Category: Commercial Cleaning

20 Nov 2020
gym cleaning

Is Your Fitness Center Healthy?

gym cleaning

Fitness centers and gyms represent a unique environment that is highly prone to the spread of germs and bacteria. Exercise equipment, rubber mats, locker rooms, and restrooms are all shared resources that your clients expect to be clean and sanitary. As a fitness center owner or manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that your facility meets the high standards of hygiene that your clients expect and deserve.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic gyms and fitness centers need to ramp up their cleaning and disinfecting protocols in order to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both clients and staff. This article will provide you with insights on how to put in place an effective cleaning program for your fitness facility.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting

In order to prepare a safe and sanitary environment for your gym or fitness center members, it is important to first understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are in fact, very different.

CLEANING

Cleaning removes allergens and microorganisms from the environment. When a surface is clean, soap or detergent has been used to remove dirt, germs, and impurities. Proper cleaning helps reduce the number of germs that can lead to infection, however, it does not necessarily kill any germs. In general, it is safe to clean surfaces where the risk of spreading pathogens from the surface is low.

DISINFECTING

Disinfecting a surface means that chemicals are being used to kill germs. This does not necessarily mean that dirt, germs, and impurities are being removed from the surface, but by killing the germs, the risk of spreading infection is lowered.
For a disinfectant to kill germs, its labeled dwell time should always be allowed. A dwell time, or contact time, is the amount of time the manufacturer has determined, through laboratory testing, that the disinfectant should remain wet on a surface. If proper dwell times are not followed, germs and pathogens may survive the application.

SANITIZING

Sanitary surfaces can be created either by removing germs (cleaning) or killing germs (disinfecting). There are a few different methods used to achieve a sanitary surface: heat, radiation, and chemicals.
To sanitize through the use of heat, steam, hot water, or hot air can be used at the appropriate temperature for the recommended amount of time. For radiation, sanitation can be achieved through the use of ultraviolet radiation.
Chemicals that are effective sanitizers at the proper concentration include chlorine, iodine, and quaternary ammonium. Just as the proper dwell time must be followed for a disinfectant to be effective, a chemical sanitizer must also be allowed to sit for its recommended dwell time.

It is important to note that to truly disinfect anything, it should be thoroughly cleaned first. Once clean a disinfectant should be applied and allowed to dwell for the prescribed period of time.

Protecting Yourself While Cleaning

It is important that you and your staff follow a strict procedure when performing cleaning and disinfection within your facility. To ensure that you and your staff remain safe while cleaning, follow these five steps:

  1. Wash Your Hands – Prior to beginning, any cleaning hands should be washed with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60%-70% alcohol) for a minimum of twenty seconds.
  2. Wear PPE – Wear personal protective equipment while cleaning (i.e. masks, gloves, eye protection). PPE helps ensure that your staff is not spreading germs while cleaning and protects them from chemical irritants.
  3. Staff Training – Train your staff in the proper use of cleaning and disinfecting chemicals. If using sanitizing wipes be sure to wipe in a single direction to avoid cross-contamination and when using disinfecting sprays be sure to allow proper dwell times.
  4. Maintain Safety Data Sheets – A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be kept in a designated area and be readily available. Safety Data Sheets provide information on the safe handling of chemicals as well as disposal and emergency protocols.
  5. Wash Your Hands – After every cleaning and disinfecting task, hands should again be washed with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60%-70% alcohol) for a minimum of 20 seconds.

Additional Tips

To help ensure that your facility is thoroughly clean and disinfected for your staff and clients, consider taking these additional steps:

  • Prioritize High-Touch Surfaces – High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, restrooms, telephones, credit card machines, and all gym equipment should be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day. Exercise equipment should be disinfected after every use.
  • Encourage clients to do their part – Requiring clients to wear masks, maintain social distancing, wash their hands, and wipe down equipment after each use can go a long way toward limiting the spread of germs. Be sure to provide adequate supplies for your customers (i.e. disinfecting wipes and sprays, single-use towels, hand sanitizers, gloves, etc.).
  • Remove soft surface items and equipment – Rugs, exercise mats, rope pulls, and other soft surfaces are much more difficult to disinfect than hard surfaces. Consider removing these items from your facility.
  • Consider cold-fog disinfecting – Cold fogging is a process where a disinfectant is put into a machine and atomized into the air. Unlike a spray, a fog saturates the air in a mist and covers every surface in the room effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and germs. You can find professional cold-fogging services here.
10 Nov 2020
corporate cleaning

Commercial Cleaning and Your Business Assets

corporate cleaning

Regular commercial cleaning provides many benefits to your business; from improved employee morale and productivity to enhanced customer perceptions and even increased sales. One benefit of commercial cleaning that is often overlooked is the preservation of your facility’s physical assets.

