How Long Will Post-Event Cleaning Take with a Hired Cleaning Team?

What determines how long post event cleaning will take?

Several practical factors influence how long post event cleaning takes. Understanding these will help you schedule cleaning teams properly and avoid unnecessary delays.

Size of the Venue

Larger venues naturally require more time. Cleaning a single room differs significantly from a multi-room hall with an outdoor area. Square footage directly affects cleaning time and team needs.

Number of Guests

Events with more guests tend to leave behind more rubbish, fuller bins and more worn flooring. The higher the guest count, the longer the cleanup.

Type of Event

Events like weddings, buffets or festivals produce more debris than seated meetings or lectures. The type of mess left behind—drink spills, food stains, confetti—adds to the cleaning intensity.

Team Size and Experience

The more experienced the cleaning team, the faster and more efficiently they work. A well coordinated team can divide the cleaning load, improving speed without sacrificing quality.

Scope of Cleaning Tasks

The more services included, the longer the job will take. A basic tidy up may only involve trash removal and surface wiping, while a deep clean requires floor treatment, restroom sanitation and deodorising.

What are the average cleaning times for different event sizes?

Timeframes will vary based on crew size and task complexity, but here are typical benchmarks to help with planning.

Small Event (Under 50 Guests)

• 2 cleaners: 1.5 to 2 hours
• 3 cleaners: Around 1 hour

Medium Event (50 to 150 Guests)

• 2 cleaners: 3 to 4 hours
• 4 cleaners: 1.5 to 2 hours

Large Event (150+ Guests)

• 4 cleaners: 3 to 4 hours
• 6 or more cleaners: 1.5 to 2 hours

Additional Variables

Layouts with tight spaces, stairs or lift access can increase total time. Similarly, venues with kitchens and high traffic restrooms will require added attention and more cleaning time.

T&M Cleaning Services offers flexible cleaning teams to match your event’s needs. Whether it’s a small reception or a high footfall corporate event, our team adjusts staffing and strategy for optimal timing.

How can you calculate how long post event cleaning will take?

Simple industry methods can help estimate how much time your cleaning crew will need. These formulas prevent both overbooking and under planning.

Square Footage Formula

• Light clean: 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft per hour per cleaner
• Deep clean: 400 to 700 sq ft per hour per cleaner

Fixture Based Calculation

Cleaning time also depends on how many high usage areas your venue includes. The ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association) provides industry standards that estimate how long it takes to clean specific fixtures:

• Each restroom: Add 20 to 30 minutes per cleaner
• Kitchen or food prep area: Add 30 to 45 minutes
• Entry and exit areas: Add 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic

These areas often require detailed work such as disinfection, scrubbing, mopping, restocking supplies, and managing food waste. The more fixtures your venue has, the more time you should allocate. Always include them in your cleaning estimate to avoid falling behind schedule.

Planning Tips

• Add a 15 to 30 percent buffer for last minute surprises or logistical issues
• Use data from past events to inform future planning when possible

T&M Cleaning Services can help you estimate a realistic cleaning schedule based on venue size and complexity. We serve venues across Richmond, Wimbledon, Sutton and nearby locations with our trusted event cleaning services.