How to Evaluate Your Current Cleaning Company's Performance
Many facility managers work with the same cleaning company for years without stopping to evaluate whether they're actually getting good service. Cleaning is easy to take for granted—until problems become visible and complaints start piling up.
At RBM Maintenance, we regularly take over accounts from cleaning companies that were underperforming—often for years before the client realized it. Here's how to evaluate whether your current cleaning provider is meeting the standard your facility deserves.
Signs Your Cleaning Company Is Underperforming
Consistency Problems
- The building looks great the day after inspection and mediocre every other day
- Different results depending on which crew is assigned
- Tasks are completed some weeks and skipped others
- You find yourself re-inspecting or re-cleaning areas yourself
Communication Issues
- Complaints take days to get a response
- You can't reach a supervisor when you need one
- Promises are made but not kept
- Staffing changes happen without notice
Quality Gaps
- Restrooms run out of supplies between visits
- Trash overflows in common areas
- High-touch surfaces show visible soil and fingerprints
- Floors have visible scuffs, stains, or sticky spots
- Glass and mirrors have streaks or smudges
- Carpets show visible traffic patterns and stains
Documentation Gaps
- No cleaning logs or checklists provided
- No quality inspection process
- No response time commitments for issues
- No regular performance reviews or communication
How to Conduct a Cleaning Performance Audit
1. Walk Your Facility Unannounced
Visit your facility at different times—not just after cleaning. Check restrooms, common areas, lobbies, and high-traffic zones. Note visible issues.
2. Check High-Touch Surfaces
Door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, restroom fixtures, and shared equipment should be consistently clean. These are the surfaces that matter most for health and perception.
3. Review Supply Management
Are paper products, soap, and hand sanitizer consistently stocked? Running out between visits is a clear sign of inadequate service frequency or attention.
4. Evaluate Restroom Conditions
Restrooms are the #1 indicator of cleaning quality. Check for odor, visible soil, fixture condition, and supply levels. Persistent odor indicates deep cleaning is being skipped.
5. Assess Floor Condition
Floors show the cumulative effect of cleaning quality. Look for scuffs, stains, dullness in traffic lanes, and visible soil along edges and corners.
6. Review Communication and Responsiveness
Track how long it takes your cleaning company to respond to complaints. A same-day response should be the standard, not the exception.
What a Professional Cleaning Partner Looks Like
A cleaning company that is genuinely performing delivers:
- Consistent results every visit, not just inspection days
- Proactive communication about issues, staffing, and performance
- Documented quality inspections with regular reporting
- Fast response times to complaints—same day, not next week
- Dedicated account management with a supervisor who knows your facility
- Trained, screened staff with low turnover
- Proper equipment including HEPA vacuums and commercial-grade tools
If your current cleaning company isn't meeting these standards, it may be time for a change. Contact RBM Maintenance for a free facility assessment and comparison proposal.