Do I Really Need a Contract? Why Des Moines Businesses Are Choosing Flexible Commercial Cleaning

Do I Really Need a Contract? Why Des Moines Businesses Are Choosing Flexible Commercial Cleaning

Do I Really Need a Contract? Why Des Moines Businesses Are Choosing Flexible Commercial Cleaning

Do I Really Need a Contract? Why Des Moines Businesses Are Choosing Flexible Commercial Cleaning

Do I Really Need a Contract? Why Des Moines Businesses Are Choosing Flexible Commercial Cleaning

If you're researching commercial cleaning services in Des Moines, you've probably encountered the dreaded question: "What's your contract term?"
One year minimum. Two years preferred. Automatic renewal clauses. Cancellation penalties. Early termination fees. For something as straightforward as keeping your office clean, the contract requirements can feel like you're buying a car, not hiring a cleaning service.
But here's what's changed in the Des Moines commercial cleaning market: more businesses are refusing to sign long-term contracts. And the cleaning companies that insist on them are losing ground to providers who understand that quality service earns loyalty—contracts shouldn't have to force it.
This guide explains why contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for Des Moines businesses, what protection contracts actually offered (and what they didn't), how the no-contract model works, and why flexibility matters more in 2025 than it did when your current cleaning contract was signed.
The Real Question: Why Do Cleaning Companies Want Contracts?
Before we talk about why you don't need a contract, let's understand why cleaning companies ask for them in the first place.
It's Not About Protecting You—It's About Protecting Them
When a commercial cleaning company insists on a one-year or two-year contract, they're not doing it because you need protection. They're doing it because they need protection from their own service quality.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Contracts exist because cleaning companies know their service will decline over time. They start strong in months 1-2 to win your business, then gradually let standards slip once you're locked in. The contract ensures you can't easily fire them when quality drops in month 4, 5, or 6.
Think about it. If a cleaning company consistently delivered excellent service month after month, would they need a contract to keep you as a customer? Of course not. You'd stay because they're doing great work. The fact that they need a legal agreement to keep you around tells you everything you need to know about their confidence in their own service quality.
What Contracts Actually Protected (Spoiler: Not Much)
Let's examine what those contracts actually guaranteed:
What the contract said:
- "Company will provide commercial cleaning services per agreed scope"
- "Services will be performed on scheduled days"
- "Quality will meet industry standards"
What the contract didn't guarantee:
- That the same crew would show up consistently
- That quality wouldn't decline after month 3
- That you'd get any response when you report problems
- That they'd actually fulfill the "scope of services" completely
- That you wouldn't spend hours managing them
Most commercial cleaning contracts are written to lock you in while giving the company maximum flexibility to underdeliver. They specify what you must pay but are deliberately vague about exactly what performance standards they must meet.
And the kicker? When service quality dropped and you wanted out, those contracts had penalty clauses. You could be stuck paying for months of substandard cleaning just because you signed a piece of paper before you knew what their service was really like.
What Des Moines Businesses Have Learned About Contracts
The Des Moines commercial cleaning market has changed dramatically over the past five years. Business owners talk to each other. They share experiences. And a pattern emerged.
The Typical Contract Cleaning Experience
Month 1-2: The cleaning company is on their best behavior. They're attentive, responsive, thorough. You think you made a great choice. The contract feels like a formality.
Month 3-4: Small things start slipping. A missed trash can here, a dusty surface there. You mention it, they fix it quickly. You chalk it up to growing pains.
Month 5-6: The decline becomes undeniable. Different crews showing up. Quality inconsistent. Corners being cut. You're sending weekly emails about issues.
Month 7-8: You realize you're actively managing your cleaning company. They're not solving problems—they're creating them. You want to fire them but remember: you signed a contract.
Month 9-12: You're researching replacement options while still paying the company you're unhappy with. You're essentially serving out a sentence, counting down to when you can finally make a change.
Month 13: Freedom. You switch providers. This time, you look specifically for companies that don't require contracts.
This cycle plays out constantly across Des Moines. From small Edward Jones offices in West Des Moines to larger corporate spaces in Urbandale to downtown financial institutions—the story is remarkably similar regardless of building size or industry.
Why Des Moines's Diverse Business Landscape Demands Flexibility
Des Moines isn't just one type of business. Our metro area includes:
Established corporations with multi-building campuses and complex facility needs
Growing startups that might expand or relocate within 6-12 months
Professional service firms (law, accounting, financial) with fluctuating space needs
Medical facilities from small practices to larger surgical centers
Financial institutions from local credit unions to regional bank headquarters
Retail and service businesses with seasonal staffing variations
Educational institutions with summer breaks and variable academic schedules
Construction and industrial sites with project-based timelines
How can one contract structure possibly serve all these different business models? It can't. That's why smart Des Moines businesses are demanding flexibility instead of signing rigid agreements that don't match their operational reality.
The Case for Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
It Forces Cleaning Companies to Actually Perform
When you can fire your cleaning company anytime without penalty, something remarkable happens: they have to earn your business every single month.
No contract means:
- They can't coast on your signature—they have to deliver consistent quality
- They must respond immediately to issues because you could switch providers next week
- They need to maintain the same standards in month 6 as month 1
- They have incentive to keep improving rather than just maintaining minimum acceptable service
- Your satisfaction is their job security, not a piece of paper
This completely changes the power dynamic. Instead of you being locked in and hoping they deliver, they're constantly proving they deserve to keep your business.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've operated contract-free since 1998. We don't need contracts because we've built our entire business model on a simple principle: if we do excellent work, clients stay. If we don't, they should leave. That accountability drives everything we do.
It Protects Your Business from Bad Decisions
Even with the best due diligence, you can't always predict how a cleaning company will perform until they're actually servicing your building. References are often cherry-picked. Initial quality doesn't guarantee long-term consistency. The crew that cleans during your trial period might not be the one you get after signing.
Contract-free service means:
- You can test the relationship without long-term commitment
- If service quality drops, you can make a change immediately
- You're not financially trapped with a poor performer
- You can adjust as your business needs evolve
- You maintain control over vendor relationships
This is especially important for Des Moines businesses managing facilities across multiple locations. Your Waukee office might have different needs than your downtown location. A contract structure that works for one site might be completely wrong for another. Flexibility lets you optimize each location independently.
It Aligns with How Modern Businesses Operate
The Des Moines business environment in 2025 looks nothing like it did when long-term service contracts became standard practice. Companies need agility to respond to market conditions, growth opportunities, and operational changes.
Consider these scenarios common in Des Moines:
A growing tech startup leases office space month-to-month while evaluating permanent locations. Why would they sign a one-year cleaning contract when their lease is month-to-month?
A law firm is negotiating a merger that could mean relocating or expanding within 6 months. Locking into a cleaning contract adds unnecessary complexity to already complicated planning.
A medical practice is adding providers and might need to adjust cleaning frequency mid-year as patient volume grows. A rigid contract makes adaptation difficult and expensive.
A retail business experiences seasonal variation and might want to adjust cleaning frequency between November-December and February-March. Annual contracts don't accommodate this reality.
A property management company like Ryan Properties manages multiple buildings with different tenants who have different timelines. Synchronizing contract dates across a portfolio is administrative nightmare.
Contract-free service adapts to your business instead of forcing your business to adapt to an arbitrary contract timeline.
What "No Contract" Actually Means in Practice
Let's be clear about what contract-free commercial cleaning looks like and what protections both parties actually need.
The Working Agreement
Just because there's no long-term contract doesn't mean there's no agreement. Professional commercial cleaning relationships need clear expectations documented in writing.
A good working agreement specifies:
Scope of Services:
- Exactly what's included in your cleaning service
- Frequency of service (nightly, 3x/week, 5x/week, etc.)
- Specific areas to be cleaned and how often
- Supplies provided by cleaning company vs. client
- Any services explicitly excluded
Quality Standards:
- Defined expectations for cleanliness levels
- Response time for reported issues
- Audit and inspection procedures
- Problem resolution process
Practical Details:
- Building access procedures and security protocols
- Parking and entrance instructions
- Key contacts and emergency procedures
- Billing terms and payment schedule
- Insurance requirements and verification
Termination Terms:
- Notice period required (typically 30 days from either party)
- Final billing procedures
- Return of keys and access credentials
- Transition assistance if needed
Notice the difference: this working agreement defines how the service works, not how long you're trapped in it. Both parties need clarity on expectations. Neither party needs to be locked in for a year.
Mutual Cancellation Rights
Contract-free doesn't mean one-sided protection. Both the client and the cleaning company should be able to exit the relationship with reasonable notice.
Thirty days notice is typically fair and sufficient. This gives:
- The client time to find a replacement provider if service quality drops
- The cleaning company time to adjust staffing if a client decides to leave
- Both parties the ability to plan transitions professionally
This mutual right to cancel creates healthy accountability on both sides. The client can't abuse the cleaner with impossible demands because the cleaner can walk away. The cleaner can't deliver poor service because the client can walk away. It's balanced.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've found that this mutual accountability creates stronger, more respectful relationships. Clients know we're choosing to serve them every month. We know they're choosing us every month. That mutual choice creates partnership rather than obligation.
What Replaces Contract Protection
If contracts don't protect you, what does? Several things, actually:
Demonstrated track record: A cleaning company with 25+ years in Des Moines and clients who've stayed 10, 15, 20 years has proven they deliver. That history matters more than any contract clause.
Audit systems: Monthly quality audits with documented scores (like "your building scored 95.64% this month") provide proof of consistent performance. Contracts don't ensure quality—accountability systems do.
Direct owner access: When you can call or text the owner directly (like 515-276-1618 for Rodan), issues get resolved immediately. Contracts don't guarantee responsiveness—communication systems and leadership commitment do.
Insurance and bonding: Proper liability coverage, workers compensation, and bonding protect against damage and accidents far better than contract language. Verify this directly with carriers, not just accept certificates of insurance.
References and reputation: Talk to current clients. Check online reviews. A company's reputation in the Des Moines business community tells you more than any contract terms could.
Transparent pricing and scope: Clear documentation of exactly what you're paying for and what's included prevents the disputes that contracts are supposedly designed to handle.
These protections are more valuable than a contract because they're based on actual performance, not legal obligation.
