What’s commercial cleaning?
Do people understand what you do?
If you’re in a traditional job role, such as nursing or teaching, it’s likely that people have a very clear concept of what you do for a living. But maybe you’re in a very obscure industry, and your job title leaves others baffled.
Believe it or not, we sometimes still have people unsure of what our job exactly entails. They often think that commercial cleaning covers all types of cleaning – basically that we also go into people’s homes. We often find ourselves having to explain our business.
In this article, we look at what commercial cleaning actually is, the different types you’ll find on the market and the benefits it can have for your business.
What’s commercial cleaning?
Commercial cleaning is a professional service that provides thorough cleaning and sanitation services for businesses and commercial properties. It is a B2B service and does not provide cleaning to domestic homes or private customers. It involves the use of specialised equipment, tools, and cleaning agents to ensure that the workplace is clean, hygienic, and safe for a business’s employees and customers.
The importance of commercial cleaning cannot be overstated, especially in light of recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A clean and well-maintained workplace not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a business but also promotes the health and safety of its occupants. Here are some key aspects of commercial cleaning that every business owner should know.
Types of Commercial Cleaning Services
Commercial cleaning services can vary widely depending on the size and type of the business, as well as the specific needs of the client. Some common types of commercial cleaning services include:
- General Office Cleaning – This is the most common type of commercial cleaning and involves basic tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, removing rubbish and mopping. It is usually done on a daily or weekly basis. It is designed to keep a standard office environment clean and tidy for general everyday use.
- Deep Cleaning – This type of cleaning is more intensive than general cleaning and involves tasks such as cleaning behind desks, on top of high shelves, and cleaning extractor fans and electronic equipment such as computers. It is usually done on a quarterly basis or at the beginning of a cleaning contract.
- Additional services – Sometimes more specialised cleaning is required. This can include upholstery or carpet cleaning, or cleaning the inside of ovens.
- Specialised cleaning – Certain industries have specific cleaning requirements. For example, clinical cleaning in healthcare settings, oven/ kitchen cleaning, or high-level industrial cleaning.
Benefits of Commercial Cleaning
The benefits of commercial cleaning are numerous, and they extend beyond just having a clean workplace. Here are some key benefits:
1. Health and Safety
A clean workplace is essential for the health and safety of employees, clients and customers. Regular cleaning can help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria which can lead to illness and infection.
Regular removal of rubbish also ensures that vermin and insects are not attracted to your premises, which also ensures a healthy environment for all.
2. Improved Productivity
A clean and well-maintained workplace can improve employee productivity. No one works well in cluttered, dirty environments. Recent studies have shown that distractions in our visual environment can impede our ability to function.
Ensuring you get a professional clean ensures nothing is distracting your employees from their work and gives them the best chance at operating productively.
3. Improve your brand
This might surprise you, but a clean premise can actually help your marketing efforts.
If clients or customers turn up to your business premises only to find it dirty, cluttered and unhygienic, they are unlikely to think highly of your company, unlikely to buy from you and unlikely to leave good reviews for other potential clients to find. All of this can damage your “brand” by which we mean the “reputation of your business”.
Choosing the right commercial cleaning service
When choosing a commercial cleaning service, it’s important to consider several factors. Here are some tips for choosing the right commercial cleaning service:
1. Get social proof
Ask for references from other businesses that have used the cleaning service. This can provide valuable insight into the quality of service and reliability of the company.
Alternatively, look at Google Reviews on the company’s Google Business Profile, or read any case studies that the company has on their website.
2. Check for Certifications
Make sure that the cleaning service has the necessary certifications and licenses to perform the job. This can help ensure that they have the training and expertise to handle specialised cleaning tasks. The certifications you may require will be different depending on the industry you’re in or the type of building you need to be cleaned. Some things to think about:
- Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, all services that provide health and social care have to adhere to the Care Quality Commission’s health and safety standards. These properties are inspected by the CQC to ensure that they are adhering to these regulations. If you operate within these industries, make sure that your cleaning company provides cleaning services that adhere to CQC standards.
- Cleaning companies should also adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. A reliable commercial cleaning company should ensure the safety of their staff by writing and adhering to a policy that meets COSHH guidelines.
3. Get a personalised quote
While pricing should not be the only factor in choosing a commercial cleaning service, it is important to consider the costs involved. Make sure to get a detailed quote that outlines all the services included and any additional costs.
It can be tempting to agree to a fixed price, but companies that offer packages often charge more. If you want a cost-effective quote, get a bespoke quote, based on a physical inspection of your premises. It will mean you only pay for the services you require and be more cost-effective in the long run.
Commercial cleaning: a business essential
In conclusion, commercial cleaning is an essential service for businesses of all sizes and types. It helps promote a clean, safe, and healthy workplace, which can have numerous benefits for both employees and customers. By choosing the right commercial cleaning service, businesses can ensure that their workplace is always clean and well-maintained.
