8 Expert Tips to Slash Your Commercial Cleaning Costs

06 Aug.,2024

 

8 Expert Tips to Slash Your Commercial Cleaning Costs

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Maintaining a pristine environment isn&#;t just about making a good impression&#;it&#;s paramount for the health and productivity of your workforce. Yet, amid tightening budgets and increasing demands, finding ways to reduce the cost of commercial cleaning without compromising quality is a challenge many businesses face. Reducing your commercial cleaning costs while still keeping your workspace spotless is entirely achievable. Below are eight expert tips that can help you efficiently manage your cleaning expenses and ensure your business remains sparkling clean without breaking the bank.

 

1. Assess Your Cleaning Needs

To keep your office environment clean while still staying on a budget, you must first assess your cleaning needs before creating a budget. Evaluating your needs will help you determine the level of cleaning you need for your facility and ensure that you allocate your budget effectively.

Some of the most important assessments to make include:

  • Assessing your office size and layout.
  • Determining the frequency of cleaning that you need.
  • Identifying key areas of focus; for example, high-traffic areas such as the reception area and break room.

 

2. Evaluate Commercial Cleaning Costs

To effectively lower your office cleaning expenses, it&#;s essential first to map out where your funds are being allocated. The objective here is to maintain a stellar level of cleanliness while reducing costs.

Begin by conducting a thorough analysis of your existing cleaning services, supplies, and janitorial expenses. Organize and document every cost related to your commercial cleaning operations within a detailed spreadsheet. By reviewing invoices and receipts, you can pinpoint exactly how much is being spent on individual items and services. This process not only highlights the areas where expenses are highest but also reveals opportunities for cost reduction. Through this meticulous evaluation, you&#;re better positioned to make informed decisions that can lead to significant savings without compromising the cleanliness and hygiene of your workspace.

 

3. Strategic Procurement of Cleaning Supplies

Optimizing your approach to purchasing cleaning supplies can lead to substantial savings in your office cleaning budget, all while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness.

 

Utilizing Cost-Effective Janitorial Supplies

A key strategy for economizing on cleaning supplies is to choose cost-effective janitorial products. This includes selecting generic cleaning solutions and microfiber cloths over more expensive branded options.

  • Microfiber Cloths: Durable and reusable, microfiber cloths present an eco-friendly and economical alternative to disposable paper towels. Their longevity and effectiveness in cleaning make them an indispensable tool in reducing costs.

 

Implementing Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is essential to balance your stock of cleaning supplies, preventing both surplus and shortages. Employing a systematic approach to monitor inventory levels enables timely reordering of supplies, ensuring you never face a situation where essential items are missing, nor do you incur unnecessary expenses from over-purchasing.

 

Choosing Multi-Purpose Cleaning Products

Incorporating multi-purpose cleaning products into your cleaning regimen can further streamline your expenses. These versatile cleaners are effective across a variety of surfaces, meaning you can maintain a clean office environment with fewer products. The simplification of your cleaning supplies list not only trims costs but also reduces storage needs and environmental impact.

 

4. Implement Green Cleaning Strategies

Adopting green cleaning strategies not only underscores your commitment to sustainability but can also result in noticeable cost savings and health benefits. By integrating eco-friendly cleaning products and practices into your routine, you contribute to a healthier workplace and a greener planet.

 

Concentrated Eco-Friendly Products

Many green cleaning solutions are available in concentrated forms. This concentration allows for precise dilution based on your specific cleaning needs, offering a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional products. By using concentrated products, you reduce the volume of packaging waste and the frequency of purchases, as a smaller amount of product can go a long way.

 

5. Optimize Your Office Cleaning Schedule

Streamlining your cleaning schedule is another effective way to save on your office cleaning budget. By doing so, you can maximize efficiency and minimize costs.

Evaluate the frequency of cleaning tasks based on actual needs rather than arbitrary schedules. For example, if your office receives little foot traffic, you may not need to have the floors cleaned daily. You can reduce the frequency of specific cleaning tasks to save money without compromising the cleanliness of your office.

Also, consolidating cleaning services to specific days or times can minimize disruptions and optimize resource allocation. For instance, you could schedule deep cleaning services for the end of the week when most employees are out of the office.

 

6. Invest in Preventive Maintenance and Cleaning

Consider investing in preventive maintenance and cleaning to save your office cleaning budget. Taking proactive measures can help prevent costly issues down the line and extend the lifespan of your office equipment, furniture, and fixtures.

Regular upkeep of your office equipment and furniture is key to minimizing replacement costs. This includes simple tasks such as wiping down surfaces, lubricating moving parts, and tightening screws. Doing so can prevent wear and tear that can lead to costly repairs or replacements.

Another way to limit waste and reduce costs is through controlled consumption or preventative maintenance. This involves monitoring and regulating the use of supplies such as paper towels, soap, and cleaning products. The goal is to prevent unnecessary waste and reduce the need for frequent restocking.

 

7. Leverage Technology and Automation

In the era of technological advancement, integrating smart cleaning equipment and IT solutions into your commercial cleaning operations can significantly boost efficiency, reduce labor costs, and save time. These innovations not only streamline your cleaning processes but also elevate the overall effectiveness of your cleaning strategy.

