Hiring a new cleaning company can feel like a big risk. What if they don’t do a good job? What if the transition is messy? What if the service declines instead of improving? You need a janitorial provider that will handle everything efficiently, so you don’t have to worry about cleanliness in your facility.

To help you choose the right vendor, here are four important questions to ask any cleaning company you’re considering. While these won’t cover every detail, they will help you determine if a company is a good match for your needs.

1. How Do You Recruit, Train, and Pay Your Employees?

The quality of your cleaning service depends on the people doing the work. That’s why it’s essential to ask how a company finds, hires, and trains its staff.

A reliable cleaning service should have a thorough hiring process that includes background checks and a structured training program to ensure workers meet professional standards. Pay is also a key factor—companies that offer competitive wages tend to attract and retain better employees, which leads to better service. A well-organized hiring and training process is a strong sign that a cleaning company is committed to quality.

2. What Systems Do You Have in Place to Ensure Consistent Service?

Some cleaning companies operate with little structure—they send out a crew, wait for complaints, and react only when problems arise. This approach can lead to inconsistent service.

Instead, look for a company with a clear service model. Ask how they handle the onboarding process, how often they conduct inspections, and whether managers will visit your site regularly. Also, find out if they schedule routine check-ins with clients to discuss concerns and improvements. A company with a structured approach is far more likely to deliver reliable, high-quality results.

3. Who Will Oversee Our Account?

It’s important to know who will be responsible for managing your cleaning services. Local management is a must—having someone nearby ensures that any issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently.

Ask about the company’s management structure. Who will conduct site visits? Who is in charge of handling complaints or special requests? Who supervises the cleaning staff? A well-organized company should have clear answers to these questions, showing that they are prepared to keep your facility clean and well-maintained.

4. Can You Provide References from Similar Businesses?

Any reputable cleaning company should be able to provide references from satisfied clients. However, it’s not enough to just get a few names—you should ask for references from businesses that are similar in size and industry to yours.

For example, if you manage a medical facility, a cleaning company that primarily services small offices may not have the experience needed to meet your strict standards. Checking references from comparable businesses will help you determine whether the company is the right fit for your facility.