Like any business owner, you want to leave a lasting impression on your customers. From customer service to product lines, everything has to be high quality.

But one aspect many business owners and property managers tend to overlook is the cleanliness of their workplaces and buildings. Surveys show that over 90% of customers will avoid a business due to a facility issue or lack of cleanliness, but it can be difficult to stay on top of everything unless you have the right cleaning team.

Hiring the right janitorial services company is easier said than done. Here’s our checklist of what you need to look for when hiring a cleaning service.

What to Look for When Hiring a Cleaning Crew for Your Business

From strong references to years of experience in the commercial cleaning industry, there are a few key pieces of information to tick off your commercial janitorial services hiring checklist

1. Contactable References

You wouldn’t hire an employee without verifiable, contactable references, so the same logic should apply to hiring a cleaning service. Anyone can make themselves look good on paper, but you can spot the difference between “average” and “exceptional” when you talk to a cleaning company’s current or former clients.

Ask the reference what services they hired the cleaning crew for. Did they only take out the trash and sweep the entryways, or did the cleaners also offer disinfection and other services? You will get a sense of the company’s work ethic, attitude, and dependability before you hire them.

2. Registration With Professional Associations

Memberships and associations require commercial cleaning businesses to adhere to certain regulations that govern the industry—not just for the cleaning itself, but also for the equitable treatment of their contractors. If a cleaning company values its own crew, the management will likely respect your business and employees, too.

If you are looking at hiring a cleaning service, first establish whether or not they belong to any professional networks or associations.

3. Business Cleaning Experience

When looking to hire a commercial cleaning crew, you want to know that they actually have commercial experience. Residential cleaning happens on a smaller scale, and house cleaning services rarely have industrial-grade tools or the capacity to cover significant square footage. Make sure that your company has actually worked with commercial offices, restaurants, or other high-traffic, business-focused locations.

You do not want to make the mistake of hiring a cleaning service that lacks the equipment or efficiency to handle a large space or tight timetable.

4. Range of Commercial Cleaning Services Offered

Unfortunately, the term cleaning service is used rather broadly, and you may end up hiring a company that is unable to complete your full checklist. For instance, some janitorial services will surface clean, but will not reach high windows or fans.

Before you hire a cleaning crew, ask about their auxiliary services. Here are some questions to raise.

• Do you restock restrooms in addition to cleaning them?
• What products do you use to sanitize surfaces?
• Are you able to dust high ceilings?
• Does your crew clean outdoor areas as well as building interiors?
• What maintenance tasks are you able to perform?

Different types of commercial cleaning services require different equipment, so make sure to run through your entire wishlist when hiring a cleaning service.

5. Flexible Scheduling

Perhaps you need cleaning after regular business hours or you manage a municipal complex with more than one building. Even the most thorough janitorial service is only helpful if they can arrive at the times and locations you need them. Look to hire a cleaning crew that offers some flexibility.

Companies may present you with options—for instance, it may be cheaper to have cleaners come during business hours rather than overnight—but they should be open-minded to your requests and work to find the best solution.

6. Years of Experience

An established commercial cleaning company has built up systems and processes over the years that help them fulfill their cleaning obligations thoroughly and efficiently. Longevity is also a good sign if you are hiring a cleaning service for an extended contract. You want to make sure the company you choose has an established track record of getting jobs done and is efficiently managed to service business for the life of a contract.

7. Transparent Pricing

Lastly, look for a company that will give you a clear quote. It’s not just about the number but also what services they will provide. Hiring a cleaning service is like any other business transaction—it is vitally important to understand what you are paying for.

It never hurts to shop around. Compare your quote to find competitive prices and get a better understanding of what is typically included in a service. The cheapest price is not always the best deal if the company cannot reliably meet all of your needs.

Exceptional Janitorial Services From an Expert Cleaning Crew

Just like hiring an employee for a role in your business requires thorough vetting and consideration, so does hiring a cleaning service for your organization. Seattle Commercial Cleaners has over a decade of experience servicing a wide range of industries. We have the tools and expertise to get the job done right when you need it most.

For reliable and efficient year-round janitorial services, contact us for an estimate. Our highly skilled teams service the greater Seattle area and Portland, OR. We make a detailed schedule that fits your business operations so cleaning is something you can check off your list.