Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Janitorial Service

By Sheena | June 11, 2026

Opening Summary

Questions to ask before hiring a janitorial service are essential vetting questions that help you evaluate a cleaning company’s credentials, experience, training, service scope, pricing, and reliability before signing a contract. These questions matter because choosing the wrong janitorial provider can cost 15–30% more due to poor outcomes, inconsistent staffing, and hidden fees, while liability from uninsured cleaners can expose you to $10,000–$50,000.

The most important takeaway: start with licensing, insurance, and bonding—never hire without verified proof of these credentials.

This article provides 10 critical questions to ask before hiring, explains why each matters, shows how to verify answers, identifies red flags, and helps you avoid common mistakes. You’ll learn industry standards (OSHA, ISSA CIMS), regulatory requirements, and why an experienced professional helps you succeed. Whether you’re a small office manager hiring your first janitorial service or a facility director managing multiple buildings, expert guidance ensures you get reliable, high-quality cleaning without overspending.

What Is This Questions List and How Does It Work?

A list of questions to ask before hiring a janitorial service is a structured vetting tool that helps decision-makers systematically evaluate potential cleaning providers. Unlike casual conversations, these questions ensure you verify credentials, assess training, confirm service scope, and compare value—not just price.

Key roles involved:

Role	Responsibility
Facility Manager/Decision-Maker	Asks questions, evaluates answers, signs contract
Janitorial Service Provider	Answers questions, provides documentation, executes cleaning [
Quality Control Supervisor	From provider; oversees performance, handles issues

Governing rules and industry standards:

OSHA: Workplace safety, chemical handling, PPE requirements
EPA: Environmental compliance, EPA-registered disinfectants
ISSA CIMS: Cleaning Industry Management Standard certification
IICRC: Cleaning and restoration certification
GBAC STAR: Infection prevention accreditation

General process flow:

Define your cleaning needs: Assess facility size, count restrooms, determine frequency
Research providers: Find companies with strong reviews and industry experience
Ask key questions: Use this checklist to evaluate credentials, training, scope
Request documentation: Verify licensing, insurance certificates, bonding
Compare quotes: Get 3+ detailed proposals with service breakdowns
Select and sign: Choose based on value, not just price

What’s included vs. not included:

Typically Included	Typically Not Included (Add-On)
Trash removal, vacuuming, restroom cleaning	Carpet shampooing
Surface disinfection, supply replenishment	Floor waxing
Daily/weekly routine janitorial	Window washing

Real-world example: A medical office needs daily cleaning with high-touch disinfection and GBAC STAR certification. A retail store needs weekly cleaning focusing on entrances without medical certifications. Your questions should match your industry’s specific requirements.

10 Critical Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Janitorial Service

Question #1: Are You Licensed, Insured, and Bonded?

What it is: Confirmation the company is legally registered (licensed), has general liability + workers’ compensation insurance, and is bonded for employee theft protection.

Why it matters: This is the foundation of risk protection. Without licensing, the company may operate illegally. Without insurance, you’re liable if a cleaner is injured ($10,000–$50,000 risk). Without bonding, theft recovery requires legal action.

Real-world consequence: Hiring an uninsured company could cost you $10,000–$50,000 if a cleaner falls and injures themselves on your property. Many businesses skip this check, then face massive liability.

How to verify:

Licensing: Check state website for active license; request license number
Insurance: Request Certificate of Insurance from their agent sent directly to you; verify $1M+ general liability and workers’ comp
Bonding: Ask “Are you bonded?” Request bond certificate

Red flag: If they resist providing documentation or claim “we don’t need it,” walk away.

Question #2: How Many Years Have You Been in Business and What Similar Accounts Do You Service?

What it is: The company’s experience level and track record with businesses similar to yours.

Why it matters: Companies with 3–5+ years in business have proven stability. Experience with similar accounts means they understand your industry’s specific cleaning needs.

Real-world consequence: A company with no history or no similar accounts may lack the expertise to handle your facility’s unique requirements, leading to poor outcomes.

How to verify:

Years in business: Ask directly; verify via business registration
Similar accounts: Request list of current clients similar to yours
Industry experience: Medical, retail, industrial, office—match to your type

Red flag: Less than 2 years in business or no similar accounts suggests limited experience.

