Research has shown that walking into clean commercial premises can have a very positive effect on people’s behaviour and mood. Increasing productivity and motivation, as well as reducing the build-up of germs and bacteria, helping to reduce sick days and employee absence.
But how can you tell a good cleaning company from a bad one?
When it comes to commercial cleaners, you pay for a quality clean and for your premises to look and feel spic and span.
In these instances, there are obvious things you can check, such as floors being cleaned and rooms and areas smelling fresh, but how do you know that you’re truly getting all your bang for your buck?
Signs your commercial cleaning company aren’t all they say they are
They’re in and out in no time – yes, we all want our offices cleaned quickly, but we’re also realists, and we know that cleaning does take some time, especially when done properly. If your cleaners are running in and out, how good is the quality of clean they’re carrying out?
Management is neither seen nor heard – cleaning managers should follow up with you and stay in touch regularly to ensure that everything is going OK. It shows a commitment to customer service, making sure that high standards are continually maintained.
Some areas of your office are still dirty – no one wants this, and if you find some bins haven’t been emptied, the kitchen is still a mess, and there’s dust everywhere, then you have a problem. You need to immediately address the situation and look to increase the frequency of your cleans or change cleaning companies!
They don’t have the right tools for the job – how can they do a good job and complete the cleaning tasks set, without the proper equipment or products?
Things are missing or become damaged – if any of these instances occur, you need to report it immediately and change your cleaning service.
Signs to look out for in a good cleaning company
Good timekeeping
It’s important to check that your cleaning teams are turning up on time, every time.
Ultimately do they do the hours they are contracted to?
Most cleaning contracts will prescribe a set amount of cleaning time within the contract initially agreed between both parties. Is your cleaning team sticking to this? Do you have measures to check this?
Also, you need to check that all agreed cleaning tasks are carried out within this time, or do they go unfinished? Are cleaners leaving early regularly, and is there a pattern i.e., Friday evenings, for example?
Ultimately, a good cleaning team will stick to their schedule and their times rigorously.
Well Prepared
Everyone needs the right tools to do the job effectively and efficiently – do your commercial cleaners?
Do they use the right and best equipment and products to get the job done? And not only this but are they using the right products on the right surfaces?
All-purpose cleaning products should set alarm bells ringing, as well as if you spot the same cloth being used across very different areas and surfaces!
You need trained teams and also potentially colour-coded equipment to help cross-contamination between surfaces.
As well as teams that use fresh products and equipment and have a variety of supplies.
Know your teams
How well do you know your cleaners?
Cleaners often become a big part of your business, so it’s important to take the time to get to know them.
Is it the same individuals each time or different?
You should always ensure that all cleaners are highly trained and DBS/CRB checked.
Is the cleaning cupboard clean and tidy?
OK, maybe a little strange, but a clean and tidy store cupboard can speak volumes about the type of cleaning service your business will receive.
Good commercial cleaners will have a neat and clean cleaning cupboard, reflecting their quality and standard of work.
High standards, always.
Is your cleaning team still providing the same high standards and quality cleans that they did on day one? Or have standards slipped slightly?
The proof is in the pudding, and a good commercial cleaner will be able to demonstrate this in their work, and your offices and workplace appear clean.
How can you check if a clean is a good clean?
- To check surfaces are clean, you can run a microfibre cloth or a clean paper towel over the top of the surface to see if any dust or grime shows.
- Check door handles, ensuring they don’t look grubby or feel sticky, covered in fingerprints.
- Carry out regular checks on communal areas, especially microwaves and fridges!
- Are the bins all empty?
- Are washrooms cleaned and well-stocked?
- Walk around your premises, checking the corners of rooms, and making sure these areas have been cleaned.
- Has under the desks been cleaned, not just around them?
Safety should be paramount
A significant sign in a good service cleaner is that they take health and safety very seriously.
For example, they use wet floor signs appropriately across surfaces that have just been mopped or polished.
They also consider safety when vacuuming, etc., being aware and avoiding the dangers of wires posing as trip hazards.
Risk assessments will also be carried out before any cleaning work commencing, so all safety requirements can be identified and put in place beforehand.
Finding the right fit for your business
You need to work with a cleaning service team in Leeds that you’re able to have open and honest conversations with.
Where you can identify together areas that aren’t working too well or even areas of cleaning that weren’t considered initially.
Look for a company where you can pay for the services you need when you need them.
Identifying a detailed cleaning plan, ensuring that all of your specific requirements are being met.
Look for trained and experienced cleaning operatives who can provide the best service to your commercial premises.
Look for a cleaning company that offers a degree of flexibility and a high level of communication.
Above all, make sure you have a robust contract in place that outlines both parties’ responsibilities, helping to keep everyone on the same path.
Feeling frustrated by the quality of your current office cleaning service?
If you’re unhappy with your cleaning service, you should first have a conversation with your current cleaning company to make them aware of the issues and to provide them with the opportunity to put things right.
If you’re still experiencing problems, call the cleaning experts at Clear Choice on 01132 711432. With many years’ experience in the commercial cleaning industry, we know a business’s pain points when it comes to cleaning, and trust us when we say, we have the solution to fix them all.
Change today to a team that continually delivers exceptional results – Clear Choice.
