What’s the only thing worse than having an ineffective cleaning company? Being locked into a long service contract with one.
If you want to know *before signing* whether you’re partnering with a reputable, high-quality janitorial provider—or being sold a bill of goods—review these **10 critical must-haves** for consistent, effective, affordable commercial cleaning services.
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The Big Ten Janitorial Services Must-Haves Checklist
1. People Power
In any service business, people matter most. People power means attracting quality applicants, thoroughly vetting them, and preparing them for success.
The best companies:
- conduct background checks, reference checks, employment verification
- use personality testing to match people to service roles
- provide structured training and clear accountability systems
- offer competitive pay, benefits, and performance incentives
Well-trained, well-supported cleaners stay longer, deliver better service, and reduce turnover costs—directly improving the value you get.
2. Transparent Pricing
Transparent pricing means you know exactly what you are buying with your janitorial budget.
Detailed, easy-to-understand bids allow you to compare contractors meaningfully and hold them accountable. Clear pricing sets expectations and becomes the roadmap for service delivery.
3. Experience, Reputation & References
Cleaning companies vary widely. You need one large enough to staff your needs, but small enough to remain agile and responsive.
The right provider should have:
- experience serving facilities similar to yours
- expertise in your industry (medical, industrial, education, office, etc.)
- references from comparable accounts
Your facility should *not* be a training ground for an inexperienced company.
4. Health & Safety
Quality janitorial companies never cut corners on health and safety. They must understand cleaning for health, proper use of chemicals, regulatory requirements, OSHA standards, and your industry’s specific safety needs.
Whether it's medical cleaning, industrial cleaning, or general office care, your provider must demonstrate they follow—and continually update—necessary safety protocols.
5. Certifications
Certifications separate talkers from doers. The best companies prove their commitment to quality by pursuing demanding industry certifications like **CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard)**.
CIMS covers five pillars:
- Quality Systems
- Service Delivery
- Human Resources
- Health, Safety & Environmental Stewardship
- Management Commitment
Companies that meet the CIMS standard have built processes—not promises—into every level of their operation.
6. Systems That Create Accountability & Reliability
Great service doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design.
The best janitorial companies use:
- detailed inspection systems
- service verification technology
- formal communication processes
- documented issue-resolution workflows
These systems catch problems early, fix issues fast, and ensure consistent service over time.
7. Agility & Customization
You should never be locked into over- or under-staffed contracts. Your cleaning program must be tailored to your needs—not the convenience of your provider.
Smart Cleaning strategies help contractors do more with less by focusing labor where it matters most.
The right provider adapts to seasonal shifts, special projects, changing occupancy levels, and evolving needs without compromising quality.
8. Best Practices Build Best Companies
Best practices—proven, superior methods—must guide hiring, training, equipment management, safety, and operations. Companies that implement industry best practices consistently deliver higher quality over time because they are building excellence from the ground up.
9. Green Cleaning
Effective Detroit area cleaning companies offer green cleaning programs that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing results.
Green cleaning includes:
- energy-efficient equipment
- reduced chemical use with automatic dispensing systems
- recyclable paper products
- low-odor solutions that protect indoor air quality
10. Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Anyone can look good for a month. True professionals are committed to ongoing improvement, long-term service quality, and helping you solve real problems—not coasting once they win the contract.
Ask for real examples of how they’ve improved service, responded to challenges, or supported clients. Companies confident in their systems are always eager to show proof.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re outsourcing for the first time, seeking a new contractor, or evaluating whether to renew your current agreement, these 10 must-haves will help you secure a partner who delivers responsive, customized, effective janitorial services—not excuses.
