You might think it’s a safe assumption that commercial cleaning companies you come across know how to clean. That is, in fact, their job, right? If they didn’t know how to clean, why on earth would they open up a commercial cleaning business in the first place? Wouldn’t their doors be shuttered in less than a month?
Unfortunately, while this sounds logical, it's not how this industry works.
Yes, there are plenty of commercial cleaning companies out there who do know what they’re doing. Those diamonds in the rough can deliver a quality service that meets your needs, and can serve as a genuine, honest strategic partner to you and your organisation.
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As someone who has been in this industry for more than 30 years, I’ll be the first to admit that while there are above-board commercial cleaning operators, there are bad apples in the industry who spoil the bunch.
Moreover, they're hoping you can't spot them. But that’s why I’m writing this article for you — I want to make it easy for you to avoid wasting your time (and money) on commercial cleaning companies who cannot meet your needs.
I do have good news, though. In many cases, you can weed out the worst commercial cleaning companies just by looking at their website. So, we’re going to talk in this article about how to evaluate a commercial cleaning company’s website, from the clear red flags, to the not-so-obvious points you may miss that should give you pause.
The only way I know how to do this is to walk you through three real-life examples of commercial cleaning companies — yes, the websites that I describe below actually exist. However, I will not be naming these companies, as it is unfair to them..
Top search result if you Googled “cleaning services Brisbane”
At first glance, this website looks polished. Simple, but polished nonetheless. However, this is a one-page website. Meaning, any link you click simply jumps you up or down to a different part of the same page.
Soon, with a little examination, problems start to emerge:
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Should you care if your commercial cleaning company uses employees or contractors? Yes. You should care a great deal. While employing contractors and external labour hire is a common practice — one that, under certain conditions, makes a heck of a lot of sense for a business, when done so legally — the contracting practices of the commercial cleaning industry are some of the most shameful you will ever come across.
In the commercial cleaning industry, contracting (or “sham contracting”) is, more often than not, a vehicle for modern slavery:
A sham contracting arrangement is when an employer attempts to disguise an employment relationship as a contractor relationship. They may do this to avoid certain taxes and their responsibility for employee entitlements like: minimum wages, superannuation, and other leave entitlements. (Source)
The unfortunate reality is that some operators in the commercial cleaning industry prioritise profit over people, often at the expense of the hardworking cleaners who deserve fair treatment and proper compensation. In these cases, it’s not always easy to see the full picture—slick language and polished websites can mask questionable practices like sham contracting.
What’s hidden from view is the true human cost. Cleaners who work long hours, often for less than they deserve, are left without the support or protections that a fair workplace should provide. This is why it’s so important to look beyond the surface and understand how a company treats its people before making your decision.
We’ve heard too many of these stories over the years.
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Today, Suhag works as a full-time employee here at In-Tec as a cleaner. But when Suhag first arrived here from India, his first job was cleaning a very large hotel chain in Brisbane. He was engaged as a contractor (he had to have a current ABN), and scheduled a set three-hour shift, seven nights a week, at a rate of $15 an hour.
In reality, Suhag shared that he worked nearly six hours each night (double his scheduled shift), but still was only paid $45 per night, as if he only worked his three scheduled hours. It didn’t matter what day of the week it was, if it were a weekend, or a holiday … he was always underpaid at the same rate, with no ability to take time off.
Top search result if you Googled “commercial cleaning Brisbane”
Again, we are looking at a website that is only one page. On the plus side, however, it may look like they know what they’re doing. But upon closer inspection, we run into a few problems:
To be honest, they talk very little about cleaning at all. Yes, their site at-a-glance is sleek to look at. Still, they fail to showcase their understanding of the unique needs of commercial cleaning clients, or their knowledge of how to clean at all.
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Now, here I’ve found a horse of a different colour. You can tell right off from the website that this is a cleaning company that knows how to clean—and no, I’m not talking about us. But how?
So, what’s the catch?
They’re a franchise. Now, franchises as a concept work quite well—McDonald’s is a perfect example of that. But the commercial cleaning industry just doesn’t have the luxury of big margins to make a model like that viable. It’s not about cutting costs for the sake of it—it’s about paying people properly and maintaining standards. When the profit isn’t there, something always gives, and unfortunately, it’s often quality and fairness that take the hit.
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They also mention having cleaners, but nowhere on their website do they actually refer to them as employees. It makes sense when you consider their focus on franchising. If they can’t place a franchisee in a certain area, it’s logical they’d rely on a contracting model to fill the gap. Now, whether or not these are legal contractors or it falls into sham contracting, that’s not something we can determine.
However, it’s always worth noting that when a commercial cleaning operator avoids explicitly identifying cleaners as employees, it raises valid questions about their business model and worker protections.
Even the most polished commercial cleaning websites can look great on the surface, but they often reveal more than intended if you know what to look for. If you’ve found a company that seems solid, take the next step and dig into their social media presence—it can tell you a lot about how they operate behind the scenes.
Social media isn’t just about flashy before-and-after photos—anyone can post those. What really matters is how the company talks about their team and approach to cleaning. Here’s how to look deeper:
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A company’s social media presence is a window into their values and priorities. If their posts focus more on promoting the founder or using generic marketing buzzwords than showing respect for their team or a clear understanding of cleaning practices, it’s a red flag. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable.
Look for a company that backs up their claims with substance and demonstrates a commitment to doing things the right way—not just the easy way.
The truth is, not every commercial cleaning company is what it appears to be on the surface. By taking the time to examine their website and social media presence, you can uncover a lot about how they operate—whether they prioritise quality, fairness, and accountability, or if they’re simply dressing things up to mask shortcuts and subpar practices.
The red flags aren’t always obvious, but now you know what to look for: transparency about their team, real expertise in cleaning, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
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If you’re in the process of selecting a commercial cleaner, don’t stop at the surface. Ask the right questions. Dig deeper. A company’s website and social media can reveal plenty, but a conversation can tell you even more about their values, processes, and whether they’re the right fit for your needs.
At In-Tec, we’re always happy to chat about what you’re looking for and how we can help. Whether you have questions about cleaning, our approach, or just want to understand more about the industry, we’re here to make the process straightforward and transparent. Feel free to get in touch—we’d love to hear from you.
If you're interested in learning more on how to choose the correct commercial cleaning partner for your organisation, you can download our guide, 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Company. Or you can contact us at any time with your questions, or to start a conversation about how we may be of service to you.