Key takeaways
- Look for repeated missed tasks, dirty restrooms, empty dispensers, odors and constantly changing crews.
- Document what you see with dates and photos, then raise it in writing.
- If the pattern continues after a fair chance to fix it, use your contract's exit terms.
Even good cleaning companies have bad weeks. The question is whether you are seeing a one-time problem or a pattern.
Signs that deserve attention
- Restrooms that smell, have dirty fixtures, or run out of supplies
- Trash that is not emptied or liners that are not replaced
- Dust building up on ledges, vents and desks that should be done weekly
- Floors with streaks, sticky spots or visible debris in corners
- Glass and entry doors with fingerprints that stay for days
- Break room counters and sinks that are not clean
- Staff complaints about odors or allergies
- A different crew every visit, or crews who cannot say what is in the scope
- Slow or no response when you report an issue
- Supplies running low without anyone telling you
How to check without guessing
- Compare the work to the written scope and checklist.
- Do a quick walk-through at the same time each week, such as Monday morning.
- Take dated photos of anything you want fixed.
- Look at the sign-in or checklist if the vendor provides one.
What to do
- Send a written note. Keep it factual: what, where and when.
- Ask for a fix by a date. Reasonable vendors will re-clean quickly.
- Ask for a root cause. Was it training, staffing or scope confusion?
- Request a scheduled review. A 15-minute call every month prevents drift.
- Decide after a fair chance. If the same problems come back, it may be time to move on. See how to switch companies.
Fair is fair: Sometimes the scope is the problem. If you expect something that is not written down, discuss adding it. See what to do when service falls short.
A good vendor wants to hear about problems early. If a vendor makes it hard to report them, that is a signal too.