Choosing a Commercial Cleaner

10 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Cleaners

by AdviceJanitorial Services

Whether you’re thinking of switching from your current cleaning service or you’ve never worked with one before, choosing the right company can feel like a big decision. Taking the time to weigh your options and make the right choice can have huge benefits in the long run, including:

  • A better first impression for your business
  • Improved employee productivity
  • A healthier work environment
  • Fewer distractions and less stress for you

It’s all about asking the right questions. When you have one or two commercial cleaners you’re considering, ask them these 10 questions:

1. Do you offer all the cleaning services I need?

bank building portlandDo you need janitorial services, carpet cleaning, and window cleaning? Do you generate a lot of paper recycling you need someone to manage?

Make sure any company you’re considering does everything you need.

(You don’t want to hire 3 different companies when you could hire just one!)

It’s worth double checking each cleaning company’s answers with the services page of their website too.

2. What kind of cleaning products & supplies do you use?

This is a good question to ask, just to make sure the person you’re talking to is knowledgeable about the cleaning process.

It’s especially important if sustainability matters to you. In Portland and the surrounding areas, many businesspeople feel strongly about their impact on the environment. If that sounds like you, it’s worth finding a commercial cleaning service with the same philosophy.

At Cascade Building Services, we always use environmentally safe products without harmful toxins or unpleasant odors.

3. Can you clean at night or on weekends?

Part of the reason for hiring a commercial cleaner is to free up more time and energy for you to focus on business. You can’t do that if your cleaning company is constantly showing up during business hours.

At Cascade Building Services we work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our clients simply tell us the most convenient time for them, and that’s when we show up.

industrial area portland swan island

Photo: ienjoysushi

4. How long have you been in business?

There’s nothing wrong with being a young business — everyone has to start somewhere — but there’s a lot less risk for you when you choose a cleaning company who has a long history of doing quality work.

We’ve been serving the Portland area for more than 50 years. We’ve handled nearly every type of cleaning job out there and we have many good reviews from great clients to back it up… which leads to the next question:

5. Can you provide me with references?

Unless you’re the company’s first client, they should be able to put you in contact with at least one or two clients they’ve worked with in the past (or that they still work with!).

It never hurts to ask for references, even if you don’t actually call all of them. You might learn some valuable information that makes your decision easier.

It’s also a good idea to check each company’s online reviews on Google, Yelp, and their own website.

6. Will your employees clean my facility?

Some companies use day laborers instead of hiring their own employees. There’s not necessarily anything wrong with that, but it’s always nice to know when a company has loyal employees.

One benefit of choosing a company who hires its own employees? At Cascade Building Services, we have a professional staff of employees who wear uniforms and I.D. badges. Many of our employees have worked with us for over a decade! We perform a background check on everyone we hire and provide ongoing training.

janitorial services employee traning

Photo: Sean Mulgrew

7. Do you work with other businesses in my industry?

Does the cleaning company have experience with businesses like yours? Can they handle the ins and outs of cleaning a space like yours?

If they have worked with clients in your industry, can they tell you which business(es)?

8. Will you have an ongoing contact person?

It’s important to have the name and number of a single person you know you can always contact — whether that’s the owner, an employee, or a customer service representative whose job is to make sure you’re getting the service you need.

There’s nothing more frustrating than sealing the deal with a salesperson and then having to climb your way through a phone tree once you’re actually working together.

9. Are they responsive and quick to get back to you?

This is more of a question to ask yourself. Does the company instill confidence that they’ll do what they say they’ll do? Do you trust them? Is it clear that getting back to you and answering your questions are top priorities?

If you answered yes, yes, and yes, that’s a good sign!

phone businessman

10. Can you give me a free quote or estimate?

Free quotes are a sign that a company is not only legitimate but believes in the work they’re doing. It’s also a sign that they respect their clients’ time and money.

My advice is that if a company won’t provide you with a free quote before you start working together, start looking for someone else.

Ready to get started? We’d love to give you a free quote.

Get a free quote from Cascade Building Services, or give us a call at (503) 691-0776 if you have questions.

