After nearly three decades in the commercial cleaning industry, we’ve heard our fair share of assumptions about how this sector operates. Some are harmless, whereas others shape how facilities teams approach procurement, partnerships and day-to-day operations – and not necessarily in a good way. It’s fair to say these assumptions quietly erode the quality, stability and efficiency of your cleaning contract.
The path to fixing them starts with recognising them in the first place. And we’re here to shine a light on five of the biggest dangers that could be quietly lowering your standards, costing you more and wasting your time.
5 commercial cleaning industry insights to save you time and money
1. 90% of commercial cleaners are the same, search for the 10%
On paper, every provider promises clean floors, stocked dispensers and smiling staff. But the experience varies significantly when you look a little closer. Some companies rotate teams daily, with little continuity or training – others invest in consistent, well-equipped teams who know your site inside out. Some treat audits as tick-box exercises – others use them to drive performance and improvement.
The end result might look identical at first glance, but as soon as something goes wrong it starts to unravel. That’s when you discover your partner wasn’t the right fit in the first place and that you were looking for the wrong things during the procurement process.
2. The hidden skillset no one talks about
So who are the other 10%? Commercial cleaners who care. They have low client turnover and staff who’ve been with them for years. They don’t just know how to clean – they know the right techniques for different surfaces, how to manage cross-contamination risks and how to work around live environments without disruption.
Patrick Lencioni says the best team players are humble, hungry and smart. The cleaners who thrive in professional environments reflect those traits every day. And this isn’t just in how they clean, but in how they think, adapt and lead by example. This extends to specialist cleaning services that require advanced training and equipment – from deep cleaning protocols to IT cleaning that protects sensitive equipment.
3. Cheap contracts undermine your entire FM strategy
Procurement pressure is real, we know this. Budgets are tight and savings matter for businesses. But too often, the lowest-cost option turns out to be the most expensive in the long run.
It all adds up:
- Reactive callouts
- Last-minute cover
- Site teams who don’t know the building
- Supervisors chasing issues instead of improving service
We’ve seen clients spend more on ‘fixing’ than they saved on the initial quote. In our eyes – and in the eyes of our long-serving clients – true value comes from consistency, care and proactive problem-solving.
4. What you’re really paying for
There’s a difference between tasks being done and standards being upheld.
Quality professional cleaning companies invest in:
- Systems
- Compliance
- Training
- Insurance
- Management
These are some of the invisible layers that make the service work without you having to chase it. As Jim Collins puts it, great companies build flywheels – disciplined systems that generate momentum over time. That’s the part you don’t see in a pitch, but you feel it when the service just works on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
The price might be higher, but what you’re actually buying is peace of mind: the confidence that your workspace will reflect your brand, run smoothly and stay compliance-ready without extra oversight.
5. What “Going The Extra Mile” actually looks like
Some providers will do exactly what’s in the contract – no more, no less. Others will walk the site and flag issues before they become problems. Spot inefficiencies in layout or waste. Suggest practical ways to improve hygiene, flow or sustainability. None of that costs more. It just requires people who care, a culture of ownership and a business model that supports long-term thinking.
This is where comprehensive support services become valuable too – not as expensive add-ons, but as integrated solutions that improve your facility management strategy.
Avoiding the contract cleaning dangers
Although there have always been some excellent organisations caring for clients and doing good work, the industry suffered when cleaning was positioned as a commodity. It started to resemble a race to the bottom on price – where no one wins. That began to shape how buyers think, but we’re seeing a positive shift.
The good operators in the industry who prioritise retention, training, environmental standards and genuine partnership are proving that quality standards bring long-term success. You might not spot the difference in a pitch deck, but you’ll feel it three months into the contract.
For organisations seeking partners who share their values around sustainability and ethical business practices, working with a B Corporation cleaning company provides legal accountability to both people and the planet (not just profit) in every business decision.
Get in touch with our commercial cleaning team today
With consistent customer satisfaction scores of 90%+, NuServe offers a modern and ethical cleaning service where we manage over 150 sites, including offices, education, healthcare and industrial settings across the UK. We don’t compete on being the cheapest – we compete on being the most thoughtful. Our approach focuses on partnership, proactive problem-solving and creating workplace environments that enhance your brand and culture.
Ready to experience the difference that thoughtful cleaning can make? Get a quote today and discover why our clients become long-term partners.
