Choosing the wrong cleaning company doesn't just mean paying for poor service. It can mean damaged property, security breaches, failed inspections, and in worst cases, legal liability when uninsured contractors get hurt on your property.
We've seen businesses make expensive mistakes with cleaning companies—hiring the cheapest quote only to discover they're uninsured, bringing in "professionals" who don't show up half the time, or signing contracts with hidden fees that make that low price suddenly not so low.
This guide will help you avoid those mistakes. We'll cover the essential questions to ask, the red flags that should send you running, and what actually separates quality cleaning companies from cowboys with a mop.
Why This Decision Actually Matters
Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why getting this right is crucial.
Your Business Image First impressions count. Clients walking into a grubby office, potential employees seeing grimy bathrooms during interviews, or customers noticing dusty shelves all shape how people perceive your business. Professional cleaning maintains the image you've worked hard to build.
Staff Health and Productivity Poor cleaning means dust, allergens, germs, and general griminess that make people sick. More sick days, lower morale, and reduced productivity all have real costs. A study found that properly cleaned offices see 20-30% fewer sick days.
Asset Protection That office fitout cost you tens of thousands. Quality cleaning extends the life of carpets, furniture, and equipment. Poor cleaning—or using the wrong products—can actually damage your assets, costing you money in premature replacements.
Compliance and Safety Depending on your industry, you might have specific cleaning and hygiene requirements. Medical practices, childcare centres, gyms, food businesses—all have regulations you must meet. The wrong cleaning company can put you at risk of non-compliance.
Security You're giving cleaners access to your premises, often after hours and alone. They'll be around your computers, documents, and valuable equipment. Choosing a company that doesn't properly vet staff is a security risk you can't afford.
The 12 Questions You Must Ask
Before signing anything, get clear answers to these questions. Vague responses or refusal to answer? Walk away.
1. Are You Fully Insured?
This is non-negotiable. Every legitimate cleaning company should have:
Public Liability Insurance Minimum $10-20 million coverage. This protects you if their staff damage your property or if someone gets injured because of their work.
Workers Compensation Insurance If their cleaner slips and breaks their wrist in your office, workers comp covers them. Without it, you could be liable for their medical costs and lost wages.
What to Actually Verify Don't just take their word. Ask for a current certificate of currency from their insurer. Check the dates—expired insurance is useless. If they hesitate or can't provide this immediately, they're either not insured or hiding something.
2. What's Included in Your Standard Service?
"We clean everything!" sounds good but means nothing. You need specifics.
A professional company will provide a detailed scope of work listing:
Exactly which areas are cleaned
How often each task is performed
What's included vs what costs extra
Specific tasks (vacuum, mop, dust, sanitise, etc.)
Get this in writing. Verbal agreements lead to "But I thought you were doing..." arguments later.
3. Do You Supply Your Own Equipment and Products?
Most professional companies supply everything—equipment, products, and consumables. This is usually included in your quote.
Why This Matters Commercial cleaning products are far more effective than supermarket cleaners. Professional equipment (commercial vacuums, floor scrubbers) does a better job faster. If they're asking to use your supplies, question whether they're actually set up for commercial work.
Eco-Friendly Options If environmental responsibility matters to your business, ask about eco-friendly product options. Most reputable companies now offer plant-based, low-VOC products that work just as well as harsh chemicals.
4. Are Your Cleaners Employed or Subcontracted?
This matters more than you might think.
Employed Staff The company directly employs cleaners. They're responsible for training, supervision, insurance, and quality control. There's accountability.
Subcontractors The company farms out work to independent contractors. Less control over quality and consistency. Often means different cleaners each time. Insurance and liability can be murky.
What You Want Directly employed staff or very carefully managed subcontractors with proper insurance and vetting. You should get the same cleaners consistently, not random different people each week.
5. What Are Your Quality Control Measures?
Anyone can send cleaners to your office. Professional companies ensure those cleaners actually do the job properly.