The Des Moines Businesses That Benefit Most from No-Contract Cleaning
While any business can benefit from contract flexibility, certain situations make contract-free service especially valuable.
Growing Companies and Startups
Des Moines has a vibrant and growing startup community, particularly in insurance technology, agricultural technology, and business services. These companies often experience rapid changes in space needs, staffing levels, and operational requirements.
Why flexibility matters:
- Might need to scale cleaning frequency up or down based on hiring
- Could relocate to larger space within 6-12 months
- May need to adjust service during funding rounds or growth phases
- Don't want long-term commitments when business trajectory is evolving
A contract-free cleaning service adapts to growth rather than becoming another fixed cost to manage around.
Professional Service Firms
Law firms, accounting practices, financial advisory firms, and consulting companies throughout the Des Moines metro face unique scheduling and presentation demands.
Why flexibility matters:
- Client meeting frequency varies seasonally (tax season, quarter-end, etc.)
- Might need to adjust cleaning intensity around major client presentations
- Office size and staffing can change with partner additions or retirements
- Want ability to switch providers if presentation quality drops below firm standards
These firms maintain high standards for their physical spaces because clients judge them on every detail. They need cleaning partners who understand that standard—without being locked in if the partner fails to deliver.
Multi-Location Businesses
Companies with offices in Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Ankeny face complex vendor management across locations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Different locations may have different needs and timelines
- Headquarters might want different service level than satellite offices
- Easier to pilot new cleaning partner at one location before expanding
- Can optimize each location independently rather than one contract covering all
Contract-free service lets you make location-specific decisions instead of treating five different buildings in five different cities as one homogenous contract.
Businesses with Seasonal Variation
Retail, hospitality, education, and other sectors experience significant seasonal fluctuation in facility usage and cleaning needs.
Why flexibility matters:
- May need daily cleaning during busy season but 2x/week during slow periods
- Want to adjust service level without contract amendments or negotiations
- Budget flexibility to align cleaning costs with revenue seasons
- Can increase or decrease frequency without penalties
A rigid annual contract forces you to overpay during slow seasons or underspend during busy periods. Neither serves your business well.
Companies Unhappy with Current Provider
This might be the most common scenario: Des Moines businesses stuck with underperforming cleaning companies because of contract obligations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Can make a change immediately rather than waiting months for contract expiration
- Avoid paying for poor service while researching replacements
- Don't need to time contract negotiations around arbitrary renewal dates
- Can test new provider without overlapping contract conflicts
If you're currently trapped with a subpar cleaning company counting down to your contract end date, your next provider absolutely should be contract-free. You've learned this lesson—don't repeat it.
What About Pricing—Does No Contract Cost More?
This is the concern we hear most: "If I don't sign a contract, will I pay more?"
The short answer: Not necessarily. And often you'll pay less when you factor in total cost.
How Pricing Works Without Contracts
Most commercial cleaning companies that require contracts claim they need the security of guaranteed revenue to offer competitive pricing. That sounds reasonable until you examine what actually happens.
Contract-based pricing typically includes:
- Annual or semi-annual rate increases written into the contract
- Fees for service adjustments or scope changes
- Penalties for early termination
- Charges for "extra" services that should be standard
- Automatic renewal clauses that extend your commitment
Month-to-month pricing typically includes:
- Clear monthly rate based on defined scope
- Transparent pricing for any additional services
- No penalties for cancellation (just notice period)
- Rate adjustments only by mutual agreement
- Freedom to renegotiate if service doesn't meet expectations
When you compare total cost over 12 months, month-to-month service often costs the same or less than contracted service—especially when you factor in the value of flexibility and the hidden costs of being locked in with poor performance.
The True Cost of Being Locked In
Remember, the most expensive cleaning service isn't the one with the highest monthly rate—it's the one you can't fire.
Hidden costs of contracted cleaning:
Your time managing problems: If you spend 4 hours/month dealing with cleaning issues, that's $200-400/month in opportunity cost (depending on your hourly value). Over a year, that's $2,400-4,800 in hidden costs.
Employee dissatisfaction: When your team consistently complains about facility cleanliness, you pay in morale, productivity, and possibly retention. Hard to quantify but very real.
Client perception: First impressions happen in your lobby and restrooms. How many potential clients or customers have you lost because your facility looked neglected? Even one lost deal probably costs more than a year of cleaning service.
Replacement costs: When you finally escape a bad contract, you often pay overlap costs during transition—paying the old company through contract end while starting with a new provider.
A contract-free cleaning service that costs $200/month more but delivers consistent quality and requires zero management time is dramatically cheaper than a contracted service that costs less but creates ongoing problems.
Rodan's No-Contract Pricing Philosophy
At Rodan Cleaning, our pricing works like this:
We quote the real cost of delivering quality service. Our rates reflect what it actually takes to pay experienced cleaners fairly, use proper products, maintain equipment, provide training, conduct monthly audits, and ensure direct owner oversight.
We don't artificially lower prices to win contracts. We've seen too many Des Moines businesses burned by companies that bid low to win multi-year contracts, then cut corners to make the math work. That's not our model.
We don't hide behind complicated contract structures. You get a clear monthly rate for defined services. If you want to add or adjust something, we quote it clearly. No surprises, no penalty fees, no fine print.
We're typically in the upper 70th percentile of Des Moines pricing. We're not the cheapest option. But we're not the most expensive either. We're the option that delivers consistent value over time—which is what actually matters.
When you call 515-276-1618 or email info@rodancleaning.com, owner Zach Vander Ploeg will give you honest pricing for your specific building and needs. No contracts required. No long-term commitment needed. Just clarity about what service costs and what you'll receive.
How to Evaluate Contract-Free Cleaning Companies
If you've decided that contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for your Des Moines business, here's how to evaluate providers who offer this flexibility.
Essential Questions to Ask
1. How long have you been operating contract-free?
- Look for established track record, not companies just testing the approach
- Rodan has operated this way since 1998—it's our business model, not a marketing gimmick
2. What percentage of your clients have been with you for 2+ years?
- If they don't retain clients without contracts, their service quality probably isn't good enough
- Many Rodan clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years without ever signing a contract
3. What's your cancellation policy?
- Mutual 30-day notice is fair and standard
- Be wary of "cancel anytime" with no notice—that's risky for both parties
4. How do you ensure quality without contracts to hold you accountable?
- Look for audit systems, monthly reporting, direct owner access
- "We just do good work" isn't a system—it's hope disguised as strategy
5. What happens if I'm unhappy with service?
- You want clear problem resolution process and commitment to make it right
- Ultimate accountability is that you can leave if they don't resolve issues
6. Do you have other clients in buildings similar to mine?
- References from comparable properties matter more than total client count
- Ask to speak with clients who've worked with them for 2+ years
7. How do you handle staffing transitions?
- Turnover happens—how do they maintain quality when crews change?
- Training systems and documentation prevent knowledge loss
8. What insurance coverage do you carry?
- Verify general liability and workers compensation directly with carrier
- Insurance matters more without contracts because it's your actual protection
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of companies that:
- Offer month-to-month service but require 3-6 month initial commitment (that's still a contract)
- Charge "startup fees" or "onboarding costs" that functionally lock you in
- Require purchase of supplies or equipment from them as condition of service
- Can't provide long-term client references (suggests they can't retain without contracts)
- Offer drastically lower rates than competitors (they're cutting corners somewhere)
- Don't have clear written service agreements (flexibility doesn't mean no documentation)
- Refuse to provide insurance verification (legitimate businesses have proper coverage)
These warning signs indicate companies that either don't really understand contract-free service or are using it as bait-and-switch marketing.
What Success Looks Like
After 3-6 months with a quality contract-free cleaning provider, you should experience:
Consistent quality: Same standard every cleaning, whether it's month 1 or month 12
Minimal management: You rarely think about cleaning because it just happens correctly
Responsive communication: Issues get addressed immediately when you report them
Transparent reporting: You receive regular feedback on performance (audit scores, inspection reports)
Relationship continuity: Same crews who know your building and your preferences
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases
If you're getting these outcomes without a contract, you've found a true partner. The absence of legal obligation combined with excellent results proves they're earning your business every month.
The Des Moines Commercial Cleaning Market Today
The shift toward contract-free service reflects broader changes in how Des Moines businesses think about vendor relationships.
What's Changed in the Past 5 Years
Increased transparency expectations: Businesses expect clear communication and performance documentation, not just "trust us" assurances backed by contract obligations.
Shift toward partnership models: The best vendor relationships are collaborative partnerships where both parties choose to continue because the relationship works, not because a contract compels it.
Greater emphasis on accountability: Audit systems, monthly reports, and direct access to ownership matter more than contract terms that are rarely enforced.
Recognition that contracts don't prevent problems: Businesses learned through experience that contracts don't guarantee quality—systems, training, and leadership do.
Demand for operational flexibility: In a rapidly changing business environment, locking into rigid service agreements for extended periods doesn't serve most businesses well.
How Established Companies Have Responded
Some traditional contract-based cleaning companies have adapted by offering more flexible options. Others double down on contracts, arguing that commitment benefits both parties. Still others offer hybrid models with short initial terms and month-to-month thereafter.
The most confident companies—the ones that know they deliver excellent service—don't need contracts at all. They compete on quality, not on locking customers in legally.
At Rodan, we've never changed our approach because we've never needed to. Contract-free service worked in 1998 when founder Dan Vander Ploeg started the company, and it still works today under current owner Zach Vander Ploeg's leadership. The businesses that try us stay because the service is excellent, not because paperwork compels them to.
Making the Switch from Contracted to Contract-Free Service
If you're currently locked in a cleaning contract but want to transition to contract-free service, here's how to make it happen smoothly.
Review Your Current Contract
Check these key details:
Contract end date: When does your current obligation expire?
Cancellation terms: What notice is required? Are there penalties for early termination?
Automatic renewal clauses: Does it auto-renew if you don't cancel by specific date?
Service guarantees: What did they actually promise to deliver? (Document whether they're meeting those terms)
Rate increase provisions: What price changes are built into your current agreement?
Understanding your current obligations helps you plan the cleanest exit strategy.
Calculate the Real Cost of Staying vs. Leaving
Sometimes paying an early termination fee is worth it if your current service is poor enough.
