If you’re responsible for managing janitorial services at your facility, you’re likely juggling many other responsibilities as well. While every organization operates differently, the pressure to reduce costs is a constant challenge for most managers. Keeping expenses in check is essential to running an efficient operation.
When it comes to janitorial services, however, cost-cutting can sometimes lead to a noticeable drop in quality. The key is finding the right balance: maintaining a clean, welcoming facility while sticking to your budget. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can have it cheap, fast, or high-quality—pick two.” This concept often applies to cleaning services as well.
So, how can you save money without lowering the standards of cleanliness? Here are two practical approaches to consider.
1. Streamline the Cleaning Plan
Labor costs account for about 60% of janitorial expenses. Reducing these costs requires cutting back on unnecessary labor hours. A good way to do this is by evaluating and adjusting your cleaning plan. Many facilities have set cleaning routines that may not have been reassessed in years, often leading to unnecessary cleaning. For example, some office spaces with little foot traffic may not need daily cleaning and could be serviced weekly instead.
Take a close look at your facility’s needs. What areas truly require daily attention? How often does trash need to be emptied? You may also consider centralizing trash containers vs each desk having its own can, cutting down on the time spent completing this task. Could vacuuming be reserved for high-traffic areas, with less frequent attention to low-use spaces? A professional cleaning company can help you analyze your facility and suggest ways to optimize the schedule without sacrificing cleanliness.
2. Pay for Special Services Only When & Where Needed
Another way minimize cost is being more strategic about when and where you spend on project work—tasks like window cleaning, floor scrubbing, waxing, buffing and carpet cleaning. While these services are important for maintaining a polished facility, some janitorial contracts bundle a set amount of this work into monthly fees. Often, these projects aren’t necessary as often as outlined in the contract, or they get skipped entirely, meaning you’re paying for something that isn’t even happening.
A smarter strategy is to separate these services from your regular contract. Instead of paying for them as part of a monthly package, negotiate a per-service rate and schedule them only when needed. You can also be strategic about frequency and areas that get serviced. Maybe you will get the carpet cleaned in trafficked areas with a regular frequency and lessen carpet cleaning in less trafficked areas. This approach gives you more control over your expenses and prevents you from paying for unnecessary work.
By streamlining your cleaning schedule and separating special services from your regular contract, you can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of your janitorial program. Partnering with an experienced cleaning company will help you identify these opportunities for savings while ensuring your facility remains clean and inviting.