Businesses need to understand the challenges of finding excellent cleaning services in a vast marketplace. We understand the critical importance of making the right choice since research shows that clean environments directly impact employee productivity and customer happiness.
Our blog presents a comprehensive list of critical indicators for business owners to identify in cleaning companies before hiring. This helps prevent being deceived by deceptive operators who provide inadequate service.
The article helps you detect early warning signs in cleaning companies and shows you how to find teams that deliver what they promise.
Why Hiring a Professional Cleaning Company Matters
Red Flags to Watch Out For
The process of selecting a cleaning company appears simple at first but the wrong choice can create more complications than unclean floors. These warning signs indicate poor cleaning services:
Extremely Low Rates
Your business should exercise caution when selecting cleaning services based on exceptionally low pricing. The lowest-priced house cleaning services typically deliver unreliable and poor-quality results.
The cleaning team lacks essential equipment and specialized cleaning techniques which your business requires. Unprofessional cleaning practices have the ability to negatively affect the health of your employees and the health of customers and visitors.
No Online Presence or Poor Reviews
Online reviews provide social proof. The absence of a website combined with no Google Business profile or client reviews signals that a cleaning company might be untrustworthy. Businesses with numerous bad reviews or no customer feedback at all should raise concerns.
What to look for:
- Check if they have reviews posted on Google, Yelp, or Facebook.
- Are reviews recent and relevant?
- Do they handle negative feedback with defensive postures or professional responses?
A few negative reviews do not automatically result in a poor decision but ongoing patterns of poor service alongside rude responses throughout reviews would be a clear sign to avoid the company.
Customers who leave negative reviews tend to highlight issues regarding work quality reliability and service delivery. Reviews must be treated as essential information for making decisions.
Unrealistic or Non-Transparent Pricing
When companies use tricky pricing methods, they employ either upcharge practices or switch out services. A professional house cleaning service needs to present transparent pricing that includes straightforward estimates that detail all costs included.
Business owners need to exercise caution when choosing cleaning services that offer rates that seem too good to be true or lack price transparency. The decision to select affordable cleaning services may lead to subpar reliability and poor quality standards.
A good quote includes:
- The scope of work describes both included tasks and excluded tasks.
- Frequency of service
- Cost per visit or hour
- Add-on services and their pricing
- Cancellation or rescheduling policy
- You must receive written documentation about pricing before starting any service work.
No Background Checks or Employee Vetting
You are permitting unknown individuals to access both your areas as well as your professional environment. You deserve to understand that the service providers are trustworthy.
You cannot determine other customers’ service experiences by skipping reference checks. Running background checks helps you understand whether their workers possess criminal history and previous workplace problems.
Organisations that avoid background screening might successfully disregard other essential operational standards. Your security together with your possessions face serious risks when you do not conduct background checks.
Failure to follow standard procedures when hiring a cleaning company might result in acquiring services that fall short of your expectations and present potential security threats to your business operations.
What to ask:
- Does your company perform background checks on all members of staff?
- Do you directly hire cleaning staff or do you contract with outside companies?
- What training methods do they use and how frequently?
A trustworthy cleaning company will provide open descriptions of their employee selection methods.
No Clear Cleaning Process or Checklist
A lack of clear service description signals disorganized business operations and inconsistent cleaning performance. Every customer has the right to understand the full details of the service they’re paying for.
Look for:
- Service levels such as basic, deep clean, and move-out require standardized cleaning checklists.
- The cleaning services are tailored to your specific requirements.
- A process for handling special requests or missed spots
- Quality cleaning depends on maintaining consistency throughout the process.
Lack Of Accreditation
The absence of accreditation for cleaning services should serve as a major warning signal during your business search for cleaning services. Businesses should select cleaning services from companies that hold valid licenses and certifications related to their field of work.
Accreditation acts as a certification that verifies that the company fulfilled specific requirements and completed proper training. Accredited cleaning services are assured because they maintain the required skills and service expertise.
Accreditation demonstrates that the company maintains adherence to industry standards and safety regulations. The absence of accreditation from hired cleaning services exposes your business to inferior service quality and safety hazards for staff members and visitors.
Poor Communication or Unprofessional Behavior
During your initial contact, observe how the company delivers its messages. The service representatives demonstrate polite conduct while maintaining clear communication and showing responsive behavior.
The company’s response duration stretches from several days to complete silence, during which you remain in the dark.
Any unusual or suspicious behavior from the company should be considered a major warning sign.
Communication reflects professionalism. Anything other than that is a warning sign.
