Hiring commercial cleaning services is a strategic decision that directly impacts your company’s image, employee health, and customer experience. However, many business owners and managers end up making costly mistakes, resulting in dissatisfaction, rework or even legal issues.
In this article, we highlight the 7 most common mistakes made when hiring commercial cleaning services and explain how to avoid them by making a smart, informed choice. If you’ve had headaches with unreliable service providers before, this content is for you.
1. Not checking if the company has insurance
Hiring a company without insurance is a major risk. If an employee gets injured on your premises or causes damage to your property, you could be held liable. This is a common mistake, especially when decision-makers focus solely on finding the lowest price.
How to avoid it: ask for proof of insurance and make sure it covers both workplace accidents and property damage. A professional and trustworthy provider will never hesitate to provide this documentation.
2. Basing the decision solely on price
It’s natural to want to save money, but when it comes to cleaning services, going for the cheapest option can end up being costly. Companies that charge far below market rates often use low-quality products, skip essential steps, and poorly train their staff.
How to avoid it: evaluate the overall value, not just the price. A professional company delivers consistency, safety and accountability. And helps you avoid future expenses with rework or repairs.
3. Ignoring Experience in Your Industry
Cleaning a restaurant is not the same as cleaning an office, each environment requires specific protocols. Many companies offer “general cleaning” without truly understanding health regulations, inspection standards, or the unique needs of different industries.
How to avoid it: prioritize companies with proven experience in your line of business, like Nana’s Cleaning, which already serves restaurants, Airbnbs, clinics and offices. Adapting to different environments makes all the difference in the final result.
4. Not requiring clear checklists and schedules
Without proper planning, cleaning becomes subjective. The team cleans what they think is necessary and often overlooks important tasks. The lack of a checklist is one of the main sources of frustration among clients.
How to avoid it: request a checklist for each area and a clear weekly or monthly schedule with well-defined routines. This makes it easier to ensure quality and guarantees that nothing is missed.
5. Lack of supervision or absence of a responsible manager
Teams without supervision tend to become lax in their work, especially in long-term contracts. Without the presence of an owner or manager, small mistakes can become the norm.
Nana’s Difference: Every service goes through a double-check inspection personally conducted by the owner, ensuring excellence in every delivery. This level of care reduces rework and strengthens the trust between the company and the client.
6. Not checking references or online reviews
Ignoring a company’s digital reputation is an avoidable mistake. Many complaints are publicly available on platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, or social media. All it takes is a quick search.
How to avoid it: look up the company name and read what other clients are saying. Check how frequently reviews are posted and pay attention to how the company responds to criticism.
7. Keeping contracts and communication too informal
Informality can lead to misunderstandings, especially in recurring service agreements. Without formal documentation, you may face issues with deadlines, service scope or even no-shows.
How to avoid it: work with a clear contract that outlines schedules, scope, and frequency. Additionally, maintain open communication channels to ensure ongoing alignment.
Other important considerations when hiring commercial cleaning services
In addition to the mistakes mentioned above, there are other key points that often go overlooked:
- Pay attention to the products used: inexperienced companies may use generic products that can damage furniture, flooring, or even trigger allergies;
- Team training: well-trained professionals know how to clean efficiently and safely, minimizing the risk of accidents and mistakes;
- Schedule flexibility: the ability to work outside business hours or on weekends can be essential for companies that operate continuously.
Nana’s Cleaning is the smart choice for your business
By avoiding these mistakes, you reduce risks and ensure a clean, safe and welcoming environment at all times. Nana’s Cleaning is a trusted name in commercial cleaning services, offering:
- 24/7 availability for businesses with flexible schedules
- Direct supervision by the owner (double check)
- Industry-specific checklists and customized plans
Our services are tailored to each client’s reality, with a focus on quality, efficiency, and trust.
Hiring the right company isn’t a cost , it’s an investment in your brand and the value of your work environment.
Ready to stop the headaches and raise your company’s cleaning standards?