🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Commercial Cleaning Partner

As your partner in all things commercial cleaning, DBS Building Solutions is committed to helping your business find successful janitorial and cleaning solutions that are tailored to your business. As a provider in this industry for many years, helping businesses all around the country, we’re very familiar with what it takes to achieve this success, and are here to provide you with an easily usable guide to vet out a quality commercial cleaning company, allowing you to find one that is the perfect fit for your business. 

1. Define Your Facility’s Cleaning Needs

Before reviewing vendors, outline exactly what your specific facility requires:

  • What type of building are you managing (office, medical, industrial, retail, etc.)?
  • How often does each area need cleaning?
  • Are there any special compliance standards (OSHA, HIPAA, LEED, etc.)?

Tip: Create a list of high-priority areas like restrooms, lobbies, or production zones. This helps cleaning providers tailor their proposals to your real needs.

2. Verify Experience and Certifications

Any reliable commercial cleaning company should have proven experience in your industry and maintain up-to-date credentials.

When searching for commercial cleaning companies, ask about:

  • Industry-specific experience (e.g., healthcare, education, corporate)
  • Safety training certifications
  • Insurance coverage (general liability, workers’ comp)
  • Quality assurance processes

✅ Pro Tip: Companies like DBS Building Solutions work with vetted teams trained in diverse environments—from medical offices to industrial sites—ensuring compliance and consistency. Make sure this is the case when you are hiring for your specific sector!

3. Evaluate Cleaning Processes and Equipment

Technology and products matter. The best partners use modern equipment, eco-friendly products, and detailed protocols for disinfection.

Evaluation Area

What to Look For

Why It Matters

Equipment & Tools

HEPA-filter vacuums, electrostatic sprayers, microfiber systems

Improves cleaning efficiency and air quality

Products Used

Green Seal or EPA-approved disinfectants

Reduces toxins and promotes sustainability

Processes

Documented cleaning checklists and inspection reports

Ensures consistency and accountability

4. Ask About Communication and Reporting

Strong communication keeps operations smooth. Ask how you’ll receive updates and report issues to the commercial cleaning company working in your facility.

Look for:

  • A dedicated account manager or point of contact
  • Regular performance inspections
  • Digital reporting tools or cleaning logs
  • Fast response time for special requests or emergencies

Example: DBS clients benefit from consistent reporting and open communication—so facility managers never have to guess if the job was done right.

5. Compare Pricing and Value

Pricing for janitorial and cleaning services is important—but value and reliability are what save money long-term. Compare bids based on the scope of service, consistency, and measurable outcomes—not just the lowest cost.

Factor

What to Evaluate

How to Score (1–5)

Service Scope

Full coverage of daily, weekly, and deep cleaning needs

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Reliability

Consistent team, low turnover, quality control

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Flexibility

Ability to adjust schedules or add services

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Communication

Responsiveness and transparency

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Cost vs. Value

Balance between price and professionalism

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

6. Request References and Site Walkthroughs

Before signing a contract with a commercial cleaning company, ask for references or visit a facility they currently service. You’ll get a firsthand look at their quality standards.

Questions to Ask References:

  • Are they consistent and reliable?
  • How quickly do they respond to issues?
  • Have they adapted well to special requests or emergencies?

7. Review the Contract Carefully

Finally, when you are ready to choose a commercial cleaning company, ensure everything is clearly outlined in writing:

  • Service scope and frequency
  • Supplies included or excluded
  • Cancellation terms
  • Performance review process

Tip: A clear contract sets expectations upfront—and prevents costly misunderstandings later. Protect yourself by reviewing this carefully!

✅ Downloadable Checklist: Compare Your Cleaning Partners

Use this scoring checklist to rank up to three vendors side-by-side.
You can create a simple Excel or PDF version of this table for facility managers to use during evaluations.

Criteria

Vendor A

Vendor B

Vendor C

Industry Experience

☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Fair

Certifications & Insurance

☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Fair

Green Cleaning Practices

☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Fair

Communication & Reporting

☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Fair

Cost Transparency

☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Fair

Response Time

☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Fair

Quality Control Program

☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Fair

🧹 Why Facility Managers Choose DBS Building Solutions

DBS Building Solutions connects facility managers with pre-screened, professional cleaning teams across industries and regions. Every partner is trained to meet high standards of quality, safety, and consistency—so your building stays spotless and compliant without the stress of daily oversight.

Whether you manage one office or multiple locations, DBS delivers the reliability and accountability every facility deserves.

Final Takeaway

Selecting a cleaning partner isn’t just about keeping floors shiny—it’s about finding a company that becomes an extension of your operations team. Use the checklist above to make your choice with confidence, and focus on what you do best: running your facility efficiently.

Contact DBS Building Solutions today to learn more about how we can help your business!