Your Checklist

Want all these questions in one place? You can print this page and use this checklist of all 10 questions to ask you cleaners:

Cleaning Company Questions Checklist

Name of Cleaning Company: ______________________________________

  • ❑ They offer all the cleaning services you need.
  • ❑ They use safe (and possibly environmentally friendly) cleaning products.
  • ❑ They can clean at a time that’s convenient for you.
  • ❑ They’re experienced with a history of success.
  • ❑ They can provide you with references.
  • ❑ Their own employees will clean your facility (no day laborers).
  • ❑ They have experience working with businesses in your industry.
  • ❑ You will have an ongoing contact person.
  • ❑ They’re responsive and quick to get back to you.
  • ❑ They can provide you with a no-obligation quote or estimate free of charge.

Notes:

 

 

 

 

Why You Need Professional Window

Why You Need Professional Window Cleaning

by Janitorial ServicesWindow Washing

Why Clean Your Windows?

No matter what business you’re in, appearances matter. The way your business presents itself says a lot to your current customers and prospective clients. You keep your place of business organized and you don’t make sloppy mistakes in your work. You should show the same level of dedication to keeping your building clean, especially your windows.

Dirty Glass DoorDirty windows with streaks and smears stand out. In a bad way. You don’t want your customers to see them. And you also don’t want your team members to work while looking at smudgy windows. Your employees will feel less valued if they’re working in an unclean space (and they can even get sick from it).

Show your dedication to and respect for your customers and your employees. Keep your windows clean!

Keep reading and we’ll talk about how how professional window cleaners work, guidelines for how often your windows should be cleaned, and how you can pick the right professional window cleaner for you.

How Professionals Clean Windows

You’ve cleaned your windows at home. Windows are windows right? What does a professional window cleaner do differently

They’re experienced! A professional window cleaner cleans more windows in a week than most people will clean in their lifetime! They know how to work quickly and efficiently. You’ll be amazed at how fast professional window cleaners work while still making sure your windows are spotless.

Professional window cleaners have access to tools and equipment that most people don’t. They’ll have extra-long-handled brushes and cleaning supplies that are needed for cleaning the tall windows found in many office buildings, hospitals, banks and other commercial spaces. They’ll also know just the right tools and supplies to use when cleaning your windows.

At Cascade Building Services, for example, we use an eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning solution! We’re always looking out for the environment!

How Often to Clean Windows?

How often to enlist the help of professional window cleaners is a tricky question and the answer is, “it depends.” One factor to consider is the number of windows you have. The more windows, the more noticeable dirty windows will be and the more frequently you’ll need to have them cleaned.

Also consider the climate. Rainy weather in Portland doesn’t actually clean your windows! In fact, it can make them more dirty by leaving behind tiny particles of dirt that build up over time. And during the spring, the Northwest is known for its pollen, which can accumulate on all exterior windows.

If your building is near a major road or highway, you’ll need to clean more frequently, as car exhaust and other particulates in the air can build up a layer of grime on your windows.

Below, you’ll find my general recommendations for how often you should have your windows professionally cleaned. If you’ve got questions, get in touch, I’d love to tell you more.

Hospitals

Hospital Building

Depending on the size of your hospital or clinic, you’ll need professional window cleaning services about once a month. Windows on the ground floor, or those in an exam room, or a patient’s room might need cleaning a bit more often to keep them spotless.

Banks

Modern bank buildings tend to have lots of windows. That means there’s a lot of surface area that can get dirty and need cleaning. That’s why I think that most banks need to have their windows cleaned at least twice a year. Depending on climate and other factors, you may need to have some windows cleaned more frequently than others.

Office buildings

Office Window with a view

A good rule of thumb is that an office’s windows should be thoroughly cleaned twice a year. However, monthly touch-ups, especially for your lobby, conference rooms, and other areas that clients spend lots of time in, are a good idea.

RestaurantsRestaurant

Restaurant windows get dirty fast! They’ll need to be cleaned every two weeks, both inside and out! Grimy, streaky, dirty windows are sure to make your customers want to eat someplace else. Take a look around on Yelp reviews for local restaurants. You’ll be amazed how often dirty windows are mentioned.

Retail stores

Retail storeJust like restaurants, clean windows are a surprisingly big part of customer satisfaction. They’re also key to making your store seem clean and inviting.

I recommend a monthly cleaning of all windows in your retail store, especially those that face the street where there’s lots of foot traffic.

