How to Hire the Best Commercial Cleaning Company in Winnipeg

How to hire the best commercial cleaning company in Winnipeg

Hiring the wrong commercial cleaning company can cost you thousands in poor quality, inconsistent service, and wasted time. Hiring the right one transforms your workspace and frees up your team to focus on what matters.

This complete 2026 checklist walks you through exactly how to evaluate, compare, and hire the best commercial cleaning company in Winnipeg—so you can be confident in your decision.

Why Hiring the Right Cleaning Company Matters

Your office or facility is a reflection of your business. A clean, well-maintained space:

  • Attracts and impresses clients
  • Improves employee morale and productivity
  • Reduces health risks and sick days
  • Extends the life of your facilities
  • Demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail

Conversely, a dirty or poorly-maintained space signals negligence and can cost you business.

The 2026 Hiring Checklist

Phase 1: Pre-Screening (Before You Call)

1. Define Your Needs

Before contacting any company, get clear on:

  • Facility type: Office, medical, retail, facility, school, etc.
  • Square footage: Exact size or range
  • Frequency: Daily, 3x/week, weekly, etc.
  • Specific requirements: Documented disinfection? Green cleaning? Special equipment?
  • Budget: What can you realistically spend?
  • Timeline: When do you need to start?

2. Research Local Companies

Where to look:

  • Google search: "Commercial cleaning Winnipeg" + your facility type
  • Google Business profiles and reviews
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings
  • Local business directories
  • Referrals from other businesses
  • Industry associations (BSCAI, ISSA)

What to note:

  • Years in business
  • Number of reviews and average rating
  • Red flags in negative reviews
  • Certifications mentioned
  • Service areas covered

3. Check Credentials Upfront

Verify before calling:

  • Business license: Legitimate, registered business?
  • Insurance: Website mentions $2M+ liability coverage?
  • Certifications: ISSA CIMS? OSHA training? Green certifications?
  • BBB rating: A+ rating? Any unresolved complaints?

Phase 2: Initial Contact

4. Make Your First Call

What to assess:

  • Do they answer promptly or return calls quickly?
  • Are they professional and knowledgeable?
  • Do they ask questions about your needs?
  • Do they seem interested in your business?
  • Can they accommodate your timeline?

Red flags:

  • Dismissive or rushed
  • No questions asked
  • Pressure to commit immediately
  • Vague about services or pricing

5. Request a Quote

Ask for:

  • Detailed, written quote (not just a phone estimate)
  • Breakdown by service (vacuuming, bathrooms, etc.)
  • Frequency and schedule options
  • Any additional costs (supplies, equipment, etc.)
  • Payment terms and cancellation policy

Compare at least 3 quotes:

  • Lowest price isn't always best
  • Look for value, not just cost
  • Ensure quotes are comparable (same scope)

Phase 3: Deep Evaluation

6. Verify Insurance and Bonding

Ask to see:

  • Certificate of General Liability Insurance ($2M+ minimum)
  • Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage for all employees
  • Bonding certificate

Verify directly:

  • Contact the insurance provider to confirm coverage is active
  • Check expiration dates
  • Confirm your business is listed as additional insured (if required)

Why it matters: If an accident happens and they're not insured, you're liable.

7. Check References

Ask for:

  • At least 3 current client references
  • Ideally from similar facility types
  • Contact information (phone or email)

Call or email each reference:

  • "How long have you used their services?"
  • "How consistent is their quality?"
  • "Have there been any issues? How were they handled?"
  • "Would you recommend them?"
  • "What do you like most? Least?"

Red flags:

  • Reluctant to provide references
  • References are vague or defensive
  • Multiple complaints about quality or reliability

8. Assess Staff and Training

Ask about:

  • How long do cleaners typically stay with the company? (High turnover = inconsistency)
  • What training do they provide?
  • Do they conduct background checks?
  • How do they handle staff absences? (Do they have backup staff?)
  • Are cleaners supervised or inspected?

Why it matters: Consistent, well-trained staff = consistent quality.

9. Review Their Quality Control Process

Ask about:

  • How do they measure quality?
  • Do they conduct inspections after each cleaning?
  • How do they handle complaints?
  • What's their response time for issues?
  • Do they provide any guarantees?

