Keeping your facility clean while managing costs can feel like walking a fine line. On one side, you need to keep expenses under control; on the other, you can’t afford to compromise the cleanliness and professionalism of your space. Striking the right balance is essential to maintaining both your facility’s standards and your budget.

While asking your janitorial provider for a discount may seem like an easy fix, it often results in reduced service quality. Instead, consider these two practical approaches to reduce cleaning expenses without jeopardizing the cleanliness of your facility.

1. Rethink Your Cleaning Requirements
In the janitorial industry, labor accounts for about 60% of total costs. Adjusting cleaning routines to reduce labor hours can lead to meaningful savings. Many companies follow outdated cleaning schedules that don’t align with their current needs. By revisiting the frequency of cleaning tasks, you may uncover opportunities to save money.

For example, your cleaning plan might call for daily cleaning in areas that are rarely used, such as private offices with minimal foot traffic. Reducing the frequency of cleaning in these spaces to once or twice a week could lower costs without affecting the overall appearance of your facility. High-traffic areas, like restrooms and common areas, would still be cleaned regularly to maintain a high standard of hygiene.

Action Step: Conduct a walkthrough of your facility to assess cleaning needs on an area-by-area basis. Identify which tasks can be performed less frequently while still keeping the space tidy and functional. Consulting with an experienced cleaning provider can help you determine the best schedule to maximize efficiency and savings.

2. Schedule Specialty Services Only When Needed
Special cleaning services—such as floor waxing, carpet shampooing, and window cleaning—are often included in monthly contracts. These tasks are important, but bundling them into a standard bill often leads to paying for services more frequently than necessary. This one-size-fits-all approach can be costly and inefficient.

A smarter approach is to pay for these services on an as-needed basis. For instance, instead of including floor stripping in your monthly bill, you could schedule it only when wear and tear become noticeable. This way, you’re only paying for what your facility genuinely requires, which can add up to significant savings over the course of a year.

Action Step: Talk to your janitorial provider about pricing these services individually and scheduling them when necessary. By separating specialty tasks from your regular cleaning plan, you can manage costs more effectively while still maintaining your facility’s professional appearance.

Maintaining a clean facility doesn’t have to mean overspending on your cleaning program. By reevaluating cleaning frequencies and shifting specialty services to an on-demand schedule, you can reduce costs without compromising the quality of your space.

Want expert advice on how to optimize your cleaning program? Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll help you design a plan that fits your needs and budget perfectly.