A clean office space creates a positive impression on visitors while promoting a healthy and productive environment for employees. But cleaning the office doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive. Business owners can outsource the job to simplify the process and reap numerous benefits. Below, we’ve discussed the key responsibilities, benefits, and approximate charges of office cleaning contractors. We’ve also listed a few handy tips for finding and choosing a good service provider.

What do office cleaning contractors do?
Office cleaning contractors, or commercial cleaning contractors, provide specialized cleaning services for various commercial establishments. The key responsibilities of these professionals or companies include:

• Regular cleaning
  Contractors provide routine cleaning services that cover tasks like dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors.
• Surface disinfection
  They use disinfectants to thoroughly sanitize high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, shared equipment, and workstations.
• Restroom cleaning
  Any commercial establishment must have clean and well-stocked restrooms. Cleaning contractors ensure restroom sanitation and regular replenishment of supplies.
• Trash removal
  Cleaning contractors empty trash bins daily and dispose of waste to prevent odors and clutter.
• Floor care
  They may provide specialized floor cleaning services, including carpet cleaning, hardwood floor maintenance, and tile and grout cleaning.
• Window cleaning
  Some offer window cleaning services to keep windows spotless and streak-free.
• Customization
  Depending on the business’s specific needs, the provider may offer additional services like upholstery cleaning, deep cleaning for specific areas, and exterior building cleaning.
• Emergency cleaning
  They step in to clear unexpected spills or meet other urgent cleaning needs.

General cost of office cleaning contractors
The cost can vary based on several factors, including the office’s size, location, and the type and frequency of cleaning. Generally, office cleaning costs are calculated per square foot and can range from $0.07 to $0.19 per square foot. In terms of hourly charges, it can be about $33 per hour. A 1,000-square-feet office space that requires basic cleaning twice a week may come up to a monthly cost of $100 to $150. Business owners can contact cleaning companies for quotations and a more accurate cost.

Why hire a cleaning contractor?
The following are a few reasons to outsource the job to professionals:

• Expertise and specialization
  Cleaning contractors possess the knowledge, training, and experience to efficiently handle various cleaning tasks using the best practices and specialized equipment.
• Consistent quality
  They follow established procedures that can help deliver consistent, high-quality results.
• Professional training
  Contractors train their staff to ensure they’re well-equipped to handle various cleaning challenges effectively and safely.
• Time efficiency
  Professionals work efficiently to complete tasks without disrupting business operations.
• Hygiene and wellness
  Thorough disinfection reduces the spread of germs and illnesses, lowering employee absenteeism.
• Cost-effectiveness
  While contractors charge a fee for their services, they’re cost-effective in the long run. Businesses can save on expenses related to cleaning equipment, supplies, and training one’s staff.
• Liability coverage
  Reputable cleaning contractors typically carry liability insurance and bonding, safeguarding businesses against potential accidents or damages during cleaning.
• Flexibility and convenience
  Contractors offer flexible scheduling options. After assessing their needs, businesses can choose between daily, weekly, or monthly cleaning schedules.
• Peace of mind
  A reliable cleaning contractor ensures one’s workspace is consistently well-maintained, eliminating concerns about the job.
• Adaptable
  As a business grows or experiences change, cleaning contractors can adapt their services to meet its evolving needs.

Where to find office cleaning contractors?
Finding reputable office cleaning contractors nearby is crucial for a hassle-free experience. Here are a few places to look:

• Online directories
  Business owners can visit online directories and platforms like Google My Business and Yelp to find cleaning services nearby. These platforms often publish client reviews and ratings.
• Referrals
  One can ask local businesses, colleagues, or friends for recommendations. Personal referrals tend to be honest and trustworthy and provide insight into the quality of a contractor’s service.
• Professional networks
  Professional networks like LinkedIn can help connect with local cleaning contractors or seek professional recommendations from one’s connections.

What to consider before hiring a contractor?
Business owners should research before outsourcing their cleaning tasks. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Contracts and agreements
  One should have a clear, detailed contract in place. It should outline the services to be provided, the frequency of cleaning, the cost, and any terms and conditions for smooth functioning.
• Insurance and license
  One should ensure the cleaning contractor is licensed and has proper liability insurance to cover potential accidents or damages during cleaning.
• Customer service and communication
  Business owners should maintain open communication with the contractor and choose a service that implements feedback and promptly addresses concerns.
• Environmentally-friendly practices
  Contractors who use environmentally responsible products and practices minimize a business’s ecological footprint while promoting its employees’ health and well-being.
• Trial period
  One can consider starting with a short trial period to assess the contractor’s performance before committing to a long-term agreement.