A poor janitorial provider risks your reputation—choose one that protects your people, your facility, and your bottom line.
Why Choosing the Right Janitorial Provider Matters More Than Ever
Facility hygiene is no longer just about appearance—it’s a frontline defense for workplace safety, occupant health, and regulatory compliance. As cleaning demands increase across industries, especially in healthcare, education, and commercial real estate, the consequences of choosing the wrong janitorial partner are more serious than ever.
Beyond the visible results of clean floors or polished surfaces, an effective janitorial provider helps reduce infection risks, supports employee wellness, and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Scientific studies now link poor cleaning practices with musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory symptoms, and elevated operational costs.
Choosing a provider shouldn’t be based on price alone. It’s a strategic decision that requires evaluating staffing, safety, sustainability, and service delivery systems with the same rigor you’d apply to any critical vendor. The seven criteria that follow are backed by peer-reviewed research and industry best practices—helping you assess janitorial partners not just for appearance, but for performance, compliance, and long-term value.
What Exactly Are Janitorial Services?
Get a clear breakdown of what janitorial services include, how they differ from commercial cleaning, and why they matter for your facility.
Evaluate Staff Training and Certification Programs
Janitorial work is high-risk, high-responsibility labor. From biohazard cleanup to chemical handling, poorly trained staff don’t just miss spots—they create liabilities.
What to Ask:
- Does the provider have formal onboarding and refresher training?
- Are staff trained per task (e.g., restroom sanitation, terminal cleaning, food-safe disinfection)?
- Do they follow OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)?
- Are supervisors certified through organizations like ISSA (CIMS) or GBAC?
Why It Matters:
Research from Khan et al. (2023) found a strong correlation between training matched to job requirements and performance in high-risk cleaning zones. In that study, hospitals with role-specific training achieved significantly better results in surface disinfection and spill response.
Additional evidence from Wilson et al. (2023) shows that lack of training in COVID-era disinfection methods—especially foggers and sprays—contributed to increased respiratory symptoms among janitors, particularly those with asthma. Without proper instruction, even the best tools become hazards.
Demand Proven Safety and Ergonomic Practices
Cleaning is physically demanding work. Without proper ergonomic planning, janitorial staff face high risks of overexertion, repetitive strain, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)—especially during tasks like mopping, scrubbing, or lifting supply loads.
What to Look For:
- Use of ergonomic equipment (lightweight mops, adjustable carts, anti-fatigue mats)
- Training on proper posture and lifting techniques
- Reasonable shift lengths and realistic cleaning schedules
- Documented injury prevention programs and incident tracking
Why It Matters:
Field studies by Lee et al. (2021–2023) observed that excessive work pace and awkward trunk postures significantly increased heart rate and spinal loading during cleaning tasks. Fast-paced routines without ergonomic accommodations led to elevated physical stress, fatigue, and injury risk.
A provider that disregards ergonomics isn’t just compromising worker health—they’re risking service disruptions and long-term liability. Ask how they design workflows and staff schedules to reduce repetitive motion injuries, and ensure they use tools designed for both efficiency and safety.
Ask About Green Cleaning and Product Certification
Green cleaning isn’t a trend—it’s a performance standard. Environmentally responsible products reduce health risks, improve indoor air quality, and support your facility’s sustainability goals without sacrificing disinfection effectiveness.
What to Require:
- Use of EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal (GS-42), or EcoLogo certified products
- Written green cleaning policy with product lists and usage guidelines
- Training for staff on safe, effective green chemical application
- Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) and fragrance-free options
Why It Matters:
According to Osagie (2018), successful implementation of green cleaning correlates strongly with improved organizational performance, including air quality, employee retention, and reduced absenteeism. His study showed statistically significant links between sustainable product use and financial, social, and environmental outcomes.
Third-party product review programs—like those discussed in Okumura (2009)—further reduce exposure to surfactants and chemical irritants, protecting both cleaning personnel and occupants. For facility managers aiming to meet LEED or WELL Building Standards, certified green cleaning is no longer optional—it’s a baseline requirement.
