Screening and hiring a commercial cleaning company may seem like a daunting prospect.
You will want to ensure that your facility’s cleaning schedule is in capable hands. Maintaining a clean environment is key to the success of your business. So, you should treat the process like hiring a new employee.
We’ve come up with 7 questions which will help you separate the best cleaning companies in town from the ones which simply aren’t good enough for you.
Do they have experience?
If you hire an experienced cleaning company, you can be confident that the job will be done to the highest standard possible. Whist a new company may show potential, it’s just not worth the risk.
An established business means that they have built up a good reputation, treat their cleaners with respect and will have a good client base who trust their services.
A & R have been professionals in the industry since 2010, equipping us with years of experience.
Top tip: You should look for enthusiasm, as well as experience.
Do they understand your business?
Are you responsible for a Doctor’s surgery, call centre or based in an office? It makes all the difference to how the facility should be cleaned. Tell your prospect cleaning company, so they can understand how to best approach the cleaning regime.
The type of building that your business operates will affect the cleaning company you should hire. There are a few things that the cleaning company will need to know. For example, the square footage, types of flooring, number of rooms etc.
Top tip: Give a really clear idea of your building type and what level of cleanliness is needed.
What should the cleaning schedule look like?
How often do you need your workplace cleaned? And what times would be the most convenient for your business?
Schools are often cleaned every afternoon ready for the next morning. Whereas sports centres might be first thing in the morning before opening or in the night after closing. If your business operates 24 hours, then you can pick a quiet time.
These are the kind of things that a cleaning company should be 100% flexible about. And in knowing at what times your business does what, they should take timekeeping very seriously. Your cleaning company should respect your routine.
Top tip: Cleaning companies may want you to fit into their schedule, but you are the client and should dictate when suits you.
Can they clean to the right standard?
It’s important to your cleaning company to know what’s important to you about your workplace. Why are immaculate cleaning standards important and what impact will it have if standards were to slip?
Hygiene and safety are key in schools and hospitals to keep pupils and patients safe from injury and illness. 710,000 patients a year are infected from dirty wards. Make sure they are ready to clean at the standard you need.
Here at A & R we have our own systems in place. We have a colour coding system for cloths. Our cleaners follow a cleaning schedule that has been signed off by the client.
Top tip: Ask them if they have got experience cleaning similar workplaces. You can then be confident they understand the level of cleanliness needed.
What work environment do you want to create?
What kind of environment do you want to create for your employees and/or customers?
It’s so important to create a positive working environment. Reception and client facing areas need to be welcoming and calm, whereas offices need to be clean and organised to help with productivity.
We love to hear our clients talk with passion about their workplace. If something is important to you – then it’s important to us and our cleaners.
Top tip: Think beyond cleanliness – what kind of impression are you trying to create?
Will the cleaners be professionally trained?
The company you intend to hire to clean your facilities should have trained and skilled professional employees. They should possess appropriate cleaning knowledge and understand how to use the cleaning equipment properly.
Just because a company offers you the lowest price doesn’t mean that they are the best fit. On the other hand, you may pay slightly more to work with a professional cleaning company but in the long-term, the extra expense will be well worth it.
Although they don’t need any formal qualifications it’s important that the company adheres to health and safety and a manual handling policy.
Skilled and experienced staff is crucial.
Top tip: Ask the company if they could provide references from their other clients.
Are they insured?
It is not against the law for somebody to advertise themselves as a cleaner. But, commercial cleaners need to have the correct insurance to protect your business and the people if anything were to go wrong.
Liability insurance is one of the most important.
Top tip: It’s worth verifying the company’s insurance to confirm its validity. You can never be too safe.
At A & R we pride ourselves on being professional, approachable and responsive. Please feel free to get in touch if you need a trusted commercial cleaning service.