 

Smart Cleaning Equipment: A Game-Changer

Smart cleaning technology, such as automatic floor scrubbers and robotic vacuum cleaners, revolutionizes how commercial spaces are maintained. These advanced machines deliver a level of cleanliness that manual methods struggle to match, all while operating with minimal human oversight.

  • Automatic Floor Scrubbers: These devices clean floors with unmatched speed and efficiency. Their precision and ability to cover large areas quickly mean that you can achieve superior cleaning results in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional mopping.
  • Robotic Vacuum Cleaners: Ideal for maintaining floors, carpets, and rugs, these robots operate autonomously, navigating around obstacles and covering every inch of the surface. By deploying robotic vacuums, businesses can ensure consistent cleanliness without dedicating human resources to the task, thereby reallocating staff to more critical areas that require human attention.

 

IT Upgrades: Streamlining Operations

Implementing IT upgrades can further enhance the efficiency of your cleaning operations. Automation and digital tools can simplify administrative tasks, improve coordination among cleaning staff, and offer insightful data for optimizing your cleaning schedules and practices.

  • Automated Scheduling and Inventory Management: By using specialized software, you can automate the scheduling of cleaning tasks, track inventory levels of cleaning supplies, and monitor equipment usage. This reduces the administrative burden and helps in planning and executing cleaning operations more effectively.
  • Mobile Communication Apps: Leveraging mobile technology to communicate with your cleaning team can significantly improve operational efficiency. Apps can track staff locations, facilitate real-time updates, and streamline task assignments. This enhanced communication minimizes misunderstandings and ensures that your team is always informed and coordinated.
  • Data Analysis for Continuous Improvement: Advanced IT solutions can analyze data from your cleaning operations, offering insights into areas where efficiency can be improved. This might include optimizing cleaning routes, adjusting schedules based on usage patterns, or identifying equipment that frequently requires maintenance.

By embracing smart cleaning technology and IT upgrades, businesses can not only achieve a higher standard of cleanliness but also do so more economically and efficiently. These technologies represent a forward-thinking approach to commercial cleaning, where the emphasis is on quality, efficiency, and sustainability. As a result, businesses can enjoy cleaner premises, happier employees and customers, and a more favorable bottom line.

 

8. Increase Efficiency with Formal Janitorial and Staff Training

A key strategy in reducing commercial cleaning costs lies in the professional development and strategic management of your janitorial staff. By investing in comprehensive training programs and employing efficient staff management techniques, you can significantly enhance the productivity of your team. This, in turn, leads to a more effective cleaning operation that not only prevents workplace incidents but also elevates the quality of service, contributing to cost savings.

 

Developing Cost-Effective Training Programs

Creating training programs that focus on efficiency and cost reduction can transform your cleaning operations. Engage with your team to identify skill gaps and areas for improvement, tailoring your training to meet these needs while emphasizing cost-saving practices.

  • Efficiency Training: Concentrate on methods and techniques that maximize cleaning efficiency, such as the proper use of cleaning equipment and supplies to reduce waste.
  • Customized Training Solutions: Adapt your training to address the unique aspects of your facility, ensuring staff are equipped to handle specific cleaning challenges effectively, thereby reducing the time and resources required for tasks.

 

Other Cost-Saving Tips

Buy Cleaning Products in Bulk. Buying cleaning products in bulk or wholesale can significantly reduce expenses over time. Additionally, buying in bulk reduces the amount of packaging waste, which is good for the environment.

Use Refillable Products. Refillable products, such as soap dispensers and paper towel holders, are more cost-effective than disposable products. Such products will help you save money, reduce waste, and help protect the environment.

Look for Deals and Loyalty Programs. Look for promotions and discounts on cleaning products and loyalty programs that offer rewards for repeat purchases.

Hire a Commercial Cleaning Company. A professional cleaning company has the equipment, expertise, and experience to clean your office efficiently and effectively. They can also help you develop a cleaning schedule tailored to your needs and budget.

 

Felici Machinery supply professional and honest service.

Here is a table that compares the costs and benefits of outsourcing vs. in-house cleaning:

 

Factor Outsourcing In-House Cleaning Cost Flat fee Hidden costs Benefits Professional services Direct control

 

Managing your office cleaning budget requires a strategic approach. That includes adopting practical tips like conducting a thorough cleaning evaluation to identify areas where you can cut costs and investing in high-quality cleaning equipment and supplies. You can also explore alternative cleaning methods like green cleaning or partner with a reputable commercial cleaning company for customized services. These tips will help optimize your office cleaning budget while maintaining a cleaner, healthier workspace.

If you need further assistance with commercial cleaning services on a budget, reach out to our team. We offer a range of commercial cleaning services that can help you optimize your office cleaning budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Where Should You Buy Your Cleaning Supplies?

From cleaning chemicals to microfiber cloths to mop buckets, you need supplies and equipment to clean your customer's locations. But is there a "one-stop shop" that will best suit the needs of your commercial cleaning company?

