The Top Red Flags in a Commercial Cleaning Contract
Hiring a commercial cleaning company should make your life easier—not more stressful. But all too often, office managers and property directors sign contracts that look fine on the surface, only to find themselves stuck with poor service, hidden fees, or no real way out.
At Cleanse Solutions, we’ve taken over plenty of accounts from companies that over-promised and under-delivered. If you’re reviewing a janitorial contract—especially for your Lakeland-area office or facility—here are the top red flagsyou should watch for.
🚩 1. Vague Scope of Work
If the contract says things like “clean as needed” or “general office cleaning,” that’s a red flag. You need specifics about what’s getting done, how often, and where.
✅ What to look for instead:
Room-by-room breakdown of duties
Frequency (daily, weekly, monthly)
Defined responsibilities like trash removal, dusting, restocking, etc.
🚩 2. No Mention of Supplies or Who Provides Them
Some companies leave this out on purpose, then hit you later with unexpected supply charges.
✅ What to look for instead:
Clear language on whether the cleaning company provides chemicals, liners, toilet paper, soap, etc.
Optional supply restocking program with pricing details
🚩 3. Automatic Renewals Without Clear Notice
Some contracts quietly auto-renew unless you give 30+ days’ notice—something many busy office managers miss.
✅ What to look for instead:
A clear end date
A reminder clause or opt-out window
Flexible month-to-month or annual renewal options
🚩 4. No Termination Clause or Exit Terms
If there's no clear way to cancel the agreement (or if there’s a harsh penalty for doing so), you could be stuck with subpar service for months—or even years.
✅ What to look for instead:
Termination clause with 30-day notice option
Clear refund policy or prorated service explanation
🚩 5. No Accountability Measures
If there’s no mention of quality control, inspections, or how to resolve issues, you could find yourself complaining over and over... with no results.
✅ What to look for instead:
Check-in procedures or supervisor visits
Issue resolution process
Communication expectations
🚩 6. No Insurance or Liability Info
If something gets damaged or someone is injured on-site, you need to be protected. Any legit cleaning company should carry general liability and workers’ comp.
✅ What to look for instead:
Proof of insurance included or available upon request
Coverage amounts listed clearly
🚩 7. Extremely Low Pricing (Too Good to Be True)
If the price is far below market average, that often means:
Rushed service
Untrained or underpaid staff
Low-quality chemicals or equipment
Surprise upcharges later
✅ What to look for instead:
Transparent, fair pricing with a detailed breakdown
Clear hourly rates or flat fees
Explanations for cost differences if asked
How Cleanse Solutions Does Contracts Differently
At Cleanse Solutions, we don’t use “gotcha” contracts. We believe in clarity, consistency, and honesty—because that’s how we’ve built trust with offices, clinics, churches, and commercial buildings all over Lakeland and Polk County.
When you sign with us, you get:
A customized, itemized scope of work
Clear pricing with no surprise fees
Flexible contract terms and easy cancellation if needed
Reliable communication and proactive follow-up
Proof of insurance and a fully trained, background-checked crew
Tired of fine print and empty promises?
📞 Call or 📩 message Cleanse Solutions today for a straightforward cleaning proposal—no red flags, just results.