LOOK FOR VALUE, NOT COST
There are many commercial cleaning companies to choose from. As with hiring any service provider, there is a great deal to consider before deciding on your commercial cleaning services.
More often than not, it boils down to budgets and effectiveness. While it can be difficult to look past price, janitorial cost should not be the only deciding factor.
Your primary criteria should be finding a professional cleaning service that meets your needs, considering cost only after identifying the services that matter most.
This can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but with the right information, you can find a service that works for both your needs and your budget.
So, what should you look for in the overcrowded commercial cleaning market?
A MURKY BID OFTEN MEANS SHADY BUSINESS PRACTICES
A critical factor in finding an effective commercial cleaning company is receiving quotes that allow apples-to-apples comparisons.
Many commercial cleaning services do not price their services clearly. A confusing or vague quote is a major red flag indicating inexperience or an attempt to make a quick profit.
To make an informed decision, you must know exactly what you’re paying for and how the cost is determined.
Otherwise, the quote becomes little more than a suggestion that doesn’t help you understand what services you’ll receive.
If your prospective cleaning service isn’t giving clear, understandable information, chances are they will not deliver the quality or effectiveness they promise.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
The backbone of the commercial cleaning industry is people, and people make mistakes — that’s unavoidable.
What separates good companies from great ones is how effectively they handle issues.
The key to preventing small problems from becoming major ones is real-time communication.
When communication is lacking, small issues often go unchecked until they escalate into expensive and time-consuming problems.
If your janitorial service company is not communicating regularly about operations and challenges, it’s time to look for a new provider.
CHEAP VERSUS VALUE
People form the backbone of any service company, and commercial cleaning is no exception.
If cleaning staff aren’t compensated fairly with competitive pay, benefits, and incentives, you will not receive consistent, quality service.
Cleaning requires training and hard manual labor — far more than many assume — and the industry’s high turnover often reflects companies failing to value their staff.
If a company doesn’t offer competitive pay, performance will suffer, and you will deal with a revolving door of employees.
While companies that pay more may cost more upfront, they deliver consistent, reliable results — offering better long-term value.
SECURITY IS A PARAMOUNT CONCERN
Since most cleaning services work at night, you must trust the people inside your building.
Your prospective cleaning company must take screening and background checks seriously.
This includes full criminal background checks, multi-panel drug tests, and proper safety training for your specific facility.
If you cannot trust the people entering your building, it is time to look for a company that takes safety and security seriously.
GREEN CLEANING IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A BUZZWORD
You may hear many promises from companies offering eco-friendly services, but true green cleaning requires more than marketing language.
A real green cleaning program includes environmentally conscious chemical usage, recycling programs, low-waste equipment, and methods that protect indoor air quality.
If you are interested in green cleaning, ask your prospective provider to demonstrate their actual practices — actions speak louder than words.
NOT EVERYONE IS CUT OUT FOR THE WORK
Contrary to popular belief, commercial cleaning is not a job you can simply pick up on the go.
Without proper general and industry-specific training, cleaning staff cannot deliver quality service efficiently.
This becomes especially problematic in buildings with niche requirements.
Medical, industrial, office, and disinfection services all require specialized training — successful companies invest heavily in these programs.
THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR THE JOB
You need the right equipment for the job — and broken or outdated tools will never deliver quality results.
Scientific innovation has transformed commercial cleaning equipment, with advancements improving efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing results.
For example, multi-filtration HEPA vacuums are lighter, faster to use, and improve air quality.
Any company not taking advantage of modern equipment is not providing the best service possible.
ACCOUNTABILITY MEANS FEWER MISTAKES
The best companies minimize mistakes by creating accountability systems.
Many Facility Managers achieve success using checklists or spec sheets that outline expectations clearly.
This keeps everyone aligned and reduces errors that can impact performance and satisfaction.
SUCCESS IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT
The most effective commercial cleaning companies continually improve and prepare for the future.
This includes adopting effective techniques and equipment before they become industry standards.
The marketplace is competitive, and only companies committed to innovation stand out.
The good news is that many companies offer reasonably priced services to stay competitive, meaning you can find providers that meet both your needs and your budget.
