Medical Office Cleaning Checklist
7 Things to Evaluate Before Choosing a Cleaning Partner
When your practice has expensive equipment, patient safety concerns, and a reputation to protect, your cleaning partner needs to be more than just affordable. Use this checklist to make sure you're getting what you actually need.
✅ 1. Do they have a consistent, dedicated crew?
Why it matters: Rotating crews mean you're constantly training new people on where things are, what not to touch, and your facility's specific needs.
What to ask:
"Will we have the same team each visit, or does it rotate?"
"What happens if our regular crew is out sick or on vacation?"
Red flag: "We'll send whoever is available that day."
✅ 2. Are they trained on medical equipment care?
Why it matters: A $50,000 laser or imaging machine can be damaged by the wrong cleaning product or technique. Generic "spray and wipe" doesn't cut it.
What to ask:
"How do you train staff on cleaning around sensitive medical equipment?"
"What products do you use, and are they safe for [your specific equipment]?"
Red flag: Vague answers or "we use whatever works."
✅ 3. Can you reach a real person when you need them?
Why it matters: When something's wrong — a spill, a missed area, or an urgent request — you need a response in minutes, not days.
What to ask:
"If I call with an issue, who picks up? A call center or someone local?"
"What's your typical response time for same-day requests?"
Red flag: "Email our support team and we'll get back to you in 24-48 hours."
✅ 4. Are they licensed, insured, and bonded?
Why it matters: If something gets damaged or someone gets hurt on your property, you need to know you're protected.
What to ask:
"Can you provide proof of general liability and workers' comp insurance?"
"Are you licensed to operate commercially in [your county/state]?"
Red flag: They can't or won't provide documentation.
✅ 5. Do they guarantee their work?
Why it matters: Mistakes happen. What matters is whether they'll fix them without arguing or charging extra.
What to ask:
"If we're not satisfied with the cleaning, what's your policy?"
"Do you charge extra to come back and re-clean an area?"
Red flag: "We'll do our best" without a clear satisfaction guarantee.
✅ 6. How do they handle high-touch disinfection?
Why it matters: In a medical setting, surface-level cleaning isn't enough. Door handles, light switches, waiting room chairs — these need strategic disinfection.
What to ask:
"How do you prioritize high-touch areas?"
"What disinfection protocols do you follow?"
Red flag: No specific process or "we just wipe everything down."
✅ 7. What happens when things change?
Why it matters: Your needs will shift — new equipment, schedule changes, special events. You need a partner who's flexible and responsive.
What to ask:
"If we need to add or adjust services, how quickly can you accommodate that?"
"Is there a penalty or fee for changing our schedule?"
Red flag: Locked into rigid contracts with no flexibility.
Final Thoughts
You're not just hiring someone to vacuum and take out the trash. You're trusting them with your patients' safety, your team's health, and your facility's reputation.
The right partner will:
Show up consistently
Communicate clearly
Stand behind their work
Treat your practice with care
Still have questions? We're happy to help — even if you're not ready to switch providers yet.
Our name comes from the Japanese principle of omotenashi — hospitality that anticipates needs before they're asked. It's how we approach every client.