How to choose the best aged care cleaning service?

 Why do some aged care facilities feel cleaner, safer, and more comforting than others—even when they’re the same age and layout?

It’s not just elbow grease. It’s about choosing the right cleaning service that understands the psychology of care environments, the science of infection control, and the small cues that make residents feel valued and safe.

Here’s how to choose an aged care cleaning service that doesn’t just clean—but cares.

What makes aged care cleaning different from regular cleaning?

Aged care facilities are not just commercial premises with high foot traffic. They are lived-in environments where safety, dignity, and emotional wellbeing matter just as much as hygiene.

Some key differences:

  • Higher infection control standards – Vulnerable residents mean stricter protocols for cross-contamination and sanitation.

  • Sensory sensitivity – Harsh chemical smells or noisy equipment can unsettle residents with dementia or other conditions.

  • Emotional cues – Cleanliness communicates care. A spotless room can be a form of respect.

Cleaning here is behavioural as much as it is procedural.

“People make decisions based on feeling, not facts,” says behavioural strategist Dan Monheit. “If a resident’s room feels neglected, it shapes their entire perception of their care.”

How can you tell if a cleaning service ‘gets’ aged care?

Look beyond the glossy brochures. Real understanding shows up in the details.

Ask potential providers:

  • Do they have experience with aged care or healthcare? Not all commercial cleaners understand infection control nuances like touchpoint disinfection or MRSA risk zones.

  • Do they train staff in resident interaction? Cleaners may be the only “non-care” staff residents speak to daily. Kindness counts.

  • Do they use low-odour, hospital-grade products? Harsh smells can be distressing to older adults.

  • Can they demonstrate compliance? They should be across Aged Care Quality Standards and provide documentation on audits, incident reporting, and cleaning protocols.

And if they can’t answer confidently? Keep walking.

What red flags should you watch out for?

Even an impressive-looking cleaning crew can fall short in a care setting.

Here’s what should raise concern:

  • High staff turnover – Inconsistent cleaning means inconsistent standards. Plus, trust is harder to build.

  • Overuse of air fresheners or bleach smells – These often mask poor cleaning rather than prove it.

  • Lack of documented procedures – If they can’t show what they do in writing, they’re unlikely to follow it in practice.

  • Minimal visibility during the day – In aged care, cleaning is part of the rhythm of life. Residents notice when things are “off”.

Are all “hospital-grade” cleaning products equal?

Nope. That label is often misunderstood.

“Hospital-grade” doesn’t mean best, and more isn’t always better. In aged care, the right product is one that:

  • Meets TGA disinfectant standards

  • Has minimal odour or residue

  • Is safe for frequent use around residents

  • Comes with a clear SDS (safety data sheet) and is compatible with the facility’s flooring and surfaces

Also, look for cleaners who understand contact dwell time—the amount of time a disinfectant needs to remain wet on a surface to be effective. It’s often ignored, which means germs aren’t actually being killed.

Why behavioural care matters in cleaning teams

Anyone who’s walked into a spotless aged care room with the scent of lemon and sunlight streaming through clean blinds knows—it changes the mood.

But beyond sparkle, cleaners play a subtle role in behavioural health:

  • Routine builds comfort – Seeing familiar faces at regular times reduces anxiety.

  • Small conversations build rapport – A cheerful “hello” from a cleaner may be the highlight of a resident’s morning.

  • Attention to personal items – Respecting the placement of belongings shows care and builds trust.

This is where Cialdini’s principle of Liking comes into play. When residents feel liked and respected by the people around them, compliance with hygiene routines, mood, and overall wellbeing improves.

How do you compare aged care cleaning quotes?

Price matters—but not at the cost of performance. Instead of comparing only by cost, ask:

  • What’s included in routine cleaning vs deep cleaning?

  • Are products and equipment included or charged separately?

  • How is performance measured and reported back?

  • What is their response protocol for outbreaks or incident cleans?

  • Do they provide continuity plans during staff shortages or holidays?

If a provider can't break down their quote clearly, they probably can't deliver consistently either.

What are aged care managers saying about top-performing cleaning providers?

A 2024 benchmarking study of 73 aged care facilities across NSW and Victoria found that facilities with high cleanliness ratings (from both staff and families):

  • Had cleaning staff integrated into morning handover briefings

  • Conducted regular smell audits (yes, really!)

  • Used colour-coded cloth systems religiously

  • Provided “small act” feedback forms where residents could request things like “polish my glasses shelf”

One facility manager in Ballarat said it best:

“It’s not just that it’s clean. It’s that it feels cared for. That tells our residents they matter.”

That’s Cialdini’s principle of Unity in action—cleaning as a shared responsibility that connects everyone in the care community.

TL;DR – What matters most?

Choosing the right aged care cleaning service isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about finding a partner who understands people, not just protocols.

Here’s what to look for:

  • Proven aged care experience and trained staff

  • Behavioural awareness and empathy

  • Safe, appropriate products and methods

  • Transparent pricing and reporting

  • Respect for residents’ dignity and space

Because in aged care, cleaning isn’t background noise. It’s part of the conversation around comfort, safety, and trust.

FAQ: Aged Care Cleaning Services

Q: Should cleaning staff be trained in resident interaction?
Yes. In many facilities, cleaners are daily touchpoints. Basic training in empathy and communication can dramatically affect resident wellbeing.

Q: How often should deep cleans occur in aged care?
At least quarterly for resident rooms, and monthly for high-traffic areas. More frequently during flu or COVID seasons.

Q: What’s one sign of a truly committed cleaning provider?
They notice and act on small things—like a fallen photo frame or slippery shower floor—without being asked.

And finally, if you’ve ever wondered why some aged care homes always seem spotless while others struggle despite best intentions, this real-world breakdown explains it well.

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