.jpg)
.jpg)
Managing an office or a commercial building in a big city like London demands agility and a lot of multitasking from an office manager. Even the smallest detail, if not executed properly, can cause a big disruption. Cleaning is one of the most vital areas of keeping a space managed to high standards.
This is where you need a cleaning company to come in. Compared to other options such as in-house staff or cleaning contractors, having a cleaning company means you have access to highly trained professionals that can attend to your busy schedules, not to mention the advantage of always having a cover and not having to worry about sick days, for example.
That’s why most facilities managers rely on a cleaning company, which should actually do much more than just cleaning – especially in a busy city like London. It involves providing staff to attend to a busy cleaning schedule, offering flexibility when it comes to out of hours events and, of course, taking care of the right products to be used and making sure all is carried out safely.
Amongst so many options of professional cleaning companies in London, it can seem an overwhelming choice. In this article, we will list the mistakes you should avoid before you consider which company you should hire.
1. Not knowing exactly what a cleaning company is responsible for
This can be a big cause of frustration in the future between you and the chosen company, so you should ensure you know exactly what they offer and what’s included with each service. Most cleaning companies offer services such as:
Anti-viral fogging
A powerful cleaning technique that offers protection against viruses and bacteria in the workplace, including Covid-19. It’s recommended in areas where there are hard to reach surfaces and where people occupation is high.
General cleaning
The most standard type of cleaning, suitable for commercial but also residential properties. In an office, it includes cleaning of reception, kitchen and toilets as well as common areas. Other services include sanitising surfaces and touchpoints, vacuuming and emptying bins.
Carpet cleaning
Another service offered by cleaning companies, carpet cleaning is recommended for when you want to target or prevent allergies or skin irritations. By using the right chemicals, a professional carpet cleaning service kills bugs and bacteria that might be in your carpet, making it less risky for it to spread diseases and cause skin irritations.
Technical cleaning
This category includes a wider range of services, from ICT cleaning to bio-hazard cleaning. ICT is the process of cleaning Information and Communications Technology, such as computers and printers. Bio-hazard cleaning includes cleaning of areas where there is a risk or hazard to other people, such as crime scenes and houses affected by hoarding, including waste removal.
Window cleaning
Whether you’re in an office or a shop, a window cleaning service will make your windows sparkle, getting rid of stains from external elements such as raindrops and air pollution.
No matter which of these services you choose, ensure you understand what’s included in the contract. On the day of the cleaning, it’s also recommended that you prepare for the service to be carried out. It might also be a good idea to meet the cleaning crew and go through the tasks to be done, to make sure your expectations will be met.
2. Choosing the cheaper option instead of the best value
To help a better negotiation, you should have a basic idea of how much cleaning services cost. They can vary quite a lot depending on the job, with general cleaning costing from £15 per hour and a carpet cleaning job is a minimum of £100.
To make a better assessment, you need to think about how long the cleaning service will be needed and how regularly. Don’t worry if you are not 100% sure, the cleaning company will be able to provide a better estimate based on what your needs are.
This is when you need to be transparent and clear so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. A lower-cost company might have a lot of extras that you didn’t account for at the time of signing the contract.
3. Forgetting to ask about important details
As explained in the topic above, it’s important you find out what’s included in the service you hire, in detail, otherwise, you can be left disappointed with the job. Sometimes, special requests – such as out of hours jobs - will be charged at an extra cost.
Make sure you know what’s included in your contract and what will need to be paid in addition to that. One important detail that can go unnoticed is if the company provides their cleaning products and equipment.
If not, the total cost should be lower than a competitor who provides them. And of, course, don’t be afraid to negotiate to get the best deal!
4. Not checking for insurance and certifications
This should go without saying but it’s vital that you ask for proof of valid insurance before making your final decision. There are also a few accreditations in the cleaning industry and you should be asking the potential cleaning company if they have any – it’s just extra proof they deliver a good level of service.
5. Making your decision in a hurry and not getting things in writing
Sure, you might be under pressure to pick a cleaning company but be aware this is a decision that will impact your every day and you might be committed for a long time depending on the contract.
So be sure to take your time analysing carefully each option, speaking to their representatives and trying to get an idea of how the relationship will be in the future. And once you have made your decision, ensure any communication with the company of choice is confirmed in writing.
Have a list of tasks you want the cleaning professionals to perform and be clear about your expectations. With the steps above, you should be able to find the best choice according to your needs and have that peace of mind knowing your cleaning duties will be taken care of.