11 Questions to Ask a Commercial Cleaner in Canberra
If you’re in the market for a reliable commercial cleaner in Canberra, you need to ask the right questions. In this blog article, we outline the questions worth asking of any prospective commercial cleaner in Canberra. We also provide Sleek's answers to these questions.
1. Are you locally or nationally owned?
If you believe in supporting local business, this question (and the subsequent answer) will be important to you. Due to their size and lower overhead, local businesses can often provide a more personalised, less bureaucratic, and more cost-effective solution than a national operator.
Sleek’s answer:
Established in 2018, Sleek Cleaning Services is a local business that sources its labour and supplies from the Canberra-Queanbeyan area. In addition, Sleek is Secure Local Jobs certified (with the ACT Government).
2. Do you have public liability insurance?
Although not compulsory by law, a commercial cleaner in Canberra should have public liability insurance. Public liability insurance protects you and your business against property damage or personal injury caused by the cleaner or subcontractor. A public liability policy should provide coverage of at least $10 million.
Sleek’s answer:
As of December 2025, Sleek Cleaning Services has public and products liability insurance of $20 million.
3. How long have you been operating as a commercial cleaner?
Experience counts! The commercial cleaner you choose in Canberra should have a track record. If you decide to use a newer commercial cleaning operator, consider a trial period or a shorter contract term to start with.
Sleek’s answer:
Sleek Cleaning Services has been operating since 2018. Prior to this, Sleek’s owner worked in commercial cleaning jobs for 19 years.
4. Do you have client references?
Client references from reputable businesses and organisations are essential for peace of mind. A commercial cleaner in Canberra that can’t provide client references should be treated with caution, unless there’s a valid explanation (such as starting out in business).
Sleek’s answer:
Sleek Cleaning Services is always happy to provide references from established businesses and organisations.
5. What certifications do your cleaners and subcontractors have?
Most individual cleaners and subcontractors in Canberra have a White Card and a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) clearance. They've also received training in asbestos awareness and silica awareness, as well as undergone a police check.
Sleek’s answer:
All members of the Sleek team have undergone a police check and possess the certifications described above.
6. Can you provide a complete commercial cleaning solution?
Ideally, a commercial cleaner in Canberra should be able to provide a complete cleaning solution, even if they outsource part of the work. In addition to the core cleaning activities of wiping, scrubbing, dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming, they should offer carpet steam cleaning, internal window cleaning, and floor buffing.
Sleek’s answer:
Sleek Cleaning Services provides a complete commercial cleaning solution, including rubbish removal, internal and ground-floor external window cleaning, floor scrubbing and buffing, and carpet steam cleaning.
7. Does your business have high staff turnover?
Asking a commercial cleaner in Canberra about their staff turnover can be tricky. A way around this direct question is to ask if a dedicated cleaner or subcontractor will be allocated to your business or organisation, and how long they’ve worked for the cleaning operator.
Sleek’s answer:
In the local cleaning industry, Sleek Cleaning Services is renowned for paying its team members properly and promptly. Many of Sleek’s team members have been with the business for several years.
8. How quickly do you deal with problems?
Problems can arise in commercial cleaning from time to time. A good commercial cleaner in Canberra responds positively to negative feedback and rectifies cleaning oversights promptly. Open and friendly communication is key to a mutually beneficial cleaning relationship.
Sleek’s answer:
Sleek Cleaning Services values its clientele highly and organises regular client meetings to maintain relationships.
9. Are you willing to work on a trial basis initially?
Businesses and organisations that have previously had a bad cleaning experience may prefer to start with a trial. Most commercial cleaners in Canberra won’t have a problem with this, provided they’re remunerated fairly and promptly.
Sleek’s answer:
Sleek Cleaning Services is flexible when it comes to cleaning trials and short-term contracts (3-6 months).
10. What are your payment terms?
Payment terms will vary from cleaner to cleaner. It’s important to choose a commercial cleaner with payment terms that suit your business and cash flow. Like any supplier, a commercial cleaner in Canberra may perform a creditworthiness check on your business.
Sleek’s answer:
For established clients, Sleek Cleaning Services invoices at the end of the month with payment terms of 7 days.
11. Do you provide colour-coded cleaning solutions?
A colour-coded cleaning solution involves the use of separate cleaning equipment for different parts of a building. The aim of colour-coded cleaning is to reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination between areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen. More experienced commercial cleaners in Canberra tend to provide colour-coded cleaning solutions.
Sleek’s answer:
As a leading commercial cleaner in Canberra, Sleek Cleaning Services implements and maintains colour-coded cleaning systems. Sleek also supplies safety data sheets (SDS).
To discuss any of the above questions and answers in greater detail, please call John on 0415 147 240. Alternatively, please email admin@sleekcleaningcanberra.com.