In-House vs Outsourced Cleaning Staff: What’s Best for Your Business?

Jul 26

Maintaining a clean commercial property is essential. It affects everything from employee health to customer perception. But when it comes to who should clean your facility, businesses often face a tough decision: should you hire in-house cleaning staff or partner with an outsourced commercial cleaning company?

In this article, we’ll break down both options in simple terms. You’ll see the costs, benefits, risks, and key decision points to help you make the right choice for your business.

Why This Decision Matters for Commercial Properties

Cleaning is not just a support task, it directly affects productivity, safety, and your business image. A clean office improves indoor air quality, which has been linked to an 11% increase in cognitive performance among workers, according to research published by Harvard University.

Whether you run a school, medical clinic, office building, or retail store, choosing between in-house staff and professional janitorial services is a decision that can impact your operations and bottom line.

What Is In-House Cleaning?

In-house cleaning means your business hires employees directly to clean your space. You manage their schedules, training, and performance. These workers are part of your company and typically report to a facilities manager or office supervisor.

Pros:

Direct control over staff performance and scheduling
Better team integration and communication
Immediate response to sudden issues or spills

Cons:

You must manage hiring, HR, training, and payroll
Higher liability and insurance costs
Potential lack of industry-grade tools and expertise

What Is Outsourced Cleaning?

Outsourced cleaning means contracting a cleaning service provider to handle the job. The provider hires, trains, and manages their staff. You get a team of bonded and insured cleaners, scheduled to meet your facility’s needs.

Pros:

Professional results with minimal supervision
Access to specialized tools and industry best practices
Scalability: easy to increase or reduce services as needed

Cons:

Less control over individual workers
Possible turnover or inconsistency if provider lacks oversight
Contracts may limit flexibility unless clearly defined

Comparing Costs: In-House vs Outsourced Cleaning

Understanding the true cost requires looking beyond wages. Consider insurance, benefits, supplies, training, and supervision.

In-House Cleaning Cost Breakdown:

Expense Category	Typical Cost Range (per cleaner/month)
Wages	$2,000 – $3,500
Benefits (health, PTO)	$400 – $1,000
Training & Compliance	$100 – $300
Equipment & Supplies	$100 – $500
Supervision/Admin	Varies by team size

Total: $2,600 to $5,300 per cleaner per month

Outsourced Cleaning Cost Breakdown:

Pricing Model	Typical Range
Per Square Foot	$0.08 – $0.25
Hourly Rate	$25 – $65 per hour
Monthly Flat Rate	Based on service level & building size

Outsourcing generally offers a more predictable cost with fewer HR responsibilities.

Control and Supervision: Who Manages the Work?

When cleaning is in-house, you manage everything: recruiting, background checks, training, and daily oversight. You decide how tasks are done and when.

With outsourced teams, your contract (or service level agreement (SLA)) defines expectations. The cleaning company supervises its employees, performs quality checks, and ensures consistent performance.

If oversight and direct control are critical to your operations, such as in labs, secure facilities, or manufacturing environments, office cleaning staff under your direct employment may offer peace of mind.

Training and Compliance

Outsourced cleaners are often trained in specialized methods, OSHA compliance, chemical handling, and use of advanced equipment. They may also be required to complete certifications or continuing education.

If you manage an in-house team, you’re responsible for all training, including safety regulations. Failing to stay current on compliance could expose your company to liability.

Outsourced providers often employ background-checked cleaners, giving added security and professionalism to your workplace.

Flexibility and Scheduling

With in-house staff, you define the schedule, but it can be rigid. If someone is out sick, you scramble to cover the shift. Seasonal needs like deep cleaning may require extra planning or temporary hires.

Cleaning team scheduling with an outsourced provider is often more flexible. If you need more staff during flu season or fewer during holidays, they can adjust.

Quality and Professionalism

Most professional janitorial services bring structure and standards to the job. They work from checklists, monitor results, and often use software for tracking performance.

In-house staff can also perform well, but success depends heavily on management’s ability to train, supervise, and hold staff accountable.

In short:

Outsourced teams often deliver higher consistency across shifts
In-house teams can be highly effective if well-led and trained

Tools, Equipment, and Supplies

Outsourced providers bring their own tools, often newer, more efficient, and safer. That includes HEPA-filter vacuums, color-coded mop systems, and eco-friendly chemicals.

If you hire in-house, all these purchases fall on you. That includes not only buying, but also maintaining and replacing equipment.

Risk and Liability

When cleaners are your employees, you carry the legal responsibility. That includes worker’s comp, general liability insurance, and compliance with labor laws.

Bonded and insured cleaners from a service provider shift much of that risk to the contractor. This is especially important in large buildings or properties with heavy foot traffic.

Specialized Cleaning Needs

Some buildings require specific experience:

Medical offices need infection control protocols
Restaurants require grease trap and vent hood cleaning
Schools need chemical-safe practices around children

Outsourced providers are often trained in these specialized services. Your team may not have the same experience unless you invest in certifications and ongoing training.

When to Choose In-House Cleaning Staff

In-house may be best if:

You have a very small facility with basic needs
You want complete control over schedules and duties
Your organization has the resources to train and supervise
There’s a strong culture of loyalty and long-term employment

When to Choose Outsourced Cleaning

Outsourcing may be better when:

You need scalable service without managing employees
Your facility is large, multi-site, or has varied schedules
You want access to better tools and lower liability
You want consistent results without micromanagement

Choosing the Right Partner

If you’re leaning toward outsourcing, take time to evaluate potential providers carefully.

Ask for proof of insurance and bonding
Review their training program and safety record
Request client references from similar facilities
Ask how they handle staff turnover or emergency coverage
Require a detailed SLA with scope of work and expectations

Also, consider this key difference when hiring external janitorial teams: you’re selecting a service, not just a person. Make sure their systems, tools, and oversight match your building’s requirements.

Consider the Whole Picture

Choosing between in-house and outsourced cleaning staff is not just about price. It’s about how much time, risk, and effort you’re willing to manage internally.

In-House Teams

Best for small teams, direct control, and stable staff

Outsourced Teams

Better for flexibility, risk reduction, and professional results

When your building, reputation, and health of employees are on the line, choose the solution that fits both your short-term budget and long-term goals.