10 Questions Every Business Should Ask Before Hiring a Cleaning Company

So you’ve made the decision. The DIY cleaning rota is officially retired and it’s time to bring in the professionals. Now, your inbox is full of commercial cleaning quotes, all promising sparkling results.

But how do you tell the difference between a cleaning company that will become a seamless partner to your business and one that will become a source of new headaches?

The secret isn’t in the price; it’s in the conversation you have before you sign up.

Asking the right questions separates the credible cleaning companies from the chancers. To help you make your choice, here are the ten essential questions every business owner or manager should ask, and the answers you should be listening for.

1. Are you fully insured, and can you provide proof?

This has to be your first question. Any commercial cleaning company worth its salt must hold full public liability insurance. This protects you, your property, and your staff if an accident or damage occurs on your premises. The right answer is an immediate, unequivocal “Yes,” followed by a willingness to send you their insurance certificate directly. If they dodge the question, that’s a major red flag.

2. How do you vet, train, and manage your cleaners?

You’re going to give strangers access to your building, so you need to know that they’re trustworthy, skilled, and know who their managers are if there’s ever a problem. Listen for details about background checks (including DBS checks if you work with vulnerable people or sensitive information), ongoing training, and a sustainable employment model that reduces staff turnover. Remember, a company that invests in its people invests in the quality of your service.

3. Who will be our direct point of contact if we have an issue or a special request?

A good cleaning company will provide you with a dedicated account manager who’ll handle your queries and manage your contract. This person is responsible for your cleaning account, conducts regular quality checks, and is your direct contact for any communication. This is a quality sign of an accountable, organised cleaning service.

4. What if our regular cleaner is off sick or on holiday?

Reliability is everything. If the wheels fall off the wagon because of one staff absence, then you’re not dealing with a real company – just a tiny group that can barely function with all its parts in place! Your prospective cleaning company should have a clear, robust system for providing guaranteed cover from a fully briefed, trained member of their team. Their answer should reassure you that your schedule will be honoured and maintained – without you having to organise it yourself.

5. Can you provide a detailed cleaning spec at a fixed price?

Beware of vague promises and hourly rates. A trustworthy cleaning company working a major contract should be pushing for a site visit to understand the full scope of your needs. They should then provide a written cleaning specification that lists every task, in every area, at the agreed frequency. The quote linked to this spec should come at a fixed monthly price, so you have complete budgeting clarity, with no nasty surprises.

6. Do you audit quality, and how is feedback handled?

A great cleaning company doesn’t just do the job and disappear – they actively make sure their own standards are met. Ask about quality control and how they prefer to receive feedback. A confident company will welcome feedback and push for ways to improve, and will have a clear process for acting on it promptly.

7. What cleaning products and equipment do you use, and are they safe for our staff and environment?

This applies mostly to industrial cleaning contracts – but it’s always good to check that your cleaning company uses professional-grade, effective products, and be able to explain their choices. Are they using strong chemicals or eco-friendly options? Are their methods suitable for your specific flooring and surfaces? Can staff be around the chemicals in use? Their answer will show their level of professionalism and care.

8. What are your contract terms?

Read the small print; are you tied into a long contract, or is the notice period reasonable? The most client-friendly companies often offer simple, rolling monthly contracts based on mutual satisfaction – giving you flexibility and showing that they have to earn your business continually, not just trap it.

9. Can you provide references from current clients?

A great cleaning company will be proud of their work, and happy to show you their reviews or case studies. While confidentiality is expected, they should be able to provide anonymised testimonials or, with permission, put you in touch with a similar local business who can vouch for their reliability and standard of work. If not, check out their client list – and reach out for an off the record review!

10. What sets you apart from other cleaning companies?

This final question shows you what they’re made of. Do they specialise and empathise? Are they talking long-term, or just focusing on price? Do you feel like they’re being truthful, backing up their claims with evidence from reviews or hands-on experience in your particular business area? See past the vague, generic claims of “reliabilty”, and try to peer into what makes them tick.

Discover the Bowdraper Difference

At Bowdraper, we’d welcome all these questions and more – so pick up the phone and call us on 01926 487848.

We’ve been a highly trusted commercial cleaning company serving the West Midlands since 1977, with expertly trained staff on a high retention rate. We work as your partner in cleaning, to become a seamless part of your business. Let’s create a cleaning plan that works perfectly for you – get a no obligation quote today.