Consider:
Monthly cost of current service: $______
Your time managing problems: ______ hours × your hourly value = $______
Employee complaints and lost productivity: Hard to quantify but very real
Client/customer perception impact: Have you lost opportunities because of facility appearance?
Early termination penalty: $______ one-time cost
Better monthly rate with new provider: Potential savings of $______ per month
If staying for 4 more months costs you $800/month in base service plus $300/month in your time dealing with problems, that's $4,400 total. A $1,500 early termination penalty to switch immediately could save you $2,900 over those same 4 months.
Run your own numbers. Sometimes eating the penalty makes financial sense.
Plan Your Transition
90 days before contract expiration:
- Research contract-free providers in Des Moines
- Get quotes and compare service offerings
- Check references thoroughly
- Verify insurance and credentials
60 days before contract expiration:
- Select new provider and schedule start date
- Review service agreement and expectations
- Arrange building access and orientation
30 days before contract expiration:
- Provide required cancellation notice to current provider
- Coordinate final service date and key return
- Introduce new provider to your team
- Communicate the change to building occupants
At transition:
- First cleaning by new provider on scheduled date
- Be present or available for questions
- Provide feedback after first few services
- Document performance vs. expectations
A well-planned transition minimizes disruption and sets up the new relationship for success.
Setting Expectations with Your New Provider
Even without a contract, you need clarity on expectations from day one.
Make sure you've documented:
Detailed scope of work: Every area, every task, every frequency
Quality standards: What does "clean" mean for your facility?
Communication protocols: Who contacts whom about what?
Problem resolution process: How are issues reported and handled?
Billing and payment terms: When is payment due? What forms accepted?
Notice requirements: 30 days from either party is standard
Having these elements in a clear working agreement prevents disputes and creates accountability—without requiring a multi-year commitment.
Real Des Moines Business Perspectives
While we can't share specific client names without permission, here are common themes we hear from Des Moines businesses that have switched to contract-free cleaning:
"We Should Have Made This Change Years Ago"
This is the most common sentiment from businesses that finally escape contract-based service. The freedom to leave if service quality drops completely changes the relationship dynamic. Cleaning companies that know you can fire them next month are dramatically more attentive than those who know you're locked in for another 8 months.
"The Pricing Wasn't Higher—And the Service Was Better"
Many businesses expect to pay premium pricing for contract-free flexibility. They're often surprised to find that month-to-month rates are competitive with or even lower than contracted rates—especially when accounting for hidden costs and fees in contract structures.
"We Actually Get Responses Now"
When cleaning companies know you can leave, they respond to problems immediately. The "we'll look into that" followed by weeks of silence disappears. Issues get addressed within hours or days, not weeks or months, because they know you're not trapped.
"It's One Less Thing We Have to Manage"
Ironically, contract-free service often requires less management than contracted service. When the cleaning company is earning your business every month, they proactively maintain quality instead of reactively responding to complaints. That reduces your oversight burden significantly.
The Rodan Cleaning Contract-Free Promise
At Rodan Cleaning, we've structured our entire business around a simple promise: deliver such consistently excellent service that you choose to stay month after month, year after year.
How We Earn Your Business Every Month
Audit-verified quality: Our internal auditor inspects every account monthly and documents performance scores (typically 95%+). You see exactly how we're doing before you even set foot in your building Monday morning.
Direct owner access: You have owner Zach Vander Ploeg's cell phone (515-276-1618) and email (info@rodancleaning.com). Issues get resolved immediately because you're talking directly to the decision-maker.
Experienced, stable crews: Our team members stay with us 2+ years on average (some haven't missed a day in over 2 years). You get consistent crews who know your building, not whoever happens to be available.
Cleaning University training: Every cleaner completes our comprehensive training program before cleaning their first building. They understand both the how and the why of quality commercial cleaning.
25+ years of Des Moines trust: Many clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years—without ever signing a contract. That retention rate proves our service quality, not contract enforcement.
What You Get Without a Contract
When Des Moines businesses choose Rodan's contract-free service:
Clarity: Written service agreement documenting exactly what's included, what's excluded, and what standards we'll meet
Flexibility: Adjust service level, frequency, or scope as your business needs evolve—without contract amendments or penalties
Accountability: Monthly audit reports showing exactly how we performed and what we're improving
Accessibility: Direct communication with ownership, not layers of management
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases or hidden fees
Freedom: Mutual 30-day cancellation option means we earn your business every single month
Why We've Never Needed Contracts
Since Dan Vander Ploeg founded Rodan Cleaning in 1998, we've operated on one principle: do excellent work consistently, and customers will stay. If we can't do excellent work consistently, customers should leave.
That accountability has driven every decision we've made over 25+ years:
- Paying our people significantly above market rate to attract and retain the best
- Investing in training systems (Cleaning University) that ensure quality
- Implementing audit processes that catch problems before clients do
- Giving clients direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- Treating every account like we earn it fresh each month
The results speak for themselves. We have clients who've been with us for decades who've never signed a contract. They stay because we deliver, month after month, year after year.
That's the cleaning service relationship Des Moines businesses deserve.
Resources for Des Moines Business Owners
As you evaluate cleaning providers and consider contract-free options:
Financial Planning: If you're reviewing facility service contracts as part of broader operational budget planning, Performance Financial LLC works with many Des Moines businesses on expense optimization and vendor relationship strategy. They can help you evaluate total cost of ownership for facility services.
Legal Review: If you're currently in a cleaning contract and considering early termination, your business attorney can review the terms and help you understand your options and obligations.
Industry Standards: The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) provides guidance on commercial cleaning service agreements and industry best practices for both contracted and contract-free relationships.
Local Business Community: The Greater Des Moines Partnership connects businesses and can provide feedback on local commercial service provider reputations and experiences.
Make the Switch to Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
If you're ready to stop being locked into cleaning contracts and start working with a partner who earns your business every single month:
Call Zach Vander Ploeg directly at 515-276-1618 to discuss your current situation and learn how Rodan's contract-free service works for your specific facility and needs.
Email info@rodancleaning.com with information about your building size, location, and current cleaning pain points. We'll follow up within one business day to schedule a consultation.
Schedule a free cleaning assessment where we walk your Des Moines, Urbandale, or Waukee facility, understand your requirements, and provide a detailed service proposal—with no contract required.
Why Choose Contract-Free Service with Rodan
Twenty-five years serving Des Moines businesses taught us that the best client relationships are built on mutual choice, not legal obligation. When you work with Rodan Cleaning:
- You're never locked in—you stay because we deliver excellent service, not because paperwork forces you to
- We maintain the same quality in month 12 as month 1 because we know you can leave if we don't
- You get monthly audit reports proving performance instead of contract terms promising performance
- You have direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- You can adjust services as your business needs change without contract renegotiation
We're not the cheapest option in Des Moines. But we are the option that delivers consistent quality over time without requiring you to sign a long-term contract hoping we follow through.
If you're tired of being trapped with underperforming cleaning companies or want to avoid that trap with your next provider, Rodan's contract-free approach offers a better way.
For more information on commercial cleaning in Des Moines, explore our guides on Pricing and Costs, What's Included in Service, and Medical Facility Cleaning. Or visit our service pages for Office Cleaning, Construction Cleaning, Financial Institution Cleaning, and School Cleaning.
If you're researching commercial cleaning services in Des Moines, you've probably encountered the dreaded question: "What's your contract term?"
One year minimum. Two years preferred. Automatic renewal clauses. Cancellation penalties. Early termination fees. For something as straightforward as keeping your office clean, the contract requirements can feel like you're buying a car, not hiring a cleaning service.
But here's what's changed in the Des Moines commercial cleaning market: more businesses are refusing to sign long-term contracts. And the cleaning companies that insist on them are losing ground to providers who understand that quality service earns loyalty—contracts shouldn't have to force it.
This guide explains why contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for Des Moines businesses, what protection contracts actually offered (and what they didn't), how the no-contract model works, and why flexibility matters more in 2025 than it did when your current cleaning contract was signed.
The Real Question: Why Do Cleaning Companies Want Contracts?
Before we talk about why you don't need a contract, let's understand why cleaning companies ask for them in the first place.
It's Not About Protecting You—It's About Protecting Them
When a commercial cleaning company insists on a one-year or two-year contract, they're not doing it because you need protection. They're doing it because they need protection from their own service quality.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Contracts exist because cleaning companies know their service will decline over time. They start strong in months 1-2 to win your business, then gradually let standards slip once you're locked in. The contract ensures you can't easily fire them when quality drops in month 4, 5, or 6.
Think about it. If a cleaning company consistently delivered excellent service month after month, would they need a contract to keep you as a customer? Of course not. You'd stay because they're doing great work. The fact that they need a legal agreement to keep you around tells you everything you need to know about their confidence in their own service quality.
What Contracts Actually Protected (Spoiler: Not Much)
Let's examine what those contracts actually guaranteed:
What the contract said:
- "Company will provide commercial cleaning services per agreed scope"
- "Services will be performed on scheduled days"
- "Quality will meet industry standards"
What the contract didn't guarantee:
- That the same crew would show up consistently
- That quality wouldn't decline after month 3
- That you'd get any response when you report problems
- That they'd actually fulfill the "scope of services" completely
- That you wouldn't spend hours managing them
Most commercial cleaning contracts are written to lock you in while giving the company maximum flexibility to underdeliver. They specify what you must pay but are deliberately vague about exactly what performance standards they must meet.
And the kicker? When service quality dropped and you wanted out, those contracts had penalty clauses. You could be stuck paying for months of substandard cleaning just because you signed a piece of paper before you knew what their service was really like.
What Des Moines Businesses Have Learned About Contracts
The Des Moines commercial cleaning market has changed dramatically over the past five years. Business owners talk to each other. They share experiences. And a pattern emerged.
The Typical Contract Cleaning Experience
Month 1-2: The cleaning company is on their best behavior. They're attentive, responsive, thorough. You think you made a great choice. The contract feels like a formality.
Month 3-4: Small things start slipping. A missed trash can here, a dusty surface there. You mention it, they fix it quickly. You chalk it up to growing pains.
Month 5-6: The decline becomes undeniable. Different crews showing up. Quality inconsistent. Corners being cut. You're sending weekly emails about issues.
