Last month, a tech startup in South Austin lost a huge client. The reason? The client visited their office and saw dirty restrooms and dusty desks. That deal was worth $75,000. All because of bad cleaning. Many businesses think any commercial cleaning services Austin offers are too expensive, but the cost of not cleaning is much higher.
This happens more than you think in Austin. Companies that skip proper commercial janitorial services end up losing deals, employees, and money. Small cleaning mistakes lead to big money problems. Let’s look at the top 5 mistakes that cost local businesses thousands every year.
Not Cleaning Door Handles and Keyboards
The Problem: Most offices clean floors and empty trash. But they forget the spots everyone touches every day.
Think about it. How many people touch your front door handle? Your elevator buttons? Conference room tables? These spots have the most germs.
What It Costs You:
- More sick days (sick employees cost you $3,500 each per year)
- Health department fines if you serve food
- Clients who think your office is dirty
Easy Fix: Wipe down all door handles, keyboards, and light switches every day with disinfectant wipes. It takes 10 minutes but saves thousands.
No Cleaning Plan
The Problem: Many Austin businesses clean “when they have time.” This never works.
Without a plan, some areas get cleaned too much. Others never get cleaned at all. Your office becomes a mess fast.
What It Costs You:
- Expensive emergency cleanings before big meetings
- Office equipment breaks faster when dusty
- Employees work slower in messy spaces
- You look unprofessional to visitors
Easy Fix: Make a simple schedule. Daily tasks (trash, dishes). Weekly tasks (vacuuming, dusting). Monthly tasks (deep bathroom clean). Stick to it.
Using Cheap Cleaning Supplies
The Problem: Many companies buy the cheapest soap and paper towels. This seems smart but costs more later.
Cheap supplies often don’t work well. You use more product. Some even damage your furniture or leave streaks on windows.
What It Costs You:
- You have to clean the same spot twice
- Cheap supplies can stain carpets or scratch desks
- Bad smells from products that don’t work
- More supplies needed = more money spent
Easy Fix: Buy good quality basics. You’ll use less and get better results. Your office will look and smell better too.
See also: Keeping Your Home Clean While Working from Home – Tips from Our Cleaners
Trying to Do Everything Yourself
The Problem: Many Austin business owners think they can deep clean carpets and fix air vents themselves.
This usually ends badly. You don’t have the right tools. You don’t know the best methods. You waste time that could be spent on your business.
What It Costs You:
- Ruined carpets that need full replacement ($5,000+ vs $400 for professional cleaning)
- Broken equipment from wrong cleaning methods
- Your time away from making money
- Poor results that embarrass you
Easy Fix: Do daily cleaning yourself. Hire professionals for big jobs like carpet cleaning, window washing, and air vent cleaning every few months. Companies like NAE Cleaning Solutions in Austin see these problems every day and can save you from expensive mistakes.
Forgetting About Bathrooms and Break Rooms
The Problem: Some offices focus on areas where clients go. They ignore employee spaces like bathrooms and lunch rooms.
This is a huge mistake. Dirty employee areas cause big problems fast.
What It Costs You:
- Good employees quit and work somewhere cleaner
- Health department visits and fines
- Bad word-of-mouth about your company
- Lower team spirit and productivity
Easy Fix: Clean bathrooms every day. Stock soap, paper towels, and toilet paper. Clean the break room after lunch. These small steps make employees happy.
The Real Numbers
Here’s what this costs Austin businesses:
Professional cleaning costs: $200-500 per month for most offices.
Cost of these mistakes: $10,000-50,000+ per year in lost deals, sick days, equipment replacement, and employee turnover.
The math is clear. Good cleaning saves money.
What to Do Next
Start simple:
- Make a daily 15-minute cleaning routine
- Buy good basic supplies (disinfectant, paper towels, vacuum)
- Schedule professional help for big jobs
- Check bathrooms and break rooms every day
When you need professional help, pick a cleaning company that shows up on time and uses good supplies. Ask other Austin businesses who they use.
Your Austin business deserves to look professional. Your employees deserve a clean place to work. Your clients deserve to see you care about details.
Don’t let dirty offices kill your deals. Small cleaning changes make big differences in your success.