Assess Quality Assurance Systems
A professional janitorial provider doesn’t just clean—they prove it. Quality assurance (QA) systems verify that services are performed correctly, consistently, and in compliance with your facility’s standards.
What to Ask:
- Do they use digital inspection tools or cloud-based reporting systems?
- Are cleaning tasks tracked and documented per shift or zone?
- Is there a structured audit schedule (weekly, monthly, quarterly)?
- Can they provide sample reports or inspection templates?
Why It Matters:
A 2023 study by Khan et al. found that facilities conducting regular internal audits—particularly those with documented SOPs—had significantly better sanitation outcomes. QA programs were linked to higher adherence to disinfection protocols, stronger infection control, and improved training compliance.
Without quality tracking, there’s no accountability. Choose providers who can show how they monitor task completion, identify service gaps, and correct deficiencies in real time—not just those who promise results on paper.
Prioritize Providers with Pandemic-Adapted Protocols
COVID-19 permanently changed the expectations for disinfection—but not all changes were positive. Some cleaning practices introduced during the pandemic, like excessive fogging or harsh chemical use, created new health risks without delivering added protection.
What to Ask:
- What disinfection methods were added or modified post-COVID?
- Do they follow current CDC guidance on surface transmission risk?
- Are staff trained in the safe use of foggers, sprayers, and wipes?
- Have they assessed the impact of their methods on indoor air quality?
Why It Matters:
A 2023 mixed-methods study by Wilson et al. found that 83% of janitorial workers reported protocol changes during COVID-19—primarily increased cleaning frequency and fogging. However, these changes correlated with higher rates of respiratory symptoms, especially among asthmatic workers. One statistically significant link was between fogging use and nighttime coughing (p = 0.04).
Effective providers now recognize that not all disinfectants are necessary for routine use. The best vendors align with current science, balancing infection control with worker health, ventilation strategies, and product safety.
Check Responsiveness and Customer Communication
Even the best cleaning providers will occasionally miss a task or face staffing issues. What separates a reliable partner from a risky one is how they respond when things go wrong.
What to Confirm:
- Is there a designated account manager or primary contact?
- What’s the response time for service failures or emergencies?
- Do they provide escalation protocols for unresolved issues?
- Are feedback loops built into their contract (e.g., satisfaction surveys, performance reviews)?
Why It Matters:
Effective communication and management support are among the top critical success factors for sustainable janitorial service delivery, as identified in Osagie’s (2018) structural equation model. Vendors with strong internal communication and client-facing systems scored higher in long-term organizational performance and contract retention.
Poor communication leads to unresolved complaints, undocumented hazards, and misaligned expectations. A dependable provider will be proactive, transparent, and easy to reach—especially when you need them most.
FAQ: How to Choose the Right Janitorial Provider
🔹 What should I ask a janitorial provider before hiring them?
Ask about their licensing, insurance, staff training, use of green products, QA systems, emergency protocols, and how they adapted post-COVID.
🔹 Is green cleaning actually more effective?
Yes—green-certified products meet strict performance and safety criteria. Studies show they improve indoor air quality and reduce absenteeism without compromising disinfection.
🔹 How can I tell if a janitorial company is cutting corners?
Look for missing documentation, vague service schedules, inconsistent staff, or lack of audit data. A professional provider will back performance with proof.
Conclusion
Selecting the right janitorial provider is about far more than surface-level cleanliness. The wrong choice can compromise workplace health, regulatory compliance, and employee trust. The right choice can improve air quality, reduce liability, support sustainability goals, and elevate your facility's overall performance.
By evaluating providers through these seven evidence-backed criteria—licensing, training, safety, sustainability, QA, pandemic adaptation, and communication—you ensure that your cleaning partner is aligned with your operational standards and the wellbeing of everyone in your space.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield, CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno, CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia, CA, or Santa Clarita, CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Palmdale, CA, or Lancaster, CA, call (661) 371-4756
