Podcast Summary: Missed Trash Cans, Odors, and Accountability in Commercial Cleaning

In this episode of The Cleaning podcast, hosts Tom Moore and Sarah Moore of American Facility Care continue their discussion around common pain points facility managers face with commercial cleaning services. Building on their online quiz at CleaningIndeed.com, they dive into Question #5: “Do you frequently encounter missed trash cans and other overlooked items?”

The conversation begins with a discussion on indoor air quality, emphasizing the difference between masking odors and eliminating them at the source. Using real-world examples—like fruit flies and forgotten trash—the hosts explain why proper trash removal, enzyme-based cleaners, air sanitizers, and odor neutralizers play a critical role in maintaining a healthy facility. From there, Tom and Sarah walk listeners through a familiar scenario: arriving at work on a Monday morning only to find overflowing trash cans and unpleasant smells.

They outline the three most common reasons this happens: Internal staff rushing through cleaning duties Weekend shifts without proper trash removal plans External cleaning contractors missing key items or areas Rather than focusing on extreme cases, the episode zeroes in on the “middle ground” problems—where cleaning is inconsistent and accountability is unclear. The hosts stress that these issues usually come down to communication, training, and clearly defined expectations.

They explore how inadequate training, staff turnover, unclear scopes of work, and poorly documented spaces can lead to missed trash, skipped rooms, and frustrated facility managers. Practical solutions include better onboarding, labeled rooms, second walkthroughs, and stronger quality control systems. The episode closes by tying this discussion into Question #6 of the quiz, addressing whether cleaning company managers show a lack of concern or follow-through. Tom and Sarah emphasize the importance of inspection systems and strong manager-to-cleaner communication to ensure problems are actually corrected—not just acknowledged.

Finally, they preview the next episode, which tackles a surprising but real issue: cleaners clocking in but not cleaning—including stories of janitors hiding in closets. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and learn more at CleaningIndy.com, and don’t forget to leave a review or subscribe on YouTube for future episodes.

In this episode of *The Cleaning Indy Podcast*, hosts Tom and Sarah Moore tackle a crucial issue that many facility managers face—why it can be so difficult to communicate directly with onsite cleaners.

They explore how certain cleaning companies use independent contractor (1099) models instead of hiring W-2 employees, leading to miscommunication, lack of accountability, and a drop in service quality. Drawing from their own experiences and real-world cases, they shed light on why this practice is so common and how it ultimately affects both the workers and the businesses that hire these services.

The discussion highlights how some companies outsource their cleaning work to subcontractors without informing clients, leaving facility managers struggling to address cleaning concerns. Tom and Sarah share real-life examples, including a situation where a company was unaware that their cleaning provider had hired an entirely different company to handle the actual cleaning. They also discuss major lawsuits and Department of Labor investigations into the misclassification of workers, where cleaning companies have been found guilty of avoiding tax obligations and underpaying their staff.

Tom and Sarah emphasize the importance of choosing a cleaning company that hires and invests in W-2 employees rather than relying on subcontractors. They explain how businesses can protect themselves by asking the right questions during the hiring process—such as whether the cleaning company directly employs its workers and what steps they take to ensure training and accountability. By opting for a provider that values long-term relationships and company culture, businesses can secure more consistent, high-quality cleaning services while supporting fair labor practices.

Before wrapping up, the hosts invite listeners to take their **Cleaning Quality Quiz** at CleaningIndy.com to assess their current cleaning service. They also tease the next episode, where they’ll discuss another common frustration—missed trash cans and overlooked cleaning tasks. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple, Google, or Spotify and subscribe for more insights into keeping your facility clean and well-maintained!

Why Cleaning Quality Drops After 90 Days & How to Prevent It!

In this episode of the *Cleaning Indy Podcast*, hosts Tom and Sarah Moore, brought to you by American Facility Care, dive into an all-too-common issue: why cleaning service quality tends to decline after the first 90 days. They explore the typical scenario where a cleaning contractor starts strong, providing exceptional service and attention to detail, but after a few months, small issues begin to creep in—missed trash cans, dusty surfaces, unstocked supplies, and overall lapses in quality.

