clear which month is being paid for.
- Do commercial cleaners charge VAT?
- Once turnover passes £90,000, yes at 20%, and a contract cleaner with a few staff reaches that quickly. VAT-registered clients reclaim it, so registration rarely costs you work. The flat rate scheme sector for cleaning is business services at 12%.
- How do I handle a client's purchase order?
- Put the PO number on the invoice exactly as the client wrote it and make sure the invoice total does not exceed the PO value. If extra work takes you over, ask for a revised PO before invoicing. Many accounts systems automatically reject invoices that do not match.
More home, garden and cleaning templates
- Cleaner invoice template
- End of tenancy cleaner invoice template
- Oven cleaner invoice template
- Window cleaner invoice template
- Gutter cleaner invoice template
- Pressure washer invoice template
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Cite this page: “Commercial cleaner invoice template”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/commercial-cleaner