Not all cleaning companies are created equal. Learn what certifications, equipment, and experience to look for when selecting a commercial cleaning partner.
The cleaning industry has a low barrier to entry, which means quality varies enormously. Here's how to separate a real commercial cleaning partner from a fly-by-night operator.
Insurance and bonding
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming your company as additional insured. Minimums: $1M general liability, $1M auto, workers' comp, and a janitorial bond.
Background checks and W-2 employees
Avoid contractors who rely on 1099 labor. W-2 employees come with payroll tax compliance, real supervision, and background-checked teams.
Industry-specific experience
A great office cleaner may be the wrong fit for a data center, lab, or healthcare facility. Ask for references in your specific industry and verify them.
Equipment and certifications
Look for HEPA filtration, color-coded microfiber systems, ESD certification (for tech environments), and EPA-registered chemistry. Walk through their equipment list — vague answers are a red flag.
Communication and quality assurance
You should have one named account manager, a written scope of work, monthly inspections, and a documented escalation process. If you can't get a same-day response now, it won't improve once the contract is signed.