When money is tight, business owners often decide to cut corners by eliminating contract cleaning services and taking a “do-it-yourself” approach. While this may sound a like a good idea on the surface, it is “penny-wise and pound-foolish” because it actually winds up costing more time and money in the long run. Professional cleaning services have the equipment, training and experience to efficiently handle your needs.

Here are five reasons why you should leave it to the pros:

Efficiency: What is your time worth? In the time it takes you or a staff member to dust the furniture, clean the carpets and disinfect the restrooms you could have made several sales calls to generate revenue for your business. A professional cleaning service can get the job done in half the time it would take you to do it and they will get it right the first time.

Expertise: Chances are, you opened your business as a result of your expertise in a certain area in which you excel. You may be a genius at marketing, management or investment strategies or maybe you are a world-class lawyer or advertising expert. But do you know how to remove a stain without damaging your oriental rug? Do you know which cleaning agents will clean your floor without leaving dangerous fumes in the air?

Compliance: Certain businesses are heavily regulated regarding cleanliness. Companies that manufacture, prepare or serve food are routinely inspected to protect public health. Are you and your staff qualified to keep food surfaces and other areas up to code? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict regulations and violations that are found during health inspections can result in hefty financial penalties. Just one fine could cost you more than a whole year of professional cleaning services.

Safety: Do you really want your receptionist perched on top of a ladder to clean the blinds or dust the ceiling fans? What happens when your top sales executive slips and breaks a leg because you forgot to leave a “wet floor” sign when you mopped the floor? That could cost you a fortune in productivity, not to mention workers’ compensation claims. National Safety Institute statistics show that slips and falls are the most common workplace accidents and cost an average of $22,800 per incident.

Image: In today’s competitive business environment first impressions are more important than ever. Shiny windows, sparkling clean floors, dust-free fixtures and fresh-smelling carpets provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to your business.

Stick to the things you do best and let a professional service keep your business clean and well-maintained. Clean environments result in happier clients and more productive employees so you’ll save time and money in the long run.