If you’re looking for a new office cleaning company, there’s usually a reason.
Maybe your current cleaner isn’t as reliable as they used to be. Maybe you’re moving into a new office, or you’ve simply outgrown your existing provider.
Whatever the reason, choosing a cleaning company isn’t just about comparing prices. You’re choosing a business that will be working in your workplace every week, often outside business hours and with access to your premises.
This guide explains what to look for, what questions to ask and how to compare office cleaning companies, so you can choose a provider with confidence.
Step 1: Understand Your Cleaning Requirements
Before you contact any cleaning companies, spend a few minutes working out what you actually need.
The clearer you are about your requirements, the easier it is to compare quotes and avoid paying for services you don’t need.
Before requesting a quote, ask yourself:
- Which areas need cleaning?
- How often do they need to be cleaned?
- Do you need cleaning during or after business hours?
- Are there any security or access requirements?
Are there any areas that need extra attention, such as kitchens, bathrooms or meeting rooms?
Once you’ve answered those questions, you’ll find it much easier to compare cleaning companies because everyone is quoting on the same scope of work.
Step 2: Find a Cleaning Company That’s the Right Fit
Once you know what your business needs, start looking for companies that regularly clean workplaces like yours.
A company that understands your type of business is more likely to understand your expectations, working hours and the level of service required.
As you narrow down your options, don’t just rely on what’s written on a website. Ask whether they’ve worked with businesses similar to yours, how long they’ve looked after those clients and whether they can provide examples of similar work.
At this stage, you’re simply creating a shortlist. You don’t need ten quotes—just two or three cleaning companies that appear capable of delivering the service you’re looking for.
Step 03: Compare How Each Company Works
Two cleaning companies can offer similar services at a similar price and still deliver completely different results.
The difference is usually in how they run the job, not what’s written on the quote.
A professional cleaning company should have a clear process from the beginning. They should also explain what’s included in the office cleaning service so you understand exactly which tasks will be completed during each visit.
It’s also worth asking how they’ll communicate with you once the cleaning starts. If something isn’t right, who do you contact? How quickly do they respond? Will someone check in regularly to make sure you’re happy with the service?
A good cleaning company isn’t relying on individual cleaners to “do their best.” It has systems that help deliver the same standard of service every visit.
Step 04: Compare Quotes Fairly
Once you’ve received a few quotes, resist the temptation to compare the total price first.
Start by comparing what each company is actually proposing to deliver.
Look at the Scope of Works, cleaning frequency, included services and any exclusions. Just as importantly, ask whether enough time has been allowed to clean your workplace properly.
If one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, ask why. It may be perfectly reasonable—but it could also mean fewer labour hours, fewer cleaning tasks or services that will be charged as extras later.
A good cleaning company should be able to explain exactly what you’re paying for. When you understand what’s included, it’s much easier to compare value rather than simply comparing numbers.
If you’re unsure whether a quote represents good value, our guide to office cleaning costs explains the factors that influence pricing.
Step 06:Look Beyond the First Clean
The first few weeks are usually the easiest. The real measure of a cleaning company is how well it performs six months from now.
As you compare companies, ask how they maintain quality over time. Do they carry out regular inspections? Will you have a dedicated contact if something needs attention? How are problems followed up and resolved?
It’s also worth asking whether you’ll have the same cleaning team whenever possible. Familiarity with your workplace helps cleaners work more efficiently and maintain consistent standards over time.
The best cleaning companies don’t rely on a strong first impression. They have processes in place to deliver the same level of service, week after week.
Step 06: Make Sure You Trust the Company
Hiring a cleaning company means giving people access to your workplace, often after hours when no one else is there.
Before you make a decision, make sure you’re comfortable with how the company protects your business. Ask about insurance, key and alarm procedures, staff screening and what happens if an issue arises while they’re on site.
If your workplace handles sensitive information or has strict security requirements, raise those concerns during the quoting process. A professional cleaning company should be able to explain how they’ll work within your procedures.
At the end of the day, you’re not just trusting a company to clean your office—you’re trusting them with your workplace. That’s a decision worth taking the time to get right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get?
Comparing two or three detailed quotes is usually enough. Rather than collecting as many quotes as possible, focus on comparing the scope of work, cleaning frequency, included services and the company’s approach to delivering consistent results.
Should a cleaning company inspect my office first?
In most cases, yes. A site inspection allows the company to understand your workplace, discuss your requirements and prepare a quote based on the actual work involved. Quotes provided without seeing the site are more likely to overlook important details.
How long does it take to change cleaning companies?
The timeframe depends on your existing agreement and your preferred start date. In many cases, the transition can be planned with minimal disruption by coordinating access, schedules and communication before the new service begins.
Can office cleaning be customised?
Yes. Most commercial cleaning services can be tailored to suit your business. Your office cleaning schedule, tasks, operating hours, and additional services can all be adjusted to suit your workplace and budget.
Is the cheapest quote the best option?
Not necessarily. A lower quote may include fewer services, less cleaning time or additional charges that aren’t immediately obvious. Comparing the overall value and what’s included is usually a better approach than looking at price alone.
What should I prepare before requesting a quote?
It helps to know the size of your workplace, how often you’d like cleaning, your preferred cleaning times and any areas that need special attention. Having this information ready makes it easier to receive an accurate quote.
Should I sign a long-term contract?
Before signing any agreement, make sure you understand the contract length, notice period and how changes to your cleaning requirements will be managed. A clear contract helps set expectations for both you and the cleaning company.