Choosing a Professional Window Cleaner

Pro Window Washer

If you’re thinking about having your office, warehouse, store, condominium building, hospital, or bank’s windows cleaned, you’ve got a big decision to make. You need a window cleaning company that you can trust. Here’s what you should look for:

Satisfied Customers

Look on Yelp, Angie’s List, or at a company’s Google Plus and Facebook page’s for reviews and testimonials. The most recent reviews will give you the best idea about how a window cleaning company is doing.

Look for Experience

You want a window cleaner who’s been in the business for years, not months! Less established companies may not be able to provide the best prices, or worse, they may go out of business, leaving you searching for a new window cleaner at an inconvenient time.

And less-experienced window cleaners might not know all the tricks of the trade and might make mistakes when it comes to cleaning your windows.

At Cascade Building Services, we’ve been cleaning windows since 1961! We’ve seen it all and cleaned it all!

Talk to the Companies You’re Considering

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few local window washing companies, give them a call. Ask them to come out and look at your windows. Here are a few questions you can ask to help you learn more about whether they’re the right choice for you:

  • What tools do they use?
  • Do they clean only windows or can they provide other cleaning services, too?
  • When cleaning windows do they also clean the sills, ledges, and tracks?
  • Can they provide you with references?
  • Do they clean at night or only during the day?
  • Do they work weekends?
  • How long will it take to clean your windows?
  • What areas do they service?

And of course, get their offer or quote in writing.

Conclusion

Your windows say a lot about your business. That’s why it’s so important to keep them clean. And there’s no better way to keep your windows clean, than to set up regular cleanings with an experienced, professional window cleaner.

Do you need commercial window cleaning services in the Portland, Oregon area? We’d love to get to know you! Contact us today.

Or you can always see if this little guy is available:


Photo Credits: Lynn Willis, Jaysin Trevino, Roger W, Doc Searls, Random Retail, Mike Mozart, Chucka_nc,

darrenAbout the author Darren

Darren is the owner of Cascade Building Services. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at Lewis and Clark University. He used to work in sales for General Mills. In his spare time, you can find him in the great outdoors camping and boating.

Cleaning-Maintenance-Guide-for-Property-Managers

Cleaning & Maintenance Guide for Property Managers

by AdviceCarpet Cleaningcascade building servicesJanitorial ServicesportlandWindow Washing

Managing all of the units in an apartment complex or office building can be a logistical nightmare. With so many units occupied by so many different tenants with varying needs and reliability, it can be a lot to manage.

Luckily, we’ve put together this guide to help you manage your condo complex or office building so it is always in tip-top shape.

 

Evaluate the Individual Units Between Tenants

Good maintenance of office and apartment complexes starts with proper care of the individual units. While you can try as hard as possible to make sure a new tenant will take proper care of the space, the most you can do is make sure it is properly maintained between tenants. Not only will this help the space be more attractive to new tenants, it will encourage the new tenant to take good care of the unit.

Once the previous tenant has moved out, evaluate it for:

  • Damage to walls
  • Stains on carpets
  • Damage to large appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers
  • Cracked or dirty windows
  • Pest infestations
  • Mold

Fix the issues you find immediately. It will be significantly harder to fill the space if you don’t fix these problems. Potential new tenants will want to see a finished unit before signing a lease. Every day the unit is not occupied you are losing money.

After a tenant moves out, consider:

  • Repainting the walls
  • Replacing any damaged carpet or flooring
  • Changing the locks on the unit
  • Properly cleaning the unit

 

Ongoing Cleaning and Maintenance

People don’t want to live or work in an unclean environment. If you are managing a large apartment building or condo complex, there is a lot of space to clean. Managing this much cleaning, from floors to bathrooms, can be exhausting. Filthy surfaces completely filled waste baskets, and dirty bathrooms are unacceptable for a reputable space.

While your tenants will always have to perform some basic cleaning themselves, you are going to be expected to carry a lot of the heavy lifting, particularly in an office environment.

In addition to more basic janitorial services like cleaning bathrooms and emptying waste bins, there are other, more involved services to think about. Below, we’ve put some you will have to perform.

Floor and Carpet Cleaning

Walking on sticky, stained carpet or flooring is never an inviting prospect. It reflects poorly on a business’s image, and people do not want to see it when walking into their apartment building. Unfortunately, dirty floors are unavoidable.

