Choosing the right janitorial company is one of the most important decisions a Portland business owner can make. Get it right and you have a reliable partner that protects your facility, your employees, and your professional image. Get it wrong and you’re dealing with inconsistent service, damaged property, liability issues, and the headache of starting the search all over again.
This guide covers the 8 most important factors to evaluate before signing a contract with any commercial cleaning company in Portland.
1.Verify Licensing, Insurance, and Bonding
This is non-negotiable. Any legitimate commercial cleaning company operating in Oregon must be properly licensed. Beyond licensing, you need:
General liability insurance — Covers damage to your property caused by the cleaning crew. Without it, you’re responsible for repairs.
Workers’ compensation — If a cleaner is injured in your facility, workers’ comp covers their medical expenses. Without it, you could be liable.
Bonding — Protects you against theft by cleaning employees.
Always ask for proof of insurance before signing any contract. A reputable company will provide it immediately without hesitation. At Janitorial Plus, we’re fully licensed, insured, and bonded in both Oregon and Washington.
2. Check Reviews and Reputation
In Portland’s service market, reputation is everything. Before hiring any cleaning company, check:
Google reviews — Look for companies with 50+ reviews and a consistent 4.5+ star rating. Read the negative reviews carefully — how the company responds tells you a lot about how they handle problems.
Yelp — Janitorial Plus has been named one of Yelp’s Top 50 Cleaning Companies in the USA, based on verified customer reviews.
BBB (Better Business Bureau) — Check for complaints and how they were resolved.
Word of mouth — Ask other Portland business owners in your network who they use and trust.
A company with 100+ five-star reviews has earned that reputation through consistent performance. That consistency is what you’re buying.
3. Ask About Background Checks and Employee Screening
Your cleaning crew will have access to your facility after hours — often alone, with access to sensitive areas, equipment, and documents. Before hiring, ask:
- Does the company run background checks on all employees?
- Are cleaners direct employees or subcontractors?
- What is the employee turnover rate?
High turnover is a red flag — it usually means poor management, low pay, or both. A company with stable, long-term employees delivers more consistent service and gives you better security.
At Janitorial Plus, every team member passes a thorough background check before their first shift. Our crews are consistent — you’ll know the people cleaning your facility.
4. Evaluate Their Experience With Your Type of Facility
Not all commercial cleaning is the same. A company that excels at office cleaning may not have the protocols for a medical office or the equipment for a warehouse. Ask specifically:
- Have you cleaned facilities like mine before?
- What specialized training do your crews have for this type of environment?
- Can you provide references from similar clients?
If you run a restaurant, you need a company that understands health department compliance and commercial kitchen degreasing. If you manage a medical office, you need EPA-registered disinfectants and cross-contamination prevention protocols.
5. Understand Their Cleaning Products and Approach
Ask what products they use and why. This matters for three reasons:
Health and safety — Some commercial cleaning chemicals are harsh and can affect air quality in occupied spaces, especially in medical or food service environments.
Surface compatibility — The wrong product on the wrong surface causes damage. Hardwood floors, natural stone, and sensitive equipment require specific cleaning agents.
Environmental impact — Portland businesses and their employees increasingly expect eco-friendly practices. Companies that use EPA Safer Choice certified products protect your staff and the environment without sacrificing cleaning power.
At Janitorial Plus, eco-friendly products are our standard — not an upgrade. We’ve used non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning agents since 2015 at no extra charge.
6. Get a Detailed Scope of Work in Writing
Never hire a cleaning company based on a verbal agreement or a vague quote. Before signing, you should have a written document that specifies:
- Exactly which areas will be cleaned
- Specific tasks for each area (not just “clean restrooms” but what that includes)
- Cleaning frequency for each task (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Products and equipment to be used
- Who is responsible for restocking supplies
- What happens if a task is missed
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A professional cleaning company will provide this without being asked. If a company resists putting the scope of work in writing, walk away.
7. Clarify Scheduling and Communication
Reliability is the #1 complaint about cleaning companies. Before signing, ask:
- What happens if a crew member is sick or unavailable?
- Do you have backup coverage?
- Who is my main point of contact?
- How do I report a problem or missed task?
- What is your response time for complaints?
The answer should be: we have backup crews, you have a dedicated account manager, and any issue is addressed within 24 hours. Anything less than that is a risk.
8. Don’t Choose on Price Alone
The lowest quote is almost never the best value. A cleaning company that underbids is usually cutting corners somewhere — on insurance, employee training, product quality, or crew size.
Instead of looking for the cheapest option, look for the best value: the company that delivers consistent, documented results at a fair price, backed by insurance, trained staff, and a satisfaction guarantee.
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The true cost of a bad cleaning company includes: inconsistent service, time spent managing complaints, potential liability for uninsured workers, property damage, and the cost of switching companies and restarting the vetting process.
Questions to Ask Before Signing With a Janitorial Company in Portland
Use this checklist when interviewing cleaning companies:
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- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in Oregon?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
- Do you run background checks on all employees?
- Do you have experience with my type of facility?
- What cleaning products do you use?
- Are your products eco-friendly and safe for occupied spaces?
- Will you provide a written scope of work?
- What is your backup plan if a crew member is unavailable?
- Who is my dedicated point of contact?
- What is your process for handling complaints?
- Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Why Portland Businesses Choose Janitorial Plus
- 131+ five-star Google reviews across Portland Metro Area
- Yelp’s Top 50 Cleaning Companies in the USA
- Best Janitorial Service in Gresham 2025
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Oregon and Washington
- Background-checked crews with low employee turnover
- Eco-friendly products at no extra charge since 2015
- Dedicated account manager for every client
- Satisfaction guarantee — if something isn’t right, we fix it within 24 hours
- Serving Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Vancouver WA, and the entire Metro Area
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I verify a cleaning company is licensed in Oregon? A: You can verify business licensing through the Oregon Secretary of State’s website at sos.oregon.gov. Search by business name to confirm active registration and good standing.
Q: What should a commercial cleaning contract include? A: A good commercial cleaning contract should include the scope of work, cleaning frequency, pricing, payment terms, cancellation policy, insurance requirements, and a satisfaction guarantee. Never sign a contract that doesn’t specify exactly what services will be performed.
Q: How long does it take to switch janitorial companies? A: Most transitions take 1 to 2 weeks. A professional company will conduct an on-site assessment, build a custom cleaning plan, orient the crew, and begin service. At Janitorial Plus, we can typically begin service within 5 to 7 business days of signing.
Q: Is it better to hire an employee or a cleaning company for commercial cleaning? A: For most businesses, a professional cleaning company is more cost-effective. You avoid payroll taxes, workers’ comp, benefits, equipment costs, and the management time required for an in-house cleaner. You also get backup coverage, professional training, and liability protection that an individual employee can’t provide.