Your large establishment, an industrial facility or commercial property, is struggling to maintain cleanliness up to your expectations following industry regulations.
As facility managers, though skilled in core duties, you often find yourselves at a crossroads. You want to preserve both the appearance and health of your space while remaining aware of expenses. Here, the solution of *contract cleaning* presents itself.
Imagine what contract cleaning is? It is the practice of entrusting the cleaning of a facility to an outside service, one which specialises in maintaining cleanliness as per industry standards.
By choosing this, you can have peace of mind knowing that the responsibilities of facility upkeep are in capable hands.
This blog will talk in detail about what contract cleaning is and how it supports long-term facility management goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Why Facility Management Needs Contract Cleaning
- What is Contract Cleaning and How Does It Work?
- Benefits of Contract Cleaning for Long-Term Facility Management
- How to Choose the Right Contract Cleaning Service for Your Facility
- FAQs
Why Facility Management Needs Contract Cleaning
Studies have shown that 94% of workers in a clean workspace feel more productive. Both employee well-being and business performance have a good impact in a clean business environment.
The main sign of Poor hygiene in facilities is when cleaning schedules lack proper management. This can cause an increase in absenteeism, health issues and if a mistake is made, non-compliance with health and safety standards and potential regulatory fines can take place.
However, with a regular cleaning schedule in place through a contract cleaning service, we can avoid these problems. Not only does this help maintain a healthy and productive environment, but it also extends the life of your facilities and equipment.
Choosing a contract for cleaning services offers long-term advantages. You will have a consistent standard of hygiene, less risk of health issues and high chances of the longevity of your workplace assets. By making this proactive investment, a clean, safe and efficient environment is benefiting everyone.
What is Contract Cleaning and How Does It Work?
Contract cleaning is a formal arrangement between a business and a cleaning company. The regular cleaning company offers services in exchange for an agreed-upon fee. This form of service is not limited to regular cleaning; it meets the varied cleaning needs of businesses and institutions, including deep cleaning, out-of-hours cleaning or high-level surface cleaning. Let’s check out the step-by-step process:
When you sign a cleaning agreement, you will see the outline the how often a service is provided and a detailed list of exactly what tasks and responsibilities a service provider will perform.
For example, you may request daily general cleaning, weekly deep cleans and monthly window washing. The bespoke contract mentions all these services to be carried out at a scheduled time you set without any compromise.
The structure of a contract cleaning agreement is simple. At the start of the arrangement, both parties agreed on the services provided, the time of cleaning and the costs involved.
Unlike one-off cleaning services, where a single cleaning session is arranged as needed, contract cleaning guarantees ongoing service.
This consistent approach eliminates the need for a temporary plan and cleaning becomes a basic part of facility management.
The key advantage of a contractual cleaning service lies in how consistent it is. With a contract in place, businesses are assured of regular, planned cleaning without the stress of scheduling or organising it themselves.
Statistical evidence shows that businesses investing in regular cleaning services can benefit in numerous ways.
A study by the International Sanitary Supply Association reveals that a clean workspace can increase employee productivity by up to 15%.
Benefits of Contract Cleaning for Long-Term Facility Management
Let’s discuss the pros of having a contract cleaning service for a tidy and safe facility:
1. Consistent Quality of Service
No matter the time of day or week, cleanliness will never be overlooked. You will have a pleasant, attractive environment that builds confidence among staff and tenants alike.
By securing a long-term cleaning agreement, as a property manager, you can ensure that every corner of your building is cleaned to a high standard. Whether it’s the lobby, restrooms or workstations, the result is always the same polished, professional appearance that tenants appreciate.
2. Safe and Healthy Environment
It’s alarming that 9 out of 10 employees report coming to work while sick. Such statistics highlight the risk that germs and bacteria pose in the workplace. If one employee falls ill, the infection can easily spread, affecting other staff members or even clients.
Maintaining a safe and clean workspace should be a top priority, especially in these situations. Professional cleaning services can, at a greater margin, reduce the spread of viruses by keeping the workplace sterile.
3. Enhanced Security
In any commercial property, security is paramount. Long-term office cleaning contracts can reduce security risks. You will experience the same team of cleaning staff who will be available at the exact time on the site, aware of your building’s layout and access points.
When cleaners are well-acquainted with the property, the process becomes far more efficient. These experienced teams move through the building with minimal trouble, adhering to safety standards such as those set by OSHA.
4. Complete Service
Janitors typically handle basic cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and wiping down counters.
However, a commercial cleaning company offers high-end cleaning solutions such as deep cleaning, high-area cleaning, out-of-hours cleansing and much more.
The aim is beyond maintaining cleanliness by guaranteeing the facility is up to standard for both employees and clients.
How to Choose the Right Contract Cleaning Service for Your Facility
Choosing the right contract cleaning service for you goes beyond just surfing the internet’s planned choice that affects your facility’s image. Check out these steps:
Step 1: Assess Your Cleaning Needs
Begin by evaluating the specific cleaning requirements of your facility. In which industry does your business operate: commercial property cleaning or industrial cleaning? And what type of cleaning do you need? Also, consider factors like the size of the space, the level of cleaning required and the frequency (daily, weekly or monthly). Knowing your exact needs will help narrow down your options.
Step 2: Evaluate the Cleaning Companies
After gathering information on cleaning companies through internet research and referrals, I read each of these client reviews and checked for any relevant certifications or regulations that the company adheres to.
Step 3: Ask Essential Questions
When contacting potential cleaning providers, make sure to ask the following key questions, especially regarding the price confirmation, to avoid hidden charges that might be buried in the lengthy documents given to you:
- What cleaning products do you use? Are they safe and eco-friendly?
- Are you fully insured to cover any damage or accidents?
- Can you provide references or examples from similar facilities you have cleaned?
- What are your cleaning protocols and how do you ensure consistency in service?
- Do you charge any hidden fees?
Step 4: Request a Trial Period
Before committing to a long-term contract, request a trial period. This, in general, lasts a month or two. This way, you can evaluate the company’s cleaning and whether it fits your premises’ cleaning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are cleaning contracts priced?
The size of the facility, the duration of the cleaning project and any additional services you want determine the price of the cleaning service. Also, hourly based charges or fixed monthly or daily charges determine the pricing.
What is the difference between commercial and contract cleaning?
Commercial cleaning refers to the cleaning of any commercial space, such as offices, shops or restaurants. Contract cleaning, however, involves a formal agreement between a business and a cleaning company responsible for cleaning services at agreed intervals.
How often should contract cleaning be scheduled for offices or commercial spaces?
The duration of contract cleaning depends on the size and structure of your facility. For offices, weekly or bi-weekly cleaning is often sufficient. However, spaces with higher foot traffic, such as retail stores or restaurants, may require daily and even deep cleaning.
What types of businesses benefit most from contract cleaning services?
Offices, retail spaces, restaurants and industrial facilities all require regular, consistent cleaning. Innovative Cleaning Solutions understands that each business has its own unique requirements and that is why we offer tailored solutions to meet them.
Are contract cleaning services insured?
Yes, reputable contract cleaning companies like Innovative Cleaning Solutions are fully insured. We take the safety and security of your property seriously.
Can contract cleaning services help with green certification for a building?
Many contract cleaning companies, including Innovative Cleaning Solutions, offer eco-friendly cleaning solutions that can support your building’s green certification goals. By using environmentally safe cleaning products and sustainable practices, we help reduce the environmental footprint of your business.
Conclusion
You can save costs, create the highest health and safety standards, increase the lifespan of your workplace assets and most importantly, you can maintain a productive environment after the integration of professional contract cleaning services into your facility management.
