4 Questions Every Manager Should Ask a Cleaning Company Before Signing a Contract

Switching to a new cleaning service can feel like a gamble. What if they fall short? What if the changeover is full of problems? You need a janitorial company that helps make your job easier—not harder. That means finding a partner who provides dependable, no-hassle service.

To help you make a smart decision, here are four key questions you should ask any cleaning company you're thinking about hiring. These questions won’t cover everything, but they’ll reveal a lot about how the company operates and whether they’re a good fit for your facility.

1. How Do You Select, Train, and Pay Your Cleaning Staff?

The quality of your cleaning service depends on the quality of the workers doing the job. That’s why it’s essential to ask how a company hires its staff, what kind of training they receive, and how well they’re paid.

Look for a cleaning provider that performs thorough background checks, offers hands-on training, and pays their employees a fair wage. These factors help ensure you’re getting reliable workers who take pride in their job. A company that invests in its people is more likely to deliver steady, professional service.

2. What System Do You Use to Manage Service Quality?

Some cleaning companies take a basic approach—send a team in and wait to hear if there are any complaints. But you should expect more than that. A quality-focused vendor will have a detailed service system in place to keep standards high from day one.

Ask what their onboarding process looks like. Do they create a plan for your facility? How often do supervisors visit your location? Will you have regular check-ins or meetings to review service and discuss improvements? A proactive system is a strong sign the company is serious about customer satisfaction.

3. Who Will Oversee the Work at My Facility?

You’ll want to know who is managing the team cleaning your space. Is there a local manager you can call if something goes wrong? Is someone regularly checking the work to make sure everything’s up to standard?

Find out how the company is organized on an operational level. Who does inspections? Who responds to issues or special requests? Who manages the cleaners directly? A clear management structure helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

4. Can You Share References from Similar Businesses?

Most companies will offer references, but you’ll want to ask for ones that are truly relevant to your situation. Cleaning a small office is very different from maintaining a busy warehouse, hospital, or manufacturing plant.

Ask for references from companies that are similar in size and industry to yours. Speaking with businesses that have the same cleaning needs can give you real insight into how the company performs in situations like yours.

Taking the time to ask these four questions can help you avoid surprises and find a janitorial partner who delivers steady, high-quality service. With the right provider in place, you can trust that your facility will be well cared for—day in and day out.