12 Smart Ways You Can Significantly Reduce Cleaning & Facilities Costs

Nearly every business or organisation is looking for effective strategies to optimise budgets without compromising operational efficiency or the essential upkeep of your premises. Cleaning and facilities management represent a significant expenditure, and we believe there are numerous opportunities to achieve substantial savings.

That’s why we’ve compiled 12 practical, cost-effective strategies your organisation can use to reduce cleaning and facilities management expenses without sacrificing standards, allowing you to reallocate valuable resources to other critical areas.

Strategies for Cost Reduction

1. Optimise Cleaning Schedules and Frequencies: Review your current cleaning schedules. Do all areas require daily cleaning? Can less-frequented areas be cleaned less often (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly), while maintaining high standards in high-traffic zones? A detailed analysis can reveal significant savings in labour hours. Re-evaluate frequencies and adjust schedules based on occupancy and usage to reduce labour hours significantly.

2. Implement Zoned Cleaning: Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, categorize areas by their usage and required cleanliness levels. This allows for more targeted cleaning efforts, reducing unnecessary work and product consumption.

Consider moving towards Outcome-Based Cleaning. Instead of rigid constant checklists, focus on results. Outcome-based cleaning targets resources where they’re needed most, increasing flexibility and reducing wasted effort.

3. Invest in High-Efficiency Cleaning Equipment: While initial outlay might seem higher, modern, efficient cleaning machines (e.g., auto scrubbers, microfiber systems) can drastically reduce labour time, water usage, and chemical consumption in the long run. They also often provide superior cleaning results.

4. Choose Concentrated and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Concentrated cleaning solutions offer more uses per container, reducing purchase frequency and storage needs. Eco-friendly products are often better for health, and some can even be more effective and economical in the long run.

5. Embrace Smart Technology and IoT for Facilities Management: From smart lighting that turns off in empty rooms to HVAC systems with occupancy sensors, technology can automate energy savings. Monitoring systems can also identify inefficiencies in real-time, allowing for proactive adjustments. Smart technologies such as sensor taps and robotic vacuum cleaners can help reduce labour and energy consumption—freeing up your budget for other priorities.

6. Implement Preventative Maintenance Programs: Regular, proactive maintenance of your facilities (HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems) can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the lifespan of assets. This reduces the need for expensive emergency repairs. Stay ahead of costly repairs with a planned schedule for equipment, ventilation, plumbing, and infrastructure. Prevention is always cheaper than cure.

7. Train Staff on Efficient Cleaning Practices: Well-trained cleaning staff are more efficient, use products correctly, and minimise waste. Regular training can cover new techniques, equipment operation, and best practices for specific areas.

8. Source Supplies Strategically and Bulk Buy: Consolidate your purchasing and explore bulk buying options for frequently used cleaning supplies and consumables. Negotiate with suppliers for better rates based on volume. Consider long-term contracts for added stability and potential discounts. Combining services like caretaking, deep cleans, and grounds maintenance under one provider ensures efficiency, accountability, and better rates.

9. Encourage Employee Participation in Tidiness: A culture of shared responsibility for cleanliness can significantly reduce the burden on cleaning staff. Simple measures like encouraging employees or students or customers or whatever your premises’ users are, to clear their desks, dispose of litter correctly, and keep common areas tidy can make a big difference.

10. Review and Benchmark Service Provider Contracts: If you outsource your cleaning or facilities management, regularly review your contracts. Benchmark the services and pricing against other providers to ensure you are getting the best value for money. Don't be afraid to renegotiate terms or seek new bids. Hiring a reliable cleaning and facilities management provider like 7Point brings economies of scale, reduces in-house HR burden, and offers access to trained, vetted professionals.

11. Conduct a Cleaning Audit: Start with a data-driven review of current routines, staffing, and supply usage. A professional audit can uncover inefficiencies and highlight opportunities for savings.

12. Use Eco-Friendly Facility Management Practices: Cut down on product inventory and storage by switching to versatile, sustainable cleaning solutions that reduce waste—and procurement costs. Constantly review energy usage. Simple changes like LED lighting, zoned heating, and automated systems cut energy costs while contributing to sustainability targets. Streamlining recycling, reducing landfill waste, and coordinating bin collection days with cleaning schedules can yield surprising cost savings.

Achieve Measurable Savings

By implementing even a few of these strategies, your business or organisation can achieve measurable cost reductions in cleaning and facilities management, freeing up valuable funds for other key priority areas.

At 7Point Cleaning & Facilities Management, we don’t just provide services—we deliver results that save organisations time, money, and stress. We would be delighted to discuss how 7Point can help your business or organisation implement these strategies and achieve significant savings. Book a free site consultation today and discover our tailored and competitively priced solutions for your premises.

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