Hiring and Training a Trustworthy Team in the Cleaning Industry

Running a cleaning business on your own can only take you so far. At some point, growth means bringing other people on board, and that can feel daunting. Your team will be working in client spaces, representing your brand, and directly impacting your reputation. With the right approach, you can build a reliable, trustworthy team that not only supports your business but helps it thrive.

1. Hire for Attitude First, Skills Second

Cleaning skills can be taught, but attitude, reliability, and work ethic are harder to train. When interviewing, look for people who:

• Show up on time.
• Are polite and professional.
• Pay attention to detail.

2. Be Clear About Expectations

From day one, set out what “good” looks like in your business. This could include a clear job description, a written checklist of cleaning standards, and expectations around punctuality, uniform, and communication. Having these things documented (rather than just explained verbally) avoids confusion later on.

3. Create a Simple Training System

Training doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, consistency is the key. Try:

• A step by step training manual or handbook.
• Demonstrating tasks in person and letting staff shadow you.
• Using checklists for different jobs (e.g., office clean vs. healthcare setting).

This gives staff the confidence to work independently and ensures every client receives the same high standard. Make sure to refresh your training regularly to get the best from your team.

4. Build Trust Through Accountability

Mistakes will happen, it’s part of business. But the way you create accountability makes all the difference. Encourage staff to:

• Report issues straight away.
• Double check their own work before leaving a site, or ask a fellow team member to.
• Take ownership of problems rather than hiding them.

5. Keep Your Team Motivated

Happy staff = happy clients. Simple things like recognising good work, offering flexibility where possible, or rewarding reliability can go a long way. Even a quick thank you text after a long shift can boost morale and loyalty.

Recruitment itself can be a bit of a rollercoaster, with people not turning up to interviews, trial shifts falling through, or candidates not being the right fit. It can feel frustrating at times, but the key is to stick with it. Finding the right people takes patience, and it’s worth holding out for those who genuinely fit your business values.

When you’ve got a team you can rely on, you’ll find you have more time to focus on growing the business, winning new contracts, and building client relationships.