If your facility isn’t as spotless as it used to be, there could be many reasons behind it. Perhaps your cleaning company underestimated the work involved, went through management changes, or is simply giving other clients more attention.

So, how do you know if your janitorial service provider has lost focus on your business?

Here are SIX warning signs that could mean your cleaning team is no longer fully committed.

1. Increased Complaints from Your Team Your cleaning service should make things easier for you and your staff. While an occasional issue is understandable, frequent comments like, “The restroom’s out of soap again,” or “It’s been weeks since my office was dusted,” may indicate that your cleaning company isn’t prioritizing your needs anymore.
2. Decreased Contact with Management When your contract started, you may have seen management around frequently, checking in and staying in touch. Now, they’re hardly ever in contact. When was the last time your provider reached out to you proactively? If it’s been a while, it could be a sign they’re losing interest.
3. Slow Responses to Problems Things get missed from time to time. But if you reach out about missed trash pickup or other issues and don’t get a quick response, it’s concerning. Slow replies to your calls and emails may mean that your cleaning company is too busy—or simply isn’t invested in your business anymore.
4. Constant New Faces on the Cleaning Team High turnover is common in the cleaning industry, but if you’re continually seeing new team members in your building, it could signal deeper issues. Frequent staff changes without notification may indicate problems within your contractor’s management or a poorly managed contract.
5. Worn-Out or Damaged Equipment Does your cleaning crew use equipment that looks patched up or outdated? If they’re using a vacuum held together by duct tape or a mop that’s clearly seen better days, it’s a red flag. Neglecting to replace old or broken tools can be a sign that your contractor has stopped investing in your account.
6. Frequent Changes in Your Main Contact Person One of the clearest indicators of trouble within a cleaning company is high turnover among managers. If your primary point of contact changes frequently, it could indicate an unstable company culture—something that could impact the quality of your service.

What to Do If You See These Signs

Here’s how to handle the situation if these issues sound familiar:

1. Meet with Your Cleaning Vendor to Discuss Specific Concerns Bring concrete examples to the conversation: “Why is there so much staff turnover on our cleaning crew?” or “You used to respond quickly; now it takes days.” Digging into these specifics can help uncover the root of the problems.
2. Set Clear Expectations for Service Sometimes, expectations may not have been clearly outlined in your original agreement. Your vendor might not know what matters most to you. Be explicit about your needs and allow time for them to address the issues.
3. Be Ready to Find Another Provider Many janitorial contracts offer a 30-day termination clause for service deficiencies. If things don’t improve after discussing your concerns, prepare to look for a new service provider.
4. Draft an RFP in Advance Once your current vendor is aware of your concerns, it’s wise to start preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP). This way, if your vendor doesn’t step up, you’ll be ready to seek out other options. If they do improve, you’ll have an RFP ready for the next contract period.

By watching for these red flags and taking proactive steps, you can ensure your facility’s cleanliness standards are maintained and that your cleaning service meets the level of care you expect.