Look for:
Regular inspections by supervisors
Feedback mechanisms (how do you report issues?)
Performance monitoring systems
Clear complaint resolution process
Quality guarantees
If their answer is basically "our cleaners are good, don't worry," that's not quality control. That's hope.
6. Can You Provide References from Similar Businesses?
Every established cleaning company has happy clients willing to give references. If they can't provide three current references, why not?
How to Actually Check References Don't just ask "Are they good?" Ask specific questions:
How long have they been cleaning for you?
Have there been any issues? How were they handled?
Are they reliable and consistent?
Would you hire them again?
Any complaints or concerns?
Be wary if all references are from years ago or if the company refuses to provide recent references.
7. What Happens If We're Not Satisfied?
Things sometimes go wrong. What matters is how the company handles it.
Professional Response A quality company will have a clear process: report the issue, they'll investigate, they'll make it right, and if they can't fix it there's a clear escalation path.
Warning Signs Companies that get defensive about this question or claim "we never have complaints" (nobody's perfect). You want a company confident enough to have a proper complaint resolution process.
8. Are You Flexible with Scheduling?
Your business needs might change. Can they adapt?
Questions to Ask:
Can we increase/decrease service frequency?
Do you offer after-hours or weekend cleaning?
What if we need an emergency clean?
Can you handle one-off deep cleans?
What notice do you need for changes?
Inflexible companies that only work 9-5 Monday-Friday often don't suit commercial clients who need cleaning outside business hours.
9. What Certifications and Training Do Your Staff Have?
Professional cleaning isn't just about knowing how to use a mop. It requires proper training.
Look For:
Industry certifications (BSCAA membership, ISO certification)
Staff training programs
WHS compliance training
Specialised cleaning certifications (medical cleaning, childcare, etc.)
Police checks (if appropriate for your industry)
If they can't articulate their training processes or don't see value in certifications, they're probably winging it.
10. How Do You Handle Staff Turnover?
Cleaning industry turnover can be high. How does the company ensure consistency?
What You Want to Hear:
Thorough training for new staff
Backup cleaners available if regular staff are sick
Consistent quality despite staff changes
Long-term staff retention strategies
Red Flag: "We'll send whoever's available" means different cleaners every week with no continuity or familiarity with your space.
11. What's Your Pricing Structure?
Transparent pricing builds trust. Hidden fees destroy it.
Get Clear On:
Exactly what's included in the quoted price
How pricing is calculated (hourly, per clean, square metreage?)
Contract minimum term
Notice period for cancellation
Price increase policy
Extra charges (what costs additional?)
Payment terms and schedule
If the quote is vague or the company won't break down pricing, that's a problem.
12. Do You Have Experience with Our Industry?
Different businesses have different needs. A company experienced in your industry understands those needs without lengthy explanations.
Medical Practices: Infection control, medical waste, compliance with health regulations
Childcare Centres: Child-safe products, toy sanitisation, NSW childcare regulations
Gyms: High-frequency cleaning, locker rooms, equipment sanitisation
Offices: After-hours access, security protocols, workspace cleanliness standards
Industry-specific experience means fewer mistakes and better results from day one.
Red Flags: Run Away From These
These warning signs should make you seriously reconsider or outright eliminate a company from consideration.
No Insurance or Can't Prove It
Biggest red flag of all. No insurance means if anything goes wrong, you're liable. Their cleaner gets hurt? You're potentially paying. They damage your expensive equipment? You're wearing the cost.
Reality Check Any company that "definitely has insurance" but can't immediately provide a current certificate is lying. Insurance certificates take 30 seconds to email. No certificate = no insurance.
Suspiciously Low Prices
If one quote is 40-50% cheaper than everyone else, something's wrong.
What They're Cutting:
Insurance (probably not insured)
Staff training (untrained, inexperienced cleaners)
Quality products (cheap or inadequate supplies)
Time (rushing through your space inadequately)
