20 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Office Cleaners

Hiring a professional office cleaner isn’t just about sparkling desks and empty bins—it’s about creating a healthy environment, boosting staff morale, and protecting your business’s reputation. A tidy workplace says a lot about your standards, and the right cleaner will maintain that day in and day out.

Take this: one Melbourne-based marketing agency saved 30% on their cleaning expenses simply by switching providers—after asking the right questions. That decision didn’t just save money; it improved staff satisfaction and reduced sick days.

The takeaway? Don’t just sign on the dotted line. These 20 essential questions will guide you to a cleaning partner you can trust—someone who’s professional, transparent, and aligned with your business needs.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Not all commercial cleaning companies are created equal. Some may promise the world and deliver inconsistency. Others may cut corners, use untrained staff, or neglect essential safety protocols.

Choosing the wrong cleaner can lead to:

• Missed cleans and complaints from staff 
• Health code violations 
• Liability for accidents or damage 
• Hidden fees or rigid contracts 

That’s why these questions aren’t just due diligence—they’re essential for peace of mind. They’ll help you identify professionals, uncover hidden details, and avoid nasty surprises.

20 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Office Cleaners

Are you licensed and insured?

Why it matters:
Insurance protects you in case something goes wrong—damage, injury, or theft.

What a good answer sounds like:
“We carry public liability and workers’ compensation insurance. We can provide certificates upon request.”

Red flags:
Dodging the question or vague responses like “Yeah, we’ve got some cover.”

How long have you been in business?

Why it matters:
Experience equals stability. New companies might lack systems or reliability.

Good answer:
“We’ve been operating for 7 years and service a range of commercial clients.”

Can you provide client references or testimonials?

Why it matters:
Real feedback from other businesses is gold.

Good answer:
“Yes—we’d be happy to connect you with a couple of our long-term clients.”

What industries or types of offices do you clean?

Why it matters:
A medical clinic needs different care than a creative agency or warehouse.

Good answer:
“We regularly clean tech firms, law offices, and medical practices.”

Do you perform background checks on your cleaners?

Why it matters:
Cleaners have access to your entire office—sensitive areas included.

Good answer:
“Yes, all staff undergo police checks and identity verification.”

Are your staff trained in commercial cleaning procedures?

Why it matters:
Proper training ensures safe and consistent results.

Good answer:
“We have a structured onboarding program and do quarterly upskilling workshops.”

Do you use eco-friendly or non-toxic products?

Why it matters:
Better for the environment and safer for your team.

Good answer:
“Yes—we use biodegradable, non-toxic products that are Green Seal certified.”

What’s included in your standard cleaning package?

Why it matters:
Avoid surprises later. You need to know what’s covered.

Good answer:
“Our standard service includes floors, surfaces, bins, kitchens, and restrooms. We provide a detailed checklist for each visit.”

Can we customise the cleaning schedule and scope?

Why it matters:
Your office has unique needs—rigid packages won’t suit everyone.

Good answer:
“Absolutely. We’ll tailor a plan around your hours, traffic, and preferences.”

How do you handle one-off or emergency cleanings?

Why it matters:
Spills, events, and accidents happen.

Good answer:
“We offer same-day or next-day service for urgent cleans—just give us a call.”

Do you bring your own equipment and supplies?

Why it matters:
You shouldn’t be providing mops, vacuums, or chemicals.

Good answer:
“Yes, our team arrives fully equipped with all tools and products.”

What quality control processes do you use?

Why it matters:
Consistency is everything in cleaning.

Good answer:
“We use digital checklists and do monthly site inspections to ensure high standards.”

How do you resolve service complaints?

Why it matters:
Even good providers occasionally miss the mark—it’s how they respond that counts.

Good answer:
“We aim to resolve complaints within 24 hours. We take every issue seriously and act promptly.”

What safety protocols do you follow during cleaning?

Why it matters:
Poor safety = risk of injuries or cross-contamination.

Good answer:
“Our team uses PPE, signs, and follows strict hygiene protocols.”

Are you compliant with OSHA and local health regulations?

Why it matters:
Compliance protects you legally and ensures ethical standards.

Good answer:
“Yes—we follow all relevant workplace health and safety guidelines.”

How do you hire and vet your team?

Why it matters:
The quality of your cleaning depends on who they hire.

Good answer:
“We do in-person interviews, reference checks, and trial shifts before onboarding.”

Do you have backup staff for emergencies or sick days?

Why it matters:
No-show cleaners can disrupt your operations.

Good answer:
“Yes—we have a pool of trained floaters who cover unexpected absences.”

What are your contract and cancellation terms?

Why it matters:
Long-term lock-ins or penalties can be costly.

Good answer:
“We offer month-to-month contracts with a 30-day notice period.”

Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?

Why it matters:
It shows confidence in their service.

Good answer:
“Yes. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll re-clean at no cost within 24 hours.”

What sets you apart from other office cleaners?

Why it matters:
This helps you judge value—not just price.

Good answer:
“We focus on communication, detailed checklists, and customer retention. Many of our clients have been with us over 5 years.”

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be cautious if you notice:

• Vague answers around insurance or hiring 
• No references or scripted testimonials 
• Prices that are significantly lower than others 
• Pressure to sign long contracts immediately 
• No clear scope of work or vague service descriptions 

How to Compare Multiple Cleaning Quotes

When comparing providers, make sure you’re looking at the same details:

• Cleaning frequency (daily vs weekly) 
• Included services (kitchens, bins, restrooms, etc.) 
• Who provides the supplies 
• Labour hours per visit 
• Extras like carpet cleaning or window washing 

Ask each company for a service level agreement (SLA) so expectations are crystal clear.

Final Checklist Before You Hire

Before you commit, make sure:

•  Insurance and licensing have been verified 
•  Pricing and scope of work are clearly defined 
• References have been contacted 
• You’re happy with the cleaning schedule 
• The provider has strong communication and quality control 
• There’s a fair contract and cancellation policy 

Conclusion

Hiring a commercial cleaner isn’t just a task on the to-do list—it’s an investment in your workplace wellbeing, reputation, and staff productivity. By asking these 20 questions, you can avoid poor service, safeguard your premises, and find a reliable cleaning partner who genuinely adds value.

Looking for reliable, insured, and detail-oriented office cleaning? Call us Today.