Floors

Dirty floors reflect poorly on your business. Also, continuously unclean floors will have to be replaced much sooner, costing you more money in the long run to maintain.

For well-kept floors, you will need to do the following:

  • Seal and wax
  • Polish
  • Remove stains

Most floor cleaning companies will be able to handle everything from concrete to ceramic tile.

Don’t ruin your floors or leave a bad first impression with dirty floors!

Carpets

Often property managers think they need to replace their carpets when really all they need to do is properly maintain and clean them.

We recommend having your carpets cleaned twice a year to keep them looking great and not degrading. They will look nice, and last longer than uncleaned carpets.

Waste and Recycling Management

Waste management will be something you need to be on top of to ensure the cleanliness of your building. Trash build up will lead to unsanitary conditions on your property. The last thing you want to deal with are pests infiltrating your apartment building or office.

To keep costs down, pay particular attention to the management of recycling in your building. Good recycling management will lessen your building’s trash bill. Make sure to properly sign your recycling and empty the bins as much as possible to ensure your tenants participate in your recycling program.

Window Cleaning

Nobody likes looking out a window and seeing a smudgy, dirty view. While it may be relatively easy to properly clean the inside of your windows, ensuring the cleanliness of the outside can be a tricky task.

Window exteriors should be cleaned twice a year, and professionals should be hired for the task. It is dangerous to try to perform yourself, particularly on windows of buildings over a story high!

A Note On Cleaning Supplies

Tenants hate living in filth. They do not want to work and live in a dirty space. They also hate the constant smell of chemicals and feeling like they are breathing in dangerous fumes.

To ensure tenants and guests don’t feel like they are breathing in noxious fumes, make sure to use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Not only will this make your tenants feel better, it will be safer and better for the environment.

 

Common Rooms

Common areas are an often overlooked area of apartment buildings. Since no one tenant is responsible for taking care of the space, clutter and trash can build up in the room. It is also one of the main spaces guests and potential new tenants see when they enter the building, so it is particularly important to keep it clean. Make sure that the room is checked regularly for dirty dishes, left out items, and trash.

 

Landscaping

It doesn’t matter if you are managing an apartment building or office, there will be landscaping to be done. Landscaping projects an image for your building and is the first thing greeting your tenants or their guests when they are approaching your building. Make this space look beautiful!

A couple landscaping features needing maintenance:

  • Lawn or grassy areas
  • Bushes and hedges
  • Plants and flowers
  • Gutter cleaning

 

Trusted Cleaning and Maintenance Service Providers

While some property managers may be able to have employees on staff to help them clean and maintain their building, most do not. Property managers have a lot of tasks and need to be focused on managing the building, not maintaining it.

This makes hiring good people to clean and maintain your space crucial for a well-run building. Think about hiring companies for:

Since time is tight as a property manager, we recommend finding a company that can perform as many of these tasks as possible.

 

Let’s Talk!

Cascade Building Services can help with your janitorial and maintenance service needs.

Call Cascade Building Services today at (503) 691-0776 for a free, no-obligation quote. If you’re located in the Portland or Vancouver metro areas, we’d love to show how we can help with all your office or apartment building cleaning needs.

how to create a dog friendly office

How To: Create a Dog-Friendly Workplace

by Advicecascade building servicesJanitorial Servicesportland

In the Portland area, attracting and retaining top talent can be a challenge for any company. Great people have great options. What can you do to make your company stand out?

Surprisingly, it’s often the little things that make a big difference in employee satisfaction and happiness.

A growing trend among some of the fastest growing businesses in the Portland area is offering employees the opportunity to bring their furry friends to work. In today’s post, we’ll talk about best practices for creating a dog-friendly office environment.

 

How Does a Dog-Friendly Office Improve The Bottom Line?

Recent research suggests that having a dog-friendly workplace is more than just a nice perk. It can also:

Your employees will be happier, more productive, and more engaged with their work!

 

Remember: It’s Not Just About The Dogs

If you’re thinking about allowing dogs into your office, remember that your first concern should be for the happiness and safety of all your employees– not just those who have dogs. Consider an anonymous survey to determine if any employees are strongly against the idea before making it a policy.