Key Discussion Points:
 
🔹 **The Initial Cleaning "Honeymoon Phase"** – Many cleaning companies perform a deep clean at the beginning of a contract, making everything look pristine. However, if regular maintenance isn’t properly structured, that initial deep clean wears off, leading to noticeable drops in cleanliness over time.
🔹 **Common Signs of Declining Quality** – Trash cans being missed, floors not being vacuumed, dust accumulation, and restrooms not being fully stocked with essential supplies.
🔹 **Understanding the Root Causes** – - A lack of ongoing training for cleaning staff. - Inconsistent inspections and supervision. - Weak communication and complaint resolution processes. - Increased foot traffic in a facility leading to faster wear and tear.
🔹 **How to Prevent Quality Drop-Off:**

1. **Ask the Right Questions During the Bidding Process:** - How does the company handle complaints? - How many supervisors and managers are involved in quality control? - What systems (software, work orders, inspections) do they use to track performance?
2. **Improve Communication & Relationship Building:** - Frequent check-ins with the cleaning team to address issues early. - Providing detailed, specific feedback rather than general complaints. - Recognizing that a strong relationship with a contractor leads to better service.
3. **Determine If Your Cleaning Needs Have Changed:** - Has foot traffic in your facility increased? - Are daily or weekly cleaning schedules still enough, or do you need an additional shift?
4. **Setting Clear Expectations & Holding Contractors Accountable:** - Defining scope of work clearly to ensure all key tasks are covered. - Implementing a structured review process to track ongoing performance. Tom and Sarah share real-world insights, including a case where a company switched cleaning providers due to poor complaint handling—where the previous contractor’s response to issues was simply yelling at employees. This highlights the importance of hiring a team with a solid system for handling concerns professionally.

**Looking Ahead** In the next episode, they’ll tackle another critical question: *Is it difficult to arrange meetings with the actual onsite cleaners?* and how that affects overall service quality. **Connect With Us!** If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to leave a review on Apple, Google, or Spotify! You can also visit CleaningIndy.com to take their quiz and learn more about optimizing your cleaning service. Want to share your experience? Leave them a voice message on their website! 🎧 Tune in next time for more insights on maintaining a high-quality cleaning service in your facility.

Welcome back to The Cleaning Indy Podcast, brought to you by American Facility Care! Tom and Sarah Moore kick off this episode with a lively discussion about strengthening the bond between contractors and facility managers through effective communication and solid cleaning practices.They revisit their online quiz, specifically diving into the second question: Do you experience too many instances where the cleaning staff fails to show up for scheduled appointments? Tom and Sarah share a real-life story about a daycare left scrambling every Friday when their cleaning company failed to show up—highlighting the ripple effects of unreliable service on overworked daycare staff.To tackle this common issue, they outline actionable tips, such as asking critical questions during contractor walkthroughs, like:

• How does your management structure operate?
• What happens when staff calls in sick?
• Do you utilize technology like geofencing to ensure coverage?

They also stress the importance of clear contract language to define expectations, penalties, and service guarantees. A good contractor, they note, should value communication and cater to your preferred style—whether it's via text, email, phone, or in person.The Moores close with a teaser for the next episode, where they'll explore why service quality often declines after 90 days with a new cleaning company and what steps you can take to prevent it.If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to leave a review, subscribe, and check out their website, CleaningIndy.com, for more insights.

The cleaning industry faces many challenges, especially when it comes to training staff effectively.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of a structured training system for cleaning staff to ensure they can handle their tasks efficiently and safely. We explore the seven-step training process that includes written instructions, hands-on demonstrations, and ongoing inspections to guarantee that employees are well-equipped to perform their duties. By implementing a choreographed cleaning routine, we can help staff manage overwhelming tasks and maintain high standards of cleanliness.

This podcast is a must-listen for facility managers and contractors looking to improve their cleaning processes and employee training. Tune in to learn how to enhance your cleaning operations and ensure your team is set up for success!

In this first podcast episode of the new year, Tom and Sarah take the lead in empowering facility managers for the crucial task of selecting the perfect commercial building cleaning contractor for janitorial services. The duo kicks off the discussion by highlighting the three fundamental criteria influencing major purchasing decisions: Know, Like, Trust. Addressing the urgency in expediting the contractor selection process, Tom and Sarah explore two pivotal methods – pre-qualifying over the phone and carefully considering walk-through observations.

