The Hidden ROI of Commercial Cleaning — What Most Managers Miss

When you think of cleaning, you probably think of it as a cost center. A necessity, sure — but not exactly a driver of ROI. But what if we told you that your cleaning strategy might be leaving money on the table?

As an experienced commercial cleaning company servicing Ontario, we’ve seen countless businesses underestimate the true value that a professional cleaning strategy can deliver — especially in procurement and facilities management. In this blog, we’re breaking down exactly how cleaning boosts your bottom line, with data-backed insights that procurement professionals and GMs will appreciate.

Let’s talk real ROI — Not just clean floors Cleaning is often evaluated based on budget and visual inspection. But according to the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), cleaning has a quantifiable impact on:

• Employee health and absenteeism

• Productivity

• Asset preservation

• Customer perception

• Risk reduction (think slip-and-fall prevention and air quality issues)

1. Reduced Absenteeism = Real Savings: ISSA’s "Value of Clean" research shows that implementing a high-quality cleaning program can reduce employee absenteeism by up to 46%. Let’s put that into perspective:

• For an office of 100 employees with an average salary of $60,000/year

• A 46% drop in absenteeism can recoup thousands in lost productivity annually

That’s a major savings procurement can champion when evaluating cleaning vendors.

2. Reduced Presenteeism = Even Bigger Savings: Presenteeism — when employees come to work sick and under perform — is even more costly than absenteeism. According to ISSA, presenteeism costs U.S. businesses 10 times more than absenteeism, or over $1.5 trillion annually. Clean air, disinfected surfaces, and sanitized restrooms reduce the risk of germs spreading, minimizing presenteeism and improving the well-being of your workforce.

3. Increased Productivity: Improved air quality, surface cleanliness, and better restroom hygiene contribute to higher cognitive function and employee satisfaction. In fact, ISSA reports that cleaner air alone can boost productivity by 2–8%. Imagine gaining almost an extra hour of productivity per employee, per day. That adds up fast.

4. Preserve Assets & Delay Capital Expenditures: Every facility manager knows the pain of replacing carpet or tile. The good news? Regular cleaning can extend flooring lifespan by up to 30%, per ISSA data. That means delaying capital replacements, reducing maintenance calls, and preserving your budget.

5. Lower Healthcare Costs: ISSA also cites a 4% decrease in overall healthcare costs thanks to proper sanitation and disinfection. Fewer sick employees = fewer claims. For companies with high benefits payouts, this can be a compelling financial motivator.

6. Reduced Recruiting Costs Through Training & Retention: According to ISSA, the average cost to recruit a new employee is more than $4,000. But investing $1,500 in training can save $2,500 in recruiting expenses by improving employee retention. If your cleaning vendor is constantly replacing staff, your building might suffer — and your service consistency drops. Work with vendors who invest in their people.

7. Sustainability That Pays Off: ISSA notes that sustainable cleaning programs — those that extend product life-cycles and promote circular economy practices — not only save on materials and waste disposal but also boost employee morale and brand reputation.

Smart bench-marking allows you to track these efforts. For procurement teams, that’s powerful reporting that aligns with corporate sustainability goals.

8. Improved Brand Perception: Your cleaning program directly affects how clients and visitors perceive your business. Shiny floors, clean air, and fresh-smelling spaces send the message: we care. In a B2B setting, this matters. Clients may subconsciously use cleanliness as a proxy for professionalism and competence — particularly in industries like legal, medical, finance, and logistics.

9. Safety and Risk Reduction: Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common workplace liabilities. A consistent commercial cleaning program with trained janitorial professionals can mitigate these risks by:

• Monitoring high-traffic floor areas

• Applying proper floor care treatments

• Keeping restrooms dry and stocked

Whether you are seeking a Commercial Cleaning Service in Waterloo, Janitorial Company in Brantford or Office Cleaning in Ancaster our services are built around your real business goals. We tailor plans to optimize value — not just check off boxes.

The Real Takeaway: Cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about performance, cost-savings, and brand trust. When managed strategically, your cleaning contract can become a powerhouse of operational ROI. So, if you’re still evaluating vendors based on hourly rates and supply closet inventory — it’s time to rethink things. Let’s build a plan around outcomes, not tasks. Contact us today to explore how your next cleaning contract can be your smartest investment of the year.

About Us:

Twin City Commercial Cleaners goes above and beyond industry standards to offer thorough and reliable commercial cleaning services. Whether you need basic cleaning maintenance or full janitorial services we have you covered. With over 30 years of experience, we are bonded, insured, and dedicated to enhancing the safety of your workplace. We proudly serve Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding areas. Reach out to us at 519-504-0061 or info@tcitycleaners.com.

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