Outsourcing commercial cleaning services is a strategic priority for many companies looking to improve cost efficiencies, increase performance, and reduce administrative burden. In fact, according to a recent market report, outsourced commercial janitorial services now make up 60% of the market, highlighting the growing preference for trusted providers that deliver greater efficiency, consistency, and professionalism.
But common misconceptions can hold facility leaders back from making the switch from in-house janitorial teams. Let’s clear up five of the most common misconceptions we hear—and set the record straight.
Myth #1: Outsourcing Means Losing Control
Reality: The right commercial cleaning partner gives you more control and visibility.
One of the biggest fears companies have is that outsourcing janitorial operations means giving up oversight and control. In reality, the opposite is true. A trusted provider like KBS will work with you to establish clear expectations, performance standards, and service-level agreements—backed by purpose-built dashboards, audits, and reporting tools.
With centralized visibility and dedicated account support, you’ll spend less time managing the day-to-day while gaining real-time insights into every site. Large, modern commercial cleaning services are built on transparency and accountability.
Myth #2: It’s More Expensive Than Managing In-House Staff
Reality: Outsourcing can lower total costs while improving cleaning outcomes.
Managing an internal janitorial team comes with hidden costs—recruiting, ongoing training and management, equipment, compensation, benefits, and compliance risks. Organizations that outsource often realize cost savings of up to 20% and operational efficiencies of 10–15% over a multi-year contract. These predictable savings support more stable financial planning.
Top-tier providers like KBS leverage scale to drive savings. Our bulk purchasing power and long-standing supplier relationships result in lower prices for cleaning equipment, chemicals, and consumables. We also increase efficiency through proprietary technology and bundled services that further reduce your administrative load.
Why pay more for less? If your current cleaning program isn’t cost-efficient, you’re leaving money—and performance—on the table.
Myth #3: External Crews Won’t Care as Much
Reality: Quality commercial cleaning companies prioritize your standards—and your people.
It’s a common concern: that outsourced teams won’t match the commitment or institutional knowledge of your current staff. But strong janitorial partners know success starts with people.
Because great teams are worth keeping, KBS does everything possible to retain on-site janitorial staff when we take over a location—especially when they’re already delivering great results. We know continuity builds trust, and we respect the experience, relationships, and pride your existing team members bring to the job every day.
If additional support is needed, we deploy trained KBS professionals from nearby locations. Only a small percentage of new roles are filled externally. Our in-market teams ensure your brand standards are upheld consistently, with professional cleaning staff who understand your environment and expectations.
Myth #4: Transitioning to a New Provider Is Disruptive
Reality: A proven process ensures seamless service continuity from day one.
Worried that switching to a new janitorial provider will create confusion or service gaps? A trusted commercial cleaning company brings a detailed transition plan that covers onboarding timelines, training schedules, communication protocols, and performance checks.
At KBS, onboarding isn’t an afterthought—it’s a blueprint for success. Our structured process covers safety, equipment operation, and task-specific training—so every team member, new or retained, has the knowledge, tools, and support to deliver on your standards from day one.
We also emphasize service continuity by staffing each location with experienced field managers who work side by side with your facility teams and your leadership. You shouldn’t have to worry about missed cleanings or disorganized execution—your cleaning provider should make the transition effortless.
Myth #5: All Janitorial Vendors Are the Same
Reality: The right commercial cleaning services partner blends national strength with local commitment—backed by shared values and a focus on your people.
It’s a myth that all janitorial vendors deliver the same level of service—especially for multi-site or high-demand operations. Local providers may offer personalized support, but they often lack the scale, compliance infrastructure, proprietary technology, or operational depth to meet enterprise-level needs.
With KBS, you get the best of both worlds: enterprise-level reliability and human-level care—a combination you won’t find in just any vendor. We don’t just clean buildings—we build partnerships. We believe lasting results start with relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to your goals. Yes, our national footprint gives us the scale, technology, and compliance infrastructure to deliver consistent programs across hundreds of sites—but it’s our local teams who make the difference day to day.
From the field managers who know your facilities inside and out to the front-line cleaning professionals who uphold your brand standards, our people become an extension of your team. We solve problems together, adapt quickly to changes, and make sure every location runs like it matters—because it does.
This hybrid model—national strength with local expertise—enables faster issue resolution, consistent outcomes, and smoother operations across every site, every day.
The Bottom Line: Commercial Cleaning That Powers Performance
Outsourcing commercial cleaning services doesn’t mean giving up control or cutting corners. It means gaining a performance partner with the proper scale, systems, and people to help you run cleaner, safer, and more cost-efficient facilities across multiple locations.
KBS is trusted by some of the largest brands in North America because we deliver high-performance cleaning tailored to your operational needs. With 50+ years of experience, industry-specific expertise, and advanced platforms like KBSForce, we provide proven, technology-enabled services that elevate performance at scale.
Let’s transform your facilities together. Talk to KBS today and see how our commercial cleaning services can cut costs, boost quality, and simplify your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outsourcing Commercial Cleaning Services
No. The right partner actually gives you more control. KBS uses service-level agreements, performance dashboards, audits, and real-time reporting to give you full visibility into every site.
In most cases, it costs less. Outsourcing shifts expenses like recruiting, training, equipment, benefits, and compliance to your provider. Many KBS clients save up to 20% while gaining 10–15% efficiency.
Yes. KBS prioritizes retaining your current team when they’re delivering strong results, then supplements them with highly trained local professionals to maintain your standards.
No. KBS has a proven onboarding process with safety training, equipment orientation, and task-specific preparation so every team member is ready from day one.
No. KBS combines national scale, advanced technology, and compliance infrastructure with in-market teams who know your facilities and your people—delivering consistency and care you won’t find everywhere.
Cleaner, safer, and more cost-efficient facilities; predictable costs; standardized quality; and faster issue resolution across every location you manage.