How to choose a janitorial company: 10 questions to ask
October 15, 2026, 3 min read
Before you hire a janitorial company, ask about background checks, the written scope, who supervises the crew, how problems are fixed, supplies and contract terms. The answers tell you how the company works, not just what it costs.
A cleaning company works in your building when nobody is there, with keys or codes to your space. Choosing one is a trust decision as much as a price decision. These ten questions help you see how a company actually operates before you sign.
1. Do you run background checks on your staff?
Your cleaners will be alone in your offices after hours. Ask whether every crew member is screened before they start, not only new hires on some accounts.
2. Will you visit before quoting?
A quote without a walkthrough is a guess. A company that visits your building and asks how it is used will quote the right scope and avoid surprises later.
3. Can I see the scope in writing?
Ask for a checklist by room and by frequency: what is done every visit, weekly and monthly. This is the document you will use to check the work.
4. Will the same crew clean my building?
A regular crew learns your building, your alarm and your preferences. Constant turnover is one of the main reasons cleaning quality drops after the first month.
5. Who do I call when something is missed?
You want a direct phone number and a clear answer: how fast they respond and how they fix it. In a smaller company, that is often the owner.
6. Who supplies products, paper and equipment?
Clarify who buys cleaning products, trash liners, paper towels, toilet paper and hand soap. Supplies included in the price are convenient; supplies billed separately should be listed.
7. Do you offer floor, carpet and window work?
One company for routine cleaning and periodic work means fewer vendors and one schedule. Ask whether they do floor stripping and waxing, carpet shampoo and window cleaning with their own crew.
8. When will you clean?
Most businesses want cleaning outside business hours. Confirm the time window and how the crew enters and secures the building.
9. Can the plan change as we grow?
Your needs will change: more staff, a new suite, a different schedule. Flexible contracts let the scope and the price follow your business.
10. What happens if we are not happy?
Ask how issues are documented and fixed, and what the notice period is if you decide to end the service. A company confident in its work does not need to lock you in.
Red flags
- A firm price over the phone without seeing the space
- No written scope or checklist
- Vague answers about who will clean and who supervises
- Long contracts with high cancellation fees
- No direct contact for problems
How we answer these questions
At Bright Janitorial Maintenance, every crew member is background-checked, every account starts with a free on-site evaluation and a written scope, and you call the owner directly when something needs attention. Routine cleaning, floors, carpet and windows are handled by the same team.
Ready to compare? Call or text (509) 608-2210 to schedule a free evaluation of your building.