As a facility manager, you juggle countless responsibilities—from maintaining building operations and coordinating repairs to ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for occupants and visitors. One of the most critical partnerships you’ll ever form is with a professional janitorial service provider.

A quality janitorial team not only keeps your facility clean but also enhances workplace health, preserves property value, and supports your company’s image. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right janitorial service for your specific needs?

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know before hiring a janitorial service that aligns with your goals, budget, and expectations.

Why Professional Janitorial Services Matter

Cleanliness is more than a matter of aesthetics—it’s a vital part of workplace wellness, occupant satisfaction, and business success. Professionally cleaned facilities:

• Reduce the spread of germs and illnesses
• Boost employee productivity and morale
• Present a polished, professional image to clients and guests
• Comply with industry-specific hygiene regulations
• Increase the longevity of fixtures, flooring, and furnishings

Whether you manage a school, office building, warehouse, or healthcare facility, hiring the right janitorial service ensures your cleaning needs are met with consistency, professionalism, and care.

Assess Your Facility’s Specific Needs

Start by evaluating the size, type, and function of your facility. Consider:

• Square footage
• Number of floors and restrooms
• Type of flooring and materials
• High-traffic areas
• Specialized cleaning needs (e.g., medical sanitation, industrial waste handling, eco-friendly products)

Once you understand your building’s requirements, you’ll be better equipped to communicate them clearly to potential service providers.

Understand the Services Offered

Not all janitorial services are created equal. Some companies offer basic nightly cleaning, while others provide full-service solutions, including:

• Restroom sanitation
• Window washing
• Carpet and floor maintenance
• Trash removal and recycling
• Disinfection and deep cleaning
• Green cleaning services
• Event cleanups
• Emergency response

If you’re located in Alberta, for instance, janitorial services Calgary companies like Shen Shine Cleaning offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to a variety of industries, from corporate offices to schools and production facilities.

Check for Certifications and Insurance

Choose a cleaning company that is fully insured, bonded, and certified. These credentials offer protection in the event of accidents, damage, or theft, and they show the company is serious about its professionalism.

Ask about:

• General liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Health and safety certifications (e.g., WHMIS in Canada)
• Training programs and employee background checks
• A professional service will be transparent and provide proof of insurance and compliance.

Ask About Cleaning Schedules and Flexibility

You need a janitorial service that works around your facility’s hours and does not disrupt daily operations. Ask potential providers:

• Do they offer after-hours or weekend cleaning?
• Can they accommodate emergencies or one-time deep cleans?
• Is the cleaning frequency customizable (e.g., daily, weekly, bi-weekly)?
• Flexibility is especially important in industries where schedules fluctuate, like educational institutions, retail spaces, and event venues.

Inquire About Staff Training and Retention

A company is only as good as its people. Make sure the janitorial service you hire invests in training and retains experienced staff.

Look for companies that offer:

• Ongoing staff training on cleaning techniques, equipment, and safety
• Supervisory checks and quality control procedures
• Low turnover, which promotes consistent service and trustworthiness

You want a team that treats your facility as if it were their own—respecting your equipment, property, and security protocols.

Review Contracts, Pricing, and Transparency

Compare proposals from multiple vendors, but don’t base your decision on price alone. Look for:

• Transparent quotes with clear line items
• No hidden fees or surprise charges
• Flexible service agreements with termination clauses
• Trial periods or satisfaction guarantees
• A professional janitorial service will provide clear documentation and be open to discussing contract details.

Check Reviews and References

Reputation matters. Read online reviews, testimonials, and case studies to see how the company performs with other businesses in your area.

Don’t hesitate to ask for client references and follow up with questions such as:

• Are they satisfied with the cleaning quality?
• Are issues addressed promptly and professionally?
• Is communication consistent?
• Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can help narrow down your options quickly.

Go Green When Possible

Environmentally conscious cleaning isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsible choice for modern facilities. If sustainability is important to your organization, ask if the janitorial company:

• Uses eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products
• Offers green certifications (e.g., Green Seal)
• Reduces waste and practices recycling
• This aligns your company with corporate social responsibility goals and improves indoor air quality.

Establish Communication and Reporting Expectations

Clear communication is key to long-term success. Ask how the company handles:

• Reporting (e.g., service logs, issue tracking)
• Customer feedback and satisfaction surveys
• Point of contact for service adjustments or complaints
• The best janitorial providers are responsive and committed to continuous improvement based on your feedback.

Start with a Walkthrough and Site Assessment

Before signing any contract, invite the service provider to tour your facility. This allows them to:

• Understand the layout and cleaning challenges
• Provide a more accurate quote
• Suggest service plans that match your environment
• During this assessment, you can also gauge their professionalism and ability to meet your specific needs.

Shen Shine Cleaning: A Trusted Choice for Facility Managers

If you’re looking for reliable, professional janitorial support in Alberta, Shen Shine Cleaning offers tailored services for a variety of commercial and institutional settings. Known for their attention to detail, flexible scheduling, and commitment to health and safety, Shen Shine Cleaning is a go-to partner for facility managers who want stress-free, top-quality results.

Their experienced team understands the unique challenges of keeping large, high-traffic facilities clean and compliant, while their customizable service packages ensure you only pay for what you truly need.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right janitorial service isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about protecting your facility, your occupants, and your reputation. As a facility manager, aligning with a professional cleaning partner means fewer complaints, fewer risks, and a better day-to-day experience for everyone who enters your building.

Use this guide as your roadmap to finding a service that’s dependable, transparent, and capable of meeting your facility’s evolving needs.