Understanding the Difference: In-House Cleaning vs. Outsourcing to Professionals

Within commercial spaces, cleanliness is critical. If a space isn’t clean and well-maintained, it’s a turnoff for anyone using that space, including customers and clients, but also employees, investors, and the general public. As a business, you want to ensure your company is putting forth the type of reputation you hope to maintain, but you may not be sure how to reach the high expectations of cleanliness expected.

Should you use in-house cleaning or outsource it? Both options are viable, but there are benefits to consider for each. Here’s a look at some of the core factors you should consider.

What Is In-House Cleaning?

In-house cleaning refers to hiring and maintaining a team of employees to handle the cleaning and maintenance of your property. If you were to hire employees to handle the cleaning tasks your property needs, you would maintain complete control over the process.

What are the pros of in-house cleaning?

In-house cleaning offers companies a range of benefits, including:

• Direct control: The key benefit of in-house cleaning is that, as the owner of the company, you have direct control over the cleaning staff. That means you control, directly all aspects of who does what and how the property is cleaned and maintained.
• Flexibility: Another benefit to the company owner is that with in-house cleaning, you set the schedule for when employees handle the cleaning tasks. If you don’t want them to do so during the working hours of the day, you can alter that schedule. Comparatively, you may want to have your cleaning team there during the day to clean as you go. 
• Familiarity with the property: An in-house cleaning team will have more familiarity with the property and will be able to manage the tasks needed with efficiency. They are cleaning the same areas on a consistent basis. This may mean they know how to handle various challenges of the property more efficiently.

Cons of in-house cleaning

There are some drawbacks to hiring your in-house cleaning team and managing them:

• Continuous training: As an employee, it is up to you to initial and then continuously train your cleaning team. That means you’ll need to have the time and expertise to devote to the process of maintaining not just in-house guidelines but any compliance requirements associated with your industry. 
• Managing supplies: The employer must manage all supplies for the cleaning team. That is, it is necessary to continuously track inventory and keep supplies updated. This may include purchasing, maintaining, and replacing equipment as it’s necessary to do so.
• Specialized knowledge may be necessary: In some environments, it simply may not be possible for a company to have the specialized cleaning-specific skill needed for the job. Your organization, for example, may need specialized skills related to chemical use, sanitization, or other industry best practices.

What Is Outsourcing to Professionals?

Outsourcing cleaning to a professional organization means hiring a company and then letting them handle the employees. Outsourcing means purchasing a service to come to your property to handle the cleaning. You can hire an organization to work as often or as limitedly as necessary.

Pros of outsourcing:

• Access to specialized cleaning services: One of the best decisions for those organizations that have specialized cleaning needs is this one. They can provide highly specialized care that meets industry standards, whether that’s cleaning an operating room, steam cleaning, or other high-level needs.
• Regular training and upskilling: The cleaning team will work closely with you to meet expectations, but they are also working to keep their team updated with the most modern services. 
• Cost-efficiency. Typically, in the long term, outsourcing cleaning services means that you will save money compared to hiring and managing a team in-house, especially in relation to taxes, payroll costs, and overall hiring and termination processes.
• Ability to handle emergencies: When there are concerns, as varied as emergencies or even pandemics, like COVID disinfection services, the cleaning company can ensure those needs are met right away.

Cons of outsourcing:

There are some drawbacks to outsourcing these services:

• Less control: While the company still has an excellent level of control over what is done, they are no longer directly in control over the cleaning staff.
• Miscommunication concerns: There are instances in which miscommunication can occur, especially if there isn’t a foolproof system in place to minimize that. 
• Contractual obligations: You’ll sign a contract with the cleaning company for these services, and that typically means you’ll need to meet any contractual obligations for termination or changes to service.

Case Study: Summit Janitorial Services

Summit Janitorial Services has more than three decades of experience in the cleaning industry, and it shows with its long history of working with companies to provide exceptional service. 

The company provides customized services ranging from restroom sanitation to operating room sterilization. The key advantage to their customers is that they are not paying franchise fees or sales commissions, which means Summit Janitorial Services is far more flexible and cost-effective.

Factors to Consider When Making a Decision

When making a decision about which service to use, there are several factors to keep in mind:

• The size and nature of the business
• The budget constraints a company has
• Specific cleaning needs, such as whether you need medical facilities cleaned, commercial spaces, industrial areas, and the company’s ability to meet those needs
• The frequency of cleaning needed

How to Move Your Business Forward

There’s no single decision that is right in every case. Yet, companies need to consider the value of outsourcing janitorial cleaning services as a way to improve cleaning quality, reduce problems with hiring and management, and save money without sacrificing quality. If your company is currently using an in-house team, switching to outsourcing could streamline operations and reduce payroll costs. Yet, there are many factors to think about before making that decision. A quote is the best way to get more insight.

Take a few minutes now to request a quote from Summit Janitorial Services. You’ll find it’s easier than you think to make the switch.