When it comes to hiring a professional cleaner, it’s important to find a reputable cleaning company with a spotless track record. After all, there’s a lot that depends on a space’s cleanliness, such as the occupants’ safety, productivity, and overall well-being.
The problem is that there are a lot of commercial cleaning companies with bad service. From dissatisfying results to awful customer relationship management, the industry is riddled with businesses that aren’t up to snuff.
But why is this happening in the first place? Below are some of the biggest reasons:
People Don’t Know What They’re Doing
The cleaning industry in New Zealand is booming and is expected to continue to boom in the coming years. Thus, it’s no surprise that business-minded people are tempted to cash in on this trend.
However, not everyone is cut out for managing a cleaning business. They assume that because it’s “just cleaning,” then the job would be easy. Nothing could be farther from the truth! You need to be aware of the finer details of cleaning to really be able to provide quality services.
If you want good results, find a cleaning company that is open about its level of knowledge, skills, and experience. Going by reputation and customer reviews can also help you find trustworthy cleaners.
Companies Hire Inexperienced or Untrained Workers
There’s nothing wrong with giving inexperienced workers a chance at earning a decent living. Nevertheless, they should still receive proper training so that they are able to do their jobs right.
In the cleaning industry, this means learning about different cleaning methods and equipment that are appropriate for different kinds of materials. For example, you wouldn’t polish a hardwood floor the same way you would a ceramic tile floor.
In addition, there are also a variety of tools used for specialised cleaning jobs. These include carpet cleaners, heavy-duty vacuums, and even decontamination equipment. You aren’t supposed to learn how to use these on the job or you’ll end up with poor results (or worse, property damage and injuries).
Remember that professional cleaning is just that: professional. This means providing the same level of attention to training and vetting as one would for any kind of professional job.
Some Cleaning Companies Cut Corners
Depending on the job, a cleaning company might need to send one, two, or more workers along with the corresponding cleaning materials to get things done properly and efficiently. Obviously, this would cost money.
The problem is that not all professional cleaning companies are willing or are able to invest. As a result, a company might send only two people for a three- or four-person job. This leads to poor results, with the crew cutting corners just to get all the cleaning done.
Avoid working with such a cleaning company. Instead, look for an organisation that values not just your business but also the quality of the job they can deliver. More importantly, you should look for a company that puts importance on their people’s welfare.
Some Cleaners Lack Professionalism
There are some people who don’t consider cleaning “professional enough” to warrant their full effort and attention. They may be in the industry only as an in-between while waiting for other opportunities, which can result in them not taking the job seriously.
It can be difficult to determine at first look whether a cleaning company practises professionalism, but customer feedback can help a lot in this regard.
Abuse of Hourly Rates
Depending on the company, a cleaner can earn an average of about $21 per hour. This rate can go up to $30, especially for those who have certifications and experience in different types of equipment and environments.
Because of these relatively high hourly rates, some people might be tempted to abuse them. They will spend more time than necessary to complete the job because they know that at the end of the day, they will still be paid.
Some Cleaners Don’t Want to Work Long Hours
In complete contrast to the previous point, there are some cleaners who refuse to take on jobs that take more than two to three hours. After all, cleaning is definitely hard work. It isn’t “just cleaning.” The job entails thoroughness, organisation, patience, and a wide range of skills.
Some people want to do the bare minimum and still get paid. They are those who don’t have passion and appreciation for the job, so they just show up for the sake of showing up. When or if you offer them extra money, they might decline or accept but still do a sub-par job.
Lack of Communication
Sometimes, you might not be satisfied with the work of professional cleaners not because they aren’t good but because you both weren’t able to communicate properly. This is why customers need to be very particular about instructions and expectations with regards to the output.
In the same way, cleaning companies should also have a communications system in place so that they can get in touch quickly if they have any questions.
Remember to provide feedback so that the cleaning companies know which aspects you liked and those that they can improve further.
The bottom line here is that not all commercial cleaning companies are created equal. Do your research and ask for some recommendations from people you trust. This way, you can be sure that you’re working with a top-notch cleaning company that’s worth your time and hard-earned money.