Where commercial cleaning companies buy
Commercial cleaners buy paper, liners and chemicals from janitorial distributors, often with the cost built into the contract.
| Supplier | Type | What their own site says | Pro program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Brady | Distributor | North American distributor for cleaning and facility care, foodservice and packaging supplies. | Ask at the counter |
| Uline | Distributor | Stocks over 45,000 shipping boxes, packing materials, janitorial and warehouse supplies. | Ask at the counter |
From each supplier's own site on the date in the sources; call your branch before you plan around it.
Your counter list
The items commercial cleaning companies buy every week, from the van stock on our tools list. Ask each supplier for a price on these first; they decide which account saves you the most.
| Item | Why it is on the list |
|---|---|
| Neutral floor cleaner and disinfectant | Daily cleaning |
| Restroom cleaner and paper products | Restrooms |
| Trash liners in common sizes | Every visit |
| Glass cleaner | Entrances and partitions |
For the first order, price the starter kit too: commercial upright vacuum; backpack vacuum; mop buckets with wringers and microfiber mops; janitorial cart; color-coded microfiber cloths; wet floor signs; gloves and eye protection; key and alarm code log. Bigger purchases to price at a dealer or rental house: auto scrubber; floor burnisher; carpet extractor; window cleaning kit.
Opening a trade account
Bring your business name, tax ID and license number, and a credit application if you want terms. The big-box programs are compared row by row on Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro. For the tools themselves, the commercial cleaning tools list has prices read on the makers' own sites (Oreck, Ettore).
When supplier prices change
Update your commercial cleaning price list the same week a supplier raises prices. In Koira, that price list is what your estimates are built from.
Sources
- Imperial Brady: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Uline: About us, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.