Hiring a cleaning company might not be the most glamorous decision on your to-do list, but it’s one of the most important. A clean workspace isn’t just about appearances—it’s about health, safety, productivity, and reputation.

Whether you’re managing a GP practice, dental clinic, high street retail shop, corporate office, warehouse, or factory, your cleaning team directly influences how your business operates and how it’s perceived.

But how do you choose the right commercial cleaning partner? With hundreds of providers offering services across the UK, knowing what to look for can save you stress, time, and money.

Start With Your Specific Needs

The first step isn’t to call a cleaning company—it’s to assess what you actually need.

Different premises have different priorities:

  • A GP surgery must meet NHS cleaning and infection control guidelines.

  • A dental practice needs surgical-grade hygiene and regular sanitisation of treatment rooms.

  • A factory or warehouse might need industrial floor cleaning, machinery wipe-downs, and safety signage maintenance.

  • A high street shop wants gleaming front-facing spaces and spotless toilets.

  • A school or council building requires reliable DBS-checked staff and efficient cleaning without disrupting learning or operations.

Ask yourself:

  • Which areas need daily attention?

  • What are your busiest times—can cleaners work around them?

  • Do you have specific hygiene, health & safety, or regulatory requirements?

  • Will you need consumables like toilet paper, hand soap, or bin liners supplied?

Taking stock of these early helps you avoid overpaying—or worse, under-cleaning.

Don't Choose Based on Price Alone

Cheap doesn’t always mean value. In fact, going with the lowest quote can cost you more in the long run.

Some cleaning companies offer “too good to be true” prices, but later charge extra for things like deep cleaning, consumables, or “non-standard” surfaces. Others simply don’t show up consistently or cut corners.

A reliable UK cleaning company should provide:

  • Transparent, itemised quotes
  • Clear explanation of what’s included
  • Flexibility around your schedule and needs
  • A contract with sensible notice terms, not long lock-ins

Investing in quality cleaning protects your premises, staff, and customers—especially in regulated or high-traffic environments.

Read Verified Reviews

In today’s world, online reviews are one of the most powerful tools to gauge reliability.

Use sites like:

  • Google Reviews

  • Trustpilot UK

  • Checkatrade

  • Local business directories

Look for patterns. If several reviews mention “reliable,” “friendly staff,” or “great attention to detail,” that’s a green flag. If you see recurring complaints about missed visits or poor communication, steer clear.

For example, Britshine is a newer cleaning company that has earned consistently high praise across Google and Trustpilot, with verified reviews highlighting their punctuality, professionalism, and spotless results. Being Checkatrade-approved also adds another layer of credibility.

Prioritise Sector Experience

It’s not just about how long a company has been in business—it’s about whether they’ve worked in your industry.

Ask:

  • Have they cleaned facilities like yours before?

  • Can they meet industry-specific cleaning standards?

  • Do they understand your peak hours, risks, and expectations?

Cleaning an industrial facility isn’t the same as cleaning a boutique. Likewise, cleaning a dental practice demands more detail than a standard office. The best companies will have experience with similar clients and be able to tailor their approach to your needs.

Verify Staff Vetting and Training

Cleaners are often in your building outside of business hours—sometimes with unsupervised access. So trust matters.

Ask potential providers:

  • Are all staff DBS-checked?

  • Are they trained in COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations?

  • Do they wear uniform and ID badges?

  • How often are they retrained or performance-checked?

In places like schools, medical centres, and estate agencies, this is not optional—it’s essential. A good cleaning company will have systems in place to vet, train, and monitor every cleaner who enters your building.

Request a Clear Cleaning Specification

A vague “we’ll keep it clean” doesn’t cut it.

You need a written cleaning specification or checklist, including:

  • Daily, weekly, and monthly tasks

  • Touchpoint disinfection (handles, switches, taps, etc.)

  • Floor and carpet care

  • Toilets, breakrooms, and kitchens

  • Optional extras like window cleaning, deep cleans, or consumable restocking

Different premises need different schedules. For instance, factories may need deep cleaning on weekends while retail stores need morning shine before doors open.

The right provider will tailor their checklist to your space—and stick to it.

Look for Flexibility

Business changes. You may move offices, add new staff, or adjust operating hours.

A great cleaning company will adapt to your needs with:

  • Emergency cleans or rapid response

  • Holiday or sickness cover

  • Temporary service increases (e.g. during flu season or promotions)

  • Scalable contracts for growing businesses

In reviews, many UK clients say flexibility is one of the main reasons they switch providers. Companies like Britshine get high marks for their responsiveness and easy communication—especially valuable to SMEs juggling multiple priorities.

Go Green Where Possible

Sustainability matters—not just for the planet, but for your people. Harsh chemicals can irritate employees and clients, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

Ask if your cleaning company uses:

  • Eco-friendly, non-toxic products

  • Refillable containers and low-waste methods

  • Energy-efficient equipment

  • Waste separation and recycling-friendly practices

In public-facing environments like clinics, retail, and offices, greener cleaning improves staff health and client perception.

Review Contracts Carefully

Before signing, ensure you understand:

  • What services are included

  • Contract length and break clauses

  • Payment frequency (monthly, quarterly, etc.)

  • Who to contact with issues or requests

  • Whether there’s a satisfaction guarantee or trial period

Avoid long-term contracts unless you’ve had a successful trial period or reference from someone you trust.

Judge Communication and Culture

Last—but absolutely not least—watch how a cleaning company communicates from day one.

Are they responsive? Polite? Do they listen to your needs, or do they push a generic service package?

Look for:

  • Fast response to enquiries

  • One point of contact

  • Clarity in quotes and scheduling

  • Willingness to visit your site in person before quoting

You want a team that’s easy to talk to and proactive about solving problems—not one that disappears when something gets missed.

Why This All Matters

In industries like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail, cleaning isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a risk control measure. A customer retention tool. A staff wellbeing investment.

And it reflects directly on your brand.

Whether it’s fingerprints on glass, bins left full, or dusty corners—these small lapses make a big impression. That’s why it’s critical to partner with a cleaning company that treats your space like their own.

Get a Free Site Visit and Quote From Britshine

Looking for a cleaning company that’s reliable, flexible, and rated 5 stars by businesses across the UK?

Britshine works with offices, clinics, retail spaces, schools, factories, and more—delivering consistent results with trained, DBS-checked staff. We’re fully insured, Trustpilot and Google 5-star rated, and a proud Checkatrade member.

👉 Request your free site visit and custom quote today
 No pressure, no upsell—just honest advice and professional service that fits your needs.