How do you choose a new cleaning company in Watford or London

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Company for Your Office

Whether you're managing a bustling corporate office in London or a cosy co-working hub in Hertfordshire, the cleanliness of your environment speaks volumes about your professionalism and commitment to staff wellbeing.

At The Callver Cleaning Co. (or as our long-time clients call us, Team Callver), we've been proudly delivering top-tier commercial cleaning services for over 20 years. Based in Watford, we cover all of Hertfordshire and London, and in that time, we've seen first-hand the difference the right cleaning partner can make. So, what should you look for when selecting your cleaning company? Let's dive in!

1. Reputation is Everything

Start by looking at a company's reputation. Word of mouth is powerful, and a strong reputation in your local area is a good sign you're in safe hands. Check how long the company has been in business, who their current clients are, and whether they specialise in office cleaning. A company that has been thriving for two decades like Team Callver is clearly doing something right!

Also, consider industry accreditations or professional memberships. Certifications from bodies like BICSc (British Institute of Cleaning Science) or SafeContractor are good indicators of a company that takes its standards seriously.

2. Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews and client testimonials are a goldmine. Look for consistency in praise, particularly around professionalism, punctuality, and quality of service. A single five-star review might be luck, but dozens across platforms like Google and Trustpilot indicate a consistently high standard. Don’t be afraid to ask for references too.

You can also look out for testimonials from companies in similar sectors to yours—if they’ve handled environments like yours before, it’s a great sign they’ll understand your specific requirements.

3. Price: Value Over Cheapness

While it's important to consider price, remember the cheapest option isn't always the best. A low price could mean shortcuts in training, safety, or quality of products used. Look for transparency in pricing and ensure you're comparing apples with apples. What does the quote actually include? Are washroom services and sanitary bins covered?

Choosing a company like Team Callver, where everything is upfront and itemised, saves money in the long run by preventing issues and extra costs. Ask for a detailed quote and look for added value, not just a low number.

4. Health and Safety First

Cleaning isn’t just about appearances—it’s also about health and safety. A good cleaning company will follow rigorous safety protocols, use appropriate PPE, and ensure all chemicals are COSHH compliant. Ask about risk assessments and cleaning plans.

We ensure every team member is trained in safe cleaning methods, knows how to handle hazardous waste correctly, and understands your specific workplace environment. This isn't just box-ticking; it's vital to keeping your team safe.

5. Flexible, Fair Contracts

Beware of companies that lock you into long-term contracts without a clear exit strategy. The best companies will be confident enough in their service to offer flexible terms. Make sure there are clear SLAs (Service Level Agreements) and review periods in place.

At Team Callver, we don’t believe in handcuffs. We offer rolling contracts and regular reviews because we believe your continued satisfaction is our best contract.

6. Supervision and Support

How well are the cleaning teams supervised? Are there regular checks and quality audits? Proper supervision ensures standards don’t slip over time.

Our team supervisors carry out routine site visits and performance checks to ensure that our standards remain consistent and any feedback is actioned promptly. We also use digital checklists and real-time tracking tools to monitor performance across all sites.

7. Communication is Key

Can you get hold of someone when you need to? Good communication is a sign of a reliable company. Whether it's a quick update, a schedule change, or a special request, your cleaning company should be easy to reach and quick to respond.

We provide dedicated account managers who know your site and your people, making communication seamless. Quick responses, proactive updates, and a genuine willingness to help make all the difference.

8. Check Their Website

A company's website says a lot. Is it clear, up to date, and professional? Can you easily find information about their services, ethos, and accreditations? If a company doesn't invest in presenting themselves well online, how likely are they to pay attention to detail in your office?

Check ours out at www.callver.com to see our full range of services, meet the team, and get a feel for our values and experience.

9. Range of Services Offered

It's convenient and often more cost-effective to have one provider for multiple services. Does the company provide washroom services, consumables, and female sanitary disposal? These aren’t just add-ons; they’re essential for a fully functioning office.

We offer full-service packages including replenishment of soap, towels, and toilet tissue; feminine hygiene disposal; air fresheners; and more. One provider, one invoice, one less thing to worry about.

10. Trust Your Gut

Finally, never underestimate the power of your gut feeling. From the first meeting, do they come across as trustworthy, friendly, and professional? Are they genuinely interested in your needs or just trying to land a contract?

You should feel at ease talking to your cleaning provider. You should feel confident they'll take care of your space. Our clients often tell us they chose Team Callver because they liked our people—and we think that's one of the best compliments you can get.

11. Staff Vetting and Motivation

Ask about the vetting process. Are staff DBS checked? Are references taken? How are they trained? A company is only as good as its people, and at Team Callver, we go the extra mile to recruit and retain the very best.

But recruitment is just the beginning. We believe in motivating and encouraging our team with fair pay, recognition, ongoing training, and a supportive culture. Happy teams lead to better service and lower turnover, which means better continuity and reliability for you.

12. A Simple Checklist to Help You Decide

Here’s a quick list to guide your decision:

• Do they have a strong local reputation?

• Are their reviews consistently positive?

• Are they transparent with pricing?

• Do they prioritise health and safety?

• Are contracts fair and flexible?

• Is their communication responsive?

• Do they offer all the services you need?

• Do you trust their team?

• Do they vet and motivate their staff properly?

If you can tick off most of these boxes with confidence, you're well on your way to finding the right cleaning partner.

13. Environmental Responsibility

In today's world, sustainability matters. Ask potential cleaning providers what they're doing to reduce their environmental impact. Are they using eco-friendly products? Do they recycle waste? What are their transport policies like?

At Team Callver, we actively seek to reduce our carbon footprint by using biodegradable cleaning agents, promoting paperless systems, and ensuring efficient route planning to reduce fuel usage.

14. What to Expect in Your First Month

Once you choose a company, the first month sets the tone. You should expect:

• A detailed site walkthrough

• A bespoke cleaning plan tailored to your business

• A dedicated point of contact

• A consistent cleaning team

• A smooth handover and regular quality checks

We make onboarding simple and stress-free, with a welcome pack, quick responses to your questions, and immediate action on any concerns.

A Final Word: The Right Choice Matters

Choosing the right cleaning company is about so much more than wiping desks and emptying bins. It's about creating a workplace that your team feels good about coming into every day. A clean, safe, and well-cared-for environment improves morale, reduces illness, and boosts productivity.

Choosing the wrong company, on the other hand, can lead to missed cleans, health hazards, poor communication, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.

So take your time. Ask questions. Do your homework. And if you're in Hertfordshire or London, why not start by giving Team Callver a call? We’d love to hear about your needs and show you how we can help.

Visit us at www.callver.com to learn more, or get in touch for a free consultation.

Here's to a cleaner, happier office!

The Callver Cleaning Co.
Team Callver – Proudly serving Hertfordshire and London for over 20 years.