Exactly how to Tell Which Cleaning Company To Use

There are numerous options available for quickly securing the services of a tidying up company, and the distinction between a mediocre, poor, and excellent cleaning service can significantly impact your experience. Therefore, determining which professional cleaning service to entrust can be challenging. Below, we present a checklist of 15 factors to consider before engaging a cleaning company in Johannesburg and Cape Town. By reviewing these points, you will gain insight into distinguishing between an exceptional cleaning service and one that falls short of expectations, allowing you to make an informed decision before making a hiring commitment.

1. Obtain Quotes from a Minimum of 3 Companies

When considering hiring a cleaning service, it’s crucial to gather quotes from at least three different businesses. This step serves multiple purposes: not only does it allow you to compare prices to determine the most competitive option, but it also provides insight into the range of services offered for the same price point. While the adage “you get what you pay for” holds true in many cases, slight variations in pricing may not necessarily reflect a difference in quality. However, significant disparities in pricing should raise a red flag and prompt further investigation. Additionally, when requesting quotes, it’s essential to inquire whether the estimate includes all costs, including materials and labor, and whether there are any additional charges for customized cleaning services beyond the standard offerings.

2. Inquire About Their Years of Experience

It’s essential to inquire about the duration of time a cleaning service has been in operation. The longevity of a business speaks volumes about its reliability and competence. While longevity alone doesn’t guarantee success, it is a factor worth considering. After all, a cleaning service that has managed to sustain itself over a significant period likely possesses the necessary expertise and customer satisfaction to maintain its operations.

3. Inquire About Their Satisfaction Guarantee

When considering a cleaning service, it’s important to understand the specifics of their satisfaction guarantee. While many companies claim to guarantee customer satisfaction, it’s essential to clarify what this entails. Does their guarantee mean they will provide a refund if you’re dissatisfied with the service? Obtaining clarity on this matter before engaging their services, especially when a satisfaction guarantee is advertised, is crucial to ensure you’re aware of the potential recourse if the service does not meet your expectations.

4. Request a List of References

A reputable cleaning service should have a roster of satisfied and loyal clients. Asking for a list of references is recommended as it allows you to gain insight into the experiences of previous customers. This list will provide reassurance that you’re entrusting your cleaning needs to a company with a solid track record of customer satisfaction and a substantial client base of happy customers.

5. Assess Their Range of Services

Before hiring professional cleaners, it’s important to ascertain whether they offer all the services you require. Opting for a cleaning company that provides a comprehensive range of services can streamline the process, eliminating the need to engage multiple providers for different tasks. This not only simplifies your dealings with a single service provider but also ensures consistency in the quality of work. It’s advisable to inquire whether the cleaning company offers services such as floor waxing, carpet cleaning, and maid services. Understanding their full range of services before making a hiring decision allows you to choose a provider that best meets your needs. When faced with a choice between two cleaning services with similar qualities, opting for the one that offers the most comprehensive range of services is often the wisest decision.

6. Assess Their Use of Environmentally Friendly Products

With the growing popularity of the green cleaning movement, it’s important to consider whether a cleaning service utilizes environmentally friendly products. Choosing an eco-friendly cleaning service ensures that the products used are not only effective but also beneficial for both you and the environment. Today, environmentally friendly cleaning products are just as effective as their non-green counterparts, if not more so, as they clean without the use of harmful chemicals and substances that can be detrimental to the earth. If you prioritize environmentally friendly cleaning practices, it’s essential to ensure that the professional cleaners you select adhere to eco-friendly standards and possess the necessary certifications or seals of approval.

7. Evaluate Their Availability for Emergency Cleaning Services

It’s crucial to inquire whether a cleaning service provides 24/7 emergency cleaning services. In the event of unforeseen emergencies such as floods, burst pipes, or blocked toilets, having the assurance that you can contact the cleaning company at any time of the day or night can provide invaluable peace of mind. Additionally, a cleaning company that is already familiar with your property and has access to it can respond more swiftly and effectively to cleaning emergencies and disasters than a service provider who is unfamiliar with the premises. Therefore, confirming their availability for emergency cleaning services ensures that you are prepared to address any unexpected cleaning-related crises promptly and efficiently.