Let’s face it, your business is made up of a variety of physical assets. carpets, flooring, upholstery, wood furnishings, electronics, and other physical assets all have a healthy price tag and the longer you can make these assets last, the more value you receive from them. Routine professional cleaning can extend the life of these assets while adding value to your business.

CARPET CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Ask any carpet manufacturer and they will tell you that proper care and maintenance is the key to extending the life of your carpets. Without proper care and maintenance, dust, dirt, and other abrasive materials build up and break down the fibers that make up your carpet. This means increased wear and a shorter lifespan.

Daily vacuuming and regular deep cleaning of carpets help to mitigate the build-up of harmful abrasives and extend their useful life. In addition, regular cleanings help to remove allergens and bacteria, providing a healthier environment for your staff and customers.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF HARD SURFACES

Hard surfaces like floors and countertops come in a variety of materials, from hardwoods and granite to marble, linoleum, and tile. These assets are extremely expensive to replace and proper care and maintenance are key to making them last.

Over time, dirt and debris will build up in seams between tiles and hardwood slats causing a slow almost imperceptible deterioration of these surfaces. The same is true for expensive marbles and granites which can become marred and scratched without regular cleaning.

Each of these materials has unique maintenance requirements and a qualified commercial cleaning company will know to properly clean and maintain them. Using the wrong chemicals or cleaning techniques can permanently damage your hard surface assets leading to costly repairs or replacement.

UPHOLSTERY AND FURNITURE CARE

Your facility’s furnishings are another physical asset that will benefit from regular cleaning and maintenance. Like floors and hard surfaces, these assets come in a variety of materials, from leather and fabric to wood and glass. Knowing how to clean and maintain these materials is vital to their longevity.

Fabric furnishings require daily vacuuming and regular deep cleaning much like carpets and leather upholstery needs to be properly cleaned and maintained to avoid drying and cracking. e furnishings also will dry and crack without proper care and glass-top desks and conference tables are prone to scratching if not cleaned on a regular basis.

A professional cleaning company will know how to meet the unique requirements of each of these materials and can help ensure that these assets enjoy a long and useful life.

CLEANING ELECTRONICS THE RIGHT WAY

In today’s world, electronic equipment is at the heart of our everyday life. Computer equipment, printers, fax machines, and phones are essential to our daily business operations and they are one of the most valuable physical assets in your facility. Proper care and cleaning of these items can extend their useful life and help eliminate downtime.

Dust is the enemy of all things electronic and by their very nature, electronics attract dust. Without proper maintenance, dust can build up on your electronics and cause them to overheat, leading to expensive repairs, replacement costs, and downtime.

Electronic equipment should be wiped down with a quality microfiber cloth on a daily basis and compressed air should be used to remove dust and debris from hard-to-reach places like between the keys on a keyboard or hinges on a laptop.

THE BOTTOM-LINE

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your business’s physical assets can increase their useful lifespan and help maintain their appearance. The longer these assets are maintained the less often they require repair or replacement and that saves you money in the long run.

Complete Care Maintenance can help you to properly maintain your business assets with knowledgeable and qualified commercial cleaning. Call us today for a free estimate.

 

 

01 Nov 2020
retail cleaning

Retail Store Cleaning and The Customer’s Perspective

retail cleaning

Cleanliness is essential to any retail operation. Numerous studies have shown that the cleanliness of the retail environment is directly linked to customer satisfaction and sales volume. In fact, many studies show that a clean retail store not only encourages people to make a purchase but to make larger purchases as well.

As a retail manager, you likely spend a great deal of time in your retail establishment. Let’s face it, sometimes it seems like the job is never done. While your dedication to your retail operation is important to your success, it also can make you ‘blind’ to the actual cleanliness of your store. The fact of the matter is that your customers are often much more discerning (and critical) of your store’s cleanliness than you are.

Your Book Is Judged By Its Cover

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but consumers judge businesses by their storefronts all the time. An incredible 95% of shoppers say the appearance of a store’s exterior influences where they shop. More than two-thirds of consumers say they’ve decided not to enter a business because its storefront was unappealing, and more than half of consumers have avoided a business purely because the storefront was dirty.

