Today, we’re going to discuss a topic that can potentially save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per month. We’re going to explore six practical ways to lower your cleaning budget today, with a bonus tip at the end!
- Consolidate Services: Instead of hiring multiple cleaning companies for different tasks, consider hiring one. This can lead to better pricing, simplified communication, and streamlined billing. For example, we provide nightly janitorial services during the school year and deep cleaning services during the summer for several sorority houses, consolidating all their cleaning needs under one roof.
- Adjust the Cleaning Frequency: Evaluate your cleaning needs and adjust the frequency of cleaning services accordingly. For instance, reducing cleaning from five days per week to four can result in significant monthly savings. You can even experiment with changing the frequency from five days to three days if it suits your building’s needs.
- Update Your Scope of Work: Regularly inspect your facility to identify areas that require less frequent cleaning or where you can reduce the scope of services. Communicate with your cleaning company about unused areas or lower foot traffic zones to potentially negotiate a cost reduction.
- Negotiate a Better Price: Don’t hesitate to negotiate with your cleaning company for better pricing or terms, especially if you’ve been a loyal customer. Consider shopping around and comparing prices from different cleaning contractors to find a more cost-effective provider.
- Use Technology: Optimize your cleaning operations with technology. Utilize occupancy sensors to adjust cleaning schedules based on building traffic and employ supply monitoring systems to reduce costs. For instance, a company called Mero provides sensors that can help you analyze your needs in a particular area and allocate labor based on building traffic.
- Use Battery Operated Cleaning Equipment: Request your cleaning contractor to use efficient cleaning equipment and methods that require less time and labor. Battery backpack vacuums, for instance, can significantly reduce labor costs compared to corded alternatives.
As a bonus tip, we recommend communicating your cleaning budget to your service provider. By letting them know your budget constraints, you may open up discussions that could lead to cost-saving solutions.
In conclusion, by implementing these strategies, you can effectively lower your cleaning budget while maintaining cleanliness and quality standards in your facilities. Remember to set clear expectations with your cleaning contractor and provide regular feedback to help them improve their service quality and potentially reduce costs.
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Take care, and we look forward to sharing more valuable insights in our next episode!
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.