Question #3: How Do You Screen, Train, and Certify Your Employees?

What it is: Documentation of employee background checks, reference checks, OSHA 10-hour training, and cleaning technique certifications (ISSA, IICRC).

Why it matters: Properly screened and trained staff deliver consistent quality and follow safety protocols. Poor screening risks theft; poor training leads to damaged equipment or unsafe practices.

Real-world consequence: Untrained staff may use wrong chemicals, damaging floors. Without background checks, companies might hire someone who steals from your office.

How to verify:

Screening: Ask about background checks and reference checks
Training: Request OSHA 10-hour certification documentation
Certifications: Verify ISSA CIMS, IICRC, or GBAC STAR certifications
Consistency: Will the same cleaner maintain your facility?

Red flag: No documented training or unwillingness to share certification details.

Question #4: What Services Are Included in Your Janitorial Plan?

What it is: Comprehensive list of services offered—routine janitorial, deep cleaning, specialized services, eco-friendly options.

Why it matters: A company offering only basic vacuuming won’t meet medical facility disinfection needs. Match services to your industry requirements.

Real-world consequence: Hiring a company that doesn’t offer carpet shampooing means you’ll need a separate provider, adding cost and coordination hassle.

How to verify:

Request detailed list: Daily/routine janitorial, deep cleaning, specialized services
Verify frequency: Daily, weekly, monthly options
Check add-ons: Carpet shampooing, floor waxing, window washing
Confirm customization: Will they create a plan tailored to your facility?

Red flag: Generic service list without customization for your facility.

Question #5: Do You Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?

What it is: Whether the company uses Green Seal-certified products, energy-efficient equipment, and environmentally responsible disposal practices.

Why it matters: Green cleaning reduces environmental impact, improves occupant health, and may be required for LEED-certified facilities.

Real-world consequence: Using non-eco-friendly chemicals in a LEED facility violates certification requirements. Poor sustainability practices harm brand reputation for environmentally conscious businesses.

How to verify:

Ask about products: Green Seal-certified cleaners?
Equipment: Energy-efficient vacuums, buffers?
Disposal: Proper chemical disposal procedures?
Certifications: Green Seal or LEED alignment?

Note: Eco-friendly options cost 10–20% more but many prioritize them for health reasons.

Question #6: Can You Provide References or Reviews From Similar Businesses?

What it is: Online reviews, testimonials, and direct references from businesses similar to yours.

Why it matters: A company’s reputation reflects service quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Reviews provide third-party validation.

Real-world consequence: A company with 100+ positive Google reviews is far more reliable than one with no history or complaints.

How to verify:

Check online reviews: Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau
Request testimonials: From businesses similar to yours
Contact references: Ask directly about their experiences
Years in business: At least 3–5 years for stability

Red flag: No references, negative reviews, or unwillingness to share testimonials.

Question #7: How Will Your Company Communicate With My Business?

What it is: The company’s communication system—dedicated contact person, response time expectations, preferred channels (email, phone, in-person).

Why it matters: Poor communication leads to unresolved issues and frustration. Clear communication ensures expectations are met quickly.

Real-world consequence: A company without a dedicated contact might take 2–3 days to respond to urgent requests. Poor communication causes missed cleanings and disputes.

How to verify:

Dedicated contact: “Will I have a dedicated point of contact?”
Response time: How quickly for urgent requests?
Communication channels: Email, phone, in-person meetings?
Update frequency: Weekly reports? Monthly reviews?

Red flag: No dedicated contact or vague response time expectations.

Question #8: What Are Your Rates and Contract Terms?

What it is: Clear cost breakdown showing services included, supplies, equipment, overtime, special requests, and contract length, cancellation policy, guarantees.

Why it matters: Prices that seem too good to be true often hide fees for supplies, overtime, or add-ons. Transparent pricing protects from surprises.

Real-world consequence: A $1,000/month quote might become $1,400/month once supplies ($200), overtime ($150), and special requests ($50) are added. Hidden fees cost 15–30% more.

How to verify:

Request detailed proposal: Breakdown of services, frequency, materials included
Ask what’s included: Supplies? Equipment? Labor? In base rate?
Confirm what costs extra: Overtime, special requests, add-on services
Review contract terms: Duration, cancellation policy, guarantees

Red flag: Vague pricing, no written contract, or prices significantly below market ($0.05–$0.25/sq. ft. or $25–$60/hour).