A clean storefront is essential to getting consumers through the front door. This means clean parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways, not to mention streak-free windows and dust-free window displays. In the current pandemic, consumers also want to see hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, especially if carts and baskets are offered. Overflowing trash cans, ashtrays, and poor lighting are also sure turnoffs for potential shoppers.

Show Off Your Showroom

A clean storefront is just a start. Once a customer enters your store they are still making judgments with regard to cleanliness. Your showroom or sales floor needs to be squeaky clean.

Clean Floors

Nothing says ‘squeaky clean’ like a gleaming, polished floor. Make certain that your showroom floor is always free of debris, dust, and spills, and hire professional floor cleaners to clean and polish on a regular basis. If your retail establishment has carpeted floors, vacuum them daily, and have them professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Dirty and stained carpets are a definite turnoff for retail shoppers and are often the source of foul odors.

Dust-Free Displays

They call them ‘displays’ for a reason – they are designed to display your merchandise and your merchandise needs to shine. Make sure that your display tables, shelving, and lifters are always dust-free and shining, and don’t forget the merchandise. Dusty merchandise looks used or old and is not likely to appeal to even less discerning customers.

Sparkling Checkout Counters

Your checkout counters should be clean and sanitary as well as clutter-free. This is likely the last interaction your customer will have with your store and you want them to leave with a positive impression. This is another perfect opportunity to offer hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

Keep Your Fitting Rooms Fit

Statistics show that 70% of clothing purchase decisions are made in the fitting room. A dirty fitting room will cost you sales and customers. People want to try before they buy and they want a clean and sanitary space in which to do it. Your fitting rooms should be cleaned after every use to ensure that they are clean and sanitary for the next customer.

Don’t Forget The Restrooms

Restrooms are a pain point for most customers. In fact, a whopping 66% of consumers say a dirty or foul-smelling restroom will cause them to stop patronizing a store forever. That is a customer you will never see again and for good reason. Restrooms are a haven for all types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that without proper hygiene can be spread throughout your store. In most customers’ eyes, a dirty restroom equates to a dirty store.

And while no one likes a dirty restroom, it is also the one room that nobody wants to clean. Restrooms are quite possibly the number one reason you should hire a commercial cleaning service.

Hire A Commercial Cleaning Company

While you and your employees need to maintain your store’s cleanliness on a daily basis, hiring a commercial cleaning company to perform regular deep cleaning services is the best way to ensure that your retail establishment shines. A qualified commercial cleaning service can manage your floors, restrooms, parking lots, and building exterior, as well as every other nook and cranny of your store. Customer perceptions matter. Make sure they have a positive perception of your retail operation.

20 Oct 2020
post-construction cleaning

Smart Builders Utilize Construction Cleaning Services

post-construction cleaning

If you are a builder or construction project manager, you understand the value of a clean and organized build site. A clean and organized construction site is safer and easier to work in. You also understand that once the construction is finished there is still work to be done. You can’t just leave dust and debris, loose nails and screws. or discarded construction materials for the new tenants to deal with. This is why construction cleaning is an essential part of every project.

While you could try to manage the construction cleaning on your own by dedicating your skilled labor to the task of cleaning, smart builders are hiring professional construction cleaning companies because they are faster, more detailed, and more cost-effective.

In Project Site Maintenance

It is not just about cleaning up post-construction. Many professional construction cleaning services offer interval cleaning that helps maintain a cleaner, safer work site throughout the project life cycle. This promotes a safer work environment and organizational efficiency. Instead of utilizing your skilled labor hours for daily or weekly cleaning, you can outsource these tasks to professionals.

Post-Construction Cleaning

Of course, the real cleaning project starts when the construction has ended. This is where hiring a post-construction cleaning company can really save you time and money. All while promoting an image of thoroughness and professionalism for your company.

New tenants expect to move into a new home or building that is clean and safe, and a qualified post-construction cleaning crew can provide that in a highly efficient manner. While you are moving on to your next project, your cleaning service will be tidying up the building site you just left.

