You walk into your office on a Monday morning, ready to conquer the week. But instead of a fresh start, you’re greeted by the faint smell of last week’s leftovers from an overflowing bin and dusty streaks across the reception desk. This isn’t the professional image you work hard to maintain. This is often the first clue that it might be time to start changing cleaning companies.
A clean workspace is the backbone of productivity, employee health, and a strong reputation. You invested in professional janitorial services for peace of mind, not for a new set of headaches. If your current provider is creating more problems than they solve, this guide is for you.
Here are 8 signs it’s time to switch your commercial cleaning company.
1. Inconsistent Cleaning Quality
Remember that feeling of walking in on a Monday we talked about? If that “hit or miss” feeling is a regular occurrence, you’ve identified the first major red flag. Inconsistent cleaning means your workplace never feels clean. One day the glass doors sparkle, and the next, you find yourself writing “please clean this” on a dusty monitor.
So, what does this look like in practice? Think streaky floors, unemptied trash cans in common areas, or restrooms that are only partially restocked. This doesn’t just frustrate your team; it makes your entire operation look unprofessional. A simple way to handle this with any service provider is to ask for their commercial cleaning checklist. A good team will always have a detailed one and should be happy to share it with you, ensuring everyone is on the same page about what “clean” really means.
2. Poor Communication and Slow Response
Now, let’s say you’ve spotted that inconsistency and tried to address it. What happens next? If your calls or emails go into a black hole, you’ve just uncovered another sign. A lack of clear communication is more than an annoyance; it’s a breakdown in the professional relationship. Whether it’s an unreturned message about a missed area or no updates on a changing cleaning schedule, it shows your business isn’t a priority.
Think about it: if you have a question about the service, you deserve a quick and respectful answer. This is especially important if you are considering changing cleaning companies and want to get it right next time. When you start looking for a new partner, one of the most important questions to ask a commercial cleaning company is about their communication protocol. Who is your direct point of contact? How do they handle urgent requests? The answer will tell you everything you need to know about how they value their clients.
3. High Staff Turnover or Untrained Cleaners
This communication gap often leads right into our next point. If you’re continuously seeing new faces when your commercial janitors are supposed to be on site, that’s a warning sign. A revolving door of staff points to deeper issues within the cleaning company itself, such as poor work culture or inadequate training.
You want a team that knows your space, understands your needs, and feels like a familiar, trustworthy part of your building’s ecosystem. When you have a stable, well trained cleaning staff, they do more than just clean; they become custodians of your workspace’s well being. So, how can you find a team like this? It comes down to asking the right questions during the vetting process about their hiring and training practices, which helps you feel confident in the people who have access to your office after hours.
4. Missed Appointments and Scheduling Problems
A team that’s constantly changing naturally leads to our next point, which is reliability. You’ve hired a service to make your life easier, but if you can’t count on them to show up, that’s a problem. Missed appointments, frequent rescheduling, or cleaners arriving at different times each week are clear signs you need a new cleaning service.
Think about it from a practical point of view. If your office is cleaned late, it interrupts the start of your workday. If it’s not cleaned at all, you’re left dealing with the mess yourself. This is where many business owners start wondering about commercial cleaning company rates and whether a low price is worth this trouble.
5. Unclear Pricing and Hidden Fees
Speaking of commercial cleaning company rates, let’s take on the confusion that often surrounds them directly. If your monthly invoice is a surprise every time or the initial quote seemed too good to be true, you’re likely dealing with a lack of transparency. Shifting prices and hidden fees for basic supplies are major red flags that strain trust and your budget. This naturally leads business owners to ask, “how much do commercial cleaning companies charge” for honest, upfront service?
The truth is, clear pricing reflects a well-run operation. Reputable companies provide detailed, clear quotes so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Think about it like this: you wouldn’t want a surprise charge on your internet bill, so why accept it for a service as important as your office’s cleanliness?
6. Poor Tools or Outdated Equipment
Now, let’s connect that idea of value to what’s actually happening in your office. Even with clear pricing and a reliable schedule, the job can’t be done right without the proper tools. If you see worn-out mops, a vacuum that sounds like it’s from another era, or cloths that look like they’ve seen better days, the cleaning results will always be subpar. This is why a commercial cleaning equipment list is a good thing to ask about.