Look out for these warning signs that signal trouble:
- Slow replies or missed calls
- Vague answers to direct questions
- Overly casual or rude tone
- No contract or written agreement
The cleaning process should never create feelings of neglect, stress, or confusion regarding the services you receive.
What certifications should a cleaning company have?
Great question! Professional certifications serve as evidence of the cleaning company’s dedication to industry standards, safety protocols and ongoing training requirements, although they may not be mandatory by law.
The following list represents typical certifications that demonstrate the reliability of a professional cleaning organisation:
1. Business License & Insurance (Required)
Most cities and states require business license operators to function legally.
- The General Liability Insurance safeguards the company as well as its staff against service-related accidents and injuries.
- The Workers’ Compensation Insurance protects cleaners during their work by providing financial support after workplace injuries.
Tip: Always ask for proof. A professional company will provide documentation without any delay.
2. ISSA Membership & CIMS Certification
ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association): The leading trade association for the cleaning industry.
The Cleaning Industry Management Standard CIMS represents a prestigious certification that proves that the organization follows all industry-leading best practices at:
- Quality systems
- Service delivery
- Human resources
- Health & safety
- Green cleaning
The cleaning industry recognizes CIMS certification as the top standard that verifies company excellence.
3. Green Seal Certification
The certification proves that a business employs sustainable cleaning products alongside sustainable methods of operation.
Companies need to use products along with practices that satisfy environmental and health requirements.
The certification provides excellent protection for individuals worried about sustainable practices alongside child and pet-friendly cleaning solutions.
4. IICRC Certification (for Specialized Services)
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification
A firm providing carpet cleaning alongside water damage restoration and mold remediation services should consider this certification.
The certification demonstrates that the company completed technical training and follows established industry standards.
5. OSHA Compliance
Cleaners must follow the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration even though it does not technically function as a certificate.
The company follows safety protocols through PPE requirements, chemical handling procedures and worker protection measures.
Especially important for: Medical facilities, schools, and industrial spaces.
6. Background-Check Certification (Optional but Reassuring)
Some companies partner with third-party services to verify their staff are background-checked and cleared.
Look for mentions of programs like:
- e-Verify
Background Verified or Checker
Beware of “Fake” Certifications
If a company boasts about being “certified” without naming the certifying body, it’s worth digging deeper. Real certifications will name the organization, and you should be able to verify them online.
Cleaning Company Certification Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure the cleaning company you’re hiring is qualified, safe, and professional.
Must-Have Basics
Business License
✔ Legally registered to operate in your area.
General Liability Insurance
✔ Covers property damage or injury.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
✔ Protects workers injured on the job.
Professional Certifications
ISSA Membership
✔ Member of the International Sanitary Supply Association.
CIMS Certification
✔ Meets top industry standards for management and service.
IICRC Certification (for carpet, floor, and restoration work)
✔ Technically trained and certified for specialty cleaning.
Green Cleaning Credentials
Green Seal Certification
✔ Uses eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products and practices.
EPA Safer Choice Products (Optional)
✔ ️ Uses cleaning solutions safe for health and the environment.
Health & Safety Compliance
OSHA Compliance
✔ Follows safety protocols and proper chemical handling.
Trust & Security
Background-Checked Employees
✔ Staff are screened and trustworthy.
Uniformed & ID’d Staff
✔ ️ Easy to identify when arriving at your location.
✅ Pro Tip: Ask to see documentation or check online verification. Any professional cleaning company will be happy to provide proof.
How to Check Cleaning Company Reviews and Testimonials
The feedback available on these platforms represents both clear and straightforward opinions:
Google Reviews
The platform provides the most genuine reviews while being among the most commonly used platforms for customers.
Yelp
The platform provides genuine feedback about local businesses and delivers thorough customer experiences, although it occasionally shows negative feedback.
Public reviews exist on this platform where viewers can see comments together with responses and community participation.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Customers can review complaints on this platform while the company details its resolution process. Also includes accreditation status.
Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
Angi (formerly Angie’s List) serves as an excellent platform to verify contractors and home service providers. Verified reviews from real users.
Company Website Testimonials
Extra information exists, but testifiers are selected and present only positive content. Look for:
- Names or initials
- Location (even just city)
- Specifics about the service provided
What to Look for in Reviews
Pay attention to specific details beyond the rating metric:
1. Consistency: Check if the business receives many 5-star reviews that have accumulated consistently throughout time. Reviewers have posted their feedback in either large numbers or small clusters.
