School Cleaning Contracts: Expectations & Red Flags
A clean school environment is essential for creating a healthy and productive space where students from age 0 to adult can learn and flourish. Areas like gyms, classrooms, cafeterias, and bathrooms are hotspots for germs and bacteria, which may lead to allergies, illnesses, and even long-term health problems for students and teachers alike.
That’s why professional cleaning services are often utilized in such high-traffic areas: to disinfect, sanitize, and uphold the high standards of cleanliness that schools require. That being said, not all school cleaning contracts ensure a clean and safe environment. Some lack clear guidelines and protocols, while others are riddled with red flags. Here’s what school cleaning contracts should entail, what to expect when reading them, and more importantly, what red flags to be on the lookout for.
What Are School Cleaning Contracts?
School cleaning contracts are formal agreements between schools and professional cleaning services. However, a preschool’s needs are very different from a middle school,high school or college. Contracts should provide a clear and thorough understanding of the cleaning services that will be provided, such as:
- Vacuuming
- Dusting
- Mopping
- Restroom sanitation
- Washing windows
- Handrails & door knobs
- Wiping down desks
Generally speaking, contracts usually outline the scope of work, the frequency of cleaning services, and financial details such as pricing and payment schedules. They should also include termination and renewal clauses, as well as any additional fees for extra services, like deep cleaning.
What to Expect in a School Cleaning Contract
School cleaning contracts should elaborate on aspects like the scope of work, cleaning frequency, and pricing in great detail. Doing so will not only ensure full transparency between the school and cleaning service provider, but may also establish trust and a long-term business partnership. Below are a few aspects to specifically look for in a contract:
- Descriptions of cleaning tasks, e.g., routine maintenance, deep cleaning, modern disinfection procedures, and details on how restrooms will be cleaned
- Details on small routine maintenance, such as whether lightbulb changes are included
- An approved list of cleaning products, including clarity on chemical use, special products used in the facility, and any green options that must be used as required by law
- Staff qualifications, including employee training, background checks, courtesy requirements, and responsiveness to concerns and requests
- Specific details on hours, supplies, staff, schedules, and tasks
- Flexibility for last-minute requests, special events, and after-hours services
- References and evidence of quality control
- Liability insurance and financial details
When reviewing a contract, the vendor should also ask about your specific needs and request a walk-through in order to understand your goals and requirements.
Red Flags in a School Cleaning Contract
A school cleaning contract may seem promising at first, but sometimes, it’s riddled with red flags that schools should be on the lookout for. It’s important to spot these early on in order to prevent problems that may arise, as well as to ensure that your school receives the highest level of service. Some of these red flags include:
- Vague or unclear scope of work
- Unspecified or hidden costs
- No facility tour requests
- Poor or absent online presence
- Difficulty reaching the vendor or receiving timely responses
- Lack of quality control measures
- Absence of liability insurance
- High employee turnover rate. Be sure to ask what the turnover rate is and how long the average employee stays.
- No references provided
- Inability to provide employee replacements as needed
In order to quickly spot these types of red flags, it’s important to review all documents thoroughly, ask questions to the vendor, conduct your own research, and verify their credentials.
Hire Clean Advantage for School Cleaning
At Clean Advantage, we specialize in comprehensive commercial cleaning services tailored to fit any kind of budget. Our experienced team of cleaning professionals is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness in schools of all types including universities, public and private, preschool, elementary school, middle schools, high schools and even daycare. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and follow multi-layered quality control procedures led by both an area manager and account manager dedicated to ensure every corner of your school is spotless and sanitized.
Now’s the time to transform your school into a clean and healthy environment for students and teachers alike. Contact Clean Advantage today for a free quote.