There are plenty of options available and the decision can sometimes be overwhelming. You can buy supplies from janitorial distributors, big box stores, on-line stores, local retailers or even buying groups.

What Are Your Best Options When Buying Cleaning Supplies?

Sources to buy cleaning supplies

Here are the most popular sources we have found our members use and we have included a few highlights (or lowlights) of what each of these sources has to offer.

Janitorial Supplies Distributors

They have working knowledge of the chemicals and equipment that you need to successfully run your commercial cleaning business. They can provide SDS sheets, offer suggestions and advice, rent equipment, and even provide training to you and your employees.

Janitorial distributors also keep records of your purchases. If you forget the name of a particular chemical that worked for you in the past, they can track down that information for you. Distributors have high quality products, can offer volume discounts and let you know when manufacturers are offering specials. In addition, if a piece of equipment breaks down, your distributor may be able to fix it for you.

&#;You will want to develop a relationship with your supplier for reasons such as the training they can provide on the products they sell. If cultivated correctly, your supplier can become your most valuable business partner,&#; says Sharon Cowan, CBSE, of Cleaning Business Consulting Group.

Big Box Stores

Walmart, Home Depot, and Costco are a few examples of big box stores. They sell an assortment of chemicals, supplies and even equipment. However, more than likely they will not provide you with SDS sheets or keep track of your purchases. Prices may be lower, but you will not get any training or support from employees at a big box store. If you buy equipment from a big box store, you will have to send it back to the manufacturer for repairs or service.

Also, big box stores don't always carry the same lines from vendors such as microfiber cloths. So if you're color-coding your cloths to avoid cross-contamination the way a responsible cleaning company does, you may be out of luck when they change their microfiber vendor and now carry a whole different selection of colors.

Some companies are now combining the best of both worlds. Companies such as Jon-Don have extremely large retail outlets where customers can shop their fully stocked shelves or option to order over the or online. Jon-Don also offers hands on training seminars and industry certifications at all their locations.

On-line Stores

Online giants like Amazon sell about everything under the sun, including cleaning supplies and equipment. There are also many specialized janitorial supply stores, such as ULINE or Betty Mills that will no doubt have everything you need for your cleaning business also. You can easily shop and compare prices with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Although you may find a bargain or two on cleaning chemicals, they are not likely to provide you with SDS sheets (you can ask), guarantees or information on how to use the product.

They sometimes post a price that is irresistible and then gouge you on the inflated shipping and handling fees. They may also claim &#;free shipping&#; when in fact they are increasing product prices to cover those so called &#;free&#; charges. Do your due diligence and read all the fine print before making your purchase. 

Local Retailers

Your local retailer, such as the neighborhood grocery store or Dollar General (there seems to be one on every corner these days) have wood cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, basic cleaning supplies, paper and trash can liners. These are not industrial-strength products, but if an employee runs out of a chemical or supplies while cleaning a building, it might be your only choice.

However, the biggest problem with local retailers is that they generally sell ready-to-use products, which is convenient for consumers that only use the products occasionally. But it's not cost effective for professional cleaners because you're paying for all the extra water used to dilute those products and all the extra shipping costs involved.

Buying Groups

DPA are examples of buying groups. They are a group of end users or janitorial supply houses that combine their buying power together and purchase from manufactures. The key is to have a large group of companies that would buy from those manufactures. You will have to meet levels every year or quarter.

For example, most hospitals and clinics usually belong to buying groups for their paper and plastic needs simply because they can save themselves thousands of dollars. A buying group can save you a lot of money and it can take the janitorial houses out of the loop if done right.

Cheapest doesn't always mean &#;cheapest.&#;

Many people think that by shopping around using a variety of suppliers such as big box, internet, or supply houses, they are saving themselves a ton of money. However, what people tend to overlook is how much time and effort they are actually putting into finding the lowest costs for their chemicals, tools, and equipment.

Sometimes it just makes more sense to focus on one source, such as a local janitorial distributor to make purchases; all at one time. You can also negotiate a volume discount in some instances, saving your cleaning company even more money.

You get what you pay for! Most of the time anyway.

Everyone loves to save a few pennies when they can. But some people tend to focus on price only and forget about quality or performance. Think of it this way, you can purchase a 50 ct. package of paper plates for $1.99 at your local grocer. So why by the brand name 50 ct. package that retails for $3.99? They are both &#;paper plates&#; so it just makes sense to buy the inexpensive ones, right?

Well, if you have ever tried to use those micro-thin, cheap plates, you end up using 3 or 4 at a time or your food ends up on the floor. The same is true for cleaning chemicals, supplies, and equipment. The generic window cleaner you just purchased online for almost half the price of the name brand, may seem like a great deal. When in fact 99.9% of what you just bought is water. And you end up using a lot more of a poor performing product, your cleaners work harder to get the glass clean, and with less than satisfactory results.  

No matter where you buy from, it's always best to plan ahead and make sure that you have all the cleaning supplies and equipment that you need on hand. The choice of where you buy supplies will not "make or break" your cleaning company. However, knowing that you have a dependable source for your equipment and supplies and having a good working relationship with that company will mean one less headache for you as you grow your cleaning business!

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