How to Hire a Janitorial Service That Actually Delivers

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for a janitorial service that can keep your facility clean, your people happy, and your reputation intact. You want results—not excuses. A top janitorial service consistently does an amazing job that exceeds customer expectations. And you certainly don’t want to end up cleaning up after the cleaning crew.

Here’s how to hire the right janitorial service—the first time.

Step 1: Know Exactly What You Need Before You Pick Up the Phone

Before you search Google for “janitorial services near me,” stop for a moment and ask yourself:

• What kind of buildings or facilities are we talking about? Office, warehouse, retail space?

• How big is it—really? (Don’t guess. Square footage matters.)

• Are there any high-traffic areas, sensitive equipment, or special cleaning challenges?

• When should cleaning happen—overnight, weekends, daily, or less often?

If you don’t have clear answers to these, you won’t get a reliable quote—and you’ll waste your time and theirs.

Every detail matters: shared areas, break rooms, high-touch surfaces—everything contributes to the cleanliness of your space. Maintaining common areas such as entrances, hallways, and restrooms is essential for the health and comfort of everyone in the facility.

a. Assess Your Facility—For Real

Walk the site. Pay attention to what your employees and customers see every day. Floors, restrooms, shared areas, break rooms, high-touch surfaces—everything contributes to the cleanliness of your space.

A professional cleaning company will help you assess your facility and even check your inventory of supplies. This isn’t just about mops and brooms—it’s about maintaining a productive, healthy, and well-stocked environment.

In short: don’t guess. Get a professional assessment and focus on creating a plan that keeps your space consistently clean, safe, and ready for business.

Step 2: Understand Your Service Options (It’s Not Just Mopping Floors)

A real commercial cleaning company doesn’t just empty trash cans. They offer a full range of services that keep your facility operating at a higher standard. With extensive experience in commercial janitorial services, they provide customized cleaning services tailored to each client's unique requirements.

• Need ongoing maintenance during business hours? Ask about day porter services.

• Floors looking rough? Professional floor care and carpet cleaning can restore them.

• Have medical offices or sensitive environments? Look for industry-specific expertise in medical office cleaning and disinfection.

• Need help after an emergency? Many providers offer deep cleaning and disinfection services on demand.

The right provider delivers comprehensive solutions for all your office cleaning and facility management needs.

Bottom line: don’t settle for a cookie-cutter cleaning plan. You have options—use them.

Step 3: Go Local or Go Home

Here’s something experienced businesses already know: local cleaning companies care more.

They know your area. They understand local regulations. They are committed to serving businesses throughout the Cleveland area. And they have skin in the game—because their reputation lives and dies right here in your community.

If you’re in Cleveland, search for terms like “commercial cleaning Cleveland Ohio” or “janitorial services Cleveland.” Skip the big chains with rotating crews and zero accountability.

Choose a company that knows your city, takes pride in serving your business, and is dedicated to supporting the Cleveland area.

Step 4: Verify Credentials—No Exceptions

Anyone can show up with a mop and a pitch. That doesn’t make them qualified.

Ask these questions:

• Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?

• What security protocols do they have in place to ensure the safety of your building and assets?

• Can they provide references, case studies, or photos of similar jobs?

• Do they have trained supervisors overseeing their crews?

You’re trusting this team to work in your building, sometimes after hours. Don’t just take their word for it—verify everything.

Step 5: Know What You’re Paying For

Not all cleaning companies do the same work. Some handle basic maintenance. Others deep clean, sanitize, and make your facility shine from top to bottom.

Make a list of what you want done—and how often. Then ask potential providers exactly what’s included in their quote.

If a company can’t tailor their service plan around your needs and schedule, keep looking. Choose cleaning services that are professionally managed to ensure consistent quality and reliable results.

Step 6: Compare Price vs. Value (They’re Not the Same Thing)

Price matters—but value matters more.

If a quote is suspiciously low, something’s being cut. Maybe it’s background checks. Maybe it’s training. Maybe it’s the quality of the service itself.

Get quotes from 3–5 companies. Compare services line by line. Ask what’s included—and just as importantly, what’s not.

Look for transparency. Look for accountability. And look for long-term reliability, not just short-term savings. Choose a provider that is committed to maintaining high standards in every aspect of their service.

Step 7: Read the Contract—Every Word of It

This might not be exciting, but it’s essential.

