The True Cost of Cheap Cleaning Services: Why Quality Matters

January 23, 2025

As a facility manager or business owner, you understand that maintaining a clean, professional environment is crucial for success. However, when faced with numerous cleaning service providers, it's tempting to opt for the lowest bid. While this might seem like a sound financial decision initially, the true cost of cheap cleaning services often exceeds their apparent savings. Unfortunately, it reveals itself after all the time and energy has been utilized to onboard a new service company only to potentially start the entire process over again.

The Hidden Expenses of Budget Cleaning Services

When evaluating cleaning service providers solely on price, you might be unknowingly setting yourself up for a series of costly challenges. Budget cleaning services often cut corners in ways that can significantly impact your facility:

Inadequate Training and High Turnover

Low-cost providers typically invest minimal resources in staff training and retention. This results in:

  • Inconsistent cleaning quality as new, inexperienced staff rotate through your facility
  • Increased security risks due to constant personnel changes
  • Higher likelihood of property damage from improper cleaning techniques
  • More time spent from your team supervising and correcting cleaning issues

Inferior Products and Equipment

To maintain low prices, budget cleaning services often resort to:

  • Using diluted or low-quality cleaning products that provide insufficient sanitization
  • Employing outdated equipment that delivers subpar results
  • Skipping preventive maintenance steps that protect your facility's assets
  • Using harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces and create health risks

The Value Proposition of Quality Commercial Cleaning

Investing in professional cleaning services like COMMAND delivers substantial long-term benefits that extend far beyond basic cleanliness:

Protected Asset Value

Professional cleaning services understand that your facility represents a significant investment. They protect this investment by:

  • Using appropriate cleaning products for different surfaces and materials
  • Following manufacturer-recommended cleaning protocols
  • Effective training for proper chemical usage
  • Identifying and addressing potential maintenance issues before they become problems
  • Maintaining detailed cleaning logs and quality control measures

Enhanced Professional Image

Your facility's cleanliness directly impacts how clients, employees, and visitors perceive your business:

  • Consistently clean and well-maintained spaces reflect positively on your organization
  • Professional appearance helps attract and retain high-value clients and talented employees
  • Reduced risk of negative impressions from overlooked areas or inconsistent cleaning

Long-term Cost Effectiveness

While quality cleaning services may have higher initial costs, they deliver superior value through:

  • Reduced need for expensive deep cleaning or restoration services
  • Lower frequency of replacement for carpets, floors, and other surfaces
  • Fewer emergency cleaning situations requiring premium pricing
  • Decreased liability risks from proper safety protocols and insurance coverage
  • Increase in tenant leasing due to cleanliness and building upkeep. Possible higher lease rates.
  • Increase in tenant lease renewals due to property management hiring quality service vendors.
  • Tenant employees like working in a clean, safe environment. Adds to employee retention.

Building a Partnership for Success

When you choose COMMAND for your facility's cleaning needs, you're not just hiring a service provider – you're gaining a partner committed to your success. The decision to invest in quality cleaning services is an investment in your facility's future. While budget providers might offer attractive initial pricing, the long-term costs of inadequate cleaning can far exceed any temporary savings. COMMAND delivers the professional, reliable service your facility deserves, helping you maintain a clean, healthy, and impressive environment that supports your business objectives.

FAQ’s 

Why should I prioritize quality over cost when choosing a cleaning service?

Choosing a cleaning service based solely on cost often leads to hidden expenses, such as property damage, inconsistent results, and increased management time to address issues. Quality cleaning services provide trained staff, proper equipment, and effective cleaning practices that protect your facility, enhance its appearance, and save money in the long term. Prioritizing quality ensures your workplace remains professional, safe, and welcoming.

What credentials should I look for in a professional cleaning service?

A reputable cleaning service should maintain proper insurance coverage, demonstrate ongoing staff training programs, and hold relevant industry certifications. At COMMAND we pride ourselves on meeting the highest industry standards, maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage, and ensuring all our staff receive thorough ongoing training.

How do I know if my current cleaning service is cutting corners?

The most common signs of subpar cleaning service include inconsistent results between visits, frequent staff turnover, recurring complaints from building occupants, and a lack of proper documentation for cleaning activities. If you notice strong chemical odors after cleaning, visible residue, or if your provider seems resistant to regular performance reviews, these are some of the red flags that indicate corners are being cut.

What should be included in a professional cleaning contract?

A professional cleaning contract should clearly outline the scope of work, cleaning frequency, quality standards, and corrective and communication protocols. It needs to specify how performance will be measured, what products and equipment will be used, and include clear terms for price adjustments and contract renewal. 

How can I measure the ROI of investing in quality cleaning services?

The return on investment from quality cleaning services can be measured through reduced maintenance costs, extended life of surfaces and materials, decreased frequency of deep cleaning needs, and improved workplace health metrics. You should also notice fewer cleaning-related complaints, positive feedback from building occupants, and less time spent managing cleaning issues resulting in more time focused on your core business

logo