Ineffective Janitorial Services Can Flood Your Desk With Complaints

Are you dealing with the constant problems that appear when your janitorial services are ineffective? A dirty, unkempt facility and an inbox full of complaints can quickly drain your time and energy as a Facility Manager. One of the main reasons you outsource cleaning is so you have *fewer* problems—not more. When your janitorial provider is underperforming, inattentive, or simply phoning it in, it’s time to consider your options.

But how do you know when it’s time to give your janitorial company the boot? Understanding the signs of failing service will help you identify what to look for when choosing your next provider.

When a Few Off Days Turn Into Weeks… Then Months

No company is perfect—mistakes happen. Even the best janitorial companies occasionally have an off night. But when occasional dips in performance become a recurring pattern, something deeper is wrong.

Persistent inconsistency is typically connected to poor internal processes: weak hiring, insufficient training, or ineffective management. These issues are *not* something you can fix; they must be fixed internally by the cleaning company. If weeks of mediocre service turn into months, their ship is unlikely to turn around. It’s time to move on.

1. Don’t Let THEIR People Problems Become YOUR Facility Problems

Every service business rises or falls on its people. If your janitorial provider struggles with screening, hiring, or retaining employees, the consequences will land directly on your facility.

Common people-related red flags include:

• Low pay and lack of benefits leading to poor retention
• Illegal hiring or illegal subcontracting practices
• Insufficient vetting and background screening
• High turnover bringing an endless stream of new faces through your building
• Lack of meaningful training and support

A company willing to cut corners with hiring is likely cutting corners everywhere else too.

2. When THEY Skimp on Training, YOU Lose on Service

Properly trained cleaners are essential for consistent, effective, and safe service. Training must include:

• Correct chemical storage and safe usage
• Cleaning for health—not just appearance
• Proper equipment operation
• Green cleaning practices
• Clear expectations, accountability, and recognition

Well-trained cleaners feel more confident, more professional, and perform better. Without training, you can only expect poor results.

3. Is Your Janitorial Company Creating Risk & Liability?

Protecting your facility and its occupants should be non-negotiable. If your janitorial company isn’t properly screening workers, following safety protocols, or operating legally, the liability becomes *your* problem.

You must verify your provider uses:

• Complete background checks
• Drug screening
• Employment verification
• Reference checks

Never tolerate illegal subcontracting—its consequences can directly impact your business.

4. Old, Poorly Maintained Equipment Only Makes Things Worse

Modern commercial cleaning equipment is faster, safer, greener, and far more efficient. Outdated, worn-out equipment wastes time, reduces cleaning quality, and increases labor costs.

If your cleaning company isn’t investing in updated equipment, the quality of your service—and your budget—will suffer.

5. When Pricing & Expectations Are Fuzzy

Transparent pricing is essential. You must know:

• Exactly what you are paying for
• What services are included
• How pricing compares to other bids
• What expectations define success

Clear pricing protects your budget, prevents surprises, and allows you to evaluate true value—not empty promises.

6. When Inconsistency Becomes the Norm

Occasional misses can happen—but inconsistency should never be standard. If service quality fluctuates dramatically from day to day, you're not receiving what you're paying for.

7. When Your Janitorial Provider Leaves You Hanging

The real test of a cleaning company isn’t whether a problem happens—it’s how quickly and professionally they respond.

Warning signs include:

• Slow or no response to issues
• Promising fixes but never following through
• Lack of a formal complaint resolution system
• No proactive follow-up to ensure your satisfaction

You outsourced cleaning to make life easier—not harder.

8. When Apathy Becomes Normal

Apathy starts with small things: missed trash cans, dusty surfaces, sloppy restrooms. Over time it becomes a culture of “good enough.” And it spreads—affecting your employees, tenants, and the overall perception of your building.

If your cleaning company no longer *cares*, it’s time to move on.

9. When Communication Breaks Down

If it takes days to get a callback—or you don’t even know who to call—your janitorial provider is not operating professionally. Communication should be fast, direct, and reliable.

10. When You Realize You’re Not Working With a True Professional

Professional janitorial providers operate with systems, processes, training, and accountability. They protect your facility—not put it at risk.

One reliable way to verify professionalism is to choose a company certified through CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard), which ensures consistent, high-level operations and commitment to continual improvement.

When Too Many Mistakes Make It Clear It’s Time to Move On

Mistakes will happen, but when they become the norm instead of the exception, it’s time to say goodbye. You, your employees, and your building deserve better.

There *are* companies performing high-quality cleaning day after day—and they don’t necessarily cost more than the poor service you may be paying for now. With the right information, you can ask the right questions and find a partner who delivers the value you expect.