10 Ways to Reduce Commercial Cleaning Costs in Canberra
In the current cost-of-living crisis, many organisations (both commercial and not-for-profit) are seeking to cut expenditure. In this blog article, we list ideas on how to reduce commercial cleaning costs in Canberra and Queanbeyan yet avoid the pitfalls of false economy.
1. Customise the Cleaning Schedule
A key to reducing commercial cleaning costs is to prioritize the high-traffic areas (kitchens, toilets, showrooms, and reception points) over the lower-traffic areas. In other words, the high-traffic areas get cleaned more frequently. An experienced cleaning operator can help a client determine their cleaning priorities and devise a budget-friendly cleaning schedule.
2. Commit to Longer Contract Periods
A longer contract period (greater than 12 months) provides a cleaning operator with greater financial security, often leading to a financial discount. Before entering into a long-term contract, it’s best to trial the cleaning operator first, maybe for 3 or 6 months. It also pays to understand any early termination penalties that may apply if the contract is broken.
3. Engage a Local Cleaning Operator
In many cases, a local cleaning operator can be cheaper than a large national cleaning company. Local cleaning operators are often small businesses that don’t have the overhead of large national cleaning companies. Local cleaning operators are also likely to be in a better position to provide a more personalised and direct client experience, resulting in less bureaucracy and faster problem resolution.
4. Encourage Staff Tidiness and Cleanliness
Encouraging staff to keep the workspace clean and tidy is a surefire way to save on commercial cleaning costs. Ideally, staff should be disposing of their waste promptly, keeping desks and workbenches tidy, and treating bathrooms and toilets as they would their own. Simple laminated posters can remind staff of their social responsibilities and obligations under work health and safety (WHS).
5. Use Doormats
Doormats should be stationed at external entry points to enable staff and clients to wipe their feet before entering a building. Good-quality doormats can absorb a lot of dirt and debris, particularly during the wetter months in Canberra and Queanbeyan. On particularly wet days, additional furnishings such as rugs, carpet runners, and umbrella stands can assist in keeping things cleaner.
6. Install Foaming Soap, Toilet Paper, and Paper Hand Towel Dispensers
Dispensers for consumables such as foaming soap, toilet paper, and paper hand towels can assist in reducing commercial cleaning costs in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Dispensers are designed to provide a specific quantity of soap, toilet paper, or paper hand towels. In bathrooms accessible to the public, where misuse and delinquency can occur, dispensers are almost essential.
7. Buy Consumables in Bulk
Ideally, common consumables, such as toilet paper, soap, paper hand towels, and bin liners, should be purchased in bulk. An organisation with an Australian Business Number (ABN) can usually access bulk pricing from a cleaning supplies wholesaler or distributor. As a form of value-add, Sleek Cleaning Services supplies cleaning consumables in bulk at highly competitive prices.
8. Reduce the Number of Bins
In somewhat of a paradox, having too many bins can be counterproductive to the bottom line. Bins take time and effort to empty, adding to the cost of commercial cleaning. Cost-conscious organisations tend to centralise their internal and external bins; in other words, staff don’t generally have individual bins at their workspaces.
9. Use Microfibre Cloths and Mop Heads
The financial benefit of microfibre cleaning cloths and mop heads (over paper hand towels and disposable mop pads) is that they can be used repeatedly after rinsing in cold water and detergent. In addition, quality microfibre cleaning cloths and mop heads are very efficient at trapping dirt, dust, grease, and bacteria, as well as providing a streak-free finish.
10. Avoid Weekend Cleaning
Most commercial cleaning operators in Canberra and Queanbeyan charge higher rates for weekend cleaning work. Therefore, it’s usually more cost-effective to schedule commercial cleaning from Monday to Friday. To simplify matters, Sleek Cleaning Services charges a flat rate for cleaning work performed between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
To discuss ways to reduce your commercial cleaning costs in Canberra and Queanbeyan, please call John on 0415 147 240. Alternatively, please email admin@sleekcleaningcanberra.com.