Choosing the wrong cleaning company can mean inconsistent service, hidden fees, or staff you don’t trust in your building after hours. Before you sign a contract, here are the 10 things worth checking.
1. Proper Licensing, Insurance, and Bonding
This is non-negotiable. A licensed, insured, and bonded company protects you if something is damaged or someone is injured on the job. Always ask for proof — a reputable provider will share it without hesitation.
2. Experience With Your Specific Industry
Cleaning an office is different from cleaning a warehouse, a medical facility, or a school. Look for a company with direct experience in your industry. See how we approach office cleaning, warehouse cleaning, and school, daycare, and gym cleaning differently, based on each environment’s real needs.
3. A Clear, Itemized Service Checklist
Vague promises like “full cleaning service” aren’t enough. Ask for a written checklist of exactly what’s included at each visit — see our breakdown of what’s included in commercial cleaning services for what a transparent checklist should look like.
4. Flexible Scheduling Options
Your business has its own rhythm. A good provider should offer daily, weekly, or custom schedules, and be able to adjust as your needs change — not lock you into a rigid plan that doesn’t fit your traffic or hours.
5. Trained, Background-Checked Staff
You’re giving this team access to your building, often after hours. Ask whether staff are background-checked, trained, and directly employed (not subcontracted out to unknown third parties).
6. Use of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Harsh chemicals can affect air quality and employee health. Ask if the company offers green cleaning options — it’s a small question that says a lot about how seriously they take your space and your team.
7. Transparent, Itemized Pricing
If a quote is a single flat number with no breakdown, ask for more detail. You should be able to see what you’re paying for: base service, frequency, and any add-ons.
8. Real Client Reviews and Reputation
Check Google reviews, not just testimonials on the company’s own website. A provider with consistent, verifiable reviews (Janitorial Plus has over 500 five-star reviews) is a much safer bet than one with no public track record.
9. Clear Communication and Responsiveness
Test this before you sign. Send a question and see how quickly and clearly they respond. If communication is slow or vague during the sales process, it’s unlikely to improve once you’re a client.
10. A Satisfaction Guarantee
A company confident in its work will stand behind it. Ask what happens if you’re not satisfied with a cleaning — a reputable provider will have a clear answer, not a shrug.
Why Portland Facilities Choose Janitorial Plus
Janitorial Plus has been recognized as one of the Top 50 cleaning companies in the United States, backed by more than 600 five-star reviews from businesses across Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, and Vancouver, WA. Our services include office cleaning, restaurant cleaning, medical office cleaning, post-construction cleanup, window washing, floor care, and more — all from a single provider. Call (877) 697-2977 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a cleaning company is actually licensed and insured? Ask for their license number and a certificate of insurance directly — a legitimate company will provide this without pushback.
Should I choose the cheapest quote I receive? Not necessarily. The lowest quote often excludes services others include as standard. Compare itemized checklists, not just the final price.
Is it normal for a cleaning company to use subcontractors? It happens, but you should always ask. Directly employed, trained staff typically offer more consistency and accountability than subcontracted crews.
How important are online reviews when choosing a cleaning company? Very important. Reviews reveal patterns — consistency, reliability, and how a company handles problems — that a sales pitch won’t show you.
What should I do if I’m not satisfied with a cleaning visit? Ask about this before signing. A reputable provider will have a clear satisfaction guarantee and a simple process for addressing any issues quickly.