Top 5 Signs Your Commercial Cleaning Provider Is Cutting Corners
Hiring a commercial cleaning provider in Kelowna is an investment in your building’s health, reputation, and long-term upkeep. But not all providers follow through on what they promise — and unfortunately, some cut corners to save time or costs, leaving your team and tenants to deal with the consequences.
At Good Sorts, we believe in doing the job right the first time. Here are five common signs your current commercial cleaning provider might be falling short — and how to spot the difference between a surface-level clean and one that truly supports your space.
1. High-Traffic Areas Are Being Overlooked
It’s easy to spot a clean lobby or reception area — but what about the less-visible corners of your building? High-traffic spaces like stairwells, shared washrooms, and break rooms often get neglected when cleaning is rushed or poorly managed. Over time, these neglected areas become unsanitary and even unsafe.
What to watch for:
- Dust and debris buildup along baseboards or under furniture
- Stains or streaks on high-touch surfaces like elevator buttons or door handles
- Lingering odours in shared-use areas, indicating poor sanitization
If your cleaning provider consistently misses these details, it’s a strong indicator that they’re prioritizing speed over quality.
2. Essential Supplies Aren’t Being Monitored
Running out of basic supplies — like toilet paper, hand soap, garbage liners, or paper towels — creates more than just inconvenience. It disrupts operations, frustrates staff and tenants, and reflects poor planning on your provider’s part.
If your team is the one flagging these issues before your cleaning provider does, that’s a sign of a reactive approach — not a proactive partnership.
At Good Sorts, we take consumable management seriously. Through our Managed Consumable Service, we ensure your building is fully stocked, without you needing to lift a finger. We monitor inventory levels, restock as needed, and alert you in advance if anything requires approval. Our team can even recommend eco-friendly product alternatives to help reduce waste and align with your building’s sustainability goals.
You’ve got better things to do than chase down soap refills. We’ll take care of it — reliably and consistently.
3. You’re Reporting the Same Problems Again and Again
If you’ve flagged the same dusty vents or overflowing garbage bins more than once, and nothing’s changed, it’s a sign your current provider either isn’t listening — or doesn’t have the right systems in place to follow through.
Recurring issues don’t just wear down your patience — they reflect a lack of structure and accountability. Whether you manage an office, strata property, or retail space, you deserve peace of mind knowing problems are logged, addressed, and resolved the first time.
At Good Sorts, we’ve solved this with Checkmate — our quality assurance and reporting system.
Our cleaning is monitored through Checkmate, allowing our team to:
- Document completed tasks and site-specific instructions
- Flag issues with notes and photos
- Track trends across multiple visits or locations
- Provide transparent reporting to property managers or site leads
This means fewer repeat issues, better communication, and a cleaner, healthier building — consistently.
Comparison Table: What You Should Expect from Your Cleaning Provider
| Feature | A Provider Like Good Sorts | A Provider That Cuts Corners |
|---|---|---|
| Tracks and follows up on issues | Yes | Inconsistent or not at all |
| Conducts regular quality checks | Yes | Rarely or never |
| Provides a consistent, trained team | Yes | High turnover or untrained staff |
| Offers clear communication and reports | Yes | Vague or missing entirely |
| Matches schedule to scope of work | Yes | Frequently rushed or incomplete |
4. The Work is Being Done Too Quickly
Every job has a time estimate, but if your cleaners are consistently finishing far earlier than expected, that should raise some questions. Sanitizing a large washroom, mopping common areas, wiping down surfaces, removing waste, and restocking supplies all take time — and rushing the process often means things are missed.
Faster doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to cleaning your building properly.
If your provider isn’t allowing enough time to complete the scope of work properly, the job simply isn’t being done to standard.
At Good Sorts, we take the time to understand your building, match the right-sized crew to the job, and ensure each visit is done thoroughly — not just quickly.
5. You Don’t Know Who’s Walking Through the Door
Professional cleaning is about more than checklists — it’s about trust. You should feel confident knowing who’s in your space, especially after hours or in sensitive areas. High turnover, no introductions, or inconsistent staff all signal a lack of stability and process.
We believe relationships matter. That’s why we assign dedicated teams to each site and take the time to train them thoroughly. You’ll know your cleaner by name — and they’ll know your building inside and out.
Why It Matters
According to the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), 94% of customers would avoid a business in the future if its restrooms are dirty — and restrooms are just one part of your facility. A clean building contributes to better tenant retention, fewer complaints, and a more professional brand image.
If you’ve spotted one or more of these red flags, it’s worth asking whether your current provider is helping or holding you back.
Our Promise at Good Sorts
We’re not here to cut corners. We’re here to care for your space, your people, and your reputation. From Kelowna to across the Okanagan, Good Sorts delivers commercial cleaning with consistency, communication, and care.
If you’re ready to raise the standard, we’d love to connect. Our walkthroughs are friendly, pressure-free, and designed to help you get clear on what’s possible for your space.
Reach out to our team to book a site visit or get a quote.