Why Outsource

Aside from the ability to move on to new projects sooner and utilizing your skilled workers for the jobs they are intended to perform, outsourcing your construction cleaning provides many additional benefits:

  1. Detailed and professional Cleaning – Your construction crew may know how to perform general cleaning tasks, but they have nothing on a professional cleaning crew. A professional. post-construction cleaning crew will leave your new building spotless and ready for immediate occupancy. They will clean and dust from floor to ceiling, remove trash and debris, clean and shine bathroom and kitchen fixtures, polish floors, and wash windows. A qualified cleaning crew will make your build look amazing both inside and out.
  2. No Supervision Required – Professional construction cleaning crews come with their own supervisors and all crew members are familiar with the construction cleaning process. They are familiar with and can mitigate worksite hazards, are well versed in local ordinances with regard to waste disposal, and are highly efficient and thorough cleaners. Your workers and supervisors can pack up your tools and move on without any concern for the post-construction cleaning process – it’s all managed for you.
  3. Cost-Effectiveness – While it may seem counter-intuitive, smart builders realize that hiring professional cleaners is more cost-effective. Not only are your work crews free to move on to new projects, but your cleaning company is taking care of the benefits, insurance, disposal fees, and other expenses associated with the post-construction cleaning process. In addition, they are likely much more efficient when it comes to cleaning. This saves you time, and time is money.

In Summary

Hiring professional construction cleaning services makes good financial and business sense and smart builders that take advantage of these services are reaping the rewards. If you are a builder or construction project manager, outsourcing your project’s cleaning requirements will save you both time and money, and you’ll be assured a clean and safe environment for new tenants.

 

 

 

10 Oct 2020
facility cleaning

Top Tips For Reopening Your Facility During a Pandemic

facility cleaning

As many states throughout the country begin to reopen, facility managers need to plan ahead to ensure as safe an environment as possible. Staff and customers alike should feel safe in the knowledge that you are making every effort to protect them. Here are some tips for reopening as safely as possible:

1) Promote Social Distancing And Safe Behavior

Rearranging desks and other furnishings to promote social distancing is a good start. In areas where people tend to congregate or stand in line, consider marking floors with tape or stickers to indicate safe intervals. Post signs at the entrance to your facility reminding people to practice social distancing and encouraging the use of masks. Limit or eliminate in-person meetings and other in-office gatherings and encourage remote work when possible.

2) Promote Better Hand Hygiene

Providing sanitizing solutions or wipes throughout your facility helps promote hand hygiene and surface sanitization. Additionally, making these items accessible near high-touch and shared surfaces like doors, elevators, and reception areas allows for easy hand and surface sanitizing. Furthermore, ensure that restroom soap dispensers are filled regularly with disinfectant soaps.

Be sure that the products your use meet the CDC guidelines for proper sanitization. Look for labels with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol.

3)  Utilize Porter and Matron Services

Porter and matron services allow for ongoing cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day. These professional cleaning personnel can continuously clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces, restrooms, and other common areas throughout the facility, helping to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for staff and customers.

4) Consider Regular Cold Fog Disinfection

Cold fogging is a process where a disinfectant is put into a machine and atomized into the air. Unlike a spray, a fog saturates the air in a mist and covers virtually every surface in your facility. Therefore, even hard-to-reach areas that are typically overlooked with traditional cleaning methods become saturated in a disinfecting fog, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and germs. Cold fogging can be performed during non-business hours so as not to interrupt regular business operations.

5) Hire Commercial Cleaning Services

Probably the best way to ensure a clean and safe facility is to hire a reputable commercial cleaning company. High-quality commercial cleaning companies understand how to properly clean and disinfect your facility and are trained to address high-touch areas, properly use disinfectants and cleaning chemicals, and avoid cross-contamination.

Need Help Planning Your Reopening?

Complete Care Maintenance can help you to prepare for reopening your facility in the midst of the pandemic. We can provide for you a custom commercial cleaning plan, schedule regular cold fogging services, provide porter and matron services, and ensure that your soap dispensers and hand sanitizers never run dry. Call or contact us today and let us help you to reopen your facility in a safe and sanitary way!

30 Sep 2020
healthcare facility cleaning

Why Medical Facilities Need Professional Cleaners

healthcare facility cleaning

Unlike most office environments, medical offices require much more thorough and regular cleaning. It is not just about making a good impression, it’s about providing a safe and sanitary environment for both your patients and your staff.

So, while general janitorial services are fine for a typical office building, medical facilities need specially trained and qualified cleaning staff who understand the unique needs of the medical community. These specialty cleaning services provide many advantages over a typical janitorial service.