Month 7-8: You realize you're actively managing your cleaning company. They're not solving problems—they're creating them. You want to fire them but remember: you signed a contract.
Month 9-12: You're researching replacement options while still paying the company you're unhappy with. You're essentially serving out a sentence, counting down to when you can finally make a change.
Month 13: Freedom. You switch providers. This time, you look specifically for companies that don't require contracts.
This cycle plays out constantly across Des Moines. From small Edward Jones offices in West Des Moines to larger corporate spaces in Urbandale to downtown financial institutions—the story is remarkably similar regardless of building size or industry.
Why Des Moines's Diverse Business Landscape Demands Flexibility
Des Moines isn't just one type of business. Our metro area includes:
Established corporations with multi-building campuses and complex facility needs
Growing startups that might expand or relocate within 6-12 months
Professional service firms (law, accounting, financial) with fluctuating space needs
Medical facilities from small practices to larger surgical centers
Financial institutions from local credit unions to regional bank headquarters
Retail and service businesses with seasonal staffing variations
Educational institutions with summer breaks and variable academic schedules
Construction and industrial sites with project-based timelines
How can one contract structure possibly serve all these different business models? It can't. That's why smart Des Moines businesses are demanding flexibility instead of signing rigid agreements that don't match their operational reality.
The Case for Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
It Forces Cleaning Companies to Actually Perform
When you can fire your cleaning company anytime without penalty, something remarkable happens: they have to earn your business every single month.
No contract means:
- They can't coast on your signature—they have to deliver consistent quality
- They must respond immediately to issues because you could switch providers next week
- They need to maintain the same standards in month 6 as month 1
- They have incentive to keep improving rather than just maintaining minimum acceptable service
- Your satisfaction is their job security, not a piece of paper
This completely changes the power dynamic. Instead of you being locked in and hoping they deliver, they're constantly proving they deserve to keep your business.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've operated contract-free since 1998. We don't need contracts because we've built our entire business model on a simple principle: if we do excellent work, clients stay. If we don't, they should leave. That accountability drives everything we do.
It Protects Your Business from Bad Decisions
Even with the best due diligence, you can't always predict how a cleaning company will perform until they're actually servicing your building. References are often cherry-picked. Initial quality doesn't guarantee long-term consistency. The crew that cleans during your trial period might not be the one you get after signing.
Contract-free service means:
- You can test the relationship without long-term commitment
- If service quality drops, you can make a change immediately
- You're not financially trapped with a poor performer
- You can adjust as your business needs evolve
- You maintain control over vendor relationships
This is especially important for Des Moines businesses managing facilities across multiple locations. Your Waukee office might have different needs than your downtown location. A contract structure that works for one site might be completely wrong for another. Flexibility lets you optimize each location independently.
It Aligns with How Modern Businesses Operate
The Des Moines business environment in 2025 looks nothing like it did when long-term service contracts became standard practice. Companies need agility to respond to market conditions, growth opportunities, and operational changes.
Consider these scenarios common in Des Moines:
A growing tech startup leases office space month-to-month while evaluating permanent locations. Why would they sign a one-year cleaning contract when their lease is month-to-month?
A law firm is negotiating a merger that could mean relocating or expanding within 6 months. Locking into a cleaning contract adds unnecessary complexity to already complicated planning.
A medical practice is adding providers and might need to adjust cleaning frequency mid-year as patient volume grows. A rigid contract makes adaptation difficult and expensive.
A retail business experiences seasonal variation and might want to adjust cleaning frequency between November-December and February-March. Annual contracts don't accommodate this reality.
A property management company like Ryan Properties manages multiple buildings with different tenants who have different timelines. Synchronizing contract dates across a portfolio is administrative nightmare.
Contract-free service adapts to your business instead of forcing your business to adapt to an arbitrary contract timeline.
What "No Contract" Actually Means in Practice
Let's be clear about what contract-free commercial cleaning looks like and what protections both parties actually need.
The Working Agreement
Just because there's no long-term contract doesn't mean there's no agreement. Professional commercial cleaning relationships need clear expectations documented in writing.
A good working agreement specifies:
Scope of Services:
- Exactly what's included in your cleaning service
- Frequency of service (nightly, 3x/week, 5x/week, etc.)
- Specific areas to be cleaned and how often
- Supplies provided by cleaning company vs. client
- Any services explicitly excluded
Quality Standards:
- Defined expectations for cleanliness levels
- Response time for reported issues
- Audit and inspection procedures
- Problem resolution process
Practical Details:
- Building access procedures and security protocols
- Parking and entrance instructions
- Key contacts and emergency procedures
- Billing terms and payment schedule
- Insurance requirements and verification
Termination Terms:
- Notice period required (typically 30 days from either party)
- Final billing procedures
- Return of keys and access credentials
- Transition assistance if needed
Notice the difference: this working agreement defines how the service works, not how long you're trapped in it. Both parties need clarity on expectations. Neither party needs to be locked in for a year.
Mutual Cancellation Rights
Contract-free doesn't mean one-sided protection. Both the client and the cleaning company should be able to exit the relationship with reasonable notice.
Thirty days notice is typically fair and sufficient. This gives:
- The client time to find a replacement provider if service quality drops
- The cleaning company time to adjust staffing if a client decides to leave
- Both parties the ability to plan transitions professionally
This mutual right to cancel creates healthy accountability on both sides. The client can't abuse the cleaner with impossible demands because the cleaner can walk away. The cleaner can't deliver poor service because the client can walk away. It's balanced.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've found that this mutual accountability creates stronger, more respectful relationships. Clients know we're choosing to serve them every month. We know they're choosing us every month. That mutual choice creates partnership rather than obligation.
What Replaces Contract Protection
If contracts don't protect you, what does? Several things, actually:
Demonstrated track record: A cleaning company with 25+ years in Des Moines and clients who've stayed 10, 15, 20 years has proven they deliver. That history matters more than any contract clause.
Audit systems: Monthly quality audits with documented scores (like "your building scored 95.64% this month") provide proof of consistent performance. Contracts don't ensure quality—accountability systems do.
Direct owner access: When you can call or text the owner directly (like 515-276-1618 for Rodan), issues get resolved immediately. Contracts don't guarantee responsiveness—communication systems and leadership commitment do.
Insurance and bonding: Proper liability coverage, workers compensation, and bonding protect against damage and accidents far better than contract language. Verify this directly with carriers, not just accept certificates of insurance.
References and reputation: Talk to current clients. Check online reviews. A company's reputation in the Des Moines business community tells you more than any contract terms could.
Transparent pricing and scope: Clear documentation of exactly what you're paying for and what's included prevents the disputes that contracts are supposedly designed to handle.
These protections are more valuable than a contract because they're based on actual performance, not legal obligation.
The Des Moines Businesses That Benefit Most from No-Contract Cleaning
While any business can benefit from contract flexibility, certain situations make contract-free service especially valuable.
Growing Companies and Startups
Des Moines has a vibrant and growing startup community, particularly in insurance technology, agricultural technology, and business services. These companies often experience rapid changes in space needs, staffing levels, and operational requirements.
Why flexibility matters:
- Might need to scale cleaning frequency up or down based on hiring
- Could relocate to larger space within 6-12 months
- May need to adjust service during funding rounds or growth phases
- Don't want long-term commitments when business trajectory is evolving
A contract-free cleaning service adapts to growth rather than becoming another fixed cost to manage around.
Professional Service Firms
Law firms, accounting practices, financial advisory firms, and consulting companies throughout the Des Moines metro face unique scheduling and presentation demands.
Why flexibility matters:
- Client meeting frequency varies seasonally (tax season, quarter-end, etc.)
- Might need to adjust cleaning intensity around major client presentations
- Office size and staffing can change with partner additions or retirements
- Want ability to switch providers if presentation quality drops below firm standards
These firms maintain high standards for their physical spaces because clients judge them on every detail. They need cleaning partners who understand that standard—without being locked in if the partner fails to deliver.
Multi-Location Businesses
Companies with offices in Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Ankeny face complex vendor management across locations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Different locations may have different needs and timelines
- Headquarters might want different service level than satellite offices
- Easier to pilot new cleaning partner at one location before expanding
- Can optimize each location independently rather than one contract covering all
Contract-free service lets you make location-specific decisions instead of treating five different buildings in five different cities as one homogenous contract.
Businesses with Seasonal Variation
Retail, hospitality, education, and other sectors experience significant seasonal fluctuation in facility usage and cleaning needs.
Why flexibility matters:
- May need daily cleaning during busy season but 2x/week during slow periods
- Want to adjust service level without contract amendments or negotiations
- Budget flexibility to align cleaning costs with revenue seasons
- Can increase or decrease frequency without penalties
A rigid annual contract forces you to overpay during slow seasons or underspend during busy periods. Neither serves your business well.
Companies Unhappy with Current Provider
This might be the most common scenario: Des Moines businesses stuck with underperforming cleaning companies because of contract obligations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Can make a change immediately rather than waiting months for contract expiration
- Avoid paying for poor service while researching replacements
- Don't need to time contract negotiations around arbitrary renewal dates
- Can test new provider without overlapping contract conflicts
If you're currently trapped with a subpar cleaning company counting down to your contract end date, your next provider absolutely should be contract-free. You've learned this lesson—don't repeat it.
What About Pricing—Does No Contract Cost More?
This is the concern we hear most: "If I don't sign a contract, will I pay more?"
The short answer: Not necessarily. And often you'll pay less when you factor in total cost.
How Pricing Works Without Contracts
Most commercial cleaning companies that require contracts claim they need the security of guaranteed revenue to offer competitive pricing. That sounds reasonable until you examine what actually happens.
Contract-based pricing typically includes:
- Annual or semi-annual rate increases written into the contract
- Fees for service adjustments or scope changes
- Penalties for early termination
- Charges for "extra" services that should be standard
- Automatic renewal clauses that extend your commitment
Month-to-month pricing typically includes:
- Clear monthly rate based on defined scope
- Transparent pricing for any additional services
- No penalties for cancellation (just notice period)
- Rate adjustments only by mutual agreement
- Freedom to renegotiate if service doesn't meet expectations
When you compare total cost over 12 months, month-to-month service often costs the same or less than contracted service—especially when you factor in the value of flexibility and the hidden costs of being locked in with poor performance.
