How to Choose a Childcare Cleaning Company in Melbourne

Start with a written scope

A childcare centre has very different rooms — playrooms, sleep rooms, nappy change areas, kitchens, staff rooms and entries. Ask any cleaning company to list each area and the tasks and frequency for it in writing. A vague 'general clean' makes it hard to hold anyone to a standard.

Also confirm what is not included, so you know which tasks remain with your educators or cook.

Ask about scheduling around your hours

Most centres need cleaning after closing so rooms are ready for the next morning. Confirm the agreed times, how access and alarms are handled, and what happens if a clean is missed.

Check people and procedures

Ask whether every cleaner holds a current Victorian Working With Children Check and a police check, and how the company handles keys, sign-in, privacy and children's information on site.

Ask how cleaning products are stored and kept out of children's reach.

Agree how you will communicate

Good cleaning arrangements have one agreed contact, a simple way to raise concerns, and a process for reporting maintenance issues noticed during cleaning, such as leaks or broken fixtures.

Be wary of big promises

Routine cleaning removes dirt and visible soiling. No cleaning company can honestly guarantee that illness will be prevented or that your centre will pass an assessment. Look for a provider who is clear about these limits.