1) They Understand The Environment

Cleaning crews that are trained in medical facility cleaning understand the unique needs of the medical office environment. They understand the need for both thorough cleaning and disinfecting. They are also familiar with the unique compliance requirements that medical facilities must meet and are well-versed in HIPPA regulations, JCAHO standards, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards, and CDC-recommended cleaning procedures. You won’t find these qualifications with a typical janitorial service provider.

Enlisting the services of qualified medical facilities cleaning staff means that your facility will be clean and sanitary – a quality that helps ensure patient health and satisfaction, as well as the health and well-being of your staff.

2) They Know The Difference Between Cleaning And Disinfecting

Cleaning is not disinfecting, it is merely the first step in the disinfecting process. General janitorial services clean facilities. Qualified medical facility cleaning services ensure that your facility is both clean and disinfected – an important distinction in a hospital or medical facility environment.

Cleaning crews specializing in medical facility cleaning are trained in the proper procedures and protocols required for facility sanitization and disinfection. They understand the causes of cross-contamination and manage their cleaning process in such a way as to mitigate such risks. They are experienced with a variety of commercial cleaning chemicals and disinfectants and understand how to apply them, their required dwell times, and safe storage procedures. These people understand how to properly clean and disinfect.

3) They Have A Positive Effect On Your Bottom-line

It may seem counter-intuitive to suggest that spending money on specialty cleaning will improve your bottom line. But studies have shown that the cleanliness of your medical facility is a major factor in patient satisfaction. Because patients are more likely to recommend a hospital they perceive to be clean, it makes cleanliness a target for improvement for all hospitals.

In addition, proper sanitization and disinfection help mitigate Healthcare Acquired Infections, a major concern for all healthcare facilities. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the total direct, indirect, and nonmedical social costs of HAIs are estimated at around $96 billion to $147 billion annually, including loss of work, legal costs, and other patient factors.

It should also be noted that numerous studies have shown that a clean and sanitary workplace promotes higher productivity, lowered absenteeism, and happier and healthier staff. While these things may seem intangible, they can have an enormous impact on your bottom line.

In Conclusion

As a manager or administrator of a medical facility, you have a responsibility to your patients and staff to maintain a clean and safe environment. Entrusting that responsibility to a cleaning service that does not understand the unique needs of your industry is doing a disservice to your staff and patients alike.

20 Sep 2020
security

Security And Your Janitorial Company

security

Every business has some type of security protocol. Whether it is as simple as a lock and key or as in-depth as a full-on security system with cameras, keypads, and burglar alarms – all businesses have things they need to protect. For retail businesses, it may be merchandise, cash, or credit card numbers. For medical and legal offices it may be data, records, and personally identifiable information.

When considering a commercial cleaning company, security concerns may not be top-of-mind, but it is something that requires serious consideration. Commercial cleaning or janitorial staff have access to nearly every area of your business and they often work outside of normal business hours. This is why it is so important to make security considerations a priority when vetting potential providers.

What To Look For In Janitorial Service Providers

When hiring a janitorial service provider for your facility you need to understand their level of commitment to security. A reputable provider will have training and protocols in place that help ensure that its staff understands the importance of security. There are many ways that smart janitorial services can mitigate security risks and bolster client confidence.

Employee Background Checks 

Any reputable janitorial service understands the importance of employee background checks. Background checks help to eliminate potential security risks by weeding out applicants with checkered pasts and less-than-honorable intentions. Make sure that your provider only employs staff that has passed a background screening.

Security Protocols and Training

In addition to employee background screening, set security protocols and regular employee training reinforces in the employees’ minds, the company’s commitment to security. In addition, it helps ensure that employees understand and follow security protocols. Ask prospective providers about their security policies and the level of security training their staff receives.

On-site Supervision

Ensuring that cleaning crews are supervised by a responsible individual provides several benefits. A supervisor represents a single point of contact, meaning that keys, alarm codes, and other access points are entrusted to only one individual. In addition, a supervised cleaning crew is far less likely to breach security protocols, knowing they are being watched.

Bonded and Insured

If your janitorial service provider is not bonded and insured, you need to find another provider. Bonding and insuring is the most important step a janitorial service provider can protect both themselves and their clients. It ensures that if a cleaning staff member damages or steals property from a client that the client will be reimbursed.

Low Employee Turnover

If your janitorial service provider experiences high employee turnover it can present a security risk for you. Cleaning staff that has had access to your building and inside knowledge of your security protocols and are no longer bound by the cleaning company, can represent a real security threat. Ask potential providers about their turnover rates and avoid companies that can not seem to retain staff.

