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.