What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You
You hired a janitorial company so you don’t have to micromanage every task and detail, right?
You want janitorial services that run smoothly and stay effective with the least amount of energy expended by you.
But to have that kind of hands-off relationship with your commercial cleaning company, you need a building services contractor that is experienced, professional, and reliable.
One way to gauge whether you’re working with one of the better janitorial companies is to check the janitorial closet.
Because what you don’t know can hurt you. Your janitorial closet can tell you a lot about the quality of service you’re actually getting.
A Clean Janitorial Closet Is About More Than a Good First Impression
Sure, a clean and organized janitorial closet makes a positive impression. But it goes beyond that.
You’ve heard the saying: if the customer bathroom is dirty, you should worry about the kitchen. The same idea applies to your janitorial closet.
Your janitorial cleaning services know you can observe this area at any time.
If they can’t keep this visible space clean and well-organized, how do you think the rest of your facility is faring?
A clean storage area can reflect a level of attention that carries through the entire building.
It also matters for compliance. Safe chemical storage and labeling are not optional.
Best Practices Matter With Your Janitorial Cleaning Services
The most experienced and effective janitorial companies know that best practices take cleaning services from good to great.
You don’t want work surfaces wiped down with the same towel that was used on a toilet lid.
And you definitely don’t want the cafeteria floor “cleaned” with a dirty, germ-infested mop.
It’s gross. It’s unhealthy. And it could be happening in your facility.
All too often, less-than-scrupulous janitorial cleaning services skip basic practices that protect your facility.
Your cleaning crews may use outdated methods, worn equipment, or processes that spread dirt and germs rather than remove them.
Common offenders include: rags used without regard for cross-contamination, unlabeled chemical bottles, dated equipment, and string mops that push dirt around.
Is Your Janitorial Company Using Color-Coded Rags and Towels?
One easy, cost-effective best practice is a color-coded rag and towel system.
A color-coded rag system uses different cloth colors for specific areas. This reduces or eliminates cross-contamination and supports a healthier workplace.
For example, no one should clean a desk or phone with the same cloth used on a urinal. That should be obvious.
And if you use industrial cleaning services, you don’t want a greasy cloth used on doors or windows.
Designating colors creates a simple system that helps teams clean smarter and safer.
Color-coded rags also help your commercial cleaning company keep supplies organized.
Over time, it becomes a habit that benefits everyone.
This system is also visual, making it easy for supervisors to confirm procedures are being followed.
Is Your Commercial Cleaning Company’s Equipment Up to Date and Well-Maintained?
You don’t need a cleaning company with every new toy or piece of equipment.
But the equipment your janitorial company uses matters.
The right vacuums and floor equipment can support LEED points and help you hit green cleaning goals.
Newer vacuums are often lighter for cleaning staff and quieter for building occupants.
Better equipment can also do a better job faster. That saves time and money.
As janitorial budgets tighten, the best cost savings often come from performance improvements.
Professional cleaning companies factor equipment purchases and maintenance into their costs for a reason.
Is Green Cleaning a Buzzword or a Real Practice With Your Janitorial Company?
Green cleaning is an industry buzzword. But is your cleaning company backing it up with real action?
Are they using LEED approved equipment and processes?
Are they using environmentally sound cleaners and using them correctly?
Are they protecting your occupants from cross-contamination?
Are they conserving resources like paper products, trash bags, and water?
Information is power. Ask your janitorial services company how they meet their green goals and support yours.
Is Your Janitorial Company Communicating Through Regular Janitorial Inspections?
One way a janitorial company can deliver reliability through accountability is by conducting regular inspections.
That includes checking the condition of the janitorial closet.
Look, we’re all human. Even the best teams go off track sometimes.
Regular janitorial inspections help teams stay consistent and reinforce the right habits.
And employees rewarded for great performance tend to maintain that level over time.
Your cleaning company can’t fix what they don’t know.
If they aren’t inspecting their own work, you’re the one finding issues long after they should have been addressed.
Janitorial Closets: The Canary in the Coal Mine
While a janitorial closet isn’t the only measure of service quality, it can act like the canary in the coal mine.
It often signals whether bigger issues are coming.
At Stathakis, we view the janitorial closet as a reflection of the overall level of service we provide.
That’s why we work to keep it neat, organized, and properly labeled.
We use quality equipment and environmentally sound cleaning products to deliver an effective clean and solid value.
With strong teams and best practices, we set the bar for cleaning and janitorial services in Southeast Michigan.
If your facility needs cleaning, janitorial, or maintenance services, we’d love the opportunity to show you what sets us apart.
How can we help?
Whether you have a simple question or want a no-obligation quote, call 1-800-278-1844 or email info@stathakis.com.
