Is Your Office at Risk? How Poor Cleaning Practices Can Lead to Cross-Contamination

Here’s a scenario no one wants to imagine: the same rag used to clean a toilet is also used to wipe down your office desk. Sounds shocking, but it can happen if your cleaning service doesn’t follow clear systems. Cross-contamination is a real concern in commercial cleaning, and if your janitorial provider isn't careful, your workspace could be exposed to unnecessary health risks.

How Cross-Contamination Happens in Offices

Cross-contamination occurs when germs and bacteria are spread from one place to another due to improper use of cleaning tools. A janitor with a fully loaded cleaning cart might use a rag in a restroom, toss it back on the cart, and later use that same cloth in an office area. Without rules in place to prevent this, it’s easy for restroom germs to end up on desks, phones, doorknobs, and other commonly touched surfaces.

What a Quality Cleaning Service Should Be Doing

If you want to avoid this kind of issue, your cleaning contractor should have the following three safeguards built into their process:

1. Planned Cleaning Routes with Dedicated Equipment

The cleaning process should be organized to reduce risk. Ideally, different staff members are assigned to specific parts of the building—some for restrooms, others for offices or common areas. Even when only one cleaner is working, they should follow a set route and use separate tools for each section. Using a different cart or cleaning kit for bathrooms versus office areas is a simple yet powerful way to stop germs from spreading.

2. Area-Specific Cleaning Rags

A responsible janitorial company uses cloths and tools designed for specific jobs. This might mean using color-coded rags—such as red for restroom fixtures, blue for office furniture, and green for kitchen surfaces. This system helps prevent confusion and ensures the same rag isn’t used across multiple environments. Some companies may also use disposable wipes in restrooms to eliminate the chance of reusing contaminated cloths.

3. Proper Employee Training

Even the best procedures won’t work if cleaners haven’t been properly trained. A reputable cleaning service provides detailed instruction to new employees, helping them understand how to avoid cross-contamination. Training should include an orientation period, on-the-job practice, and regular check-ins by supervisors. Cleaners need to know not only what to do, but why these methods matter for health and safety.

Why This Matters for Your Business

There are many janitorial providers out there, but not all of them take the time to implement professional standards. Because it’s easy to start a cleaning company, the industry includes vendors with little or no formal training. That’s why it's important to ask questions about how a company manages cleaning tools, routes, and training. Choosing the wrong provider could lead to unwanted bacteria being spread throughout your office.

Final Thoughts

Don’t take a chance on the cleanliness of your workplace. Cross-contamination might not be visible, but its effects can be very real. The good news is it’s entirely preventable. By hiring a cleaning service that uses separate rags for different tasks, follows structured cleaning routes, and trains its staff properly, you can be confident your office is being cleaned safely and thoroughly. Your team deserves a space that’s not just tidy—but truly sanitary.

3 Types of Janitorial Companies You Shouldn’t Hire

Choosing a janitorial service is an important decision. The right company will keep your facility clean and running smoothly, while the wrong one can lead to frustration, wasted money, and a messy situation—literally. So how do you avoid hiring a company that won’t meet your expectations? What red flags should you watch for?

Here are three types of janitorial companies you’ll want to skip. Avoiding these businesses will save you the hassle of dealing with poor service and unmet expectations.

The "No Experience with Your Facility" Company

Hiring a janitorial company that has never worked in a facility like yours is a risky move. Different buildings require different cleaning techniques, and what works for an office might not be enough for a medical center, retail store, or industrial facility. A company without the right experience may struggle with compliance, overlook key cleaning needs, or fail to maintain the level of cleanliness your facility requires. Choosing a provider with direct experience in your industry ensures they know how to handle the unique challenges of your space.

The "Out-of-Town" Cleaning Company

Many cleaning businesses expand into new areas to gain more clients, but if they don’t have a strong local presence, they may not be able to support your facility properly. Janitorial services require hands-on management, quick response times, and accountability. A company that operates from another city or state may struggle to address concerns in a timely manner. Without local supervisors to oversee quality control, you could end up with inconsistent service and no one readily available to fix the problems.

