A clean office is essential for productivity, employee well-being, and maintaining a professional image. However, if your cleaning service isn’t delivering quality results or is becoming increasingly expensive, it may be doing more harm than good.
Many businesses hire a cleaning company expecting reliable service at a reasonable cost, only to find that they’re spending more than anticipated without seeing the benefits. If you suspect your office cleaning provider is not living up to its promise, here are five warning signs that it’s time to reassess your contract.
1. Rising Costs Without Justification
It’s normal for businesses to adjust prices over time due to inflation or additional services. However, if your cleaning costs have been steadily increasing with no clear explanation, this is a red flag. You might be paying for unnecessary add-ons, hidden fees, or services that aren’t actually being performed.
If you notice your invoices creeping higher each month, take a close look at the breakdown of charges. Ask your cleaning provider to explain any increases, and if their response is vague or unconvincing, it may be time to get quotes from other providers. A reliable cleaning company should be upfront about pricing and willing to tailor services to fit your needs without overcharging.
2. Declining Quality of Service
A good cleaning service should consistently maintain high standards. If your office once looked spotless but now seems dusty, cluttered, or poorly maintained, your cleaning crew may be cutting corners.
You might notice that certain areas, like restrooms or breakrooms, are not being cleaned as thoroughly as before. Perhaps your trash bins aren’t emptied regularly, or there’s a lingering odor that wasn’t an issue in the past. If employees start complaining about cleanliness, this is a clear sign that your provider is not keeping up with expectations.
A simple way to gauge the effectiveness of your cleaning service is to inspect commonly used areas at the beginning and end of the workday. If there’s little difference, it’s a strong indication that tasks are being skipped. Communicating your concerns to the cleaning company should be your first step, but if the problem persists, it’s worth looking for a provider that prioritizes consistency and quality.
3. Increased Employee Sick Days
A poorly cleaned office can contribute to a rise in employee illnesses. Dust, bacteria, and viruses thrive in shared spaces, especially on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and countertops. If your team is experiencing more frequent colds, allergies, or respiratory issues, your cleaning service might not be adequately disinfecting these areas.
Proper office cleaning goes beyond vacuuming and taking out the trash—it involves using hospital-grade disinfectants, focusing on germ hotspots, and ensuring that ventilation systems aren’t spreading contaminants. If your cleaning provider isn’t following industry best practices for sanitation, it could be impacting both employee health and productivity.
Switching to a company that specializes in thorough disinfection can reduce the spread of illness in the workplace and create a healthier environment. When evaluating new providers, ask about their sanitization protocols and the products they use to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
4. Constantly Changing Cleaning Staff
If you see new faces in your cleaning crew every few weeks, your provider might be dealing with high turnover. Frequent staff changes can lead to inconsistency in service, as new employees may not be familiar with your office’s specific needs. In some cases, they may not be properly trained, leading to mistakes or missed tasks.
Beyond inconsistency, high turnover can also raise security concerns. If different individuals have after-hours access to your building, it becomes harder to track who is coming and going. You want a cleaning service that maintains a stable, professional team with background-checked employees who are trained to meet your expectations.
If you’re experiencing a revolving door of cleaning staff, ask your provider about their hiring and retention practices. Companies that invest in employee training and well-being tend to provide more reliable service. If you’re not satisfied with their response, it might be time to look for a provider that offers better staff stability.
5. A Lack of Customization and Flexibility
Every office has unique cleaning needs, but some companies offer rigid, one-size-fits-all services that don’t accommodate specific requirements. If your cleaning provider isn’t willing to adjust their approach based on your business hours, workspace layout, or industry regulations, you may be overpaying for services that don’t fully meet your needs.
For example, a medical office requires more frequent sanitization than a standard corporate workspace, while a warehouse or industrial facility might need specialized floor care and waste disposal. If your provider treats every client the same, you could be paying for services you don’t need while missing out on the ones that matter.
A good cleaning company will work with you to create a tailored plan that ensures your office is properly maintained without unnecessary expenses. If your current provider isn’t open to making adjustments, consider switching to one that prioritizes customization and efficiency.
Is It Time to Switch Cleaning Providers?
If any of these issues sound familiar, your office cleaning service might be costing you more than it’s worth. Poor quality, unexpected costs, high staff turnover, and a lack of customization can all add up, leading to wasted resources and a decline in workplace cleanliness.
Choosing a trusted, professional cleaning provider can help you avoid these pitfalls while ensuring that your office remains a clean, healthy, and productive environment.
Why Businesses Choose American Facility Care
At American Facility Care, we provide transparent pricing, high-quality service, and customized cleaning plans tailored to your business. Our professionally trained staff is dedicated to maintaining a consistently clean office while keeping costs reasonable and predictable.
If you’re looking for a cleaning company that delivers real value, contact American Facility Care today for a free consultation and customized quote. It’s time to invest in a cleaning service that works for you—not against you.
Tom Moore has been a part of the commercial cleaning and facility management industry since 2005. He co-founded American Facility Care in 2014 with the idea of bringing safety and aesthetics to buildings across central Indiana. He has an APIC certification in Infection Control and Prevention, and enjoys passing that knowledge on to his team using their exclusive Hygienic Training Method of cleaning. Tom co-hosts The Cleaning Indy Podcast, and would love a chance to connect with you and perhaps have you as a guest of the show.