During the pre-qualification phase, Tom and Sarah guide facility managers through a series of key questions aimed at gauging a

• contractor's experience,

• company size,

• staffing capabilities, and

• references.

Special emphasis is placed on adhering to industry standards such as OSHA, creating a comprehensive checklist for facility managers to navigate the selection process effectively. The duo stresses the significance of a multifaceted vetting process, encompassing online research, reviews, website visits, blog readings, and even podcast listening. The goal is to foster a deep understanding of, affinity for, and trust in the cleaning contractors.


Drawing from industry professionals like Odessa Woodlee and Ayaz Ahmed, Tom and Sarah incorporate valuable insights into the conversation. Topics discussed include staffing levels, equipment quality, and the brands of cleaning chemicals used. In this episode Tom and Sarah talk about the "dust test" during walk-throughs and offers practical advice on addressing specific concerns related to delicate surfaces or unique areas within a facility.

As the discussion unfolds, Ricky Smith contributes a noteworthy observation, emphasizing the correlation between quality and cost. Facility managers are encouraged to consider the significant budget allocation for janitorial services, underscoring its substantial role in effective facility management. Tom and Sarah conclude by reinforcing the critical importance of choosing the right cleaning or building service contractor, positioning it as a linchpin for success in commercial settings.

This comprehensive episode, guided by Tom and Sarah, serves as a valuable resource for facility managers navigating the nuanced landscape of commercial building cleaning and janitorial services.

Enjoy the show!

Show page: CleaningIndy.com

In this podcast episode, hosts Tom and Sarah explore what sets their commercial cleaning company apart from competitors. They discuss the challenges of using physical logbooks for communication and cleaning records, pointing out the inefficiencies and delays in addressing issues. They highlight two key differences:

Firstly, their cleaners use apps instead of traditional logbooks, drawing a parallel between ancient logkeeping and modern-day paper systems still prevalent in various industries. They emphasize the immediacy and convenience of apps for communication, inspections, trend analysis, and work order submissions.

Secondly, they delve into their comprehensive training program, emphasizing its importance based on feedback from 700 Facility Managers who cited lack of training as a major issue with cleaning companies. They describe their training method, the Tell, Show, Do, Review approach, which ensures effective learning and application. They stress the significance of practice and review stages in solidifying knowledge, citing research on learning effectiveness.

The hosts conclude by noting the importance of consistency in using both technology and effective training methods to achieve optimal results. They acknowledge that while a standardized training approach is essential, individual learning paces vary, sometimes benefiting from training newcomers without prior habits.

Overall, the episode emphasizes how their company's use of technology and training methods distinguishes them from competitors, ultimately enhancing their service quality and efficiency.

Enjoy the show!

"Effortlessly Transitioning to a New Cleaning Company Vendor"

In this episode, Tom and Sarah discuss the steps to effortlessly transition to a new cleaning company vendor, which can apply to various vendors. They highlight the common pain points that indicate a need for a change, such as cleaners not showing up, corporate noticing cleanliness issues, or inadequate training and management. Here are the key steps they outline:

1. You Feel The Pain:
- Identify common pain points in your current cleaning services.
2. You Search Google:
- Utilize Google to find potential new vendors.
- Common Google searches related to janitorial services.
- Insights from Google Analytics on how people search.
3. You Make The Call or Book Online:
- Use scheduling services like Calendly for easy appointment booking.
- Schedule a meeting to discuss your cleaning needs with the vendor, with no pressure to commit.
4. You Schedule A Site Visit:
- Arrange a site visit at your convenience.
- Walk through your building and discuss your cleaning priorities.
5. You Receive A Cleaning Analysis & Proposal:
- Get a detailed proposal including an introductory letter, scope of work, recommended services, terms, references, and insurance details.
6. You Choose The Starting Date:
- Select a start date and have owners personally oversee the initial cleaning to ensure a successful start.
7. You Receive On-Going Inspection Reports:

- Ensure ongoing communication and regular inspections to maintain high cleaning standards.
The hosts emphasize the importance of long-term relationships with cleaning vendors and stress the need for effective communication both with clients and within the cleaning company. They recommend choosing a vendor that can be flexible and responsive to address any problems that may arise.