2. Recent Feedback: Recent feedback spanning 6–12 months provides the most accurate overview.
3. Specific Details: Look for comments on:
- Punctuality
- Thoroughness
- Professionalism
- Communication
- Value for money
Reviewers who share photos often provide before and after images which greatly help reviewers understand the results.
The way a business handles negative reviews represents a crucial aspect of its response to criticism.
Any business response that feels defensive indicates significant issues. A business that addresses issues with professional solutions demonstrates positive signs.
Red Flags in Reviews
- Warning indicators can be identified through the following signs:
- Multiple customers report similar problems such as careless service, unprofessional staff behavior and late appointments.
- Reviews that display generic language without original content.
- Reviews consisting entirely of five stars without explanation may indicate falsification.
- A company that declares itself established yet lacks any customer reviews should raise concerns.
Ask for References
In addition to reading online reviews:
Ask the company for client references (especially for commercial or large-scale services).
Contact past clients directly, if possible, to ask about their experience.
Bonus Tip: Search the Company Name on Social Media
Look for tags or mentions on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
You’ll often find real, unfiltered experiences or videos of the work in action.
Quick Checklist
Review Step Checked?
Google & Yelp Reviews [ ]
Recent Reviews (last 6–12 months) [ ]
Detailed Experiences (not just stars) [ ]
Company Responses to Negatives [ ]
Social Media Mentions [ ]
Asked for References [ ]
What insurance should a cleaning company carry?
This is a great question. Having the right insurance is important for a cleaning company, and it’s a non-negotiable sign of professionalism. Here’s the type of insurance a cleaning company should carry:
1. General Liability Insurance
Workers’ Compensation Insurance safeguards the client and cleaning company from liability following any accidents. Any professional cleaning business must maintain this insurance as a foundation of its operations.
What it covers:
- General Liability Insurance includes coverage for damage to property such as when cleaning equipment knocks over televisions or marks hardwood flooring.
- Accidents that result in client injuries or third-party injuries from wet floors represent potential coverage under this policy.
Coverage amount to look for:
The typical coverage for general liability insurance includes $1 million per incident while the aggregate amount reaches $2 million.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Having workers’ compensation coverage becomes crucial because without it you might become responsible for injuries that cleaners sustain while performing their duties at your property.
What it covers:
- Workers’ compensation insurance pays medical bills and lost wages to cleaners who sustain injuries while performing their duties.
- Legal costs if an employee sues over a workplace injury
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance becomes mandatory by law whenever companies employ personnel in most states.
3. Bonding (Janitorial Bond/Fidelity Bond)
The company demonstrates its commitment to protecting the professional integrity of its staff members through this bond. This protection does not eliminate criminal liability but it offers financial security to the company.
What it covers:
- Theft or dishonesty actions from employees that involve stealing items from client properties (such as homes or offices)
Common coverage amount:
The cost of bonding (Janitorial Bond/Fidelity Bond) varies from $10,000 to $50,000 or more based on company size and business extent.
Optional but Recommended Coverage.
4. Commercial Auto Insurance
Business entities that own vehicles can benefit from insurance coverage that protects their company cars and vans, which transport employees and materials.
5. Umbrella Liability Insurance
Umbrella liability insurance provides additional coverage whenever claims surpass the policy limits of general liability and auto insurance. Useful for large-scale commercial cleaning contracts.
6. Equipment Insurance
The equipment insurance protects costly cleaning equipment such as floor polishers and vacuums from theft, damage and breakdown.
How to Verify a Cleaning Company’s Insurance:
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) – Any legit company will provide it.
- Check coverage amounts and expiration dates.
- Call the insurer (optional) if you want to verify directly, especially for large contracts.
What are the signs of a poorly managed cleaning company?
The goal of working with a commercial cleaning company should be to reduce your workload rather than create additional stress. A workplace needs to be clean and hygienic to maintain high productivity levels and protect employee health while creating a positive first impression.
The absence of proper management creates problems that extend from cleaning quality to communication difficulties and decreases both professional standards and service reliability.
The following factors indicate your cleaning services suffer from inadequate management practices.
1. Inconsistent Quality of Service
Inconsistent service quality stands as one of the most common signs that point toward poor management of a cleaning company.
Imagine if you come to your office one day and it’s shining with perfect cleanliness, then the next day and BOOM! You start seeing overflowing trash cans together with streaky windows and dusty desks.
Service quality variations indicate weak quality control measures combined with deficient training and insufficient staff supervision.
A cleaning company with proper management implements standardized systems to maintain uniform service quality throughout all cleaning visits.
