- Cleaning 365
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Janitorial Services for Commercial Spaces
Hiring the wrong janitorial service isn’t just an inconvenience. It can have serious financial, operational, and even legal consequences for your business. Many companies assume that all cleaning services are the same, but a poor choice can lead to safety risks, compliance violations, and a work environment that feels unprofessional and unkempt.
A poorly maintained facility can create health hazards, security risks, and reputational damage that cost far more than just hiring the right service in the first place. Imagine walking into your office one morning to find overflowing trash bins, restrooms that smell unpleasant, and streaky floors that make your business look neglected. Now, imagine that this lack of care leads to employees falling sick, customers complaining, or worse, an official health inspection that results in fines.
To avoid such blunders, let’s look at 10 serious problems that can occur when you don’t hire a reliable janitorial service.
10 Serious Problems That Can Occur When You Hire the Wrong Janitorial Service
1. Health and Safety Violations
A poorly maintained workspace is not just unhygienic but can be unsafe as well. If a janitorial service doesn’t properly sanitize high-touch areas like restrooms, breakrooms, and office desks, bacteria and viruses can spread rapidly. This increases employee sick days, leading to lost productivity. Worse, if a health inspector finds unsanitary conditions in a business that serves food, healthcare, or public services, it can result in legal penalties or even temporary closure.
Example:
A restaurant that fails a health inspection due to an unclean kitchen could be shut down until it meets sanitation standards, causing lost revenue and reputational damage.
2. Security Risks
Many cleaning crews work after business hours when employees are gone. If the cleaning company doesn’t properly vet their staff, you could be giving access to individuals with criminal backgrounds. This puts your business at risk of theft, unauthorized data access, or even vandalism.
Example:
An office with sensitive client data on-site hires an unvetted janitorial company. A week later, confidential documents go missing, leading to a data breach and legal consequences.
3. Inconsistent or Poor Cleaning Quality
Not all janitorial services maintain high cleaning standards. Some companies may cut corners by rushing through cleaning tasks, skipping key areas, or using low-quality products. This results in dust buildup, stained carpets, and dirty restrooms, giving both employees and clients the impression that the business is neglected.
Example:
A law firm hires a budget cleaning service. Over time, clients start noticing unkempt waiting areas and dusty office spaces, affecting their confidence in the firm’s professionalism.
4. Use of Harsh or Ineffective Cleaning Products
Some janitorial services use strong industrial chemicals that aren’t suitable for office environments, damaging furniture, carpets, or sensitive equipment. Others dilute cleaning products to cut costs, making sanitation ineffective.
Example:
An office installs expensive hardwood flooring, only to have it ruined by harsh chemicals used by an inexperienced cleaning crew.
5. Lack of Communication and Accountability
If a janitorial service lacks a proper communication system, issues can go unresolved for weeks. Without clear quality checks, reporting systems, or a direct point of contact, problems like missed trash pickups or dirty restrooms can persist indefinitely.
Example:
A corporate office repeatedly complains about overflowing trash bins, but with no dedicated contact at the cleaning service, the issue remains unresolved, frustrating employees.
6. No Customization for Your Facility’s Needs
A one-size-fits-all cleaning service may not be enough for certain industries. Healthcare facilities, restaurants, and warehouses have specific sanitation requirements that generic services may not be equipped to handle.
Example:
A dental clinic requires sterilization of exam rooms, but the cleaning service only provides basic office cleaning. Over time, contamination risks increase.
7. No Emergency Cleaning Services
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a biohazard spill, or sudden flooding, businesses need a janitorial team that can respond quickly. If your cleaning service doesn’t offer emergency response, you could be left scrambling in a crisis.
Example:
A hotel experiences a plumbing issue that floods the lobby. Without emergency cleaning support, the water damage worsens, leading to costly repairs.
8. Outdated or Insufficient Equipment
Cleaning large commercial spaces requires professional equipment. If a janitorial service relies on outdated or poorly maintained tools, it takes longer to clean, and the results suffer.
Example:
A warehouse hires a janitorial company that doesn’t use industrial floor scrubbers, leading to dust accumulation that affects air quality and worker health.
Read more: Best cleaning practices, advanced technology for superior results
9. Uninsured or Unlicensed Cleaning Services
Some companies operate without proper insurance. If a janitorial worker gets injured on your property or damages expensive equipment, your business may be liable for the costs.
Example:
A cleaning staff member slips in a wet area while working in a shopping mall. Without insurance, the business faces an unexpected lawsuit.
10. Long-Term Contracts Without Performance Guarantees
Many cleaning companies require long-term contracts but provide no performance guarantees, making it difficult to switch providers if their service quality declines.
Example:
A business signs a two-year contract with a cleaning service. After a few months, the service becomes inconsistent, but the contract has no exit clause, forcing the business to continue paying for poor results.
5 Key Strategies to Avoid These Problems
1. Hire a Reliable Janitorial Service
Choosing the right cleaning provider is the most critical step in preventing these issues. Here’s what to look for:
- Licensed, bonded, and insured providers to protect against liabilities.
- Strict employee background checks to ensure security.
- Verified customer reviews and case studies from businesses in your industry.
- A clear contract with performance guarantees and flexibility.
2. Set Clear Expectations and Service Agreements
Before hiring, ensure you get a detailed service contract that includes:
- A scope of work covering all cleaning tasks and frequencies.
- A quality assurance system with inspections and feedback mechanisms.
- A communication plan for reporting and resolving issues.
3. Prioritize Safety and Compliance
Ensure your cleaning company:
- Follows CCOHS standards and industry-specific sanitation requirements.
- Uses non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products safe for employees and customers.
- Has an emergency response plan for spills, biohazards, or facility accidents.
4. Ensure Regular Quality Checks
A professional janitorial service should:
- Conduct routine quality audits to maintain high standards.
- Use digital tracking systems to log completed cleaning tasks.
Have a responsive cleaning team to handle complaints immediately.
5. Choose a Flexible, Scalable Service Provider
As your business grows, your cleaning needs may change. Look for a provider that:
- Offers customized cleaning solutions for different industries.
- Can scale cleaning services up or down based on business needs.
- Provides emergency and specialized cleaning beyond daily maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Business with the Right Cleaning Partner
FAQ's
How does a clean workplace improve employee health and productivity?
A clean office prevents illnesses, reduces stress, and enhances focus, leading to improved efficiency.
Why is office cleanliness essential for better health outcomes?
It minimizes bacteria and allergens, reducing workplace-related illnesses and absenteeism.
How does workplace cleanliness boost employee well-being and efficiency?
A sanitized environment promotes better mental health, increases energy levels, and supports overall job satisfaction.
How does a sanitized workplace reduce sick days and boost efficiency?
Regular cleaning prevents the spread of germs, ensuring fewer disruptions in workflow.
Why is maintaining a clean environment crucial for workplace health?
It protects employees from infections, enhances productivity, and fosters a positive workplace culture.