Uniformed Staff

While this may not seem like a security precaution, uniformed cleaning staff are easily identifiable, making non-staff members easily identifiable as well. Ensuring that cleaning staff is required to wear name badges or IDs is another way that janitorial services can show their commitment to security.

A Little Forethought Goes A Long Way

It pays to be vigilant when hiring a commercial cleaning service and hiring the wrong one can cost you in a big way. Take your time, vet your prospects, and hire a firm that will add value rather than cost.

10 Sep 2020
property management cleaning

Is Your Cleaning Company Hurting Your Bottom Line?

property management cleaning

There is no doubt that a clean facility has many advantages and generally hiring a commercial cleaning company will help ensure your facility always looks its best. However, who you hire to manage your facility’s cleaning program can be the difference between a profitable business partnership and a costly one.

Not All Commercial Cleaning Companies Are The Same

When choosing a commercial cleaning company to manage your facility’s cleaning program, you have a lot of choices. You will likely find several companies offering cleaning services in a variety of price ranges. The important thing to remember is that it’s not about price; it’s about value and return on investment.

Typically, companies offering cleaning services at rock-bottom prices are inexperienced and underfunded. They likely do not have adequate staff or proper equipment and training. These shortcomings might save you money in the short-term, but over time you may find that their inexperience is costing you more money than you saved. In fact, hiring an inexperienced or fly-by-night cleaning company can hurt your bottom line in more ways than you think.

Lost Tenants Equal Lost Revenue

An inadequately cleaned facility makes a bad impression and could scare off potential tenants. In addition, existing tenants may feel compelled to look elsewhere once their lease is up if they feel that the facility is not well maintained.

Your tenants understand the value of a clean and inviting facility. They recognize that their clients form opinions about their business based on the cleanliness of the facility. They also recognize that their employees are better served when the workplace is clean and sanitary.

The bottom line is: that a poorly maintained facility is bad for your tenants, bad for their staff, bad for their clients, and ultimately bad for you.

Dirty floors, smudged windows and mirrors, dusty lobbies, and unsanitary restrooms will leave your tenants dissatisfied and they will eventually move their organization to a better-maintained facility. This means empty spaces, more dollars spent on marketing, a potentially damaged reputation, and lost income for you.

Proper Maintenance vs. Costly Repairs

Improper training, poorly maintained equipment, and carelessness on the part of a cleaning crew can cost you more than just tenants. Commercial cleaning is not just about cleaning, it is also about maintaining your property to ensure longevity. Improper use of commercial cleaning chemicals can damage surfaces in your facility which can lead to costly repairs and replacement costs.

Imagine an inexperienced cleaning crew using overly caustic chemicals on your lobby’s marble floors. Or a poorly maintained buffing machine gouging your hardwoods. Using the wrong cleaning chemicals can damage all types of surfaces, from chrome fixtures in restrooms and kitchens to granite countertops and expensive furnishings. These types of ‘accidents’ can lead to repair and replacement costs of thousands of dollars and a commercial cleaning company that is ‘just starting out’ may not have the funding or insurance to cover the costs. This leads us to a third unanticipated cost associated with ‘inexpensive’ commercial cleaning services.

Liability And Insurance Claims

Commercial cleaning companies that are not yet well established may not have the necessary insurance coverage to deal with property damage and personal injury claims. If a cleaning company employee is injured on your premises and their employer’s insurance company denies the claim, you could be held liable.

What if an inexperienced cleaning crew inadvertently creates an unsafe environment for your staff, your tenants, or their clients? Lack of training can lead to all manner of unsafe conditions when it comes to commercial cleaning. Are you willing to take that risk?

How Do I Know Who To Hire?

As was stated earlier, hiring a commercial cleaning company based on pricing alone is not the best approach. You should request proposals from several potential providers and then vet each one separately. Some of the questions you’ll want to be answered are as follows:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Do you have experience with similar facilities?
  • What are your training protocols?
  • Do you perform employee background checks?
  • Are you insured and to what extent?
  • What is your employee turnover rate?
  • Will there be management oversight of cleaning crews?
  • What is the communications protocol? (i.e. Who can I call when there is a problem?)
  • Can you provide references?

Getting answers to these questions will go a long way toward weeding out the bad apples during your vetting process and should make the decision-making process easier. If you can carve out three or four respectable providers from your list of prospects, then you can start talking price.