When it comes to choosing a commercial cleaning company, trust is a major factor. You need to know that the team behind the mops and vacuums understands compliance, sustainability, and risk. This is where certifications come in. They signal credibility, consistency, and commitment to doing the right thing.
So, what certifications should a cleaning company have? Here’s your complete guide.
In an industry where reputation is everything, certifications do the heavy lifting when it comes to:
Demonstrating safety and compliance
Reducing risk for clients
Showing commitment to ethical and sustainable practices
Meeting procurement and tender requirements
Building client confidence in high-stakes environments like healthcare, aged care, and education
Not all certifications are equal — so here are the ones that matter most.
Let’s start with the heavy hitters. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications are globally recognised and cover a wide range of standards.
This certification shows that a cleaning company has robust processes for consistently delivering quality services. It’s all about customer satisfaction and continual improvement.
Why it matters: You want a cleaning company that’s proactive, not reactive — one that uses feedback to fine-tune services, not just put out fires.
This certification proves that the business takes environmental responsibilities seriously. From waste reduction to sustainable chemical use, ISO 14001-certified companies walk the green talk.
Why it matters: Especially important for organisations with ESG goals or those looking to reduce their Scope 3 emissions.
A must-have for companies with staff working on your premises. This certification shows the company has systems in place to protect their workers (and by extension, you and your team).
Why it matters: A safer cleaning team = a safer site for everyone.
Pro tip for procurement teams: Ask for copies of ISO certification and check the issuing body. Legitimate ISO certifications are externally audited and updated regularly.
In a world where “doing good” can be more talk than action, B Corp Certification is the real deal. It’s awarded to businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
To become B Corp certified, a cleaning company must go through a rigorous assessment of its:
Environmental impact (products, waste, energy use)
Employee treatment (wages, wellbeing, training)
Governance (ethics, transparency)
Community involvement (giving back, supplier diversity)
Customer stewardship
Why it matters: Hiring a B Corp cleaning provider means you’re working with a business that aligns with your values. They don’t just clean spaces, they uplift people and protect the planet.
And yes — it’s a growing trend. More procurement teams are requesting B Corp-aligned suppliers to meet ESG targets, internal DE&I commitments, and reporting obligations.
Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is a membership organisation that promotes ethical business practices in supply chains. While not a “certification” in the strict sense, Sedex provides the platform and tools for companies to monitor and improve labour standards, health and safety, environment, and business ethics.
Cleaning companies that are Sedex members can complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and open up to third-party ethical audits like the SMETA audit (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit).
Why it matters: If you're in retail, hospitality, education, or healthcare, Sedex compliance is a great way to ensure your suppliers meet global ethical standards. It’s increasingly important for tenders and large facility contracts.
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, and while it’s often associated with food manufacturing, it's just as crucial for cleaning companies that service food-safe or hygiene-critical environments.
Think:
Food processing plants
Cafeterias
Commercial kitchens
Healthcare facilities
Aged care dining areas
HACCP certification ensures:
Cross-contamination is prevented
Cleaning procedures are documented and traceable
Sanitisation meets strict safety protocols
Why it matters: If your site has food prep, medical activity, or infection risks, you need cleaners who understand more than just “hospital-grade disinfectant.”
While the big four (ISO, B Corp, Sedex, HACCP) are the heavyweights, there are other certifications and memberships that add extra trust signals to a cleaning provider’s credentials.
Used across Australia to vet contractors for WHS compliance — especially in construction, education, and large corporate environments.
If you're managing a Green Star building, a cleaning company using GECA-certified products can support your sustainability goals.
For cleaning providers working with vulnerable populations — such as people living with disability — NDIS registration ensures adherence to strict safeguarding and quality requirements.
Essential for school, university, healthcare, and government cleaning contracts.
Let’s flip the script. These certifications don’t just benefit the cleaning company, they protect and elevate your organisation too.
You’re not just hiring a cleaner; you’re reducing your exposure to safety incidents, environmental breaches, and supply chain scandals.
Tenders increasingly require proof of third-party certifications. A certified provider saves you admin and headaches.
From more consistent cleans to faster incident resolution, certified cleaners operate with structure, accountability, and professionalism.
Your cleaning partner reflects on your brand — certifications show you're aligned with ethical, responsible business.
A lot of businesses say they’re certified. So how can you tell if they actually are?
Ask for documentation — all legitimate certifications will have an expiry date, certification body, and scope.
Check the certifying body’s website — many allow you to look up companies by name.
Look for third-party audits — these are stronger than self-assessments.
Check for recertification cycles — standards like ISO require regular updates to stay valid.
The most important certifications include ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points for food-safe environments), and B Corp Certification for ethical and sustainable business practices. Depending on your industry, additional credentials like Sedex membership or Working with Children Checks may also be essential.
B Corp Certification signals that a cleaning company meets high standards of social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability. It’s a strong indicator that the business prioritises people and planet—not just profit—and aligns with ESG-focused organisations looking for purpose-driven suppliers.
ISO certification means the company adheres to internationally recognised management standards. For example, ISO 9001 ensures consistent quality service, ISO 14001 demonstrates environmental responsibility, and ISO 45001 shows commitment to worker health and safety. These certifications are third-party audited and reflect a company’s dedication to continual improvement and risk reduction.
Not necessarily — but it’s crucial for companies that clean food production areas, commercial kitchens, aged care dining rooms, or any site where hygiene is critical. HACCP certification shows the company can safely manage biohazards, cross-contamination risks, and cleaning protocols that align with food safety standards.
Ask for copies of each certification and check the issuing organisation’s website for validation. Look for expiration dates, audit schedules, and whether the certification covers the full scope of services. Be cautious of companies who say they’re certified but can’t provide formal documentation — real certifications are verifiable and regularly renewed.
Cleaning companies don’t need to be flashy. But they do need to be reliable, ethical, and safe. The right certifications give you peace of mind that you’ve chosen a partner who’s not just ticking boxes, but raising the bar.
So, next time you’re reviewing cleaning quotes, don’t just ask about price. Ask about:
And any industry-specific qualifications relevant to your site
Because clean floors are great, but a clean conscience...? That’s even better.
Want to work with a cleaning provider that’s certified, values-led, and client-obsessed?