Question #9: Do You Offer Tile Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, and Other Specialized Services?

What it is: Availability of deep cleaning and specialized services beyond routine janitorial—tile cleaning, carpet shampooing, floor waxing, post-construction cleanup.

Why it matters: A company offering only basic cleaning won’t meet facilities needing deep cleaning. Matching services to your needs prevents having multiple providers.

Real-world consequence: Hiring a company without carpet shampooing means you’ll need a separate provider, adding cost and coordination hassle.

How to verify:

Ask about specialized services: Tile, carpet, floor waxing, windows
Frequency: When should deep cleaning occur? Quarterly? Annually?
Pricing: Is deep cleaning included or add-on?
Equipment: Do they own specialized equipment?

Red flag: No specialized services or unwillingness to provide deep cleaning.

Question #10: How Frequently Should Cleaning Occur and Do You Offer Incentives for Year-Long Contracts?

What it is: Recommended cleaning frequency based on your facility type and any discounts for annual contracts.

Why it matters: Frequency affects total cost and cleanliness level. Annual contracts often provide 10–20% savings versus monthly agreements.

Real-world consequence: Under-cleaning (monthly instead of weekly) leads to deteriorating cleanliness. Over-cleaning (daily instead of weekly) wastes money.

How to verify:

Recommended frequency: Based on your industry (medical = daily, office = weekly)
Annual contract incentives: Discounts for year-long commitment?
Flexibility: Can frequency change as needs evolve?
Cost comparison: Monthly vs. annual pricing

Red flag: No flexibility or unwillingness to adjust frequency.

The Real Cost of Getting Questions Wrong

Financial costs: Asking the wrong questions (or not asking) leads to hiring the wrong company, resulting in contract changes, premium rates for add-ons, or switching providers. The cheapest contract often costs 15–30% more. Uninsured liability = $10,000–$50,000.

Time costs: Re-negotiating contracts and managing disputes takes 2–4 weeks per incident.

Emotional costs: Inconsistent cleaning frustrates employees and customers. Poor cleanliness damages morale and client relationships.

Long-term consequences: Skipping proper vetting leads to theft, equipment damage, or safety violations.

Most costs are avoidable: Asking all 10 questions and verifying answers prevents 80%+ of problems.

How an Experienced Professional Helps You Ask the Right Questions

An experienced commercial cleaning professional provides:

Guidance through every step: From needs assessment to questioning providers to contract negotiation
Proper preparation: Accurate facility measurement, frequency planning, service prioritization
Risk management: Verifying credentials, ensuring compliance, planning contingencies
Dispute resolution: Handling service quality issues, adjusting scope
Compliance: Ensuring providers meet OSHA, EPA regulations; verifying certifications

Questioning Strategies

Strategy 1: Comprehensive Questioning (All 10 Questions)

How it works: Ask all 10 questions with detailed follow-ups for each.

When appropriate: Initial provider selection, major contract changes.

Limitations: Time-intensive (2–4 weeks), but prevents major mistakes.

Strategy 2: Essential Questions Only (Top 5)

How it works: Focus on licensing, insurance, bonding, training, and service scope.

When appropriate: Quick renewals, limited provider pool.

Limitations: May miss important quality indicators.

Strategy 3: Industry-Specific Questions

How it works: Tailor questions to medical, retail, industrial, or office cleaning with specialized certifications.

When appropriate: Health-sensitive facilities, LEED-certified buildings.

Limitations: Fewer providers qualify.

