Selecting the right commercial cleaning company is an important decision and involves much more than just hiring an employee to mop floors or wipe desks. A clean office or storefront has a huge impact on productivity, morale, customer perception, and even compliance with health and safety regulations. But too many businesses make mistakes that cost them money because they don’t know the following secrets of the cleaning industry.

Here are 5 things nobody will tell you when choosing a commercial cleaning company in London that will save you time, money, and frustration.

Not All Cleaning Companies Are Actually Professional

A company labelling itself as “professional” does not necessarily mean it provides their clients with a high-quality cleaning service. There are many commercial cleaning companies in London selling a premium service, but they may have cut corners on price.  Low–cost or per–hour verified cleaning companies may employ staff with limited training, use old machinery equipment or cheap cleaning products. The result is products or surfaces not being properly sanitized, surfaces not being cleaned or high contact areas such as keyboards and door knobs are often neglected or overlooked. 

A recent example; A busy London office hired a low-cost cleaning company. The cleaning company would do daily cleans and all the staff noticed dust and grime on the keyboards, bins that had not been emptied, glass panels that were streaky, etc… A low–cost service might save a few dollars upfront, but how much was it costing staff health or how much was this impacting how clients viewed the office? 

Tip; As you consider a potential cleaning company inquire about staff training, staff certifications, and product usage. Companies that pay for COSHH certified chemical products, cleaning products that use color coded cloths or “microfibre“, etc. or even companies with the “latest high tech equipment“ to “clean“ demonstrate true professionalism.

Frequency Doesn’t Guarantee Quality

Many companies believe that a cleaner coming in every day means a cleaner office. In fact, it is more of the quality, than the frequency.

Professional Companies focus on how it is being cleaned, not just how frequent they can have a cleaner out. They provide quality control programs, use checklists, and have supervisors check the work frequently.

For instance: Two offices both hired about three times a week. One used a professional company, with proper supervision and products that complied with COSHH regulations. The other office used untrained staff doing simple surface cleaning. The differentiation in hygiene and appearance in the two offices was remarkable.

Just a little tip: Instead of merely scheduling additional visits, ask about:

Checklists and inspection processes

Reporting process supervisors

Flexibility during peak times or special events

Hidden Fees and Tricky Contracts

Certain cleaning services market competitive rates, but the fine print may have hidden fees. You may have to pay for services that don‘t thoroughly “deep clean,“ add–on fees for using their equipment, and charges for terminating your contract too soon.

Some contracts may lock you into a long-term service with limited flexibility.

You may be paying for more service than you need or expecting handle over other options that may suit your needs better!

Tip: Always read the service contract and request a clear and unambiguous outline of of prices. Ask if cleaning solutions, equipment, or emergency services are included. Determine how far in advance you may need to to cancel and the fees involved in there. Don‘t fall for “yes“ “no“ answers, continue digging until you have clarity,

Health, Safety, and Compliance Are Often Overlooked

A significant risk in commercial cleaning is using a company that does not comply with health and safety regulations or procedures, including COSHH compliance, color-coded cleaning systems, and proper waste disposal. Not following these rules and procedures will lead to cross-contamination, sick employees and very unhappy clients; as a result, many companies skip these important steps for time or cost–savings.

When choosing a commercial cleaning, ask about staff training programs and certifications, insurance and proper handling of chemicals and waste. Companies that take the necessary steps to ensure compliance are protecting your company as well as your employee’s health and wellbeing, along with your client’s trust.

Communication Can Make or Break Your Experience

A skilled cleaning staff will not be effective if communication is lacking. Some companies take their time responding to requests, providing updates, and fulfilling the needs of the client. In addition, effective communication leads to following scheduled tasks, clarity on priorities, and quick resolution of issues.

Without it, even the most skilled professionals may leave the business feeling disappointed.

Tip: To gauge response time, ask about: Email and phone response times Reporting protocol and times Supervisor or account manager access.

Bonus Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Cleaning Company

Search for Reviews and Testimonials – Checking online reviews and references offer glimpse of a company‘s trustworthiness and quality.

Check Industry Experience – Ensure that the cleaning company has experience in your industry: office, retail, or hospitality.

Eco-Friendly Options – Green cleaning solutions helps protect the environment and exposure to harsh chemicals for your employees.

Trial Period – Ensure there is a trial service before a long-term commitment to ensure you will receive services that meet your esteem.

Written Deliverables – Ask for a scope of work in writing to understand the tasks included and what or how the quality will be measured.

Possible Key Feature – Access to a supervisor or account manager.

The Importance of Customised Cleaning Plans

All offices or retail spaces are different, but many cleaning companies utilize a “one-size-fits-all” approach that results in some areas being over cleaned and others being neglected while consuming time and resources.

Tip: A professional cleaning company will assess your workspace and implement a customized cleaning approach.

This might include:

High use and/or exposure areas like entrance ways, kitchens, and restrooms.

Special consideration for sensitive work areas such as server rooms or sensitive paperwork.

Time considerations for peak office hours to prevent disruption.

Customized cleanings also allows for seasonal changes — for instance, additional cleaning in peak flu season or excessive attention to windows during warm months.

Access to supervisors or account managers.

Transparency in Supplies and Products

Certain companies assert that they employ premium products, but it’s possible they are using a more budget–friendly product that doesn’t effectively disinfect areas. This is a major hygiene and safety concern for staff, especially in multi–occupancy offices and shops.

Tip: Request to see a list of the cleaning products and chemicals that they use for each client, and also make sure they comply with COSHH. Companies that are committed to environmental sustainability will go above and beyond to train their cleaning staff in best practices to minimize contamination and exposure to cleaning chemicals.

Small Details Make a Big Difference

Usually, it is the little things that differentiate an average cleaning company from a premium cleaning company. Correctly positioned furniture, dust-free vents, clean glass, odor-free bins– all of these little things contribute to a professional and inviting atmosphere.

Tip: Choose a cleaning company that has a quality control program. Lots of companies will use checklists or supervision to monitor their quality. The company who will check for spots and details is a company who cares about your space.