The "We Do Everything" Janitorial Company

Imagine you need to hire a contractor to build your house. One option is an experienced home builder who specializes in high-quality construction. The other option is a handyman who fixes plumbing, repairs roofs, and has built a couple of houses along the way. Unless you’re willing to gamble on the quality of your home, you’d likely go with the specialist.

The same applies when choosing a cleaning company. Some janitorial businesses try to take on every type of job, from small office cleaning to large-scale industrial projects, without actually specializing in anything. These generalist companies often lack the expertise to provide consistent, high-quality results. A company that focuses on facilities like yours will be better equipped to meet your needs.

Find a Cleaning Company That Fits

Selecting the right janitorial service is all about fit. Do they have experience cleaning facilities like yours? Do they have local management who can respond quickly? Do they specialize in the type of service your business requires? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you’ve found a strong candidate for the job.

By taking the time to vet potential cleaning companies and avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a successful, long-term partnership with a janitorial service that truly meets your needs.

6 Indicators Your Cleaning Service is Failing You

And what you can do to fix it

If your facility isn’t as clean and organized as it should be, your janitorial provider might not be meeting expectations. There are many potential reasons for this—maybe they underpriced the contract, experienced a shift in management, or started prioritizing other accounts over yours.

So, how do you know if your cleaning company is no longer delivering the service you need? Here are SIX warning signs that suggest they may no longer be committed to your business.

1. Your Employees Are Complaining More Frequently

Your cleaning crew is there to make the workplace more comfortable and productive. While an occasional oversight is understandable, frequent complaints like, “The paper towels are always empty in the restrooms,” or “Nobody has vacuumed my office in weeks,” are red flags. This level of feedback suggests the cleaning team isn’t giving your facility the attention it needs.

2. Management is No Longer in Touch

When you first signed on with the company, their management team likely checked in often to ensure everything ran smoothly. But if you can’t recall the last time they proactively reached out, or you rarely see them, it could mean your account is no longer a priority.

3. Slow Responses to Service Issues

istakes and missed tasks happen, but when you bring up issues like overflowing trash or missed cleanings, you should expect a quick resolution. If calls and emails are left unanswered or responses are delayed, it’s a clear indication that your contractor may be too busy—or simply doesn’t value your account as much as they should.

4. The Cleaning Team Keeps Changing

Turnover is common in the janitorial industry, but constant staff changes can signal bigger problems. If you’re seeing new faces every week or a sudden complete swap in the team without prior notice, it could indicate poor management or deeper issues within the company.

5. They’re Using Worn-Out Equipment

Does the cleaning team use broken or outdated tools? If you see duct-taped vacuums, fraying mop heads, or other poorly maintained equipment, it could mean the contractor isn’t reinvesting in their operations. This neglect often reflects a lack of dedication to maintaining high service standards.

6. Your Point of Contact Keeps Changing

If you’ve had multiple account managers in a short time, it’s often a sign of instability within the company. High turnover in leadership positions can disrupt the consistency and quality of service your facility receives.

What Can You Do If You Notice These Problems?

If you recognize any of these issues, follow these steps to address them:

1. Hold a Meeting with Your Vendor

Schedule a discussion and bring specific examples of your concerns, such as, “Why is the cleaning crew different every week?” or “Why has response time gone from hours to days?” Understanding the underlying causes is the first step toward resolution.

2. Clearly Communicate Your Expectations

Sometimes, service standards may not have been fully explained in the beginning. Sit down with your vendor and outline what’s most important to your team. Give them time to implement improvements.

3. Be Ready to Transition if Necessary

Most cleaning contracts include a 30-day termination clause for unsatisfactory performance. If the company can’t meet your expectations, it’s wise to begin looking for a new provider.

4. Draft a Request for Proposal (RFP)

Once you’ve given notice to your current vendor, start preparing an RFP to identify potential replacements. If your vendor does improve, you’ll have an updated draft ready for the next contract period. If not, you’ll be prepared to make a smooth transition.

By keeping an eye out for these warning signs and taking action, you can ensure your facility stays well-maintained and your cleaning service meets the high standards your team deserves.