8. Verify Their Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance

It is essential to ensure that any cleaning service you hire is properly licensed to perform the job. Additionally, confirming that they are bonded provides assurance that they are financially accountable for any damages, losses, or other failures that may occur during the course of their work. A bonded professional cleaning company ensures that you are protected from experiencing any financial losses due to their actions or negligence. Moreover, it’s imperative never to engage a cleaning service in Cape Town that cannot provide proof of insurance coverage.

9. Support Ethical Sourcing Practices

Consider whether the cleaning service you’re considering engages in ethical sourcing practices. Supporting businesses that prioritize ethical sourcing ensures that the products and materials used in their cleaning processes are obtained in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. This commitment to ethical sourcing reflects a company’s values and contributes to positive social and environmental impacts.

10. Ensure Direct Contact with Assigned Representative

In many instances, it can be challenging to establish direct communication with the individual responsible for cleaning your premises. When contacting the cleaning company, you may find yourself directed to someone unfamiliar with your account. It’s essential to ensure that you know who is managing your account and whether there is a direct contact number available to reach them. This facilitates efficient communication and eliminates the need to waste valuable time being transferred or searching for the appropriate contact person.

10. Ensure Transparent Handling of Your Needs and Concerns

To understand how a cleaning service tracks your requirements and addresses any issues or concerns, it’s essential to ask about their specific procedures. Inquire about how they handle your requests or concerns, and how they communicate the resolution to you. A reliable cleaning service should have a clear protocol in place for assessing, addressing, and following up on any issues or requests you may have. This ensures transparency and accountability throughout the process, allowing you to know when the concern is resolved or the requirement is fulfilled.

12. Request a Customized Cleaning Plan

Before receiving a quote from a cleaning service, they should conduct an assessment of your premises and inquire about your specific requirements. It’s crucial to work with knowledgeable cleaners who can create a customized cleaning plan tailored to your preferences and needs. Your satisfaction should be their priority, and they should strive to accommodate your preferences rather than imposing their own.

13. Confirm Proper Training of Cleaners

Having a properly trained team ensures that the cleaning service you hire will deliver the best possible results. It’s essential to ensure that the employees are adequately trained in industry best practices. Proper training is particularly important to prevent damage to sensitive surfaces such as flooring and desks. Knowing that the cleaning company’s staff is well-trained will prevent amateur mistakes that could lead to costly damage.

14. Inquire About Background Checks on Employees

Granting a cleaning company access to your premises requires trust. It’s crucial to ensure that they conduct thorough background checks on their employees to guarantee their reliability. Background checks should be a standard practice, and if a company does not emphasize this, it raises doubts about their commitment to professionalism and safety.

15. Discuss Their Deep Cleaning Program

While many cleaning services overlook or neglect deep cleaning, it is essential for maintaining a healthy and sanitary environment. Deep cleaning involves thorough cleaning of hard-to-reach areas such as air vents and corners to prevent the buildup of dust and grime. Inquire whether the cleaning company offers a deep cleaning program and how frequently they recommend it. It’s essential to adhere to industry standards for deep cleaning frequency to ensure optimal cleanliness and hygiene.

15. Inquire About Their Evaluation Process

To ensure that a cleaning company provides you with the most reliable service possible, it’s crucial to understand how they evaluate your premises and the cleaning they perform. It’s essential to inquire whether they conduct regular assessments of your office to maintain its sanitation. Regular evaluations demonstrate that the cleaning company values their customers and is committed to delivering thorough and consistent service. Similar to a medical professional conducting check-ups, these evaluations allow the cleaning company to assess the condition of your premises and identify any areas that require special attention.

Conclusion

By following these 16 criteria, you can ensure that you find a reputable cleaning service that meets your needs effectively. Taking the time to vet potential cleaning companies according to these standards increases your chances of success. Best of luck in your search!