Hiring a contract cleaning company is easy. Hiring one that is still doing a good job a year later is harder. These are the seven questions worth asking before you sign with anyone, and the answers that should worry you.
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What training do your cleaners get?
A cleaning company is only as good as the people doing the cleaning. Look for proper in-house training in cleaning methods and health and safety, not a quick walk round on the first night.
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How do you keep standards up for the whole contract?
Everyone does a good job in the first month. Ask how they keep on top of it after that, and how they keep their cleaners motivated. A vague answer here is the biggest warning sign of all.
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Who covers when a cleaner is off?
Agency cover means strangers in your building who do not know your schedule. A company with its own staff covering absences gives you people who already know how the job should be done.
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Are they the right size for you?
Size changes the service you get.
- Small companies are personal, but can struggle with larger contracts and cover.
- Medium companies cover the county with enough staff to cope, and still know you by name.
- Large companies can take on anything, but you are often just a contract number.
For most businesses in Kent, a medium-sized company gets the balance right.
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How do they handle your enquiry?
The first contact tells you a lot. Do they reply when they say they will, and answer what you actually asked? If they cannot get that right, do not expect the cleaning to be any better.
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Do they understand TUPE?
If you are handing over an in-house cleaning team, TUPE (the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations) is likely to apply. Your cleaning company should have done it before and be able to talk you through it clearly.
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Who will you actually deal with?
People buy people. Ask to meet the person who will manage your contract day to day, not just the person selling it. You need someone approachable you can trust to sort things out.
Choose a cleaner you only hire once
Switching cleaning company takes time and hassle. A few good questions at the start mean you only have to do it once.