The hidden cost of cheap cleaning – why the lowest quote costs more in the long run

Many commercial facilities deal with poor quality cleaning- and often this is the hidden cost of the lowest bid. Commercial facilities might receive quotes from three or more companies before selecting a new vendor. However, during that process, they choose the lowest possible cost. Selecting the lowest bidder often creates further issues down the road: unsanitary conditions, poorly stocked restrooms, and long term build up of grime and filth – which now needs an intensive deep cleaning to rectify.

Intensive Commercial Deep Cleaning

A true commercial deep cleaning service might cost thousands of dollars, whereas the traditional daily or weekly routine is under five hundred dollars per service. Why and how does it become so expensive? First of all, deep cleaning is very labor intensive, that is to say, for every one hour of work you can expect to become 10 hours in reality. Harden grime and residue throughout even a small space – takes a lot of time to scrub, lift, remove, and disinfect. That same intensive effort throughout a larger facility can take many, many days worth of labor. Add on to that – the type of work involved, cannot be completed with foot traffic coming in and out, and often must be completed during overnight hours or weekends, and by a group of professionals.

Deep Cleaning is a higher skill level than the basic janitorial staff

For cleaning companies, deep cleaning is often a higher paid and higher skill level than traditional janitors. This is because deep cleaning is not only physically exhausting but also a) requires in depth knowledge and experience with equipment and industrial chemicals, as well as b) to not cause damage to finishes and floor surfaces. Many surfaces can be etched with the wrong combinations of “non-scratch products” used simultaneously. During the intense physical work of hand scrubbing and washing floors and walls, it is easy to overlook damage occurring to the surface – until it is too late. This is why cleaning companies can only use top-level professionals within their teams, who have the experience and knowledge to prevent damage, and also utilize techniques and supplies to their maximum advantage.

So when considering the lowest possible quote for a deep cleaning and routine janitorial service for your commercial facility, consider the hidden costs within that ‘cheaper’ number (damage to surfaces, etched finished, neglected areas that cause hardened grime and build up). – because it might turn out to be more expensive in the long run.

How to find a cleaning service you can trust

To find a reliable cleaning service, it is important to consider a) their staff, hiring, training and quality control process, as well as b) real life testimonials from current clients. These two areas should receive consideration during the solicitation process. How involved is the owner/operator in the day-to-day services and quality control? Are they even local to the area, or entirely hands-off, with untrained, low-pay staff, which are sent to locations with little to no parameters for a quality service – no set hygiene practices, color-coding of towels, and improper chemical use.

Locally Owned and Operated, higher paid staff, clean and top-grade supplies and equipment

This means that our service often costs more to operate than most cleaning companies charge – woth a profit margin. And- we wouldn’t do it any differently. We stand behind the quality of our service, and our mission to restore dignity and respect to the janitorial industry. Commercial cleaning services are the foundation of every other business operation. Make sure it is someone you can count on.