One would think that choosing a commercial cleaning service to maintain your facility would be a relatively easy task. Most facility maintenance managers, responsible for overseeing the cleanliness and health of their building, know this isn’t as simple as it sounds. The type of facility and your needs dictate the services required. The appearance of the facility plays an important role in the success of the business, whether it is a supermarket, a retail store, or even a hospital. A dirty appearance always makes a bad impression! Since cleaning is an $80 billion dollar industry, there is an extensive list of commercial cleaning services, some of which have decided to franchise. They range from small, medium and large, and all have their own menu of services to offer. So what are some things to consider when making a decision?
Let’s start with installation and sizing. Depending on the type of business and the size of your facility, it helps narrow down the list of commercial cleaning services to research. Do you have multiple locations that require service? Next, decide what services you need; the type of surface(s) to be cleaned and how often are you looking? Lastly, decide on your budget. Once this list is in place, it’s time to begin the interview process. Write down all your questions.
For a medium to large sized facility, there will most likely be more than one area or type of area to be cleaned. Whether it’s a supermarket, retail space, school, hospital, or even a warehouse, every place has floors to clean and maintain. But what kind of surface is it? Is it ceramic, vinyl, concrete, carpet? Don’t forget the windows. If you are a supermarket, you may need department cleaning, such as meat rooms, bakery, delicatessen and hot food, etc. Is it a hospital? Hospitals and schools have their own level of “cleanliness” to maintain, with strict rules, regulations and procedures to follow. Choosing a larger commercial cleaning service that offers a diverse menu of services is probably your best bet. Be sure to add commercial cleaning service franchises to your list, as they tend to always offer the services you’re likely to need and can provide them in multiple locations if you need them.
Here are some important questions to help you make a decision about choosing the right cleaning service:
1. What services do you specialize in?
2. Are you a franchise company? Can you service multiple locations if needed?
3. Do they have the manpower to perform the services you need?
4. What is your experience?
5. What types of cleaning products do you use? and because?
6. What types of clients do you currently serve? Do they have experience with other companies like yours?
7. Do they have references? A commercial cleaning company that will give you at least 3 references from current clients is also a strong indication that this company is confident in its ability to provide the services you need and the way your facility deserves to be seen.
You want to look for a complete commercial cleaning service that has a proven track record of retaining customers. After all, you don’t want to keep repeating the hiring process. Review the answers to these questions carefully to help narrow down your list of possible cleaning services to choose from. Before you make your final selection, there are a few additional elements that are equally important in the decision-making process.
Sure:
Does the company have liability insurance and is it adequate enough to protect you against a potential liability claim arising from the cleanup? Do you maintain workers’ compensation insurance for your workers? Most states require this type of insurance. Don’t just rely on the cleaning company’s word that they have insurance. Many companies have no insurance, or only a minimal amount. Obtain a copy of your certificate of insurance. If you hire them, insist on being added as a certificate holder Y additional insured, so it is updated with a new certificate when it expires or if the policy is cancelled.
Every reputable commercial cleaning service will be happy to provide proof of insurance. Choose a commercial cleaning service that carries insurance to protect you and your business premises from damage to your property and injuries to cleaners while on your property.
Cleaning products and equipment:
For your protection, before you hire a commercial cleaning service, visit the facility to find out what they plan to use on various surfaces. Many inexperienced commercial cleaners use the wrong products or use the correct products incorrectly. Some inexperienced cleaners even use the wrong equipment. This may cause permanent damage or stains to your property. A reputable and experienced company will take the time to tour your facility, see the work that needs to be done, and even help you develop a schedule to keep the facility sparkling clean.
Cleaning checklist:
Ask the commercial cleaning service for a cleaning checklist that will list all services performed for each cleaning. This checklist or “work order” must be signed by management in order for the commercial cleaning contractor to submit billing. This ensures that you will only pay for services that have been provided to your satisfaction.
Price structure:
Ask the commercial cleaning service about their pricing structure, not only for the services you’ll need on a regular basis, but also for any incidental services that may come up during your contract with them. So are you cleaning your floors three times a week? But what if something happens that requires a strip and wax of the floor area? How much will it cost? A reputable commercial cleaning service understands budgets and will understand your need to have an idea, if not a solid dollar amount, for the types of services needed or likely to be needed.
Finally, the policies. Ask to see the companies’ policies on the types of payment they accept, their cancellation policy, and whether they offer a guarantee.
Choosing a commercial cleaning service doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task if you use the information in this article as a tool to help you choose. A commercial cleaning service that takes the time to answer all of your questions, takes the time to inspect the facility, and has a thorough understanding of the services to be performed is more likely to meet and exceed your expectations!