Do Cheap Commercial Cleaning Prices Mean Poor Quality?

Do Cheap Cleaning Prices Translate to Poor Quality?

The answer is both yes and no.

Cleaning prices have stayed fairly level despite increasing labor and materials costs because the economic climate demands it. There continues to be tremendous pressure for businesses to control and push down their operating costs .

One area where this pressure is felt acutely is in facilities maintenance. In spite of ever-increasing costs over the last fifteen years, commercial cleaning prices have remained about the same.

How Can Cleaning Prices Stay Level While Labor and Materials Rise?

Remember the old adage, “you get what you pay for.” Sometimes what you are really paying for is the experience and know-how of a company that understands how to customize their work specification to match both your needs and your budget.

There have also been major improvements in cleaning techniques, supplies and equipment. Backpack vacuums, for example, have significantly increased productivity while improving indoor air quality.

Many companies now use smart cleaning strategies that focus resources on the areas of a building that receive the most traffic. However, this type of focused cleaning requires training and careful planning to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Two Companies, Two Different Approaches to Cleaning Services

Let’s use two hypothetical janitorial companies to demonstrate the difference.

Company A: Solutions-Based and Innovative

Company A is led by Al. Al understands that razor-thin facility maintenance budgets are unlikely to change anytime soon.

Al and his company focus on responsiveness and continuous improvement. They invest in better products, equipment, training, and systems to deliver efficient service.

These improvements require investment up front, but Al recognizes that adapting to market realities is essential for maintaining long-term customer relationships.

Company B: Reactive and Resistant to Change

Bob runs Company B very differently. He complains about pressure from facility managers to reduce costs instead of recognizing that customers face the same financial pressures.

When asked about improving equipment or processes, Bob says there is no budget. Instead, resources are cut back, supervision decreases, and equipment is replaced only when customers complain.

This lack of investment leads to poor working conditions, increased employee turnover and inconsistent service.

If Company A and Company B submit similar bids, which one do you think will deliver better results?

Forward-thinking companies adapt to current realities and focus on solving problems. They build strong relationships with customers and maintain flexibility when challenges arise.

Companies that resist change often fall behind. Over time service quality declines and customers begin looking elsewhere.

Organizations that maintain documented training programs and adapt to market changes consistently deliver strong long-term results.

Businesses that refuse to evolve often cycle through customers quickly or eventually exit the industry.

How Do You Find a Company That’s Both Affordable and High-Quality?

It is possible to find a commercial cleaning company that delivers excellent service at a reasonable price.

One effective way to identify companies that continuously improve their operations is to look for providers that are ISSA CIMS certified .

ISSA CIMS certification is issued by the International Cleaning Industry Association and requires adherence to strict best practices and documented systems.

Cleaning companies that have achieved ISSA CIMS certification have structured processes that allow them to adapt to changing facility needs.

Proper documentation and training allow a cleaning company to implement improvements that are sustainable rather than temporary.

You can always ask for referrals, check references and ask detailed questions. Starting with ISSA CIMS certified providers, however, is a reliable way to separate stronger companies from weaker ones.

This approach greatly improves your chances of finding a proactive janitorial partner capable of keeping your facilities running smoothly.