 

Job Interviews & Private Offices Aren’t Just For People

Just like you wouldn’t let any person work in your office, not every dog will be a good fit either. If an employee wants to bring his or her dog into work, schedule a “doggie interview” where your team can judge the dog’s temperament and behavior.

Use an objective grading system to determine whether a particular pooch is a good fit for your office. Questions to ask may include:

  • Does the dog bark?
  • Does the dog obey commands?
  • Is the dog-friendly around other dogs?
  • How does the dog interact with other humans?
  • Does the dog require excessive attention?
  • Can the dog handle being in the office all day?

Consider a probationary period with all new office dogs before making them “permanent staff.” In fact, many offices do a “test run” of the dog-friendly policy to see how it works out and before making lasting changes to their office policies.

Your human employees often need a quiet place to meet or think when working on a difficult project. Similarly, even the best behaved office dogs may need a space of their own to relax in when they get overwhelmed.

 

Set Boundaries

Remember, the dogs don’t make the rules: you do! Any successful dog-friendly office policy will include plenty of boundaries. You may want to:

  • Only allow dogs above a certain age– not rambunctious puppies, no matter how cute!
  • Prohibit feeding dogs human food in the office, it can be a slippery slope to bad behavior!
  • Allow dogs only on certain days of the week.
  • Prohibit dogs on some days– like when clients are visiting the office.
  • Only allow dogs in certain rooms or offices. Maybe make the break room a dog free space, for example.

 

Provide Toys, Treats & Supplies

Like you best human workers, office dogs need stimulation to be happy! Consider investing in quiet toys they can play with, treats they can eat, and other supplies that the dogs might need.

 

Share Chores & Responsibilities

Some dog-friendly workplaces encourage workers to share chores. Others may require each owner to be responsible for only his or her own puppy. You need to decide what will work best for your office and your team. A few jobs to assign might include:

  • Making sure there’s fresh water
  • Cleaning up after “accidents”
  • Walking the dogs

 

Brag On Social Media!

The interns are very excited about Donut Wednesday 🍩 At least one of them is, per usual

A post shared by Shortcake (@theladyshortcake) on

When talented people are looking for a new job, they have plenty of options and often look for a relaxed, fun work environment.

So make sure you post about your dog-friendly culture on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook! Update your company’s About Page to included pictures of your favorite CCOs (Chief Canine Officers)! It’s a great way to build your brand and attract the best available talent when hiring.

I mean just check out #officedog on Instagram! How cute is that!?

 

Plan Outdoor Adventures!

Photo Credit: Michael Lin on Flickr

In Portland, we’re never too far away from a great park! Let your dogs (and employees) take a trip into the great outdoors by visiting one of Portland’s amazing dog parks! They’re located all over town– and many have off-leash areas just for dogs!

 

Keep Your Office Sparkling Clean!

If you’re investing in your employees by creating a dog-friendly office, make sure you don’t neglect the cleanup!

Let’s be honest: even the best-behaved dogs make messes and leave smells behind. Hair, fur, drool, muddy paws, and just that “wet dog” smell are all too common in dog-friendly offices that aren’t committed to staying clean.

A dirty, smelly office isn’t just one that’s no fun to work in, it can also make your employees sick and reduce their productivity!

At Cascade Building Services, we can help! Our experienced janitorial staff can visit your office as often as needed and handle:

  • Floor & Carpet Cleaning
  • Window Cleaning
  • Trash & Recycling
  • And much more!

Our teams use eco-friendly green cleaning solutions that are safe for both people and pets! There are no harsh fumes or toxic by-products left behind.

 

More Tips For Creating Your Dog-Friendly Office Policy

Making your office dog-friendly is a big step and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important to protect yourself and your business as well. Many businesses require employees to sign a waiver to protect the business from liability.

We recommend you work with your business lawyer to draft an agreement that meets your needs. You’ll also want to check and make sure that your business insurance policy (or office lease) allows dogs in your workplace.

 

Further Reading:

If you’re excited about making your office more dog-friendly, check out a few of our favorite articles and get inspired!

 

Need Help Cleaning Your Dog-Friendly Office?

Cascade Building Services is here to help! We clean offices throughout the Portland metro area and specialize in large office buildings. Give us a call at (503) 691-0776 or contact us online. We’ll visit your office and create a custom cleaning package just for you!