2. Poor Communication
Have you tried to reach a cleaning company and it results in a delayed response, making you wait for hours or days to get a single response? Absolutely it can be frustrating.
I remember a certain time I purchased a certain book online only to end up waiting and waiting to get a reply from customer care as to why my order was being delayed. During those times of waiting, I got extremely worried, uncomfortable, and pissed. I had a lot of things going through my mind then.
To be sincere, effective communication is an important basic requirement in any business relationship. You should be concerned when calls and emails stay unanswered or multiple staff members fail to provide clear solutions to your problems.
Unresolved complaints, scheduling mishaps and unmet expectations result from poor communication between the company and its customers. How to know you’re working with a professional cleaning company is through the way they communicate with you.
3. High Staff Turnover
The constant movement of cleaning staff reveals underlying issues in the organization including low staff engagement as well as insufficient compensation and insufficient training programs.
Normal staff turnover exists but a constant replacement of cleaners creates unstable service and weakens customer trust. The inability to keep reliable staff points to management issues that will result in diminished service quality.
4. Lack of Accountability
How does the company handle situations when problems occur? A cleaning service with inadequate management tends to avoid taking ownership of issues. The company chooses to assign blame to outside causes or ignores client issues and fails to provide feedback.
A professional company accepts responsibility for its errors while immediately taking corrective actions and views customer feedback as an opportunity to enhance its services.
5. Missed Appointments or Irregular Scheduling
The service quality suffers when cleaning staff arrives either too late or not within the designated time or does not appear at all. Service-based businesses need reliability to function effectively.
Repetitive scheduling problems usually stem from inadequate coordination between different teams or poor communication or insufficient scheduling technology.
6. Untrained or Unprofessional Staff
Cleaners represent the company to clients so their professionalism directly impacts the business. Staff members who lack proper training have the potential to damage surfaces and miss vital cleaning protocols while misusing cleaning products.
Unprofessional actions including being rude along with neglecting details or unsafe work activities can transform into major liabilities for your business.
A properly managed cleaning organization trains its personnel effectively and performs employee background examinations while fostering an organizational culture that emphasizes professionalism.
7. Insufficient or Inadequate Equipment and Supplies
The execution of professional-grade cleaning depends on using specialized equipment along with other appropriate cleaning materials. When cleaning crew members appear without essential materials or operate with outdated subpar tools it indicates inadequate logistical preparation.
A firm that fails to provide adequate equipment to its staff will struggle to achieve regular performance standards. The lack of proper equipment and supplies creates doubts about how well the facility meets sanitation and safety requirements.
8. Unclear Billing and Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing is non-negotiable. Unexpected or unclear invoice charges together with inflated bills and complex billing documents, indicate a serious warning about your cleaning service provider.
Unclear billing practices usually appear because of management disorganization or when businesses employ fraudulent business methods.
An honest cleaning organization provides detailed cost estimates to customers together with understandable pricing breakdowns and advanced notice about any billing modifications.
How to Ensure Your Cleaning Company Uses Safe Products
Before outsourcing cleaning services you should verify that the cleaning products used are suitable for your environment while also being safe to use.
The first step should be requesting all cleaning products with their corresponding safety data sheets (SDS) from the company.
Each product has its chemical breakdown with hazard information and usage guidelines listed in these documents. A trustworthy cleaning company should immediately share the requested information without any reservation.
The products should carry certifications from the EPA Safer Choice along with Green Seal and EcoLogo because these organizations verify that cleaning chemicals fulfill rigorous safety requirements and environmental standards.
The company should provide hypoallergenic and fragrance-free alternatives to accommodate people with sensitivities or allergies present in your facility.
The proper storage methods and labeling procedures for products need evaluation because improper management can result in harmful substance exposure and cross-contamination of materials.
Conduct a discussion about training protocols with the cleaning company. Safe products become hazardous when users fail to follow proper usage instructions.
The cleaning staff should receive training that covers both proper cleaning methods and chemical safety guidelines and correct dilution techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Poor Service
A cleaning company with poor management creates more than simple inconvenience because it results in hygiene problems and dissatisfied employees alongside safety hazards. Take action when you detect any of these warning signs.
Begin by creating records of your concerns then communicate them directly to your provider to allow their response.
You should consider alternative cleaning services when problematic issues continue without improvement alongside lack of company engagement.
Your cleaning provider should work quietly to maintain a healthy productive environment that creates welcome feelings rather than causing you stress.
Choose a cleaning provider that demonstrates professional values combined with clear communication and uniform service delivery.
Strong management practices operating in the background create visible improvements throughout all areas.
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