7 Crucial Questions To Ask A Prospective Cleaning Company (& Why)

TLDR

Before hiring a commercial cleaning company, ask the right questions. Understanding their supervision model, staff training, communication process, attendance systems, quality checks, contract flexibility and TUPE approach protects you from inconsistent service, no‑shows and declining standards. These questions ensure you choose a reliable partner who delivers consistent workplace hygiene and long‑term value.

Introduction 

Choosing the right office cleaning contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an office manager or facilities lead. A good cleaning company keeps your workplace healthy, hygienic and running smoothly. A bad one creates headaches i.e. missed cleans, poor communication and a constant stream of complaints from staff.

To avoid these problems, here are seven crucial questions to ask when hiring a cleaning company and why the answers matter.

1. How Do You Supervise & Support Your Cleaning Staff?

The biggest cause of poor service is lack of supervision. Cleaners need structure, feedback and support. Ask how often managers visit your site, how performance is monitored and what systems are in place to maintain consistent quality. Strong oversight prevents standards from slipping over time.

2. What Training Do Your Cleaners Receive?

Training is essential for high-quality office cleaning. Cleaners should be trained in COSHH, colour coding, equipment usage, cross‑contamination prevention and site‑specific requirements. Well‑trained cleaners deliver better workplace hygiene and fewer mistakes.

3. What Does Communication Look Like Day‑To‑Day?

Good communication prevents problems before they escalate. Ask who your main point of contact is, how quickly they respond and whether issues are logged, actioned and reported. You should never be left chasing a contractor for updates.

4. How Do You Prevent No‑Shows?

One missed shift can cause immediate disruption. Overflowing bins, dirty kitchens and untidy meeting rooms create poor first impressions. A professional contractor will use digital attendance systems, supervisor alerts and cover teams to ensure your site is never left uncleaned.

5. What Long-Term Quality Controls Do You Use?

Many companies start strong and decline over time. To avoid this, ask about audits, inspection reports, performance monitoring and continuous improvement practices. A structured quality system ensures standards remain consistent month after month.

6. What Happens If Our Cleaner Leaves, Is Sick, Or On Holiday?

A professional cleaning company should have a reliable cover plan. Ask how quickly they can send replacements, who trains them and whether they’re familiar with your building. You should never be left without cleaning because one person is off.

7. How Do You Handle TUPE When Taking On Our Existing Cleaners?

TUPE protects existing staff when switching contractors. The best companies support these employees with proper onboarding, training and fair treatment. Poor TUPE handling creates resentment, low morale and poor performance. Great contractors transform struggling teams by giving them the structure and respect they lacked previously.

Why These Questions Matter & How Jaguar Responds

Jaguar Contract Cleaning Services encourages transparency. We welcome these questions because our systems are designed to deliver long‑term stability. We provide hands-on supervision, ongoing training, clear reporting, digital log‑ins, quality monitoring and respectful TUPE support. Our people feel valued and fully supported, which is why they stay, perform consistently and deliver exceptional results. Learn more about our office cleaning services.

Asking the right questions before signing a contract helps you choose a cleaning partner rather than just a cleaning supplier. A high‑quality contractor will answer confidently, provide evidence of their processes and show how they maintain reliable workplace hygiene over time. Make an enquiry.