Before you sign anything, review:

• The scope of work

• The cleaning schedule

• Payment terms

• Cancellation policies

You’re not signing a lifelong commitment. Make sure the agreement protects your business and gives you a way out if things don’t go as planned.

Step 8: Test Their Customer Service Early

Here’s a simple test: Call or email them with a few questions.

• Do they respond quickly?

• Do they sound professional?

• Do they follow up?

If communication is poor now, it’ll be worse after the contract is signed. Reliable communication and a dedicated point of contact are non-negotiable. Every team member plays a role in ensuring excellent customer service and responsiveness.

Step 9: Choose a Partner with Eco-Friendly Credentials

In today’s market, sustainability matters. Employees and clients notice when you choose environmentally responsible vendors.

Ask:

• Do they use green-certified products?

• Do they follow LEED or Green Seal practices?

• Can they explain how their approach supports a healthier workspace?

A company that invests in green practices is likely investing in quality across the board.

Step 10: Ask About Training and Safety Protocols

Cleaning crews work with chemicals, equipment, and your property. That means training isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Ask:

• How are employees trained?

• What continuing education do they receive?

• How are safety protocols enforced?

• What role do managers play in overseeing training and enforcing safety protocols?

• Do they have a documented safety or emergency plan?

Trained teams don’t just clean better—they clean smarter and safer. That protects everyone, and reflects our focus on maintaining a safe and well-trained workforce.

Step 11: Don’t Overlook Day Porters and On-Site Cleaning Staff

When it comes to maintaining a spotless facility throughout the day, day porters and on-site cleaning staff are your unsung heroes. These dedicated professionals are on the front lines, ensuring your business stays clean, safe, and welcoming for employees, customers, and clients—no matter how busy things get.

At Clean Team, our day porters are trained to handle everything from routine janitorial services and floor care to urgent disinfection services. They’re equipped with the latest cleaning supplies and know exactly how to keep high-traffic areas, restrooms, and common spaces looking their best. Whether you run a bustling office, a medical facility, or a retail site, our team members are committed to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

We take pride in hiring only the most qualified and efficient professionals in the commercial cleaning industry. Our on-site staff are not just cleaners—they’re partners in your business’s success, always ready to adapt to your unique needs and exceed your expectations. With flexible scheduling options, you can choose daily, weekly, or monthly cleaning services that fit your operations perfectly.

Ready to experience the difference a dedicated team can make? Contact us for a free quote and discover how our day porters and on-site cleaning staff can keep your facility spotless, safe, and running smoothly.

Step 12: Insist on Disinfection Services—Not Just Surface Cleaning

In today’s world, a clean facility isn’t enough—true peace of mind comes from knowing your space is thoroughly disinfected. That’s why professional commercial cleaning services should always include comprehensive disinfection services, not just basic surface cleaning.

At Clean Team, we go beyond the basics. Our disinfection services target high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, using advanced techniques such as electrostatic spraying and fogging. Our trained professionals use only the most effective, eco-friendly cleaning supplies to eliminate germs, bacteria, and viruses, helping to protect your employees, customers, and clients from illness.

We understand that every business has unique needs, which is why we offer both one-time and ongoing disinfection services tailored to your facility. Whether you manage a busy office, a medical building, or a retail space, our team will work with you to create a customized plan that keeps your environment healthy and your operations running smoothly.

Don’t settle for surface-level cleaning—choose a commercial cleaning company that prioritizes your safety and well-being. Contact us today for a free quote and let our professionals deliver the highest level of disinfection services your business deserves.

Final Thoughts: Hire Smart or Pay for It Later

The janitorial service you hire isn’t just cleaning your space. They’re representing your business, every single day. A professional janitorial service does the job with excellence, maintaining a higher level of cleanliness and protecting your reputation.

Hire wrong, and you’ll deal with complaints, lost productivity, and maybe even liability issues.

Hire right, and your facility will look better, feel better, and function better—week after week, as high standards are maintained and your facility’s image and operations are protected.

If You’re in Cleveland, Here’s the First Smart Move:

Work with a local, reputable, fully vetted cleaning company. Ask for a free, no-obligation assessment. Let them walk your space and give you real insights—not fluff.

Because you’re not just paying for cleaning. Local providers can deliver complete facility solutions tailored to the unique needs of Cleveland businesses.

You’re investing in your reputation.