How To Tell If Your Cleaning Company Is Cutting Corners

As a business owner or property manager, you rely on your cleaning company to keep your space clean, professional and inviting. But what happens when things start slipping-and you suspect your cleaners may be taking shortcuts?

At Commercial Cleaning of Idaho, we hear it all the time: "Our last company just stopped trying." So how can you tell when a cleaning service is cutting corners? Here are 6 of the biggest red flags:

1. They're Rushing Through the Job
   If your cleaning crew is in and out faster than it takes to run a meeting, chances are they're skipping essential tasks. Quality cleaning takes time-espically in high-touch areas like restrooms, kitchens and shared spaces.

2. Trash is Left Behind
   Trash cans that are still full the next morning or liners that haven't been replaced are more than just inconvenient-they're signs of neglect. This is one of the easiest tasks to monitor, and when it's missed, it usually means other things are too.

3. Dust Buildup in Obvious Areas
   Check baseboards, window sills, light fixtures and the tops of cabinets. If you see dust collecting in easy-to-reach places, it lkikely means they're focusing only on "visible" spots and skipping the rest.

4. Restrooms Look and Smell Unclean
   A clean restroom is essential for employee health and customer satisfaction. If soap dispensers are empty, mirrors are streaked or odors linger-your cleaning team isn't being thorough.

5. Inconsistent Results from Visit to Visit
   Some days your space looks great and other days it's clearly rushed? Inconsistent service often points to poor training, lack of oversight or high staff turnover.

6. No Communication or Accountability
   Are you left in the dark about what was cleaned? Do concerns go unanswered? A trustworthy cleaning partner communicates clearly, responds to feedback and is open about what's included in their checklists.

What You Can Do:

• Document issues with photos or notes to support your concerns.

• Review your service agreement to understand what's promised.

• Speak with your provider and give them a chance to correct the issues.

• Get quotes from other providers if problems continue.

At Commercial Cleaning of Idaho, we believe transparency, consistency and quality should be non-negotiable. Every job is backed by a detailed cleaning checklist, flexible scheduling and a commitment to doing things right-the first time.