The True Cost of Being Locked In
Remember, the most expensive cleaning service isn't the one with the highest monthly rate—it's the one you can't fire.
Hidden costs of contracted cleaning:
Your time managing problems: If you spend 4 hours/month dealing with cleaning issues, that's $200-400/month in opportunity cost (depending on your hourly value). Over a year, that's $2,400-4,800 in hidden costs.
Employee dissatisfaction: When your team consistently complains about facility cleanliness, you pay in morale, productivity, and possibly retention. Hard to quantify but very real.
Client perception: First impressions happen in your lobby and restrooms. How many potential clients or customers have you lost because your facility looked neglected? Even one lost deal probably costs more than a year of cleaning service.
Replacement costs: When you finally escape a bad contract, you often pay overlap costs during transition—paying the old company through contract end while starting with a new provider.
A contract-free cleaning service that costs $200/month more but delivers consistent quality and requires zero management time is dramatically cheaper than a contracted service that costs less but creates ongoing problems.
Rodan's No-Contract Pricing Philosophy
At Rodan Cleaning, our pricing works like this:
We quote the real cost of delivering quality service. Our rates reflect what it actually takes to pay experienced cleaners fairly, use proper products, maintain equipment, provide training, conduct monthly audits, and ensure direct owner oversight.
We don't artificially lower prices to win contracts. We've seen too many Des Moines businesses burned by companies that bid low to win multi-year contracts, then cut corners to make the math work. That's not our model.
We don't hide behind complicated contract structures. You get a clear monthly rate for defined services. If you want to add or adjust something, we quote it clearly. No surprises, no penalty fees, no fine print.
We're typically in the upper 70th percentile of Des Moines pricing. We're not the cheapest option. But we're not the most expensive either. We're the option that delivers consistent value over time—which is what actually matters.
When you call 515-276-1618 or email info@rodancleaning.com, owner Zach Vander Ploeg will give you honest pricing for your specific building and needs. No contracts required. No long-term commitment needed. Just clarity about what service costs and what you'll receive.
How to Evaluate Contract-Free Cleaning Companies
If you've decided that contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for your Des Moines business, here's how to evaluate providers who offer this flexibility.
Essential Questions to Ask
1. How long have you been operating contract-free?
- Look for established track record, not companies just testing the approach
- Rodan has operated this way since 1998—it's our business model, not a marketing gimmick
2. What percentage of your clients have been with you for 2+ years?
- If they don't retain clients without contracts, their service quality probably isn't good enough
- Many Rodan clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years without ever signing a contract
3. What's your cancellation policy?
- Mutual 30-day notice is fair and standard
- Be wary of "cancel anytime" with no notice—that's risky for both parties
4. How do you ensure quality without contracts to hold you accountable?
- Look for audit systems, monthly reporting, direct owner access
- "We just do good work" isn't a system—it's hope disguised as strategy
5. What happens if I'm unhappy with service?
- You want clear problem resolution process and commitment to make it right
- Ultimate accountability is that you can leave if they don't resolve issues
6. Do you have other clients in buildings similar to mine?
- References from comparable properties matter more than total client count
- Ask to speak with clients who've worked with them for 2+ years
7. How do you handle staffing transitions?
- Turnover happens—how do they maintain quality when crews change?
- Training systems and documentation prevent knowledge loss
8. What insurance coverage do you carry?
- Verify general liability and workers compensation directly with carrier
- Insurance matters more without contracts because it's your actual protection
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of companies that:
- Offer month-to-month service but require 3-6 month initial commitment (that's still a contract)
- Charge "startup fees" or "onboarding costs" that functionally lock you in
- Require purchase of supplies or equipment from them as condition of service
- Can't provide long-term client references (suggests they can't retain without contracts)
- Offer drastically lower rates than competitors (they're cutting corners somewhere)
- Don't have clear written service agreements (flexibility doesn't mean no documentation)
- Refuse to provide insurance verification (legitimate businesses have proper coverage)
These warning signs indicate companies that either don't really understand contract-free service or are using it as bait-and-switch marketing.
What Success Looks Like
After 3-6 months with a quality contract-free cleaning provider, you should experience:
Consistent quality: Same standard every cleaning, whether it's month 1 or month 12
Minimal management: You rarely think about cleaning because it just happens correctly
Responsive communication: Issues get addressed immediately when you report them
Transparent reporting: You receive regular feedback on performance (audit scores, inspection reports)
Relationship continuity: Same crews who know your building and your preferences
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases
If you're getting these outcomes without a contract, you've found a true partner. The absence of legal obligation combined with excellent results proves they're earning your business every month.
The Des Moines Commercial Cleaning Market Today
The shift toward contract-free service reflects broader changes in how Des Moines businesses think about vendor relationships.
What's Changed in the Past 5 Years
Increased transparency expectations: Businesses expect clear communication and performance documentation, not just "trust us" assurances backed by contract obligations.
Shift toward partnership models: The best vendor relationships are collaborative partnerships where both parties choose to continue because the relationship works, not because a contract compels it.
Greater emphasis on accountability: Audit systems, monthly reports, and direct access to ownership matter more than contract terms that are rarely enforced.
Recognition that contracts don't prevent problems: Businesses learned through experience that contracts don't guarantee quality—systems, training, and leadership do.
Demand for operational flexibility: In a rapidly changing business environment, locking into rigid service agreements for extended periods doesn't serve most businesses well.
How Established Companies Have Responded
Some traditional contract-based cleaning companies have adapted by offering more flexible options. Others double down on contracts, arguing that commitment benefits both parties. Still others offer hybrid models with short initial terms and month-to-month thereafter.
The most confident companies—the ones that know they deliver excellent service—don't need contracts at all. They compete on quality, not on locking customers in legally.
At Rodan, we've never changed our approach because we've never needed to. Contract-free service worked in 1998 when founder Dan Vander Ploeg started the company, and it still works today under current owner Zach Vander Ploeg's leadership. The businesses that try us stay because the service is excellent, not because paperwork compels them to.
Making the Switch from Contracted to Contract-Free Service
If you're currently locked in a cleaning contract but want to transition to contract-free service, here's how to make it happen smoothly.
Review Your Current Contract
Check these key details:
Contract end date: When does your current obligation expire?
Cancellation terms: What notice is required? Are there penalties for early termination?
Automatic renewal clauses: Does it auto-renew if you don't cancel by specific date?
Service guarantees: What did they actually promise to deliver? (Document whether they're meeting those terms)
Rate increase provisions: What price changes are built into your current agreement?
Understanding your current obligations helps you plan the cleanest exit strategy.
Calculate the Real Cost of Staying vs. Leaving
Sometimes paying an early termination fee is worth it if your current service is poor enough.
Consider:
Monthly cost of current service: $______
Your time managing problems: ______ hours × your hourly value = $______
Employee complaints and lost productivity: Hard to quantify but very real
Client/customer perception impact: Have you lost opportunities because of facility appearance?
Early termination penalty: $______ one-time cost
Better monthly rate with new provider: Potential savings of $______ per month
If staying for 4 more months costs you $800/month in base service plus $300/month in your time dealing with problems, that's $4,400 total. A $1,500 early termination penalty to switch immediately could save you $2,900 over those same 4 months.
Run your own numbers. Sometimes eating the penalty makes financial sense.
Plan Your Transition
90 days before contract expiration:
- Research contract-free providers in Des Moines
- Get quotes and compare service offerings
- Check references thoroughly
- Verify insurance and credentials
60 days before contract expiration:
- Select new provider and schedule start date
- Review service agreement and expectations
- Arrange building access and orientation
30 days before contract expiration:
- Provide required cancellation notice to current provider
- Coordinate final service date and key return
- Introduce new provider to your team
- Communicate the change to building occupants
At transition:
- First cleaning by new provider on scheduled date
- Be present or available for questions
- Provide feedback after first few services
- Document performance vs. expectations
A well-planned transition minimizes disruption and sets up the new relationship for success.
Setting Expectations with Your New Provider
Even without a contract, you need clarity on expectations from day one.
Make sure you've documented:
Detailed scope of work: Every area, every task, every frequency
Quality standards: What does "clean" mean for your facility?
Communication protocols: Who contacts whom about what?
Problem resolution process: How are issues reported and handled?
Billing and payment terms: When is payment due? What forms accepted?
Notice requirements: 30 days from either party is standard
Having these elements in a clear working agreement prevents disputes and creates accountability—without requiring a multi-year commitment.
Real Des Moines Business Perspectives
While we can't share specific client names without permission, here are common themes we hear from Des Moines businesses that have switched to contract-free cleaning:
"We Should Have Made This Change Years Ago"
This is the most common sentiment from businesses that finally escape contract-based service. The freedom to leave if service quality drops completely changes the relationship dynamic. Cleaning companies that know you can fire them next month are dramatically more attentive than those who know you're locked in for another 8 months.
"The Pricing Wasn't Higher—And the Service Was Better"
Many businesses expect to pay premium pricing for contract-free flexibility. They're often surprised to find that month-to-month rates are competitive with or even lower than contracted rates—especially when accounting for hidden costs and fees in contract structures.
"We Actually Get Responses Now"
When cleaning companies know you can leave, they respond to problems immediately. The "we'll look into that" followed by weeks of silence disappears. Issues get addressed within hours or days, not weeks or months, because they know you're not trapped.
"It's One Less Thing We Have to Manage"
Ironically, contract-free service often requires less management than contracted service. When the cleaning company is earning your business every month, they proactively maintain quality instead of reactively responding to complaints. That reduces your oversight burden significantly.
The Rodan Cleaning Contract-Free Promise
At Rodan Cleaning, we've structured our entire business around a simple promise: deliver such consistently excellent service that you choose to stay month after month, year after year.
How We Earn Your Business Every Month
Audit-verified quality: Our internal auditor inspects every account monthly and documents performance scores (typically 95%+). You see exactly how we're doing before you even set foot in your building Monday morning.
Direct owner access: You have owner Zach Vander Ploeg's cell phone (515-276-1618) and email (info@rodancleaning.com). Issues get resolved immediately because you're talking directly to the decision-maker.
Experienced, stable crews: Our team members stay with us 2+ years on average (some haven't missed a day in over 2 years). You get consistent crews who know your building, not whoever happens to be available.
