7 min read · Updated September 2026
Why hire a commercial cleaning company at all?
Businesses outsource cleaning for three reasons: it's cheaper than employing and managing cleaning staff, it transfers liability and workers' compensation exposure to a contractor, and it brings equipment and expertise — floor machines, extraction gear, height access — that no business is going to buy for itself.
The catch is that outsourcing only works when the contractor is accountable. The evaluation below is about testing accountability, not comparing marketing claims.
Verify before you shortlist
- Certificate of liability insurance — ask for the actual document and check the limit and expiry.
- WSIB clearance certificate, current and in the company's legal name.
- How long they've operated in the GTA and under how many business names.
- References from buildings comparable to yours in size and type — then actually call two.
- Whether staff are employees or subcontractors, and who screens them.
The questions that separate real operators
- Who is the named supervisor for my site, and how often will they be here in person?
- How many labour hours per visit are in this quote?
- What is your staff turnover rate, and how do you cover sick days?
- How are quality inspections documented, and will I receive the reports?
- Who do I call at 6pm on a Friday when a pipe bursts?
- What happens in month three if service slips — what's the escalation path?
Red flags
- A quote given over the phone without walking the building.
- A price dramatically below the other bidders — the hours have been cut somewhere.
- A one-page scope with vague language like 'general cleaning as required'.
- Auto-renewal clauses with long cancellation notice periods.
- No named supervisor, or a supervisor responsible for 40 sites.
- Reluctance to provide insurance or WSIB documentation promptly.
Compare quotes fairly
Give every bidder the same written scope and the same frequency table, then compare on hours, supervision, and inclusions — not just the monthly number. If one bidder quotes 12 hours a week and another quotes 8 for a similar price, they are not selling the same service.
Ask for pricing on periodic work (carpet, floors, windows, high dusting) up front too, even if you don't buy it immediately. Contractors who lowball the base contract often make it back on extras.
The first 90 days
Set an expectation at signing: a supervisor walkthrough in week one, a written inspection report monthly, and a formal review at 90 days. Contracts that get reviewed early rarely drift. Contracts left alone for a year almost always do.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a commercial cleaning company?
Verifiable insurance and WSIB coverage, a detailed written scope with hours per visit, a named on-site supervisor, documented inspections, low staff turnover, and clear cancellation terms.
Should I choose the cheapest cleaning quote?
Rarely. Cleaning is mostly labour, so a much lower price almost always means fewer hours on site. Compare hours and scope before comparing price.
How long should a commercial cleaning contract be?
One year is standard, but avoid auto-renewal clauses with long notice periods. A contractor confident in their service doesn't need to lock you in.
How do I switch cleaning companies without a service gap?
Give notice per your contract, schedule the new contractor's walkthrough during the notice period, and overlap the last night of the old service with the new crew's orientation.