Not all cleaning contractors deliver what they promise.
If your workplace looks dusty by mid-week, bins are missed, or complaints are rising, it may be time to check whether your cleaning provider is actually meeting expectations.

The good news? You don’t need a full-day inspection. With a simple 60-minute cleaning audit, you can quickly evaluate performance, compliance, and hygiene standards — and identify areas for improvement.

Below, the team at Royce Cleaning shares how to perform a quick, effective cleaning contractor audit.

1. Why should I audit my cleaning contractor regularly?

Regular audits ensure you’re getting the service you’re paying for — and that your office meets hygiene and safety standards.

An audit helps to:

Verify cleaning quality and consistency
Check compliance with WHS and environmental standards
Identify neglected areas before they become problems
Assess professionalism, communication, and responsiveness

Audits also encourage accountability — a trustworthy cleaning partner welcomes transparency.

2. What should I prepare before starting the audit?

Before you begin, gather:

Your cleaning contract or scope of work
A checklist of cleaning tasks and areas
Any previous complaints or feedback
Access to all office zones (meeting rooms, kitchen, restrooms, etc.)

Print or save a simple inspection sheet divided into:

✅ Task completed properly
⚠️ Needs improvement
❌ Not done

You’ll use this as a quick scorecard during your walkthrough.

3. Which areas should I inspect first?

Start with high-traffic and high-visibility zones — these reflect cleaning standards best.

Focus on:

Reception area: floors, glass, surfaces, entry mats
Workstations: desks, bins, partitions, carpets
Kitchens and break rooms: benches, appliances, sinks
Bathrooms: toilets, mirrors, dispensers, odour control
Meeting rooms: tables, screens, chairs
Hallways and lifts: floors, buttons, handrails

Tip: Note both visible cleanliness and attention to detail (e.g., corners, vents, under furniture).

4. What are the signs of poor cleaning performance?

Watch out for:

Smudged glass or dusty blinds
Overflowing bins or missed rubbish collection
Sticky floors or stained carpets
Foul smells near kitchens or bathrooms
Fingerprints on light switches or doors
Cleaners rushing or skipping scheduled areas

If you notice several of these, your provider may be under-delivering — or under-staffed.

5. How can I check if cleaning chemicals and equipment are appropriate?

Ask your contractor or observe:

Are eco-friendly, TGA-approved products being used?
Are colour-coded cloths and mops used to avoid cross-contamination?
Is equipment maintained and clean? (Vacuum filters, mop heads, etc.)
Are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available on-site?

A professional contractor will have clear hygiene and safety protocols in place — not random bottles and broken vacuums.

6. How do I assess cleaner professionalism and training?

During your audit, note:

Are cleaners wearing uniforms and ID badges?
Are they following WHS procedures (e.g., signage for wet floors)?
Do they communicate courteously and respond promptly to requests?
Does the supervisor provide inspection reports or quality checks?

Reliable contractors invest in ongoing staff training and site supervision — not just quick labour.

7. How should I score or summarise my findings?

Allocate points (e.g. 1–5) for:

Cleanliness and presentation
Attention to detail
Compliance with scope
Professionalism and safety
Communication and reporting

Add up the results to get a clear picture:

45–50: Excellent – exceeding expectations
35–44: Good – minor improvements needed
25–34: Fair – inconsistencies present
Below 25: Poor – review or replace contractor

8. What’s next if the results aren’t great?

Discuss the findings with your provider first — reputable companies value feedback.
However, if issues persist or are ignored, it’s time to explore alternatives.

At Royce Cleaning, we offer a free cleaning performance review and can help you benchmark your current contractor’s standards against best-practice commercial cleaning.

Request Your Free Cleaning Audit
or call (02) 9897 2099 to arrange a no-obligation site assessment.