Cleaning University training: Every cleaner completes our comprehensive training program before cleaning their first building. They understand both the how and the why of quality commercial cleaning.
25+ years of Des Moines trust: Many clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years—without ever signing a contract. That retention rate proves our service quality, not contract enforcement.
What You Get Without a Contract
When Des Moines businesses choose Rodan's contract-free service:
Clarity: Written service agreement documenting exactly what's included, what's excluded, and what standards we'll meet
Flexibility: Adjust service level, frequency, or scope as your business needs evolve—without contract amendments or penalties
Accountability: Monthly audit reports showing exactly how we performed and what we're improving
Accessibility: Direct communication with ownership, not layers of management
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases or hidden fees
Freedom: Mutual 30-day cancellation option means we earn your business every single month
Why We've Never Needed Contracts
Since Dan Vander Ploeg founded Rodan Cleaning in 1998, we've operated on one principle: do excellent work consistently, and customers will stay. If we can't do excellent work consistently, customers should leave.
That accountability has driven every decision we've made over 25+ years:
- Paying our people significantly above market rate to attract and retain the best
- Investing in training systems (Cleaning University) that ensure quality
- Implementing audit processes that catch problems before clients do
- Giving clients direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- Treating every account like we earn it fresh each month
The results speak for themselves. We have clients who've been with us for decades who've never signed a contract. They stay because we deliver, month after month, year after year.
That's the cleaning service relationship Des Moines businesses deserve.
Resources for Des Moines Business Owners
As you evaluate cleaning providers and consider contract-free options:
Financial Planning: If you're reviewing facility service contracts as part of broader operational budget planning, Performance Financial LLC works with many Des Moines businesses on expense optimization and vendor relationship strategy. They can help you evaluate total cost of ownership for facility services.
Legal Review: If you're currently in a cleaning contract and considering early termination, your business attorney can review the terms and help you understand your options and obligations.
Industry Standards: The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) provides guidance on commercial cleaning service agreements and industry best practices for both contracted and contract-free relationships.
Local Business Community: The Greater Des Moines Partnership connects businesses and can provide feedback on local commercial service provider reputations and experiences.
Make the Switch to Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
If you're ready to stop being locked into cleaning contracts and start working with a partner who earns your business every single month:
Call Zach Vander Ploeg directly at 515-276-1618 to discuss your current situation and learn how Rodan's contract-free service works for your specific facility and needs.
Email info@rodancleaning.com with information about your building size, location, and current cleaning pain points. We'll follow up within one business day to schedule a consultation.
Schedule a free cleaning assessment where we walk your Des Moines, Urbandale, or Waukee facility, understand your requirements, and provide a detailed service proposal—with no contract required.
Why Choose Contract-Free Service with Rodan
Twenty-five years serving Des Moines businesses taught us that the best client relationships are built on mutual choice, not legal obligation. When you work with Rodan Cleaning:
- You're never locked in—you stay because we deliver excellent service, not because paperwork forces you to
- We maintain the same quality in month 12 as month 1 because we know you can leave if we don't
- You get monthly audit reports proving performance instead of contract terms promising performance
- You have direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- You can adjust services as your business needs change without contract renegotiation
We're not the cheapest option in Des Moines. But we are the option that delivers consistent quality over time without requiring you to sign a long-term contract hoping we follow through.
If you're tired of being trapped with underperforming cleaning companies or want to avoid that trap with your next provider, Rodan's contract-free approach offers a better way.
For more information on commercial cleaning in Des Moines, explore our guides on Pricing and Costs, What's Included in Service, and Medical Facility Cleaning. Or visit our service pages for Office Cleaning, Construction Cleaning, Financial Institution Cleaning, and School Cleaning.
If you're researching commercial cleaning services in Des Moines, you've probably encountered the dreaded question: "What's your contract term?"
One year minimum. Two years preferred. Automatic renewal clauses. Cancellation penalties. Early termination fees. For something as straightforward as keeping your office clean, the contract requirements can feel like you're buying a car, not hiring a cleaning service.
But here's what's changed in the Des Moines commercial cleaning market: more businesses are refusing to sign long-term contracts. And the cleaning companies that insist on them are losing ground to providers who understand that quality service earns loyalty—contracts shouldn't have to force it.
This guide explains why contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for Des Moines businesses, what protection contracts actually offered (and what they didn't), how the no-contract model works, and why flexibility matters more in 2025 than it did when your current cleaning contract was signed.
The Real Question: Why Do Cleaning Companies Want Contracts?
Before we talk about why you don't need a contract, let's understand why cleaning companies ask for them in the first place.
It's Not About Protecting You—It's About Protecting Them
When a commercial cleaning company insists on a one-year or two-year contract, they're not doing it because you need protection. They're doing it because they need protection from their own service quality.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Contracts exist because cleaning companies know their service will decline over time. They start strong in months 1-2 to win your business, then gradually let standards slip once you're locked in. The contract ensures you can't easily fire them when quality drops in month 4, 5, or 6.
Think about it. If a cleaning company consistently delivered excellent service month after month, would they need a contract to keep you as a customer? Of course not. You'd stay because they're doing great work. The fact that they need a legal agreement to keep you around tells you everything you need to know about their confidence in their own service quality.
What Contracts Actually Protected (Spoiler: Not Much)
Let's examine what those contracts actually guaranteed:
What the contract said:
- "Company will provide commercial cleaning services per agreed scope"
- "Services will be performed on scheduled days"
- "Quality will meet industry standards"
What the contract didn't guarantee:
- That the same crew would show up consistently
- That quality wouldn't decline after month 3
- That you'd get any response when you report problems
- That they'd actually fulfill the "scope of services" completely
- That you wouldn't spend hours managing them
Most commercial cleaning contracts are written to lock you in while giving the company maximum flexibility to underdeliver. They specify what you must pay but are deliberately vague about exactly what performance standards they must meet.
And the kicker? When service quality dropped and you wanted out, those contracts had penalty clauses. You could be stuck paying for months of substandard cleaning just because you signed a piece of paper before you knew what their service was really like.
What Des Moines Businesses Have Learned About Contracts
The Des Moines commercial cleaning market has changed dramatically over the past five years. Business owners talk to each other. They share experiences. And a pattern emerged.
The Typical Contract Cleaning Experience
Month 1-2: The cleaning company is on their best behavior. They're attentive, responsive, thorough. You think you made a great choice. The contract feels like a formality.
Month 3-4: Small things start slipping. A missed trash can here, a dusty surface there. You mention it, they fix it quickly. You chalk it up to growing pains.
Month 5-6: The decline becomes undeniable. Different crews showing up. Quality inconsistent. Corners being cut. You're sending weekly emails about issues.
Month 7-8: You realize you're actively managing your cleaning company. They're not solving problems—they're creating them. You want to fire them but remember: you signed a contract.
Month 9-12: You're researching replacement options while still paying the company you're unhappy with. You're essentially serving out a sentence, counting down to when you can finally make a change.
Month 13: Freedom. You switch providers. This time, you look specifically for companies that don't require contracts.
This cycle plays out constantly across Des Moines. From small Edward Jones offices in West Des Moines to larger corporate spaces in Urbandale to downtown financial institutions—the story is remarkably similar regardless of building size or industry.
Why Des Moines's Diverse Business Landscape Demands Flexibility
Des Moines isn't just one type of business. Our metro area includes:
Established corporations with multi-building campuses and complex facility needs
Growing startups that might expand or relocate within 6-12 months
Professional service firms (law, accounting, financial) with fluctuating space needs
Medical facilities from small practices to larger surgical centers
Financial institutions from local credit unions to regional bank headquarters
Retail and service businesses with seasonal staffing variations
Educational institutions with summer breaks and variable academic schedules
Construction and industrial sites with project-based timelines
How can one contract structure possibly serve all these different business models? It can't. That's why smart Des Moines businesses are demanding flexibility instead of signing rigid agreements that don't match their operational reality.
The Case for Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
It Forces Cleaning Companies to Actually Perform
When you can fire your cleaning company anytime without penalty, something remarkable happens: they have to earn your business every single month.
No contract means:
- They can't coast on your signature—they have to deliver consistent quality
- They must respond immediately to issues because you could switch providers next week
- They need to maintain the same standards in month 6 as month 1
- They have incentive to keep improving rather than just maintaining minimum acceptable service
- Your satisfaction is their job security, not a piece of paper
This completely changes the power dynamic. Instead of you being locked in and hoping they deliver, they're constantly proving they deserve to keep your business.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've operated contract-free since 1998. We don't need contracts because we've built our entire business model on a simple principle: if we do excellent work, clients stay. If we don't, they should leave. That accountability drives everything we do.
It Protects Your Business from Bad Decisions
Even with the best due diligence, you can't always predict how a cleaning company will perform until they're actually servicing your building. References are often cherry-picked. Initial quality doesn't guarantee long-term consistency. The crew that cleans during your trial period might not be the one you get after signing.
Contract-free service means:
- You can test the relationship without long-term commitment
- If service quality drops, you can make a change immediately
- You're not financially trapped with a poor performer
- You can adjust as your business needs evolve
- You maintain control over vendor relationships
This is especially important for Des Moines businesses managing facilities across multiple locations. Your Waukee office might have different needs than your downtown location. A contract structure that works for one site might be completely wrong for another. Flexibility lets you optimize each location independently.
It Aligns with How Modern Businesses Operate
The Des Moines business environment in 2025 looks nothing like it did when long-term service contracts became standard practice. Companies need agility to respond to market conditions, growth opportunities, and operational changes.
Consider these scenarios common in Des Moines:
A growing tech startup leases office space month-to-month while evaluating permanent locations. Why would they sign a one-year cleaning contract when their lease is month-to-month?
A law firm is negotiating a merger that could mean relocating or expanding within 6 months. Locking into a cleaning contract adds unnecessary complexity to already complicated planning.
A medical practice is adding providers and might need to adjust cleaning frequency mid-year as patient volume grows. A rigid contract makes adaptation difficult and expensive.
A retail business experiences seasonal variation and might want to adjust cleaning frequency between November-December and February-March. Annual contracts don't accommodate this reality.
A property management company like Ryan Properties manages multiple buildings with different tenants who have different timelines. Synchronizing contract dates across a portfolio is administrative nightmare.
