Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Company? Top 10 Questions You Must Ask

Keeping your workplace clean and hygienic is more than just good practice—it’s a reflection of your brand, professionalism, and commitment to employee health. Whether you manage a small office or a large facility, hiring a commercial cleaning company can save you time, improve productivity, and create a more welcoming environment for both clients and staff.

But not all cleaning companies are created equal. Before signing a contract, it’s essential to ask the right questions. This guide will walk you through the top 10 questions you must ask before hiring a commercial cleaning company, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and budget.

1. What Services Do You Offer?

Not every cleaning company offers the same range of services, and it’s important to choose one that fits your specific needs. Some companies might focus strictly on basic janitorial duties, such as vacuuming, dusting, and trash removal, which are ideal for maintaining general cleanliness. Others, however, provide more specialized solutions designed for deeper cleaning or specific requirements. These can include professional carpet cleaning to remove stubborn stains, window washing for streak-free glass, floor waxing to restore shine, and disinfection services to ensure spaces are sanitized and safe. Understanding the variety of options available can help you select the right service for your home or business.

Why it matters: If your business requires specific services (like medical-grade sanitation or industrial cleaning), you need a company with the right tools, training, and experience. Be clear about your expectations and confirm that they can meet them.

2. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

One of the most important things to check before hiring a commercial cleaning company is their legal and financial protection. A reputable company should be licensed to operate in your area, ensuring they meet all local regulations and standards. They should also be bonded, which provides you with financial protection in case of employee theft or other dishonest actions. Additionally, the company should carry adequate insurance to cover any damages to your property or accidents that may occur while their staff is on-site. These measures not only protect your business but also demonstrate the company’s professionalism and commitment to providing reliable service. Always ask for proof of these credentials before signing any agreements.

Why it matters: This protects your business from liability and ensures that the company you hire is both legitimate and professional.

3. How Do You Screen and Train Your Employees?

Since cleaning staff often work after hours or with limited supervision, it's essential to know they’re trustworthy, reliable, and well-trained to handle the responsibilities of the job. This ensures not only the safety and security of your premises but also the quality and consistency of the cleaning services provided.

Why it matters: Asking about employee background checks, training procedures, and ongoing education helps you gauge the company’s commitment to quality and safety.

4. Do You Have Experience with Businesses Like Mine?

Cleaning an office is very different from maintaining a restaurant, school, or healthcare facility due to the unique requirements and standards of each environment. For example, restaurants require strict sanitation to meet health codes, schools need a focus on safe and non-toxic products, and healthcare facilities demand specialized cleaning to prevent the spread of infections. It’s important to ask if the company has experience working with businesses in your specific industry or handling facilities of a similar size to ensure they can meet your unique needs effectively.

Why it matters: Experience in your specific sector means the team understands your industry’s cleaning standards, compliance issues, and operational needs.

5. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

Any company worth considering should have no problem sharing references or directing you to online reviews. These references can provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous clients, helping you gauge the company’s reliability and quality of service. Similarly, online reviews offer unfiltered feedback that can reveal both strengths and potential red flags, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Why it matters: Testimonials and reviews give you real-world insight into the company’s reliability, work ethic, and customer satisfaction. Take the time to check them.

6. What Cleaning Products and Equipment Do You Use?

Are they using environmentally friendly products that minimize harm to the planet while still being effective? Do they bring their own high-quality equipment, so you don’t have to worry about providing tools for the job? Are the cleaning solutions safe for your employees, especially those with allergies, asthma, or skin sensitivities, ensuring a healthy and comfortable workspace for everyone?

Why it matters: Understanding their approach ensures compatibility with your company’s values and helps prevent disruptions due to odors, residues, or harmful chemicals.

7. How Do You Handle Complaints or Service Issues?

Even with the best intentions and careful planning, things can still go wrong from time to time. What truly matters is how the cleaning company addresses these issues when they arise—whether it's quickly resolving a missed spot, managing unexpected delays, or handling customer concerns with professionalism and care. A company’s ability to respond and make things right is what sets them apart.

Why it matters: A company that has a clear, prompt, and professional process for addressing concerns is more likely to deliver consistent quality and keep your satisfaction a top priority.

8. Will We Have a Dedicated Cleaning Team or Rotating Staff?

Consistency matters. Working with a familiar team that understands your space, preferences, and expectations often leads to better results. When a team is already aligned with your processes and goals, they can work more efficiently, deliver higher-quality outcomes, and adapt to your needs with minimal direction. Over time, this familiarity builds trust, streamlines communication, and ensures a smoother, more productive collaboration.

Why it matters: A rotating team can lead to inconsistent service, more errors, and a lack of accountability. Ask whether you’ll have the same crew regularly and who your point of contact will be.

9. What Is Your Pricing Structure?

Be sure to understand how they bill for their services before hiring. Do they charge an hourly rate, or is it a flat-rate fee? Are cleaning supplies and equipment included in the price, or will you need to provide them yourself? It’s also important to ask about any additional fees—are there extra charges for deep cleaning, last-minute bookings, or emergency services? Taking the time to clarify these details upfront can help you avoid surprises on the final bill and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Why it matters: Transparency in pricing helps you avoid hidden fees and ensures the service fits within your budget. Get everything in writing.

10. What COVID-19 or Health & Safety Protocols Do You Follow?

Though the pandemic has shifted, workplace hygiene remains a top concern. Ask what protocols the company follows to minimize risk and promote safety.

Why it matters: Regular disinfection, proper PPE use, and compliance with CDC or OSHA guidelines show that the company takes health seriously and can adapt to future challenges.

Why These Questions Matter

When it comes to hiring a commercial cleaning company, your decision shouldn’t be based solely on price or convenience. A great cleaning partner can boost employee morale, reduce sick days, extend the life of your office furnishings, and impress clients. A poor choice, on the other hand, can lead to frustration, health hazards, and unnecessary costs.

By asking these 10 questions, you’ll get a clear picture of the company’s capabilities, reliability, and fit for your needs.

Bonus Tips for Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Company

Here are a few additional tips to guide your hiring process:

• Request a walk-through before finalizing the contract. This helps the company assess the space and give you a more accurate quote.
• Compare at least 2-3 companies. Don’t settle for the first proposal. Comparing options gives you negotiating power and clarity.
• Start with a trial period. Before committing long-term, ask about a short-term agreement to evaluate their performance.

Remember, when hiring a commercial cleaning company, you’re not just choosing a vendor—you’re selecting a long-term partner who contributes to your team’s success and well-being.

Conclusion

Hiring a commercial cleaning company? Top 10 questions you must ask before making your decision can save you time, money, and frustration down the line. By evaluating their experience, certifications, flexibility, and service guarantees, you ensure your business maintains a clean, safe, and professional environment. Don’t settle for surface-level promises—dig deeper to find a partner that truly understands your facility's needs. A trustworthy cleaning company will welcome your questions and provide transparent, detailed answers that give you confidence.

Ready to experience reliable, top-tier cleaning services? MNZ Janitorial Services is here to deliver quality, consistency, and peace of mind. Contact us today for a free consultation and see why businesses trust us to keep their spaces spotless.

‍