Modern, well-maintained equipment is necessary for a deep, hygienic clean. For example, a HEPA filter vacuum is essential for trapping dust and allergens, not just kicking them around. Color-coded microfiber cloths prevent cross-contamination—imagine the same rag used on a toilet seat then on a kitchen counter.
7. Lack of Disinfection and Poor Office Hygiene Standards
Using the right tools is only half the battle; what really matters is how they’re used to protect your team’s health. If you’ve noticed a spike in common colds or allergies around the office, the root cause might be a superficial clean that misses harmful germs. In today’s world, a basic wipe-down isn’t enough. True cleanliness is defined by strict office hygiene standards that include proactive disinfection of high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and shared kitchen appliances.
Think of it this way: emptying a trash bin removes the visible waste, but only proper disinfection kills the germs. This is a core part of commercial cleaning services that truly care for your workspace environment. A quality provider won’t just tell you they disinfect; they’ll be able to explain their process and the products they use.
8. Your Business Has Outgrown Their Services
Finally, sometimes the problem isn’t that the cleaning company is doing a bad job, but that your business has grown and they haven’t kept pace. The team that was perfect for your small startup office five years ago might not be equipped to handle your larger, multi-floor space today. This is a positive growth sign for you, but it can reveal the limits of your current provider, especially if they struggle with improving their commercial cleaning contracts.
When your needs change, whether it’s more square footage, additional locations, or specialized requirements like cleaning sensitive lab equipment, you need a partner who can grow with you. This is where the flexibility and expertise of professional commercial cleaners step in. They have the resources to adapt their service plan, making sure your expanding business always feels as professional and clean as the day you started.
What to Do Before You Switch Cleaning Companies
So, you’ve nodded along to more than a few of these signs. What’s the next step? Rushing to change your provider without a plan can just lead you right back to square one. The goal is to make a smart, informed switch that lasts. Here’s a simple action plan to guide you.
- Understand Your Current Exit Terms: Your first move is to review your existing service agreement. Look for the specifics on how to end the partnership. What notice period is required? Are there any fees for ending the service early?
- Pinpoint Your Needs: Take a moment to list what you absolutely need from a cleaning service. What were the biggest problems with your last provider? It could be unreliable scheduling, a lack of clear communication, or specific tasks that were always overlooked.
- Create a Snapshot of Your Space: Before you start looking for a new team, do a quick walk-through of your facility. Make notes of the current state of cleanliness and any recurring problem areas. This gives you a baseline to communicate your expectations clearly.
- Have a Conversation with Potential Partners: When you meet with new service providers, come prepared to have a detailed discussion. Move beyond just the price and ask them to explain their approach. Good questions to get you started include:
“What is your process for training new team members?”
“Could you walk me through what is covered in your standard fee?”
“How do you track quality and report back to your clients?”
“What happens if our cleaning needs expand or change in the future?”
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward a workspace that supports your success. You deserve a service that shows up reliably, communicates clearly, and delivers a level of cleanliness that makes you proud.
If your current provider isn’t meeting the mark, perhaps it’s time we had a conversation.
At Mya Cleaning Services, we believe in the power of clear communication, consistent quality, and straightforward commercial cleaning contracts. We’re built to be a partner you can rely on. Ready to see the difference? Give us a call at (424) 278-5828 or visit our website to learn more about our commercial cleaning services at https://myacleaningservice.com/services/commercial-cleaning/.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most common sign you need a new cleaning company?
The most common sign is inconsistent cleaning quality, where some areas are spotless while others are clearly neglected from one visit to the next.
- How much should commercial cleaning services cost?
Costs vary based on your space’s size and needs, but you should always receive a clear, itemized quote with no hidden fees to understand exactly what you’re paying for.
- What questions should I ask a new cleaning company?
Key questions include how they train their staff, what’s included in their standard rates, their communication process, and if they can provide service audits or reports.
- Why is staff turnover in a cleaning company a problem?
High turnover often leads to inconsistent results, security concerns, and shows the company may have internal issues, meaning you can’t rely on a stable, trained team.
- How can I tell if my office is being properly disinfected?
A reputable company will clearly explain their disinfection process and products. A spike in employee illnesses can be a clear indicator that proper disinfection is not happening.
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