Most businesses hire a cleaning company based on price and a quick walkthrough. That works until the first missed restroom or a key goes missing. Asking the right questions up front costs nothing and tells you a lot about how a company operates. Here are ten to use, with what a good answer sounds like.
1. Are your cleaners screened?
Cleaners will be in your building after hours, near your files, equipment, and inventory. Ask whether staff go through background checks, and how the company handles a check that comes back with a concern. A clear, specific answer is a good sign. A hesitant one is not.
2. What insurance do you carry?
Ask for a certificate of insurance and read it. Look at general liability coverage, and ask whether workers are covered by workers' compensation. If the company uses subcontractors, ask how they are covered. Your own landlord or lease may also have insurance requirements for vendors, so check those before you sign.
3. Can I see a written scope of work?
A written scope lists tasks by area and by frequency. If the proposal only says "general cleaning," ask for detail. You should be able to read it and know what happens nightly, weekly, and monthly. Our guide on janitorial services explains how scopes are typically organized.
4. Who supervises the crew?
Find out who checks the work and how often. A company with a supervisor or inspection routine catches problems early. Ask what a typical inspection covers and whether you receive the results. Bethel J uses a 75-point inspection for this reason.
5. What products and equipment do you use?
This matters if you have employees with sensitivities, pets in the building, or customers who notice smell. Ask whether the company offers plant-based or lower-odor products, and whether it brings its own vacuums and floor machines. Also ask how products are stored on site.
6. How do you handle missed tasks?
Every cleaning company misses something eventually. What matters is the response. Ask how you report an issue, who answers, and how fast the fix happens. A good answer includes a named contact and a set window, such as the next visit or same-day re-clean.
7. What is the staffing plan?
Ask how many people will clean your space, how long they will be there, and what happens when someone calls out. Consistent crews learn your building and do better work. Ask whether you will get the same people each visit, and how new staff are trained on your site.
8. How is pricing structured?
Ask whether the quote is a flat monthly rate, hourly, or by square foot, and what is not included. Watch for extra charges on supplies, trash liners, or extra service requests. See our pricing page for a general idea of how commercial cleaning is priced. Compare quotes on scope, not just total cost. A cheaper quote with a thinner scope is not cheaper.
9. What are the contract terms?
Ask about the length of the agreement, how you can cancel, and how much notice is needed. Some contracts auto-renew. Read for language about price increases. Ask whether there is a trial period. Shorter or month-to-month terms give you room to leave if service slips.
10. Can you handle my type of space?
An office, a clinic, a restaurant, and a nightclub each have different needs. Ask for examples of similar work and how the company adjusts for your industry. If your business has facility rules, health department requirements, or after-hours access limits, say so and ask how the company works within them. Follow local regulations and your own facility rules, and confirm with the company how it supports them.
Red flags to notice
- No written proposal, or a proposal that changes after you agree to it.
- Unwillingness to provide insurance documents.
- A price far below every other quote, with no explanation.
- Vague answers about staff screening.
- No way to reach a person when something goes wrong.
Do a walkthrough before you sign
A good provider will walk the space with you, measure or estimate it, ask about traffic patterns, and note special surfaces. If nobody has been on site, the quote is a guess. Confirm your hours of access, alarm procedures, and any restricted areas at the same visit.
Bethel J Cleaning Services offers vetted, background-checked cleaners, organic pet-safe materials, and nationwide commercial cleaning. Use the questions above with any vendor you are considering, including us, and request a free quote when you are ready to compare.