Red flags:

  • No formal quality control process
  • Vague about how they handle complaints
  • No guarantees or satisfaction policy

Phase 4: Detailed Assessment

10. Discuss Specific Requirements

If you have special needs:

  • Medical/dental offices: Ask about IPAC compliance, professional-grade disinfectants, biohazard protocols
  • Clinics/fitness: Ask about high-touch surface protocols, equipment cleaning
  • Retail: Ask about customer-facing area standards, floor care
  • Schools/daycares: Ask about child-safe products, allergen protocols
  • Green cleaning: Ask about EPA Safer Choice products, certifications

11. Review the Proposed Contract

Ensure the contract includes:

  • Detailed scope of work (what's included/excluded)
  • Frequency and schedule
  • Pricing and payment terms
  • Insurance and bonding information
  • Quality standards and guarantees
  • Complaint resolution process
  • Cancellation terms and notice period
  • Term length (trial period option?)

Red flags:

  • Vague scope of work
  • No quality guarantees
  • Excessive cancellation penalties
  • Unclear pricing or hidden fees

12. Ask About Technology and Communication

How do they communicate?

  • Do they have a customer portal or app?
  • Can you request service or report issues online?
  • How quickly do they respond to emails/calls?
  • Do they provide progress reports or photos?

Why it matters: Good communication = fewer misunderstandings and faster issue resolution.

Phase 5: Final Decision

13. Trust Your Gut

After all the research, ask yourself:

  • Do I feel confident in this company?
  • Do they seem professional and reliable?
  • Do they understand my specific needs?
  • Do I feel like a valued customer, not just a number?

If something feels off, keep looking.

14. Propose a Trial Period

Suggest:

  • 30-day trial at the quoted rate
  • Full evaluation before committing to a longer contract
  • Option to cancel without penalty if unsatisfied

Why it matters: You'll know quickly if they're a good fit.

15. Get Everything in Writing

Before signing, confirm:

  • Detailed scope of work
  • Frequency and schedule
  • Pricing and payment terms
  • Start date
  • Contact information for emergencies
  • Quality guarantees

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Don't hire if they:

  • Can't provide proof of insurance
  • Refuse to provide references
  • Pressure you to sign immediately
  • Have multiple unresolved BBB complaints
  • Quote significantly lower than competitors (usually means cut corners)
  • Don't ask questions about your needs
  • Can't clearly explain their process
  • Have poor online reviews with consistent complaints
  • Won't provide a written contract
  • Seem disorganized or unprofessional

Green Flags: Signs of a Good Company

Hire if they:

  • Ask detailed questions about your needs
  • Provide comprehensive, itemized quotes
  • Have strong references and reviews
  • Carry proper insurance and certifications
  • Have a formal quality control process
  • Offer guarantees or satisfaction policies
  • Communicate clearly and professionally
  • Have been in business 5+ years
  • Provide a trial period option
  • Seem genuinely interested in your business

Industry-Specific Hiring Tips

Medical and Dental Offices

  • Verify IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) compliance
  • Ask about professional-grade disinfectants
  • Confirm knowledge of biohazard protocols
  • Check for healthcare-specific certifications

Retail Stores

  • Ask about customer-facing area standards
  • Discuss floor care and maintenance
  • Confirm they can work around business hours
  • Ask about emergency cleaning for spills, etc.

Corporate Offices

  • Discuss customization for different departments
  • Ask about after-hours scheduling
  • Confirm they can handle multiple floors/buildings
  • Ask about sustainability/green practices

Medical and Dental Clinics

  • Verify high-touch surface disinfection protocols
  • Ask about equipment cleaning procedures
  • Discuss locker room and shower area standards
  • Confirm they understand health and safety requirements

After You've Hired: Ongoing Management

16. Set Clear Expectations

  • Provide a detailed facility walkthrough
  • Point out problem areas or special requirements
  • Establish communication protocols
  • Schedule regular check-ins

17. Monitor Quality Regularly

  • Conduct weekly spot checks
  • Keep a log of any issues
  • Take photos of problem areas
  • Provide feedback (positive and constructive)

18. Maintain Open Communication

  • Report issues promptly
  • Praise good work
  • Discuss any changes to your needs
  • Schedule quarterly reviews

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Hiring the best commercial cleaning company in Winnipeg takes time and research, but it's worth it. By following this checklist, you'll:

  • Avoid hiring the wrong company
  • Ensure quality and consistency
  • Protect your business with proper insurance
  • Build a long-term partnership
  • Create a clean, healthy workspace for your team and clients

Ready to find your ideal cleaning partner? Contact Shallom Cleaning Service for a free consultation. We're happy to answer any questions and help you understand how professional cleaning can benefit your Winnipeg business.