Contract-free service adapts to your business instead of forcing your business to adapt to an arbitrary contract timeline.
What "No Contract" Actually Means in Practice
Let's be clear about what contract-free commercial cleaning looks like and what protections both parties actually need.
The Working Agreement
Just because there's no long-term contract doesn't mean there's no agreement. Professional commercial cleaning relationships need clear expectations documented in writing.
A good working agreement specifies:
Scope of Services:
- Exactly what's included in your cleaning service
- Frequency of service (nightly, 3x/week, 5x/week, etc.)
- Specific areas to be cleaned and how often
- Supplies provided by cleaning company vs. client
- Any services explicitly excluded
Quality Standards:
- Defined expectations for cleanliness levels
- Response time for reported issues
- Audit and inspection procedures
- Problem resolution process
Practical Details:
- Building access procedures and security protocols
- Parking and entrance instructions
- Key contacts and emergency procedures
- Billing terms and payment schedule
- Insurance requirements and verification
Termination Terms:
- Notice period required (typically 30 days from either party)
- Final billing procedures
- Return of keys and access credentials
- Transition assistance if needed
Notice the difference: this working agreement defines how the service works, not how long you're trapped in it. Both parties need clarity on expectations. Neither party needs to be locked in for a year.
Mutual Cancellation Rights
Contract-free doesn't mean one-sided protection. Both the client and the cleaning company should be able to exit the relationship with reasonable notice.
Thirty days notice is typically fair and sufficient. This gives:
- The client time to find a replacement provider if service quality drops
- The cleaning company time to adjust staffing if a client decides to leave
- Both parties the ability to plan transitions professionally
This mutual right to cancel creates healthy accountability on both sides. The client can't abuse the cleaner with impossible demands because the cleaner can walk away. The cleaner can't deliver poor service because the client can walk away. It's balanced.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've found that this mutual accountability creates stronger, more respectful relationships. Clients know we're choosing to serve them every month. We know they're choosing us every month. That mutual choice creates partnership rather than obligation.
What Replaces Contract Protection
If contracts don't protect you, what does? Several things, actually:
Demonstrated track record: A cleaning company with 25+ years in Des Moines and clients who've stayed 10, 15, 20 years has proven they deliver. That history matters more than any contract clause.
Audit systems: Monthly quality audits with documented scores (like "your building scored 95.64% this month") provide proof of consistent performance. Contracts don't ensure quality—accountability systems do.
Direct owner access: When you can call or text the owner directly (like 515-276-1618 for Rodan), issues get resolved immediately. Contracts don't guarantee responsiveness—communication systems and leadership commitment do.
Insurance and bonding: Proper liability coverage, workers compensation, and bonding protect against damage and accidents far better than contract language. Verify this directly with carriers, not just accept certificates of insurance.
References and reputation: Talk to current clients. Check online reviews. A company's reputation in the Des Moines business community tells you more than any contract terms could.
Transparent pricing and scope: Clear documentation of exactly what you're paying for and what's included prevents the disputes that contracts are supposedly designed to handle.
These protections are more valuable than a contract because they're based on actual performance, not legal obligation.
The Des Moines Businesses That Benefit Most from No-Contract Cleaning
While any business can benefit from contract flexibility, certain situations make contract-free service especially valuable.
Growing Companies and Startups
Des Moines has a vibrant and growing startup community, particularly in insurance technology, agricultural technology, and business services. These companies often experience rapid changes in space needs, staffing levels, and operational requirements.
Why flexibility matters:
- Might need to scale cleaning frequency up or down based on hiring
- Could relocate to larger space within 6-12 months
- May need to adjust service during funding rounds or growth phases
- Don't want long-term commitments when business trajectory is evolving
A contract-free cleaning service adapts to growth rather than becoming another fixed cost to manage around.
Professional Service Firms
Law firms, accounting practices, financial advisory firms, and consulting companies throughout the Des Moines metro face unique scheduling and presentation demands.
Why flexibility matters:
- Client meeting frequency varies seasonally (tax season, quarter-end, etc.)
- Might need to adjust cleaning intensity around major client presentations
- Office size and staffing can change with partner additions or retirements
- Want ability to switch providers if presentation quality drops below firm standards
These firms maintain high standards for their physical spaces because clients judge them on every detail. They need cleaning partners who understand that standard—without being locked in if the partner fails to deliver.
Multi-Location Businesses
Companies with offices in Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Ankeny face complex vendor management across locations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Different locations may have different needs and timelines
- Headquarters might want different service level than satellite offices
- Easier to pilot new cleaning partner at one location before expanding
- Can optimize each location independently rather than one contract covering all
Contract-free service lets you make location-specific decisions instead of treating five different buildings in five different cities as one homogenous contract.
Businesses with Seasonal Variation
Retail, hospitality, education, and other sectors experience significant seasonal fluctuation in facility usage and cleaning needs.
Why flexibility matters:
- May need daily cleaning during busy season but 2x/week during slow periods
- Want to adjust service level without contract amendments or negotiations
- Budget flexibility to align cleaning costs with revenue seasons
- Can increase or decrease frequency without penalties
A rigid annual contract forces you to overpay during slow seasons or underspend during busy periods. Neither serves your business well.
Companies Unhappy with Current Provider
This might be the most common scenario: Des Moines businesses stuck with underperforming cleaning companies because of contract obligations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Can make a change immediately rather than waiting months for contract expiration
- Avoid paying for poor service while researching replacements
- Don't need to time contract negotiations around arbitrary renewal dates
- Can test new provider without overlapping contract conflicts
If you're currently trapped with a subpar cleaning company counting down to your contract end date, your next provider absolutely should be contract-free. You've learned this lesson—don't repeat it.
What About Pricing—Does No Contract Cost More?
This is the concern we hear most: "If I don't sign a contract, will I pay more?"
The short answer: Not necessarily. And often you'll pay less when you factor in total cost.
How Pricing Works Without Contracts
Most commercial cleaning companies that require contracts claim they need the security of guaranteed revenue to offer competitive pricing. That sounds reasonable until you examine what actually happens.
Contract-based pricing typically includes:
- Annual or semi-annual rate increases written into the contract
- Fees for service adjustments or scope changes
- Penalties for early termination
- Charges for "extra" services that should be standard
- Automatic renewal clauses that extend your commitment
Month-to-month pricing typically includes:
- Clear monthly rate based on defined scope
- Transparent pricing for any additional services
- No penalties for cancellation (just notice period)
- Rate adjustments only by mutual agreement
- Freedom to renegotiate if service doesn't meet expectations
When you compare total cost over 12 months, month-to-month service often costs the same or less than contracted service—especially when you factor in the value of flexibility and the hidden costs of being locked in with poor performance.
The True Cost of Being Locked In
Remember, the most expensive cleaning service isn't the one with the highest monthly rate—it's the one you can't fire.
Hidden costs of contracted cleaning:
Your time managing problems: If you spend 4 hours/month dealing with cleaning issues, that's $200-400/month in opportunity cost (depending on your hourly value). Over a year, that's $2,400-4,800 in hidden costs.
Employee dissatisfaction: When your team consistently complains about facility cleanliness, you pay in morale, productivity, and possibly retention. Hard to quantify but very real.
Client perception: First impressions happen in your lobby and restrooms. How many potential clients or customers have you lost because your facility looked neglected? Even one lost deal probably costs more than a year of cleaning service.
Replacement costs: When you finally escape a bad contract, you often pay overlap costs during transition—paying the old company through contract end while starting with a new provider.
A contract-free cleaning service that costs $200/month more but delivers consistent quality and requires zero management time is dramatically cheaper than a contracted service that costs less but creates ongoing problems.
Rodan's No-Contract Pricing Philosophy
At Rodan Cleaning, our pricing works like this:
We quote the real cost of delivering quality service. Our rates reflect what it actually takes to pay experienced cleaners fairly, use proper products, maintain equipment, provide training, conduct monthly audits, and ensure direct owner oversight.
We don't artificially lower prices to win contracts. We've seen too many Des Moines businesses burned by companies that bid low to win multi-year contracts, then cut corners to make the math work. That's not our model.
We don't hide behind complicated contract structures. You get a clear monthly rate for defined services. If you want to add or adjust something, we quote it clearly. No surprises, no penalty fees, no fine print.
We're typically in the upper 70th percentile of Des Moines pricing. We're not the cheapest option. But we're not the most expensive either. We're the option that delivers consistent value over time—which is what actually matters.
When you call 515-276-1618 or email info@rodancleaning.com, owner Zach Vander Ploeg will give you honest pricing for your specific building and needs. No contracts required. No long-term commitment needed. Just clarity about what service costs and what you'll receive.
How to Evaluate Contract-Free Cleaning Companies
If you've decided that contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for your Des Moines business, here's how to evaluate providers who offer this flexibility.
Essential Questions to Ask
1. How long have you been operating contract-free?
- Look for established track record, not companies just testing the approach
- Rodan has operated this way since 1998—it's our business model, not a marketing gimmick
2. What percentage of your clients have been with you for 2+ years?
- If they don't retain clients without contracts, their service quality probably isn't good enough
- Many Rodan clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years without ever signing a contract
3. What's your cancellation policy?
- Mutual 30-day notice is fair and standard
- Be wary of "cancel anytime" with no notice—that's risky for both parties
4. How do you ensure quality without contracts to hold you accountable?
- Look for audit systems, monthly reporting, direct owner access
- "We just do good work" isn't a system—it's hope disguised as strategy
5. What happens if I'm unhappy with service?
- You want clear problem resolution process and commitment to make it right
- Ultimate accountability is that you can leave if they don't resolve issues
6. Do you have other clients in buildings similar to mine?
- References from comparable properties matter more than total client count
- Ask to speak with clients who've worked with them for 2+ years
7. How do you handle staffing transitions?
- Turnover happens—how do they maintain quality when crews change?
