Office cleaning helps create a professional, hygienic, and appealing workplace. However, for small businesses on tight budgets, the costs of office cleaning services can add up quickly. The experts over at All Pro Cleaning Systems recommend implementing budget-friendly strategies to keep offices clean while reducing overhead expenses.
Using Multi-Purpose Cleaners
Instead of stocking separate specialized products for windows, floors, restrooms, etc., use all-in-one cleaners. Multi-surface cleaners save money by replacing several products with one economical, diluted concentrate. Store-brand options bring added savings over name brands without sacrificing quality. And don’t overlook good old vinegar and water for an effective, ultra-affordable cleaner and disinfectant.
Creating Cleaning Stations
Designate centralized cleaning zones on each office floor to consolidate supplies. Cleaning caddies kept stocked in these locations let staff access what they need without wasting time tracking down materials. Post checklists reminding employees of daily and weekly cleaning tasks in each area. This approach prevents duplication of supplies across many locations.
Cross-Training Staff
Consider cross-training administrative personnel to handle basic cleaning tasks. That alleviates paying office cleaning services to provide daily light cleaning. It also empowers staff to tackle small spills and messes right away, preventing stains. Distribute quick reference tip sheets on procedures for surface cleaning, vacuuming, glass cleaning, and restroom maintenance. Then staff can pitch in to keep things tidy between deeper cleanings by professional office cleaning services.
Take Inventory Before Buying More
Office managers often order replacements on autopilot without checking what is on hand. That leads to over-purchasing cleaning supplies, wasting money to stockpile duplicates. Instead, make it standard practice to conduct safety equipment and chemical inventory checks before placing supply reorders. Monitoring stock and usage patterns better informs purchasing decisions and prevents excess spending.
Reusing and Recycling
Why throw something away if it still has life? Shift mindsets towards reusing items whenever sanitary and practical instead of defaulting to the trash. For example, distribute spray bottles or microfiber cloths to each workstation so employees use and wash them instead of relying on endless supplies of paper towels. Or mount scrap paper near printers as scrap notepads before recycling used paper. Work towards a zero-waste operation through reusable products and creative repurposing.
Reviewing Service Contracts
If employing office cleaning services, review contracts annually to ensure you pay for only what your business needs. As companies adjust staffing, office configurations, or hours of operation, cleaning requirements change too. Yet few small businesses update cleaning contracts accordingly. Confirm you neither overpay for unneeded visits nor miss out on contract discounts for decreased frequency.
Trying a Cleaning Co-Op
Team up with neighboring small businesses to create a cleaning co-op. Aggregating area offices serviced on one contract means everyone benefits from volume discounts, often only bigger companies enjoy. Participants also gain service consistency by using the same provider. Schedule periodic co-op reviews to confirm cleaning quality and suggest additions or adjustments. This collaborative approach lets everyone enjoy major savings that then help offset operating expenses.
Enlisting Employee Help
Most office cleaning services rates assume starting each visit with a relatively clean workspace. So enlist staff assistance to maintain tidiness between professional cleanings through an office chore rotation or checklist. When employees share responsibility for basic upkeep like wiping surfaces, taking out trash, and organizing spaces, it minimizes intensive labor during contracted services. That helps keep cleaning bills in check.
Conclusion
Saving money on office cleaning just takes some diligence, creativity, and cooperation. Following these budget-friendly steps helps small businesses keep offices hygienic and presentable while reducing overhead costs. Approach workplace cleanliness with both smart strategies and teamwork. Maintaining an office on a shoestring budget poses challenges, but is very feasible long-term through these tactics.
