Keeping spaces clean and presentable, whether business premises, homes, or recreational areas, is essential for success and well-being. A pleasant, welcoming, safe atmosphere is crucial in all aspects of life.

Given the importance of maintaining clean environments where people live, work, and play, it’s best to make an informed decision when choosing a commercial cleaning company. From experience and equipment to reputation and sustainability, there is lots to consider in deciding who you’ll entrust with this essential job.

We’ve compiled the ten reasons we believe are most important when making this decision. Does your current supplier tick all these boxes?

A wealth of experience

Cleaning companies that can demonstrate their experience in your sector or working within similar environments means they will have honed their skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality services on which you can rely.

Given their experience, they are more likely to have encountered different cleaning challenges and found effective solutions, which means they can easily handle any cleaning task. They’ll know the best cleaning practices, products, and equipment to suit specific needs.

An experienced cleaning company will have a team of well-trained professionals handling all manner of challenges. It is much easier for a company with the experience to deliver a bespoke service since they’ve seen it all before and know how to deal with whatever comes their way.

Fantastic Reputation

Choosing a cleaning supplier with a good reputation is crucial, but a good reputation for what? We believe the hallmarks are professionalism, reliability, flexibility, and customer care. Professionalism ensures you receive high-quality service from trained cleaners who follow the regulations.

No matter how good your cleaning agency is, they’re useless if they aren’t there. Successful companies across the country rely upon cleaning suppliers who are punctual and present. Cleaning suppliers with a reputation for excellent customer care tend to be agile in finding bespoke solutions for the different scenarios that can pop up at the last minute for any business.

Certification proves diligence

Your cleaning supplier should have the necessary certifications to operate legally and safely. These awards demonstrate that they follow industry best practices and safety standards. Remember that specific cleaning issues, particularly those involving hazardous chemicals, must only be dealt with by professionals with the proper training.

There are a range of industry-recognised qualifications out there that indicate a provider has received the relevant training, for example, ISO 45001 (Health and safety), ISO 9001 (Quality), and ISO 14001 (Environment). Being members of ISSA, the leading global organisation for the cleaning industry, and the Federation of Window Cleaners shows dedication to standards.

Cleaning processes that have been designed from guidelines set out by BICSc and rope access technicians operating to IRATA standards will give you the peace of mind you need.

Customisable services

A first-rate commercial cleaning supplier should offer customisable services, tailoring their cleaning plans to fit your schedule, budget, and cleaning requirements.

The ability to work around your schedule is crucial in customised cleaning, and a good supplier should adapt their cleaning frequency, timings, and methods to ensure minimal disruption to your operations. This means cleaning before or after working hours, during weekends or holidays, or at other times convenient for you.

Transparency is key when it comes to pricing, and a reputable supplier should work within your budget while still providing high-quality service, using creative cleaning methods to achieve success.

Specialised cleaning services are also important, and a good supplier will customise their plans to suit your specifics, including deep-cleaning high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Effective communication

Excellent communication is crucial to choosing a cleaning supplier for your business. You should look for a supplier who communicates effectively with you throughout the cleaning process. They should be able to provide regular updates on their cleaning progress, any issues they encounter, and any changes to their cleaning schedule.

Effective communication is often achieved through two key elements: the appointment of a local account or operations manager who can visit the site regularly and robust systems such as a quality audit process at regular intervals, and working to an agreed set of KPIs.

Insurance

Proper insurance coverage is essential when considering a commercial cleaning provider. Cleaning can be a hazardous activity involving physical labour, machinery, and chemicals. These can all lead to the possibility of injury and damage.

Selecting a provider with public liability insurance, mobile equipment and tools insurance, and employers’ liability insurance is crucial if you employ other staff. Personal accident cover can also offer peace of mind if you suffer an accident that leaves you unable to work for a long time.

Cleaning insurance is a critical asset covering all the expenses of a claim against you or your business, so you can continue to clean confidently regardless of the legal outcome.

The right products and equipment

Your service should be using the best products and equipment appropriate for the task at hand, but it won’t surprise you that cowboy cleaners will try and fool you.

Remember that it’s not just about effectively removing visible dirt and grime; they also promote hygiene and prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Naturally, some bacteria are not visible to the naked eye, and you must have a team who understands where the hot spots are likely to be.

We assess every site we are taken on to look after, and equipment is chosen accordingly, as there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. We are continuously looking for the latest innovations and has a process to assess each potential innovation against key criteria: Is it better? Is it safer? Is it greener? Is it cost-effective?

Ideal availability

A reputable service should be responsive to your timetable and meet your varying needs with minimal inconvenience to your business. Their availability will also influence their ability to respond during an incident.

Look for a cleaning provider that is on call 24/7 and has an emergency response plan to handle unforeseen scenarios quickly and efficiently. This will ensure that your facilities are consistently clean and well-maintained, providing you with a sense of security.

Fair for all

It’s crucial to check their rates. Choose a cleaning company that is transparent in its pricing, with a straightforward explanation of its charges. This way, you will know precisely what you are being charged for, and there will be no unpleasant surprises. A credible cleaning company will give you a comprehensive quote detailing all the charges incurred for their services, including staff, equipment and ancillary costs.

Sure, a cleaning provider that offers high-quality work may cost a little more than its rivals, but its operations are probably more productive. This could mean savings down the road through reduced cleaning frequency and avoiding expensive repairs caused by damage from unsuitable cleaning practices.

Look for a cleaning firm that pays the Real Living Wage to ensure that employees are paid fairly for their work, which in turn leads to a more motivated and dedicated workforce. Fair for all means, fair pricing for customers, and fair pricing for the cleaning team.

Sustainability

In today’s world, environmental responsibility is a genuine concern for all of us as the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation become increasingly evident. We all share a duty to protect our planet and must consider the environmental impact of our actions, making conscientious choices to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve natural resources for future generations.

This responsibility extends to cleaning companies as well, who play a critical role in promoting sustainable practices in their day-to-day operations. By opting for eco-friendly cleaning products, minimising waste, conserving water, and reducing energy consumption, cleaning companies can significantly lessen their environmental impact.

Responsible firms can educate their clients on the importance of sustainability and collaborate with them to create cleaner, greener spaces. As more businesses and individuals prioritise environmental stewardship, cleaning companies can lead the charge in creating a more sustainable future for all.

Don’t settle for greenwashing. Find cleaners that can prove their commitment to sustainability.

There is another way

The Tudor Group is a different type of commercial cleaning company, with all of these ten pillars at the heart of everything it does. We provide a tailored commercial cleaning service, ensured by our local, fully vetted and trained professionals, who put the security of your building and your staff foremost.

We care about your workplace, have an eye on the environment, and use environmentally responsible, high-performance cleaning agents to maintain a clean and comfortable environment.

We are proud of what sets us apart from other companies, so we’re happy to list the reasons we think should be on your list when searching for a new cleaning provider.

Contact The Tudor Group for a range of FM solutions, including commercial cleaning, and achieve the peace of mind you deserve knowing that the job is done right every time.