When choosing a cleaning service, you'll generally have large national cleaning companies and small, local organizations competing for your business. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but as long as you're dealing with well-trained, experienced cleaning companies, either choice could work for your business. Instantly compare our multiple commercial cleaning companies to find the best fit.

Large cleaning companies can usually offer more technologically advanced equipment that can translate to cleaner environments and/or less time to clean. For a small office, a cleaning company that uses basic equipment and supplies may be all you need. However, better equipment may be required to address specific concerns. For example, you may have employees with severe allergies, which would lead you to hire cleaning companies who use industrial vacuums with HEPA filters (to limit the dust in the air) or microfiber mops and cloths.

Another advantage of larger cleaning companies is that they can send alternate personnel to your office if you're not happy with their original work. On the other hand, they tend to be less flexible on their rates and since you are one of several accounts, you may not get personalized attention.

The more community-based "Mom & Pop" outfits - either homegrown businesses or franchise operations - make up for their smaller budgets with a strong community presence and family business appeal. However, they may not have the staff to provide larger services, or the bells and whistles some companies need.

Before speaking with any cleaning company, first assess your company's needs. Determine what type of cleaning you need done, how often you need it, and if you require any special services. Make sure you have realistic expectations - you may want your office to be as clean as a whistle after the cleaners are done, but that may cost more than you're willing to spend. Also, get a sense for how soon you would like the cleaning service to start - some cleaning companies can get started the same day you agree on a contract; others take several weeks and several follow-up meetings before your first scheduled cleaning.

You should then meet with several companies at your facility to see what they offer. Have each company do a complete walkthrough to see what cleaning package and special services they recommend. They'll submit proposals detailing what they would do and at what cost, allowing you to decide which company to hire.

To make sure you're dealing with a reputable cleaning company, examine all of their documentation:

• Check their insurance and bond certification - proof that the cleaning service put money into escrow as protection against failing to deliver their services or damaging any of your property.
• Ask to see proof of background checks and results of drug tests they require of their employees.
• Call national cleaning organizations or the Better Business Bureau to confirm they are members in good standing.
• Find out if you can speak with a live person should you have questions or concerns about your cleaning services.
• Review contracts carefully to ensure that everything agreed upon - and nothing else - is in writing.

The best way to gauge a business' reputation is to request 3-4 references to find out what their experience was with a particular cleaning service. If possible, ask for references from businesses similar to yours. Make sure to get information on the cleaning company's quality of work, customer service practices, and reliability.