Knowing how to choose a cleaning company comes down to three things: a clear written specification, proof that the company checks its own work, and people you can trust with your keys. Price matters, but a cheap contract that quietly drops half the tasks costs more in complaints and management time.

With offices in Cambridge filling back up after the summer holidays, September is when many businesses notice their cleaning slipping. Here is what we would look for if we were on your side of the table.

What should you ask a cleaning company before signing?

  • Who will actually clean our site? You want the same small team where possible, not whoever is free that night.
  • How are staff vetted? Ask what checks are done before someone is sent to your premises.
  • What insurance do you hold? Ask to see the certificates, not just a line on the website.
  • How do you cover holidays and sickness? A good contractor has trained cover who already know the site.
  • Who is our contact, and how fast do they respond? A named person matters more than a general inbox.
  • What products do you use? Ask about eco-friendly options and COSHH assessments, especially if you have labs or kitchens.

How to choose a cleaning company: start with the specification

The specification is the contract in practice. It should list every area, every task and how often it happens: daily bins and washrooms, weekly dusting, monthly high-level work, and periodic jobs like carpets and windows. It should also say who supplies consumables such as toilet roll and hand soap. A good commercial cleaning contractor walks round your building before quoting, because that is the only way to price the hours honestly.

Red flags when you are comparing quotes:

  • A price given over the phone with no site visit.
  • A vague spec that just says “general clean”.
  • No proof of insurance or staff vetting.
  • A quote far below the others. It usually means fewer hours than the job needs.
  • A long lock-in with no way out if standards drop.

Site audits, keyholding and flexibility

Ask how quality is checked. The best contractors have a supervisor who audits the site against the specification and shares the results with you, so problems get fixed before you have to raise them. If cleaners will hold keys or alarm codes, ask how they are logged and stored. Finally, check flexibility: can they add a deep clean after an event, cover a holiday shutdown or step up washroom checks during a busy period?

How to switch cleaning providers without disruption

Check your current notice period first, and give your new contractor the spec, access details and any site rules well before the start date. Be aware that TUPE may apply, meaning existing cleaners could transfer to the new company, so take advice if you are unsure. Arrange a walk-round in the first week to agree what “good” looks like, then a review after the first month.

Frequently asked questions

How much does commercial cleaning cost?

It depends on the size of the building, the hours needed and how often each task is done. We do not publish set prices for commercial work; every site gets a free, tailored quote.

Can cleaning be done outside office hours?

Yes. Cleans can be scheduled early in the morning, in the evening or at weekends so they do not get in the way of your staff or visitors.

Do cleaners need to hold keys to our building?

Often they do, especially for evening cleans. Ask how keys and alarm codes are stored, who can access them and how they are returned if the contract ends.

How CamClean can help

We provide commercial cleaning across Cambridge and nearby towns from our base in Cambourne, covering offices, laboratories and public sector sites, including work for South Cambridgeshire District Council. Our staff are vetted and insured, and supervisors carry out site audits. Call 01954 783308 or request a free, tailored quote.