Tips for Summer Cleaning.
July 26 2023 / by
blog
15 November 2025
When you’re running a business in Melbourne, selecting the right office cleaning partner isn’t just about getting the floor vacuumed and bins emptied. It’s about choosing a team you trust, one who understands your industry, your premises, and your brand values. Here are five critical questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line.
1. What experience do you have in servicing businesses like ours?
One of the first things to ask is how long the company has been operating and whether they’ve worked with offices similar in size, industry or layout to yours. Establishing that they know the particular demands of Melbourne office spaces (CBD access rules, evening/after-hours cleaning, equipment security) is key. Regional resources stress that looking for proven local experience is a top factor.
If the cleaning firm has previously serviced legal offices, technology start-ups, or co-working spaces (for example), they’ll be better equipped to handle your specific needs.
2. What standards, insurance and certifications do you maintain?
In Australia, and particularly in Melbourne, you want to check the cleaning company holds appropriate public liability insurance, workers’ compensation (for their staff) and any relevant industry certifications (such as ISO quality or environmental standards, if applicable).
Also ask about their compliance with health & safety regulations, how they train their staff, and whether they have a robust quality-control or auditing program (so you’re not always chasing up missed areas).
This helps protect your business from liability if something goes wrong and ensures you’re working with a professional outfit, not a casual operator.
3. What exactly is included in the scope of work and how will it be monitored?
It’s critical to have clarity on what tasks are included in the contract: e.g., daily cleaning of workstations, sanitising high-touch areas (door handles, shared surfaces), kitchen/break-room cleaning, bathrooms, floor care, window cleaning, etc. According to one Melbourne-based guide, an office cleaning service should clearly define both regular tasks and add-ons such as carpet shampooing or deep cleaning.
Ask:
- Is the schedule fixed (e.g., after business hours) so as not to disrupt staff?
- Are reports provided (checklists, sign-offs) so you can track what has been done?
- What happens if you need extra work (e.g., after an event or during a high-traffic period)?
Having this in writing prevents surprises and ensures service continuity.
4. Who will actually perform the cleaning and how often?
You want to know if the people entering your workplace are employees of the cleaning firm or subcontractors. Some guides point out that companies using their own staff tend to maintain better quality control than those who outsource heavily.
Also ask:
- Will the same team clean your office each visit (so they become familiar with your space and expectations)?
- How is staff training handled (for safety, chemical use, confidentiality)?
- Are cleaners screened (police checks, references) given the access they will have in your premises?
These questions help you understand the reliability and trustworthiness of the workforce entering your business.
5. What are your pricing structure and contract terms – are there hidden costs?
Transparent pricing is essential. For example, in the Melbourne market, standard office cleaning hourly rates are often around AUD $40-$60 depending on location and service level.
You should ask:
Wrapping up
By asking these five questions, you’ll be better positioned to hire an office cleaning service in Melbourne that aligns with your business standards, protects your interests, and delivers consistent quality. Remember — cleaning is more than just aesthetics: a clean office supports productivity, protects employee health, and reflects your brand to visitors and clients.
If you’re in Melbourne and looking for a reliable cleaning partner, conducting this due diligence upfront will pay dividends.