Enjoy the Show!

Podcast Episode Summary: The Impact Cleaning Has on Employee Productivity and Morale

In this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast, hosts Tom and Sarah delve into the crucial topic of how cleaning can significantly influence employee productivity and morale. They kick things off with a relatable story of a sandwich shop in Avon, where the presence of persistent crumbs beneath the counter caught their attention. The hosts discuss how such seemingly minor cleanliness issues can have a substantial impact on employee morale over time.

The episode goes on to highlight the three key ways in which regular, consistent, and professional cleaning can positively affect workers:

1. Establishing Better Health and Hygiene: Tom and Sarah explain the concept of biofilm, defining it as a sticky layer of organic material hosting germs. They emphasize the prevalence of biofilm on various surfaces in the workplace, such as desktops, office doors, and restroom handles. The hosts detail effective methods for removing biofilm, including the use of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and hydrogen peroxide cleaners. They stress the importance of thorough cleaning techniques and how proper training ensures a truly clean surface.


2. Boost in Employee Productivity: The hosts discuss the direct link between cleanliness and employee productivity. They reveal how unplanned absences due to sickness can lead to a 54% reduction in productivity, citing data from the ISSA. Dust is identified as a major culprit, causing breathing and respiratory problems. Tom and Sarah advocate for the use of proper cleaning tools like Swiffer Dusters, microfiber cloths, and HEPA-filtered vacuums to improve air quality. The episode also shares that workers tend to be 2-8% more productive in a clean environment.

3. Extending the Lifespan of Surfaces: Listeners gain insight into the importance of maintaining various surfaces in the workplace, such as carpets, vinyl floors, and stainless steel elements. Proper care is essential to prevent premature wear and tear. Tom and Sarah emphasize the significance of avoiding excessive salt usage, especially during winter, and recommend maintenance practices for different surface types.

The episode wraps up with thought-provoking reflections. The hosts propose the idea that while anyone can clean, it makes economic sense to hire a professional cleaning company. Such a decision, they argue, not only saves money in the long run but also boosts employee productivity, ensures a healthy and hygienic workspace, and creates a positive visitor experience.
In conclusion, this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast underscores the pivotal role of cleaning in shaping employee morale and productivity, shedding light on the often-overlooked influence of cleanliness in the workplace.

Enjoy the show!

Title: "Using Software To Improve Your Operations. What Do We Use?"

In this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast, our host Tom Moore takes a look into the world of operations software and its transformative impact on janitorial businesses. The spotlight is on SWEPT, a powerful operations SAAS designed specifically for the janitorial industry. Tom shares how this software has revolutionized their cleaning company's operations and highlights its unique features.

Tom begins by narrating the inception of SWEPT, an idea conceived by an entrepreneur who recognized the need for streamlined operations management in the cleaning industry. He emphasizes how SWEPT has emerged as the go-to software, simplifying various operational aspects for janitorial businesses.

Rather than listing software features, Tom takes a storytelling approach, sharing real-life operational challenges their company faced and how SWEPT effectively addressed them. He first discusses the challenge of managing employee attendance and locations during unexpected no-call/no-show scenarios. SWEPT's geo-fenced, location-based time clock feature proves pivotal, providing crucial insights into employee clock-ins and hours worked.

Communication challenges, both within the team and with clients, are next on the agenda. Tom highlights how SWEPT's in-app messaging feature has greatly improved internal and external communication, allowing for seamless updates, performance feedback, and client-specific messages.
Additionally, Tom touches on other important features of SWEPT, such as checklists, problem reporting, supply tracking, and inspections. These features collectively contribute to enhanced efficiency and service quality.

In conclusion, Tom underscores the game-changing impact of operations software like SWEPT, emphasizing its role in boosting communication, problem resolution, and overall operational efficiency in the janitorial business. He emphasizes the value SWEPT adds to client relationships, illustrating how it's a cost-effective technological solution that augments business operations.

Listeners are invited to join Tom as he showcases the immense benefits of adopting the right operations software, showcasing how it can make a significant difference in the day-to-day operations of any janitorial business.

Enjoy the show!