What Every Smart Business Owner Should Know Before Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Company

If you’re responsible for keeping a business space clean, safe, and presentable, and whether you manage a nursery, run a high-street agency, or oversee a busy office, you already know that cleaning is far more than just a tick-box task.

A clean space speaks volumes. It tells your staff you care about their wellbeing. It shapes how clients view your brand before you’ve even said a word. It can be the difference between passing or failing a surprise inspection. Yet, time and time again, we see businesses taking a risk by treating cleaning as an afterthought rather than a strategic decision.

At Best Home Services, we work with dozens of decision-makers across London who’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that not all cleaning services are equal. So, if you’re currently looking to hire or switch your cleaning provider, here are a few essential things you should know.

Why Commercial Cleaners Aren’t ‘Just Cleaners’ Anymore

The role of a cleaner has changed. Since the pandemic, expectations around hygiene have risen dramatically. Staff expect more. Clients notice more. Compliance officers demand more.

This is especially true in industries where vulnerable people are involved. For example:

• In childcare settings, poor cleaning can lead to illness outbreaks, unhappy parents, and even failed Ofsted inspections.

• For estate agents, a dusty, smudged property can make or break a viewing.

• In offices, lingering odours or stained carpets can quietly chip away at staff morale.

When cleaning is done right, it’s invisible. When it’s done badly, it’s the first thing everyone notices.

The Hidden Costs of Poor Commercial Cleaning

Many decision-makers are under pressure to save on costs. We get it. But in the world of commercial cleaning, cutting corners nearly always backfires.

Here are just a few ways poor cleaning ends up costing far more than it saves:

1. Increased staff sickness

A workspace that isn’t disinfected properly allows bacteria and viruses to spread. Just a few extra sick days a year per employee can significantly impact productivity and operations. This can be combatted with proper cleaning and even infection fogging during the winter when people are most vulnerable.

2. Reputational damage

Your environment represents your brand. Clients visiting a messy office or tenants moving into a not-quite-clean flat will remember the experience, and they’ll talk about it too. Impressions are everything, and wanting an aesthetic website to make the best impression has the same principle as wanting a clean and impressive office space.

3. Lost time for your team

When cleaning is inconsistent or unreliable, the burden often falls on your team. We've heard stories of nursery staff staying late to wipe down toys or estate agents grabbing a mop before a viewing. That’s not what they’re paid to do, and it increases dissatisfaction.

4. Compliance risks

For businesses in regulated industries, cleaning isn’t optional. It’s often tied to legal obligations around health and safety, infection control, or environmental health.

Five Key Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Commercial Cleaning Company

To make the best choice, you need to go beyond the basics. Here are five questions we recommend every decision-maker ask during the selection process:

1. Are your cleaners trained, vetted, and insured?

This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many companies skip this. It is important that cleaners and companies have enhanced DBS checks, public liability insurance, and undergo hands-on training before they ever step into a client’s space.

2. How do you handle cover during holidays or sickness?

Cleaning is essential, and business doesn’t stop when someone is off sick. A good company will have backup staff, systems, and communication processes in place to make sure you are never left without a cleaning service.

3. How do you maintain quality control?

It’s not just about doing the job, but doing it well... every time. Ask about supervision, spot checks, or how feedback is handled. Our team, for example, has dedicated management that stays on top of everything (no AI involved) and regular client check-ins to ensure we’re meeting expectations and nothing slips through the cracks.

4. Can you tailor your service to our specific needs?

Your business is unique. Cleaning a nursery is very different from cleaning a law firm. From eco-friendly products to infection-control protocols, your cleaning partner should be flexible and knowledgeable.

5. What happens if something goes wrong?

Every service has the occasional hiccup. What matters most is how your provider responds. Are they easy to reach? Will they return and fix issues quickly? Will you be left chasing them for answers?

Industry-Specific Commerical Cleaning Needs: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

For Nurseries and Schools

You need cleaners who understand cross-contamination, infection control, and how to clean safely around toys and high-touch areas. DBS checks are a must, and flexibility is vital when working around children’s routines.

For Estate and Letting Agents

Speed and presentation are everything. Whether it’s an end-of-tenancy clean or a pre-viewing spruce-up, timing is often tight. We work closely with agents to get in and out fast, making sure the property is spotless and ready to impress.

For Offices and Co-Working Spaces

Professionalism, discretion, and reliability are key. We often clean outside working hours and use low-odour, eco-friendly products to keep the air clean and the workplace inviting.

Red Flags to Watch Out For When Looking at a Commercial Cleaning Company

If you’re reviewing cleaning quotes and something feels off, trust your instincts. Here are a few signs to be wary of:

• No site visit: Reputable companies will always want to see the space first and want to talk to someone to understand site-specific needs and concerns.

• No clear contract or service agreement: You deserve to know exactly what’s included.

• Unusually low prices: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Low rates often mean underpaid cleaners, rushed jobs, or no backup plan. Underpaid cleaners also mean high staff turnover, which results in unreliable service and staff that are undertrained and know little about the site.

• Poor communication: If they’re hard to reach before the contract even starts, it won’t get better later.

Getting the Best from Your Commercial Cleaning Partner

Once you’ve chosen a provider, you want the relationship to last. Here are a few tips to get the most out of the partnership:

• Be honest about your expectations from the start.

• Give regular feedback, both positive and constructive.

• Schedule reviews, especially if your needs change.

• Ask for flexibility when needed. For example, if you’ve got an event coming up or a deep clean is overdue, a good team will find a way to fit it in.

At Best Home Services, we think of our clients as partners. We work with you, not just for you, and we’re always looking for ways to improve and adapt.

Final Thought: You Deserve More Than Just a Cleaner

Choosing the right cleaning provider isn’t just about keeping your space tidy. It’s about creating an environment where your staff feel valued, your clients feel confident, and you can focus on running your business without added stress.

Whether you're reviewing your current setup or exploring cleaning services for the first time, we’re here to help. Even if you’re not ready to switch yet, we’re always happy to offer free advice, a second opinion, or a free site visit, with no pressure attached.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can support your business.