Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Company

The way your business premises look says a lot about you. You don't want to have clients walking into a space with stained floors, dust and wads of crumpled paper spilling out of full garbage bins. This would create a bad impression of the type and quality of service your business offers. A clean, fresh smelling workplace brings a higher level of confidence in your business. A clean space is also a healthier and pleasant space to be for your employees so it is important that you contract a good commercial cleaning company.

If you are looking for a cleaning company in London, you will realise that there are thousands of them and they all promise the best service at competitive prices. A lot of people don't actually know what that means and often choose the lowest priced contractor because they think there really is nothing to cleaning, but there is. Here are 5 common mistakes that business owners make when hiring commercial cleaners:

#1. Not getting the exact details of services being offered

Any company can present itself as a commercial cleaning service, you need to know what those services are. Can they clean carpeting and upholstery, keep windows and air ducts clean? Company needs vary. Some companies require basic cleaning, vacuum in, mopping, dusting, etch. Others require extra cleaning and care. The frequency of cleaning may also vary depending on the type of business so it is best to choose a commercial cleaning company that will meet your particular needs.

Special cleaning services may include:

- Cleaning of upholstery and carpets

- Hard floor cleaning

- Power washing

- Cleaning exterior surfaces and windows

Perhaps, you prefer a specific schedule. You might not want someone going about mopping and vacuuming floors during office hours. You should make sure that the cleaning company can accommodate your scheduling needs. A good commercial company will visit your premises to assess it and discuss what you need. They may even alert you to specific areas that you might have overlooked like ceiling vents.

#2. Focusing on the Price

If you are working with a tight budget, then price should be important for you, but remember you get what you pay for. Choosing the lowest quote could eventually mean choosing the lowest quality. Find a company that can best serve your needs at a reasonable price, but don't let the price be your only deciding factor.

Avoid companies that have a one-size fits all pricing models. A good company will give you a price according to the size of your office and the cleaning service they offer. You can discuss those tasks that must be done and the ice to have tasks” that will fit your budget.

#3. Not Checking References

Any commercial cleaning or office cleaning companies London has to offer should provide you with references might be dodgy. It is best to always insist on contactable references who can speak of their experiences with the company and its quality of service. You can also find out if the company has specific experience in your type of business. Take into consideration that different commercial enterprises require different levels of cleaning and an understating of the business. A company that has experience in the mall industry might not be such a good choice for a doctor's office.

Ask these references about how satisfied they are with the level of service they are getting from a commercial cleaner. Find out how consistent and how reliable the company is and how they deal with customer service. Experience is as important as reputation and customer retention. Companies that manage to keep clients longer on their books are almost always a safe bet. Ask about the cleaning company's level of professionalism. Do they adhere to the schedule? Are they always on time? Does the staff wear uniform? Are they respectful? Remember that when the cleaners are at your premises they are a reflection of your company and to a certain extent an extension of it so choose a company that will protect your reputation as well.

#4. Not considering the Products and cleaning techniques used

You want a clean, sanitary work space that is healthy to be in but at the same time you want to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals being used in your premises. Common cleaning products might contain chemicals that may affect the health of your staff and your clients. Some of these chemicals have been found to contribute to health conditions and diseases like asthma and cancer. A lot of business owners do not ask commercial cleaners about the type of products they use and how safe they are. To be on the safe side, chose a company that uses natural, eco-friendly products that won't cause irritation and allergies.

The equipment that the company uses is just as important as the cleaning products. You need a company that will have the right tool for the right job. If they offer carpet and upholstery cleaning services, do they have the right equipment for it? This speaks to their level of expertise and getting the service that you pay for.

#5. Failing to read the Contract

Signing a contract without reading it can lead to disastrous surprises down the road. Your contract should have a specific outline of the cleaning services and the frequency. Make sure there are clauses about insurance and liability in case of accidental damage. There are a lot of dubious operators out there so avoid fly-by-night cleaning service providers and insist on seeing actual proof of insurance. Make sure that insurance covers not only damage to your property, but that the company takes liability for its own employees. You don't want to be caught out on a situation where you are being held responsible for a cleaning crew staff member slipping and injuring themselves at your premises.

#6. Always read any contract and always insist on insurance!

As you shop around for the best office cleaning London Company be mindful of these mistakes, so that you make the best choice for your business. Making the right choice will help you promote your business, improve your reputation, ensure the health and comfort of your staff and clients and boost productivity. If you need help finding the best office cleaning services London has to offer or more information how to avoid making mistakes when hiring a cleaning company, then Citywide Cleaning Services, has the perfect cleaning solutions for you. As the fastest growing cleaning company London has to offer, not only do we employ some of the best professionals in our industry, and we also have 5 star reviews from 99% of our Clients. At the moment, we have over 300 cleaners, 120 clients and a comprehensive range of cleaning services for businesses all sizes in both Central and Greater London.

Article first published on the Office Cleaning London website