Assessing Your Current Cleaning Crew

Do you know just how clean your workplace truly is? With so many responsibilities on a facility manager’s plate, finding the time to thoroughly review your janitorial team's performance can be challenging—but it’s a critical step in maintaining a pristine environment.
A top-performing cleaning team can contribute to your business’s success in more ways than one. Beyond maintaining hygiene, they ensure essential supplies are replenished and create a welcoming atmosphere for both employees and visitors. Regular and effective cleaning practices also promote better air quality, reduce health risks, and enhance overall workplace productivity.
Because a reliable commercial cleaning service plays such a vital role, it’s essential to gauge their efficiency. Use our checklist and recommendations below to craft a customized cleaning performance evaluation form that can be used routinely to ensure your facility is consistently well-maintained.
Creating Your Cleaning Performance Review Form
To ensure your janitorial team meets your expectations, design an evaluation form that highlights the most critical areas of your facility—such as high-traffic zones and frequently used spaces. Structure your checklist based on specific cleaning requirements, and include sections for additional feedback and future requests. You may also categorize tasks by frequency—daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annual, or annual—to maintain a structured approach to facility maintenance.
Below, our expert guidelines outline essential cleaning tasks by area, helping you tailor your evaluation form effectively.
Restrooms:

• Are floors, sinks, stalls, and fixtures free from stains, odors, and visible dirt?
• Were appropriate disinfectants and sanitizers applied to all surfaces?
• Were cross-contamination prevention methods followed correctly?
• Were restroom supplies such as toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, and sanitizer restocked?

Kitchen & Break Areas:

• Were trash and recycling bins emptied appropriately?
• Were dishes cleaned, dried, and stored properly?
• Were countertops and other surfaces sanitized?
• Was the flooring cleaned using the right solutions for its material?
• Were kitchen appliances (refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, etc.) wiped down?

Common Areas:

• Was all waste and recyclable material disposed of correctly?
• Were different flooring types (carpet, tile, wood) cleaned with the right tools and techniques?
• Are high-traffic areas free from dirt, footprints, and noticeable stains?
• If you run a finger along surfaces like windowsills, desks, or cabinets, is there a buildup of dust? (Dusting is a fundamental part of commercial cleaning—consistent neglect in this area should raise concerns.)

Personalize this checklist to match your business’s unique cleaning needs. Doing so will help you determine whether your current janitorial team aligns with your expectations.
The Hidden Costs of Ineffective Cleaning
One of the biggest factors to consider when assessing a cleaning service is how responsive and adaptable they are to feedback and requests. If your cleaning crew is difficult to communicate with or slow to address issues, even a thorough evaluation won’t bring about real improvements.