What to Do If You Are Currently Hiring a Janitorial Service

Step-by-step checklist:

Define cleaning requirements: Assess facility size, count restrooms, determine frequency
Research companies: Find providers with strong reviews and industry experience
Ask all 10 questions: Use this article as your guide
Request documentation: Licensing, insurance certificate, bonding proof
Get 3+ detailed quotes: With service breakdowns
Verify credentials: Check state website for licensing; contact insurance provider
Check references: Contact references directly; read online reviews
Compare communication: Dedicated contact? Response time?
Review contract terms: Duration, cancellation, guarantees
Select based on value: Not just price

How to Choose the Right Janitorial Provider Using These Questions

Checklist:

Criteria	What Questions to Ask
Experience & Credentials	Q1 (licensed/insured/bonded), Q2 (years in business)
Subject-Matter Expertise	Q2 (similar accounts), Q4 (services included)
Clear Communication	Q7 (communication system)
Availability & Responsiveness	Q7 (response time, dedicated contact)
Comprehensive Approach	Q4 (services), Q9 (specialized services)
Long-Term Focus	Q10 (annual contract incentives)

Common Mistakes People Make With These Questions

Not asking about licensing/insurance: Exposes you to $10,000–$50,000 liability
Hiring based on price alone: Cheapest contract costs 15–30% more
Skipping references: Misses reliability and quality insights
Not verifying documentation: Assuming verbal claims are true
Not asking about services: Limited scope leads to gaps
Not interviewing multiple companies: Overpay 15–30%
Not asking about communication: Poor responsiveness causes disputes
Not having a written contract: No protection against surprises

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask before hiring a janitorial service?

Top 10: Licensed/insured/bonded? Years in business/similar accounts? Employee screening/training? Services included? Eco-friendly products? References/reviews? Communication system? Rates/contract terms? Specialized services? Cleaning frequency/annual incentives?

Are you licensed, insured, and bonded? Why does this matter?

This is the foundation of risk protection. Without these, you face legal and financial liability.

How do I verify insurance?

Request Certificate of Insurance from their agent. Verify coverage and contact provider.

What certifications should janitorial companies have?

OSHA Safety, ISSA CIMS, GBAC STAR, Green Seal, IICRC.

How many years should a company be in business?

At least 3–5 years for stability.

What training must employees complete?

OSHA 10-hour training, background checks, cleaning technique certification.

Are eco-friendly products worth it?

Yes, 10–20% more but improves health and environmental impact.

How do I check references?

Contact directly; ask about service quality, reliability, issues

What’s included in routine janitorial?

Trash removal, vacuuming, restroom cleaning, surface disinfection

What are common add-on services?

Carpet shampooing, floor waxing, window washing

How often should cleaning occur?

Medical = daily; offices = weekly; warehouses = monthly

What are annual contract incentives?

10–20% savings versus monthly agreements

How do I verify licensing?

Check state website; request license number

What’s a dedicated point of contact?

Specific person for issues, updates, communication

What response time is acceptable?

Within 24 hours for urgent requests

How do I know if a quote is too low?

Below $0.05/sq. ft. or $25/hour often excludes supplies

What’s the difference between routine and deep cleaning?

Routine = daily/weekly; deep = quarterly/annual

Should I get a yearly contract?

Yes—10–20% savings

What red flags should I watch for?

No insurance proof, vague quotes, no references, low prices

What if I’m not satisfied with service?

Ask about complaint resolution; good companies respond quickly

How long does selection take?

2–4 weeks

What is GBAC STAR?

Infection prevention accreditation for healthcare

What is ISSA CIMS?

Management standards and training certification

How do I specify cleaning expectations?

Discuss areas, cleanliness level, specific requests

What’s the most important question?

Licensed, insured, and bonded—it protects you from liability

Key Rules, Laws, and Standards

OSHA: Workplace safety, OSHA 10-hour training for janitorial staff
EPA: Chemical disposal, EPA-registered disinfectants
ISSA CIMS: Management standards and training
State Licensing: Most states require licensing

Conclusion

Asking the right questions to ask before hiring a janitorial service is essential for selecting a qualified provider. The top 10 questions cover licensing, insurance, bonding, experience, training, service scope, eco-friendly products, references, communication, pricing, specialized services, and frequency.

Never choose based on price alone—verify credentials independently, ask all 10 questions, and prioritize value over lowest price.

Most mistakes—skipping insurance verification, hiring based on price, not asking about services—are avoidable with thorough questioning.

Ready to hire the right janitorial service? Contact RBM Services for guidance on asking the right questions, verifying provider credentials, comparing quotes, and avoiding common mistakes. Our experienced team helps businesses find reliable cleaning partners that deliver consistent quality and value.

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance. Credentials and costs vary by location. Verify all credentials directly before signing contracts.

Posted in Featured and tagged Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Janitorial Service