Not all janitorial providers are created equal. When cleaning crews start cutting corners, the signs can be subtle — until they start affecting your operations. A clean, well-maintained environment impacts employee satisfaction, safety, and even your company’s image.
Here are six key indicators your janitorial provider might be taking shortcuts, along with a few tips on how to get things back on track.
1. You Rarely See or Hear From Supervisors
If your provider only shows up when there’s a complaint, that’s a red flag. Quality janitorial partners perform regular inspections, communicate proactively, and keep you updated. A lack of visibility typically means a lack of accountability.
2. You’re Not Sure What’s Actually Being Done
You probably started with a defined Scope of Work. But if you’re not getting inspection reports, checklists, or performance updates, it’s hard to know if that work is still happening. When documentation disappears, so does trust.
3. Your Facility Doesn’t “Feel” Clean
You don’t have to be an expert to know when a building isn’t being properly maintained. Lingering smells, dust buildup, smudged glass, and a general sense of neglect are signs that cleaning tasks are being skipped or rushed. If it doesn’t feel clean, it probably isn’t.
4. You’re Hearing More Complaints, Even If They’re Small
Offhand comments like “the break room feels dirty” or “the floors always seem sticky” may not seem like a big deal, but they’re often early indicators of deeper problems. A quality provider addresses these issues before you even hear about them.
5. Restrooms Are Clean, But Not Consistently Clean
Restrooms are a clear reflection of your facility’s cleanliness. If they’re spotless one day and neglected the next, your janitorial crew may be rotating tasks based on time instead of sticking to a standard schedule.
6. Supplies Are Constantly Running Low
Empty soap dispensers, overflowing trash bins, or missing paper towels shouldn’t be recurring issues. They point to poor planning, sloppy supply management, or skipped checks — none of which you should tolerate.
What to Do if You Suspect Shortcuts
- Request a walk-through or quality review. Invite your provider to walk the building with you and discuss concerns.
- Revisit the Scope of Work. Ensure it reflects current needs and ask how performance is being tracked.
- Ask for proof. Regular reports and checklists demonstrate accountability.
- Explore better options. If your current provider isn’t improving, consider a partner that takes pride in doing things right.
Why Frantz Building Services Is Different
At Frantz, we don’t just clean, we prove it. Our 4-step service model ensures work is done thoroughly, consistently, and transparently. You deserve a partner who takes your facility as seriously as you do.