Commercial cleaning budgets look very different today than they did just a few years ago. Since COVID, expectations around cleanliness, consistency, and accountability have risen — while labor costs and operational pressures have increased across the board.
For facility managers, the question is no longer just “How much does cleaning cost?” but “What am I actually getting for that cost?”
Why Cleaning Costs Have Increased Since COVID
Several factors have reshaped commercial cleaning pricing in recent years. Labor costs have risen significantly, supply chains have shifted, and expectations for disinfection and hygiene are higher than ever.
At the same time, facilities are asking cleaning partners to do more — more consistency, more documentation, more reliability — often without expanding budgets. This tension has made pricing comparisons more complicated and, in many cases, misleading.
The Hidden Cost of the Lowest Bid
Many facility managers have experienced this firsthand: a low cleaning quote that looks great on paper but falls apart in practice. Missed services, inconsistent staffing, poor communication, and frequent crew turnover often follow.
What appears cheaper upfront can quickly become expensive when managers spend time chasing vendors, addressing complaints, or rebidding contracts. Price alone doesn’t account for operational disruption or reputational risk.
Why Inconsistency Drives Vendor Changes
Across onboarding conversations and weekly check-ins, Vanguard consistently hears the same two reasons clients switch cleaning vendors: price increases and inconsistent service.
Inconsistency is often the bigger issue. When crews change constantly or standards slip, even modest cost savings stop feeling worth it. Reliability — seeing the same people, receiving the same level of service, week after week — has become one of the most valuable aspects of a cleaning contract.
Reframing Cleaning as an ROI Decision
Cleaning isn’t just a line item — it’s an investment in your facility’s function and reputation. Consistent janitorial services reduce complaints, protect flooring and surfaces, support healthier work environments, and free facility teams from micromanaging vendors.
When evaluated through an ROI lens, value shows up in reduced turnover, fewer service escalations, longer-lasting finishes, and predictable operations.
What “Value” Looks Like in a Cleaning Contract
Post-COVID, value in commercial cleaning is defined less by scope lists and more by execution. Strong contracts include:
• Consistent staffing with low attrition
• Clear communication and oversight
• Reliable service schedules
• Scalable support as facility needs change
• Accountability through regular check-ins
These factors don’t always show up in a bid comparison — but they’re often what determine long-term satisfaction.
Why Facility Managers Are Rethinking Cost-Cutting
Budget pressure is real, especially in property management and commercial operations. But many managers are finding that aggressive cost-cutting leads to service gaps that cost more to fix later.
Post-COVID cleaning expectations haven’t disappeared. Occupants still notice cleanliness, and leadership teams still expect safe, professional environments. Cutting too deep can undermine both.
Making Smarter Cleaning Decisions Moving Forward
The most successful facility managers today focus on partners, not just providers. They look for cleaning services that deliver consistency, transparency, and measurable results — even if the initial quote isn’t the lowest.
That approach leads to fewer disruptions, stronger relationships, and better long-term cost control.
Finding the Right Balance Between Cost and Confidence
Post-COVID cleaning costs reflect a new reality — one where consistency matters as much as price. Evaluating cleaning services through the lens of value helps facilities protect their spaces, their people, and their reputation.
If you’re reassessing your cleaning costs or questioning whether your current service delivers real value, contact Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Ohio to talk through your facility’s needs and long-term goals.