Industrial Cleaning

Minuteman International, Inc.

MPW Industrial Services Group, Inc.

Guide to Industrial Cleaning

Find a trustworthy commercial cleaning company
By R.N. Dolgener

Industrial cleaning companies offer highly sought-after services for large and small businesses alike, and their owners have the opportunity to accept as much work as they can handle. Cleaning companies also offer different cleaning packages and a la carte services, or they may specialize in certain types of businesses and won’t, for example, handle warehouse spaces or food preparation areas.

Cleaning services offer many standard options on as-needed schedules, and use subcontractors for more extensive cleaning tasks. You may hire a company, for example, which offers daily trash and restroom services, but only vacuums, sweeps and mops once or twice weekly. That company may hire carpet cleaning specialists or floor stripping and waxing specialists semiannually or as you request those services.

Selecting the right cleaning services for your business can be as easy as a good reference from another business owner, but may require more investigative work. To start your search out on the right foot, you’ll need to know:

1. What specific services you'll need.
2. How often you'll need specialized, industrial cleaning.
3. How much you're willing to pay.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use your business networking contacts to create a short list Chamber of commerce socials can be a great way to find cleaning services, but don't discount a friendly trip to the business next door. If your company requires specialized services, such as a clean room service, you may want to contact local companies with similar needs and ask which industrial cleaners they've hired, and which ones they'd recommend.

I recommend:  Search online business listing services, such as 1800Contractor.com.

Interview prospective Industrial cleaning companies Meet with the owner of each company you're considering, and conduct an interview. You're not just hiring a commercial cleaning company, you're choosing which group of people will have a key to your building and the code to your alarm system. Conduct reference and background checks, and ask what the company's policies are regarding employee background checks. Ask to see proof of business and liability insurance.

I recommend:  Search for cusomer reviews of the industrial cleaning companies you're researching. Take a tour of the service using your zip code on the Angie's List business rating site.

Evaluate commercial cleaning candidates by the work they do 'Hire' an industrial cleaner for a one-time cleaning during the bidding process. Meet the crew and evaluate techniques and results.

I recommend:  Consult your attorney regarding a mini-contract for the one-time cleaning service, or write it yourself at LawDepot.com. You can also use the link to write your final contract once you've selected a provider for your industrial cleaning needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Finding a company by referral is the best way to find reliable industrial cleaning services.