Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Hiring Commercial Cleaners in Edmonton

Hiring a commercial cleaning service sounds simple—until it isn’t. You want a clean, healthy workspace, but picking the wrong company can lead to headaches, wasted money, and even safety risks. If you're a business owner or office manager in Edmonton, here are five common mistakes to avoid when hiring commercial cleaners.

1. Not Checking Credentials or Insurance

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming all cleaning companies are licensed and insured. They’re not. And if something goes wrong—like damage to your property or an injury on-site—you could be on the hook.

Before hiring, ask for proof of business licensing, liability insurance, and Workers’ Compensation coverage. A reputable commercial cleaning company in Edmonton should have no problem providing these. If they hesitate, take that as a red flag and move on.

2. Hiring Based on Price Alone

We all want to save money where we can, but going with the cheapest option isn't always the smartest move. Some low-cost cleaners cut corners. They might use low-grade supplies, skip steps, or rush through jobs just to keep their prices low.

This can leave your space looking half-clean and even lead to long-term damage—especially to flooring, furniture, or sensitive equipment. Instead of choosing the lowest bid, look for value. That means balancing cost with professionalism, quality, and reliability.

3. Not Asking About Their Experience With Your Type of Business

Not all commercial cleaning is the same. Cleaning a retail store is very different from cleaning a medical office or an industrial warehouse. Yet many people forget to ask whether a cleaning company has specific experience with their type of space.

When interviewing potential cleaners, ask questions like:

• Have you cleaned businesses similar to ours before?
• Do you understand industry-specific requirements (like health and safety regulations)?
• What cleaning products and tools do you use in this kind of environment?

A team that knows your industry will clean more efficiently and meet standards that matter to you.

4. Skipping the Walkthrough or Site Visit

Some companies will give you a quote over the phone without ever seeing your space. That’s a problem. Every building is different, and a proper walkthrough helps both parties understand the scope of work and avoid surprises later.

During the site visit, point out high-traffic areas, special cleaning needs (like sensitive electronics or equipment), and any past issues with previous cleaners. This is your chance to set expectations and make sure everyone’s on the same page.

5. No Clear Agreement or Communication Plan

Finally, don’t rely on a handshake or vague verbal agreement. A solid cleaning contract should lay out what’s included, how often services happen, who provides supplies, and how issues will be handled.

Also, ask how communication will work. Who do you contact if there’s a problem? Can they accommodate schedule changes? Do they offer progress reports or checklists?

Good communication builds trust. If a company seems disorganized or slow to respond before the contract is signed, that’s often a preview of what working with them will be like.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a commercial cleaning service in Edmonton shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Take your time. Ask questions. Read reviews. And most importantly, avoid these five common mistakes.

A good cleaning company will leave your business looking great, help you stay compliant with health standards, and free up your time to focus on what you do best. Choose wisely, and it’s a decision you won’t regret.