A bad commercial cleaning experience can be frustrating, whether it was inconsistent service, poor communication, or promises that never matched reality.
The good news? Switching commercial cleaning providers is an opportunity to reset expectations and build a stronger partnership. Having the right expectations and conversations in the first few weeks with a new cleaning company can make all the difference, not because they’re expected to be flawless, but because it sets the foundation for long-term success.
Is It Time to Change Cleaning Providers?
Are you still sticking it out with the company that’s let you down a few times? You’re not alone; changing janitorial service providers can be overwhelming. You’ll find yourself considering things like: Will my costs go up? Will it even be worth it? There are a handful of signs that are a clear indication that the issues you’re having with your existing commercial cleaner company warrant a change.
Some of the biggest indicators to change cleaning providers include:
- Inconsistent cleaning quality
- Poor communication
- Cleaning tasks are being missed
- There is a lack of accountability
- Your facility has expanded, or your needs have changed
If these issues sound familiar, then it’s time to move on, but the next step isn’t simply hiring another cleaning company; it’s making sure you don’t repeat the same experience. Following the steps below helps ensure that your next commercial cleaning company delivers better outcomes and lasting results.
Breaking Free from the Commercial Cleaning Roller Coaster
Before Your New Cleaning Company Starts
Walk Through the Facility Together
A complete walkthrough of your business should take place before your new cleaning company begins and ideally again after service starts. An on-site walkthrough with your account manager allows them to get a clear understanding of your space and what it takes to keep it clean. Use early walkthroughs to discuss daily traffic patterns, problem areas and any security and access requirements. Walkthroughs with your account manager shouldn’t be a one time occurrence, a good cleaning company will regularly visit your property to maintain long-term success.
What Happens During a Commercial Cleaning Walkthrough and Estimate?
Share What Didn’t Work Last Time
You don’t want to assume your new cleaning company knows why you’re switching. If overflowing trash, missed restrooms, inconsistent floor cleaning, or poor communication led you to make a change, share those experiences openly. Having honest and sometimes hard conversations help your new janitorial provider understand where to focus from day one.
Stop Settling for “Good Enough” Cleaning Services
Mistakes Businesses Make After Switching Cleaning Companies
If you’re making the switch to a new commercial cleaning company, you want to set yourself and the new cleaning team up for success. You want to avoid these mistakes that can lead to repeating the same experience all over again.
Expecting the New Company to Read Your Mind
Every business is unique, and every facility is different. Even though you’ve talked with an account manager, had a property walkthrough and met the cleaning crew doesn’t mean they’ll know everything right off the bat. It’s helpful for both parties if you share your concerns and priorities with your account manager early on for the most successful outcomes.
Waiting Too Long to Speak Up
It’s okay and normal for the start to be a little rocky, it doesn’t automatically mean the new cleaning company you’ve hired isn’t the right match. Providing feedback to your dedicated account manager from your new cleaning company early on helps smooth out any initial rough patches and prevents recurring issues and helps your provider make adjustments before small concerns become larger problems.
Assuming the Cleaning Plan Is Set in Stone
You signed a contract at the start and you think that’s that. While it is important to establish a clear “scope of work” to nail down exactly what needs to be cleaned, where, and when, this plan isn’t set in stone. The best providers refine their service as they learn your building. Seasonal needs, occupancy changes, and new priorities are all reasons to adjust the plan.
What a Strong Cleaning Partnership Looks Like
A good partnership with a commercial cleaning company comes down to communication, clear expectations, and follow-through. When everyone is on the same page, your cleaning provider can provide more consistent service and respond quickly when needs change.
A strong cleaning partnership should look like:
- Cleaning quality remains consistent.
- Account managers communicate proactively.
- Routine inspections occur to verify expectations are being met.
- Problems are addressed before they become complaints.
- Your cleaning plan evolves with your business.
Questions to Ask Your New Cleaner During Your First Month
If your past janitorial service wasn’t meeting expectations, it may be that the plan you had no longer met your business and building needs. Instead of ‘copy & paste’ your previous cleaning plan with a new company, ask your new janitorial provider these questions to ensure that your new plan is designed to work for you.
- Does our cleaning schedule still meet the demands of our building?
- Are there any recurring concerns you’ve noticed?
- Are there opportunities to improve efficiency or consistency?
A reputable commercial cleaning team will be able to assist you in defining what needs to be done in your space. The right team will also assess often, especially in the beginning, to ensure nothing was missed during initial walkthroughs.
How to Find the Best Commercial Cleaning Company in the Twin Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transition to a new commercial cleaning company?
Changing commercial cleaning companies can happen as quickly as a day, but it can be beneficial to take some time to assess and interview multiple local commercial cleaning companies to ensure a good fit. Depending on cleaning frequency in your space, it usually takes about a month for a new cleaning crew to get acclimated to your space.
How involved should I be during the first month?
Rather than just waiting to see how it goes, talk with your new cleaning provider regularly during the first few months to communicate what’s going well, what could improve (if anything) and your expectations.
What information should I share with my new cleaning provider?
Be open about what didn’t work out with the last cleaning company you used, what ‘problem areas’ you have in your business and your preferred method of communication.
Related Read: How To Choose The Right Commercial Cleaning Company
Don’t Just Replace Your Cleaning Company. Build a Lasting Partnership.
Many businesses assume that changing commercial cleaning companies is enough to solve their problems. In reality, the most successful transitions happen when both sides communicate openly, establish clear expectations, and continue refining the cleaning program over time. A new janitorial company shouldn’t just deliver a cleaner facility, they should become a reliable partner who understands your building, your priorities, and your standards.
At ROC Commercial Cleaning we are committed to being the last commercial cleaning company you hire. But, we know trust doesn’t come without work; it’s earned through consistent, dependable results every single night, and it’s a commitment we’ve stood by for nearly 30 years.
Reach out to ROC Commercial Cleaning today to discuss your business and cleaning needs or schedule a facility walkthrough for a free estimate.
ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Twin Cities commercial cleaning company. We provide janitor services for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, industrial buildings, schools and more. We also provide floor stripping and waxing, construction cleanup, and office disinfection services. ROC Commercial Cleaning is an experienced and reputable Minnesota corporate cleaning service provider – no job is too big or too small!
Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.
