Pros & Cons: DIY vs. Professional Property Management Cleaning

Posted on September 29, 2023
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Managing a property requires careful attention to detail, especially when cleaning and providing your tenants with clean common areas. Many property owners and property managers grapple with whether to clean themselves or hire professional property management cleaning services. 

Each option comes with its own pros and cons, which is why you should know the benefits of either before making a decision. Below, we delve into the benefits and drawbacks of DIY and professional cleaning to help you decide to maintain your property’s spaces.

DIY vs. Professional Property Management Cleaning Services: What Am I Getting With Either?

Property owners and property managers need cleaning done for various reasons. You might need to clean a unit after a tenant leaves or before a new one moves into your residential or commercial property. If you run an Airbnb or other short-term vacation rental home, you’ll need to tidy up the home before the next guest arrives. If you have multi-family properties like apartment buildings, you must keep the common areas clean and visually appealing. 

DIY cleaning means taking the time to clean these spaces yourself. If you have the time to clean as much as your property needs it, you could save on short-term cleaning costs. On the other hand, professional cleaning means hiring cleaners to do the work for you, saving you the time and effort to produce quality indoor spaces. 

Property management cleaning can entail different tasks depending on your property type. Generally, you can expect these tasks:

  • Entrance and exterior walkway cleaning
  • Pre-cleaning units for viewings 
  • Cleaning the common areas
  • Emptying garbage bins in common areas
  • Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the floors
  • Wiping and dusting surfaces
  • Cleaning the elevator and stairs

There may be additional cleaning tasks depending on your property and rental type. For instance, short-term vacation rentals will require changing the soiled linens, washing dirty dishes, and refilling supplies such as bathroom tissue, bath towels, and toiletries. On the other hand, commercial property management cleaning requires dealing with high-touch surfaces and carpet cleaning. 

Pros & Cons of DIY Cleaning & Professional Cleaning Services

There are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing to clean your property yourself or hire professional cleaners to do the work for you. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:

DIY Cleaning Professional Property Management Cleaning
Pros
  • Short-Term Cost-Effective Option: DIY solutions may be the cost-effective option for property owners in the short term, especially for those with properties such as vacation rental homes where there are months that the property is empty.
  • More Control: If you want full control over how your property is cleaned, you may prefer to clean the spaces yourself.
  • Personal Satisfaction: You can independently create your own cleaning schedule, providing flexibility for yourself and your tenants. 
  • Expertise: You’re hiring professional cleaners who know how to handle different surfaces, materials, and more. You can trust that professional cleaners’ outcome is more comprehensive than everyday cleaning.
  • Time and Convenience: Depending on the size of your property, having a cleaning team takes away the stress and hassle of doing the work yourself. It’s also a practical choice if you have time constraints, such as check-in times, busy rush hours, or times requested by tenants.
  • Consistent Quality: Professional cleaning services have tried and tested processes that deliver consistency. 
Cons
  • Physically Demanding: Cleaning your spaces can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties and properties requiring daily cleaning services.
  • Cleaning Investments: While it may be cost-effective in the short term, you will have to purchase your own cleaning tools, equipment, and supplies, which can add up.
  • Risk of Property Damage: There’s a risk of you breaking your own property or your tenants’ property because of improper cleaning practices. 
  • Different Results from Service Providers: Not all cleaning services for rental properties provide the same quality and service. This means having to search for the right provider carefully.
  • Varying Cleaning Schedules: Not all cleaners can accommodate as-needed requests or fit your preferred schedule. This means coordinating with a backup team in case your team is unavailable.
  • Different Cleaning Methods: While browsing for professional cleaners, you’ll likely find that not all service providers provide flexible cleaning methods to cater to your needs. 

Consider these pros and cons, and then weigh them against the factors that can sway your decision. These include:

  • Property Size and Type: Consider the specific cleaning tasks that need to be done. Larger properties need more time to finish cleaning. If you have specialized cleaning needs, hiring professionals who are trained and equipped to handle those tasks may be best.
  • Budget: Compare the cost of DIY cleaning to hiring professional cleaners. DIY solutions may seem more cost-effective in the short term since you are not paying for services. However, consider the investment of cleaning supplies and equipment you may need. On the other hand, professional cleaners have access to commercial-grade products that deliver better results.
  • Time Availability: Consider whether you can dedicate time to cleaning your property. DIY cleaning requires you to invest time and energy, which may not be feasible if you have a busy schedule. On the other hand, professional cleaners can complete the task for you, saving you time and effort.

Find Reliable Property Management Cleaning Services with JAN-PRO Commercial Cleaning

Both DIY and professional property management cleaning have their merits. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on property owners’ specific needs and preferences. While some may thrive on the hands-on approach of DIY cleaning, others may find peace in leaving this task to the professionals. 

JAN-PRO Commercial Cleaning is your reliable source for professional cleaning services for rental properties. Contact JAN-PRO Commercial Cleaning for flexible, quality cleaning solutions for your properties.