Selecting a commercial cleaning company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for the health and safety of your employees, the image of your brand, and the productivity of your business. Office managers who understand the importance of these high stakes cut through the shiny marketing brochures and focus on performance, accountability and value.
The following seven questions will help you to protect yourself from bad decisions and poor service. Ask these before signing a contract.
1. What kind of experience do you have in my industry?
A local family business may not have the experience or resources to meet the needs of larger commercial clients. Corporate offices, medical clinics, schools, warehouses and hospitality venues each have different requirements for care, regulatory compliance, and customised processes. Ask if the company has previously serviced businesses similar in size and type to your organisation.
Watch for specifics and examples in the response, including customer references. If they’ve serviced other companies in your industry, they should be able to name them.
Why it matters: Cleaning a specialised facility comes with a greater risk of property damage, noncompliance, and health issues if not managed with trained team and specific equipment. Don’t gamble with your office.
2. Are you properly licensed and bonded?
Any trustworthy commercial cleaning company should have proper business licensing and bonding. These should be current and not placed as “add-on” fees. Licensing demonstrates that a company has passed local government inspections, and bonding protects your organisation in the event of damage or theft on your property. Ask to see documentation, then move on if there are excuses or hesitation.
Why it matters: Property damage can lead to lawsuits and increased costs if your organisation is not protected. Licensing and bonding are proof of a company’s professionalism and attention to risk.
3. What is included in your cleaning checklist?
Assume nothing and ask for details. Levels of cleaning service can range from light surface cleaning to deep sanitisation. Request a comprehensive list of cleaning tasks and understand which services are included as part of the regular visit and which are additional (e.g. carpet shampooing, window washing, disinfection).
Why it matters: Without clarity, misunderstandings will occur and expectations won’t be met. A checklist holds both sides accountable for defined results.
4. Do you conduct background checks on your cleaning team?
Cleaning teams have access to an empty building with no supervision after hours. Security and trustworthiness are essential criteria for selecting a cleaning company. Ensure they run a proper background check and reference check on employees. Here are a few follow-up questions to ask:
• Are workers company employees or independent contractors?
• Do they wear uniforms? Are they trained?
Why it matters: Your business office holds sensitive data, expensive equipment, and employee belongings. An employee with integrity is a must-have.
5. How do you train and supervise your cleaners?
Don’t assume consistent, high-quality service from cleaners; it takes training and accountability measures to ensure good results. Ask about new employee training, frequency of retraining, and whether supervisors randomly check service sites.
You should look for companies with established written procedures and continuing education programs, especially regarding:
• Health and safety practices
• Equipment use
• Specialised cleaning chemicals
Why it matters: An untrained team can misuse cleaning chemicals or equipment. This can lead to property damage and raise concerns about employee health.
6. What products and equipment do you use?
Professional cleaning companies use industrial-grade equipment and cleaning products. These are more productive, efficient and safe than lower-grade alternatives. Ask what products they use and if they are environmentally friendly or certified for low impact. For example, if they use:
• Hospital-grade or TGA-certified disinfectants
• HEPA vacuum cleaners
Ask if supplies are included in the service fee or if they will be charged extra.
Why it matters: The right cleaning equipment makes a measurable difference in hygiene and safety. Environmentally responsible products show corporate values.
7. Can you provide references and service guarantees?
A legitimate cleaning company should provide references from long-term clients at the first request. Insist on at least 2-3 customer contacts and ask about communication, timeliness, responsiveness to problems, and quality of work.
Also, inquire about any service satisfaction guarantee. Do you get anything if the cleaning is sub-par?
Why it matters: Strong customer references back up a company’s claims. A satisfaction guarantee shows they take customer relationships seriously.
Hiring a commercial cleaning company requires due diligence and holds greater responsibility than just price shopping. It demands clarity of expectations and informed questions on your part. The people who enter your workplace without an employee oversight should match the same level of cleanliness, safety, and professionalism you expect from your team.
Whether you’re about to renew an existing contract or are searching for a first-time provider, take a look at this 7-question checklist. Consider it part of your company’s risk management practices, because who you allow into your business reflects on your leadership decisions.
If you’re looking for the most trusted commercial office cleaning in Sydney, ensure the company you choose can achieve these expectations. A clean office should be a standard, not a luxury.
