How to Choose an Office Cleaning Company: 8 Questions to Ask

Choosing a cleaning company for your office doesn't look like a complex decision — until you pick the wrong one. Poor quality cleaning, unreliable timing, high staff turnover or problems with access to secured areas are real issues affecting hundreds of Prague businesses. This guide will help you ask the right questions before signing a contract.

8 Questions You Must Ask Every Cleaning Company

1. Who actually performs the cleaning — your own employees or subcontractors?

Many "cleaning companies" are in fact intermediaries who outsource the work to other firms or freelancers. This means less quality control, higher turnover and complications with liability for damages. Ask specifically: "Are your cleaners on permanent contracts or working through agency agreements?"

2. What is your staff turnover rate?

A new cleaner every three months means constant retraining and increased risk of theft or damage. A stable team is a sign of a good company. Ask: "How long does the average cleaner stay with you?"

3. What liability insurance do you have?

Liability insurance for damages is standard — but the coverage limit varies. For offices with expensive equipment (servers, graphics workstations), verify that the limit covers a potential claim. A reasonable minimum is CZK 5 million.

4. What is your complaints procedure?

Every company occasionally falls short. What matters is how quickly and how well they respond. A good company will offer a free repeat clean within 24 hours. A poor company will minimise or delay your complaint.

5. What cleaning products do you use and why?

Not just "what" but "why" — a company that doesn't know its products and can't explain the choice is probably using the cheapest available without regard to quality or health impact. Ask about certifications (EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan).

6. How do you manage security access to office premises?

Cleaners have access to your premises outside working hours. Keys, fobs, access cards — how are they recorded, who is responsible for them and what happens if one is lost? A good company has a precise protocol.

7. How do you handle cover when a cleaner is absent?

Illness, holiday, a new staff member starting — how quickly can you arrange cover? "We'll let you know in advance" is not enough. Ask for the specific procedure and guaranteed response time.

8. Can we try the service before signing a contract?

A trial visit or a trial month without commitment is standard for confident companies. If a company refuses any form of trial, that is a warning sign.

What to Watch Out for in Pricing and Contracts

• Fuel or transport surcharges — legitimate for remote locations, but must be clear upfront
• Minimum contract length — more than 12 months with no notice period is unfavourable
• Price revision clauses — the company's right to unilaterally increase the price without client consent
• Cleaning product supply — are products included in the price or charged separately?

Our terms are transparent — see our pricing page. We answer all of the above questions upfront, no hidden conditions. Contact us for a no-obligation meeting.