Switching Cleaners? How to Change Without the Hassle

Short answer: Start by reading your current cleaning agreement, so you know what notice it asks for and how it can be ended. Then line up your new cleaner, plan the handover of keys, swipe cards and alarm codes, and set a clear start date so there's no gap. With F&L Cleaning Solutions, your first clean is free, so you can see the standard before you switch.

Changing cleaners can feel like more trouble than it's worth, so a lot of businesses put up with "fine" cleaning for too long. It doesn't have to be hard. Here's a simple way to do it.

Signs it might be time to switch

• The same things keep getting missed: bins, bathrooms, kitchen benches or floors.
• Standards drop after the first few months.
• You're chasing them: messages go unanswered or problems keep coming back.
• You're not sure who's coming in, or whether they're insured and police-checked.
• Your needs have changed: more staff, a new clinic room, longer opening hours.

If you're already writing reminder notes for your cleaner, it's probably time to look around.

Step 1: Read your current agreement

Before you do anything else, find your agreement with your current cleaner and read it. Look for:

• how much notice you need to give
• how the agreement can be ended
• any fees that apply if you end it
• when it renews, and whether it renews automatically.

The ACCC notes that there's generally a contract whenever a seller makes an offer and a buyer accepts it, even if there's no written document, and that written contracts have terms and conditions setting out each party's rights and responsibilities^[1]. It also advises reading and understanding terms and conditions before accepting them, and talking to a lawyer if you don't understand them^[1].

We can't tell you what your agreement means. Every agreement is different, so check yours, and get advice if you're unsure.

Step 2: Know where to get help

Australian law protects small businesses from unfair terms in standard form contracts^[1]. According to the ACCC, for new or varied standard form contracts from 9 November 2023, small businesses are covered if they meet the ACCC size test, such as having fewer than 100 employees (see the ACCC page for the full test)^[1]. The ACCC also says only courts can make final decisions about whether a term is unfair^[1].

The ACCC's practical tips are to first contact the business and ask it to remove or change a term you think may be unfair, and that small businesses can seek help through an ombudsman or dispute resolution service^[1]. Useful places to start:

• Queensland Small Business Commissioner, which publishes small business dispute factsheets and support information^[2].
• NSW Small Business Commissioner, which offers help with resolving disputes, including mediation^[3], useful for businesses on the Tweed side of the border.
• Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman^[4].

Step 3: Choose your new cleaner properly

Don't just swap one problem for another. Before you switch, check:

• Insurance. Public liability insurance covers injury to people or damage to property caused by a business's negligence^[5]. Ask for a certificate of currency.
• Police checks. A National Police Check shows whether a person has disclosable court outcomes recorded in Australian police records^[6].
• The business is real. You can check an ABN for free on the Australian Business Register^[7].
• What's included. Get a clear list of what's done on every visit.
• How the price works. We quote one flat monthly price after a walkthrough.

Step 4: Try before you switch

The best test is coming in the morning after a clean. That's why we offer your first clean free. You can see the standard for yourself before you make any decision about your current cleaner.

Step 5: Plan the handover

The handover is where switches usually go wrong. Plan it:

• Set a start date that lines up with the notice in your current agreement, so there's no gap and no overlap.
• Get keys and swipe cards back from your outgoing cleaner.
• Change alarm codes and access once your old cleaner has finished. That's simple good security practice.
• Brief your new cleaner on your access and alarm procedures. We follow your access and alarm procedures every visit.
• Tell your team which night the new cleaner starts and who to call.

Step 6: Check in after the first few weeks

Walk through after the first few cleans. Note anything you'd like done differently and tell your cleaner straight away. Small fixes early stop little problems becoming habits.

What switching to F&L looks like

1. Call 0412 073 637 or get a quote online.
2. Quick walkthrough of your space.
3. One flat monthly price for your chosen frequency, weekly or more often.
4. First clean free.
5. We start on the date you choose, after you've sorted things out with your current cleaner.

We bring our own equipment and products, we're fully insured and police-checked, and we clean offices, medical and allied health clinics, dental practices, gyms and professional offices across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Tweed. In clinics, clinical tasks stay with your clinic staff, and in offices we don't read, move or sort documents.

FAQs

How much notice do I need to give my current cleaner? It depends on your agreement. Check it, and get advice if you're unsure^[1].

What if I don't have a written agreement? The ACCC notes there can still be a contract without a written document^[1]. If you're unsure where you stand, get advice.

Can you start straight away? We start on the date that suits you, once you've sorted out your current arrangement.

Should I change our alarm codes? It's sensible to change codes and collect keys when any cleaner finishes.

Can we try you before we switch? Yes. Your first clean is free.

Ready to switch?

Call 0412 073 637 or get a quote online. We'll do a quick walkthrough, your first clean is free, and after that it's one flat monthly price.