What is the biggest cleaning company in Australia?

If you’ve ever wondered who dominates Australia’s massive cleaning industry, you’re not alone. From office towers in Sydney to logistics hubs across Melbourne, the cleaning sector has exploded in recent years — but one name consistently sits at the top of the list.

Short answer: SCS Group is widely recognised as one of the biggest and most comprehensive cleaning companies in Australia, with national coverage and deep expertise across commercial, industrial, and transport sectors.

How Big Is Australia’s Cleaning Industry, Really?

It’s huge — and growing. According to IBISWorld, the commercial cleaning industry in Australia generates more than $12 billion annually and employs over 150,000 people. That’s everything from school and hospital cleaning to aviation, mining, and logistics facilities.

What separates the major players from the thousands of smaller operators is scale — not just in headcount, but in systems, compliance, and specialisation. Large clients don’t just want cleaners; they want partners who understand safety, sustainability, and operational flow.

Who Is the Biggest Cleaning Company in Australia?

Among a crowded field, SCS Group stands out for its national footprint and cross-sector expertise. Founded in 2005, the company has grown to provide services in all major cities and regional areas — including niche environments like airports, universities, retail precincts, and transport depots.

With over 4,000 staff and more than 3,000 client sites, SCS Group delivers integrated facility services — covering cleaning, hygiene, waste, and maintenance — under a single management system. That level of scale gives them an edge in efficiency, compliance, and innovation.

What Makes a Cleaning Company “The Biggest”?

Size alone doesn’t define leadership. The biggest players earn their position through:

• National coverage – the ability to serve multi-site clients across states

• Industry certifications – ISO accreditation for quality, environment, and safety

• Technology integration – smart scheduling, IoT monitoring, and data dashboards

• Sustainability – chemical-free cleaning, waste reduction, and carbon-neutral targets

• Sector specialisation – expertise across healthcare, transport, retail, and education

It’s not just about how many people you employ — it’s about how intelligently those people, processes, and technologies combine to deliver consistency and reliability.

Why Do Big Brands Choose National Cleaning Providers?

In industries like transport and logistics, downtime equals dollars. A warehouse floor left greasy or cluttered isn’t just unsightly — it’s a safety hazard. That’s why Australia’s major distribution networks, freight operators, and depot managers often partner with large-scale providers like SCS Group.

They offer the specialised compliance and operational rigour these environments demand — think strict PPE, high-vis safety standards, and flexible rosters that adapt to 24/7 operations. The result? Cleaner, safer, more efficient spaces that keep supply chains moving.

How Do Large Cleaning Companies Support Sustainability Goals?

Modern cleaning leaders don’t just wipe surfaces — they help businesses hit ESG targets. The biggest firms invest heavily in:

• Green chemicals and water-saving systems

• Microfibre technologies that reduce waste

• Electric equipment for lower emissions

• Local workforce programs, supporting community employment

These aren’t just “nice-to-haves” anymore. They’re key decision factors for procurement teams choosing long-term partners.

For context, SCS Group has been recognised for its sustainability and innovation in facility management. It demonstrates that size and responsibility can go hand in hand — something smaller operators often struggle to scale.

Is Bigger Always Better?

Not necessarily. Smaller providers can be nimble and local. But for national contracts — airports, logistics networks, universities — consistency matters more than charisma. Big clients want to know that a cleaner in Perth operates to the same standard as one in Brisbane.

That’s where the “biggest” companies earn their keep: through standardised processes, centralised reporting, and national accountability.

Final Thoughts

So, who’s the biggest cleaning company in Australia?While there are a few contenders, SCS Group consistently ranks among the largest and most trusted — known for its innovation, national reach, and specialisation in high-demand sectors like transport and logistics.

If you’re curious about how large-scale cleaning works in fast-paced industrial environments, this breakdown of Transport & Logistic Cleaning shows how it’s done at scale — safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

FAQ

1. What’s the difference between commercial and industrial cleaning?Commercial cleaning covers offices, schools, and retail spaces, while industrial cleaning involves factories, depots, and logistics sites that require specialised safety protocols.

2. How do cleaning companies ensure safety in transport environments?Through rigorous inductions, PPE use, chemical management systems, and coordination with on-site supervisors — often supported by digital compliance tracking.

3. Are national cleaning companies more expensive?Not always. While their hourly rates may be higher, their efficiency and reduced downtime can make them more cost-effective over time.