Your commercial cleaning service should do more than just empty bins and wipe desks. A truly professional cleaning provider should elevate your workplace – keeping it safe, spotless, and welcoming for employees and clients.
But here’s the reality: not every provider can (or does) deliver this standard. And the cost of staying with a subpar cleaning company can be huge – from lower employee morale to failed hygiene audits, unhappy tenants, or even a tarnished business reputation.
So how do you know it’s time to switch?
Here are five clear signs that your current cleaning service isn’t cutting it – and how upgrading can save you time, money, and headaches.
Some days your workspace sparkles, and other days it looks like the cleaner phoned in sick. Inconsistent results are a sign your cleaning provider might lack the systems or commitment to deliver dependable quality every time.
A consistently clean space doesn’t just look good. It reduces bacteria build-up, boosts employee morale, and impresses clients. Inconsistent results, on the other hand, can lead to hygiene compliance failures and lost trust. According to the ISSA, employees are 12% more productive in a consistently clean environment.
Tailored cleaning plans for your space
ISO-certified processes (ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for sustainability)
Rigorous quality control checks and trained, stable teams
| Issue | Business Impact |
|---|---|
| Missed cleaning tasks | Failed audits, client complaints |
| Rushed jobs | Poor hygiene standards, increased absenteeism |
| High cleaner turnover | Constant retraining, inconsistent quality |
Are your cleaners ignoring emails? Are you constantly chasing updates or left in the dark about when work is completed? Poor communication is one of the biggest frustrations Facility Managers report about low-quality cleaning providers.
Your cleaning service should be reliable. Clear communication ensures your expectations are met and your concerns are addressed.
A single point of contact who knows your building
Real-time updates and monthly service reports
Proactive notifications about hazards or issues
Pro Tip: Ask your provider if they use digital reporting tools. This reduces guesswork and makes you audit-ready.
Are employees griping about grimy break rooms? Have clients raised an eyebrow at a dusty reception desk? Complaints from others are a clear indicator your cleaning service is dropping the ball.
Workplace hygiene has a direct impact on employee health, productivity, and business reputation.
Dirty break rooms or bathrooms lower morale
Untidy client-facing spaces damage brand perception
Poor air quality (from uncleaned surfaces) leads to more sick days
Evidence of happy clients (read testimonials and case studies)
A team that takes ownership, not one that shifts blame
Strong systems for reporting and resolving issues fast
Does it feel like you’re working around your cleaner’s schedule instead of the other way around? Or maybe they’re unable to handle last-minute requests? If your cleaning service isn’t adaptable to your needs, it might be time to find one that is.
Every business is different, and your cleaning provider should adapt to your specific requirements. Whether it’s a quick clean before an event or a deeper clean during peak seasons, flexibility is non-negotiable.
Flexible plans tailored to your foot traffic and site needs
Ability to scale up staff quickly for special events or audits
Industry-specific expertise (e.g. healthcare, education, industrial sites)
Cleancorp Example: One Cleancorp client, a Sydney law firm, needed pre-event deep cleans with just 24 hours’ notice. Our flexible team delivered flawlessly – something their previous provider couldn’t offer.
Still seeing outdated cleaning products loaded with harsh chemicals? Or wasteful practices like single-use disposables everywhere? If your cleaning service isn’t prioritising eco-friendly solutions, it might be time to find one that does.
Green cleaning practices are better for the environment and create a safer, healthier space for your team and clients. And it doesn’t hurt that sustainable practices reflect positively on your business values.
Commitment to green cleaning (biodegradable products, Tersano chemical-free cleaning)
Certifications like ISO 14001 (environmental) and B Corp
Clear reporting on waste, recycling, and sustainability metrics
Upgrading your cleaning service isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about ROI.
Hidden costs of a poor cleaning provider include:
Lower employee productivity and satisfaction
Tenant attrition or client complaints
Emergency cleans and failed hygiene audits
More time spent micromanaging cleaners instead of strategic work
Before upgrading, ask your prospective cleaning service:
| Question to Ask Your Cleaning Service | What to Expect in a Quality Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you hold certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, B Corp)? | Yes – and here’s how those certifications guide our quality, environmental, and ethical practices. |
| How do you track and report quality? | We provide digital service reports and audit scores after each visit, visible via an online dashboard. |
| Can you provide client testimonials or case studies? | Yes – and we’ll connect you with similar businesses we work with so you can hear their experience. |
| What’s your process for urgent requests or scaling up staff? | We have a dedicated team for emergency jobs and the ability to add staff quickly when your needs change. |
| How do you train and retain your cleaners? | We run initial onboarding, ongoing training, and performance reviews to maintain consistent quality. |
| What sustainable cleaning practices do you follow? | We use eco-friendly products, reduce waste, and align with your ESG goals through certified processes. |
Pro Tip: If a provider hesitates on any of these answers, it’s a sign they may lack the systems and accountability to meet your expectations.
If you recognised one (or more) of these red flags, it’s time to reassess your provider.
A great commercial cleaning company will:
Deliver consistent results, every time
Communicate clearly with you and your team
Be flexible and adapt to your schedule
Help you achieve your sustainability goals
Make your workplace cleaner, safer, and more productive
With over 30 years’ experience across Australia and New Zealand, we help businesses across offices, schools, retail, healthcare and industrial sites stay clean, compliant, and complaint-free.
ISO-certified: 9001, 14001, and 45001
B Corp certified: for ethical and sustainable practices
EcoVadis-rated: supporting your ESG reporting
Transparent pricing and tailored cleaning plans
Click the big orange button to get a free quote today!