- Training systems and documentation prevent knowledge loss
8. What insurance coverage do you carry?
- Verify general liability and workers compensation directly with carrier
- Insurance matters more without contracts because it's your actual protection
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of companies that:
- Offer month-to-month service but require 3-6 month initial commitment (that's still a contract)
- Charge "startup fees" or "onboarding costs" that functionally lock you in
- Require purchase of supplies or equipment from them as condition of service
- Can't provide long-term client references (suggests they can't retain without contracts)
- Offer drastically lower rates than competitors (they're cutting corners somewhere)
- Don't have clear written service agreements (flexibility doesn't mean no documentation)
- Refuse to provide insurance verification (legitimate businesses have proper coverage)
These warning signs indicate companies that either don't really understand contract-free service or are using it as bait-and-switch marketing.
What Success Looks Like
After 3-6 months with a quality contract-free cleaning provider, you should experience:
Consistent quality: Same standard every cleaning, whether it's month 1 or month 12
Minimal management: You rarely think about cleaning because it just happens correctly
Responsive communication: Issues get addressed immediately when you report them
Transparent reporting: You receive regular feedback on performance (audit scores, inspection reports)
Relationship continuity: Same crews who know your building and your preferences
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases
If you're getting these outcomes without a contract, you've found a true partner. The absence of legal obligation combined with excellent results proves they're earning your business every month.
The Des Moines Commercial Cleaning Market Today
The shift toward contract-free service reflects broader changes in how Des Moines businesses think about vendor relationships.
What's Changed in the Past 5 Years
Increased transparency expectations: Businesses expect clear communication and performance documentation, not just "trust us" assurances backed by contract obligations.
Shift toward partnership models: The best vendor relationships are collaborative partnerships where both parties choose to continue because the relationship works, not because a contract compels it.
Greater emphasis on accountability: Audit systems, monthly reports, and direct access to ownership matter more than contract terms that are rarely enforced.
Recognition that contracts don't prevent problems: Businesses learned through experience that contracts don't guarantee quality—systems, training, and leadership do.
Demand for operational flexibility: In a rapidly changing business environment, locking into rigid service agreements for extended periods doesn't serve most businesses well.
How Established Companies Have Responded
Some traditional contract-based cleaning companies have adapted by offering more flexible options. Others double down on contracts, arguing that commitment benefits both parties. Still others offer hybrid models with short initial terms and month-to-month thereafter.
The most confident companies—the ones that know they deliver excellent service—don't need contracts at all. They compete on quality, not on locking customers in legally.
At Rodan, we've never changed our approach because we've never needed to. Contract-free service worked in 1998 when founder Dan Vander Ploeg started the company, and it still works today under current owner Zach Vander Ploeg's leadership. The businesses that try us stay because the service is excellent, not because paperwork compels them to.
Making the Switch from Contracted to Contract-Free Service
If you're currently locked in a cleaning contract but want to transition to contract-free service, here's how to make it happen smoothly.
Review Your Current Contract
Check these key details:
Contract end date: When does your current obligation expire?
Cancellation terms: What notice is required? Are there penalties for early termination?
Automatic renewal clauses: Does it auto-renew if you don't cancel by specific date?
Service guarantees: What did they actually promise to deliver? (Document whether they're meeting those terms)
Rate increase provisions: What price changes are built into your current agreement?
Understanding your current obligations helps you plan the cleanest exit strategy.
Calculate the Real Cost of Staying vs. Leaving
Sometimes paying an early termination fee is worth it if your current service is poor enough.
Consider:
Monthly cost of current service: $______
Your time managing problems: ______ hours × your hourly value = $______
Employee complaints and lost productivity: Hard to quantify but very real
Client/customer perception impact: Have you lost opportunities because of facility appearance?
Early termination penalty: $______ one-time cost
Better monthly rate with new provider: Potential savings of $______ per month
If staying for 4 more months costs you $800/month in base service plus $300/month in your time dealing with problems, that's $4,400 total. A $1,500 early termination penalty to switch immediately could save you $2,900 over those same 4 months.
Run your own numbers. Sometimes eating the penalty makes financial sense.
Plan Your Transition
90 days before contract expiration:
- Research contract-free providers in Des Moines
- Get quotes and compare service offerings
- Check references thoroughly
- Verify insurance and credentials
60 days before contract expiration:
- Select new provider and schedule start date
- Review service agreement and expectations
- Arrange building access and orientation
30 days before contract expiration:
- Provide required cancellation notice to current provider
- Coordinate final service date and key return
- Introduce new provider to your team
- Communicate the change to building occupants
At transition:
- First cleaning by new provider on scheduled date
- Be present or available for questions
- Provide feedback after first few services
- Document performance vs. expectations
A well-planned transition minimizes disruption and sets up the new relationship for success.
Setting Expectations with Your New Provider
Even without a contract, you need clarity on expectations from day one.
Make sure you've documented:
Detailed scope of work: Every area, every task, every frequency
Quality standards: What does "clean" mean for your facility?
Communication protocols: Who contacts whom about what?
Problem resolution process: How are issues reported and handled?
Billing and payment terms: When is payment due? What forms accepted?
Notice requirements: 30 days from either party is standard
Having these elements in a clear working agreement prevents disputes and creates accountability—without requiring a multi-year commitment.
Real Des Moines Business Perspectives
While we can't share specific client names without permission, here are common themes we hear from Des Moines businesses that have switched to contract-free cleaning:
"We Should Have Made This Change Years Ago"
This is the most common sentiment from businesses that finally escape contract-based service. The freedom to leave if service quality drops completely changes the relationship dynamic. Cleaning companies that know you can fire them next month are dramatically more attentive than those who know you're locked in for another 8 months.
"The Pricing Wasn't Higher—And the Service Was Better"
Many businesses expect to pay premium pricing for contract-free flexibility. They're often surprised to find that month-to-month rates are competitive with or even lower than contracted rates—especially when accounting for hidden costs and fees in contract structures.
"We Actually Get Responses Now"
When cleaning companies know you can leave, they respond to problems immediately. The "we'll look into that" followed by weeks of silence disappears. Issues get addressed within hours or days, not weeks or months, because they know you're not trapped.
"It's One Less Thing We Have to Manage"
Ironically, contract-free service often requires less management than contracted service. When the cleaning company is earning your business every month, they proactively maintain quality instead of reactively responding to complaints. That reduces your oversight burden significantly.
The Rodan Cleaning Contract-Free Promise
At Rodan Cleaning, we've structured our entire business around a simple promise: deliver such consistently excellent service that you choose to stay month after month, year after year.
How We Earn Your Business Every Month
Audit-verified quality: Our internal auditor inspects every account monthly and documents performance scores (typically 95%+). You see exactly how we're doing before you even set foot in your building Monday morning.
Direct owner access: You have owner Zach Vander Ploeg's cell phone (515-276-1618) and email (info@rodancleaning.com). Issues get resolved immediately because you're talking directly to the decision-maker.
Experienced, stable crews: Our team members stay with us 2+ years on average (some haven't missed a day in over 2 years). You get consistent crews who know your building, not whoever happens to be available.
Cleaning University training: Every cleaner completes our comprehensive training program before cleaning their first building. They understand both the how and the why of quality commercial cleaning.
25+ years of Des Moines trust: Many clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years—without ever signing a contract. That retention rate proves our service quality, not contract enforcement.
What You Get Without a Contract
When Des Moines businesses choose Rodan's contract-free service:
Clarity: Written service agreement documenting exactly what's included, what's excluded, and what standards we'll meet
Flexibility: Adjust service level, frequency, or scope as your business needs evolve—without contract amendments or penalties
Accountability: Monthly audit reports showing exactly how we performed and what we're improving
Accessibility: Direct communication with ownership, not layers of management
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases or hidden fees
Freedom: Mutual 30-day cancellation option means we earn your business every single month
Why We've Never Needed Contracts
Since Dan Vander Ploeg founded Rodan Cleaning in 1998, we've operated on one principle: do excellent work consistently, and customers will stay. If we can't do excellent work consistently, customers should leave.
That accountability has driven every decision we've made over 25+ years:
- Paying our people significantly above market rate to attract and retain the best
- Investing in training systems (Cleaning University) that ensure quality
- Implementing audit processes that catch problems before clients do
- Giving clients direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- Treating every account like we earn it fresh each month
The results speak for themselves. We have clients who've been with us for decades who've never signed a contract. They stay because we deliver, month after month, year after year.
That's the cleaning service relationship Des Moines businesses deserve.
Resources for Des Moines Business Owners
As you evaluate cleaning providers and consider contract-free options:
Financial Planning: If you're reviewing facility service contracts as part of broader operational budget planning, Performance Financial LLC works with many Des Moines businesses on expense optimization and vendor relationship strategy. They can help you evaluate total cost of ownership for facility services.
Legal Review: If you're currently in a cleaning contract and considering early termination, your business attorney can review the terms and help you understand your options and obligations.
Industry Standards: The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) provides guidance on commercial cleaning service agreements and industry best practices for both contracted and contract-free relationships.
Local Business Community: The Greater Des Moines Partnership connects businesses and can provide feedback on local commercial service provider reputations and experiences.
Make the Switch to Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
If you're ready to stop being locked into cleaning contracts and start working with a partner who earns your business every single month:
Call Zach Vander Ploeg directly at 515-276-1618 to discuss your current situation and learn how Rodan's contract-free service works for your specific facility and needs.
Email info@rodancleaning.com with information about your building size, location, and current cleaning pain points. We'll follow up within one business day to schedule a consultation.
Schedule a free cleaning assessment where we walk your Des Moines, Urbandale, or Waukee facility, understand your requirements, and provide a detailed service proposal—with no contract required.
Why Choose Contract-Free Service with Rodan
Twenty-five years serving Des Moines businesses taught us that the best client relationships are built on mutual choice, not legal obligation. When you work with Rodan Cleaning:
- You're never locked in—you stay because we deliver excellent service, not because paperwork forces you to
- We maintain the same quality in month 12 as month 1 because we know you can leave if we don't
- You get monthly audit reports proving performance instead of contract terms promising performance
- You have direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- You can adjust services as your business needs change without contract renegotiation
We're not the cheapest option in Des Moines. But we are the option that delivers consistent quality over time without requiring you to sign a long-term contract hoping we follow through.
If you're tired of being trapped with underperforming cleaning companies or want to avoid that trap with your next provider, Rodan's contract-free approach offers a better way.
For more information on commercial cleaning in Des Moines, explore our guides on Pricing and Costs, What's Included in Service, and Medical Facility Cleaning. Or visit our service pages for Office Cleaning, Construction Cleaning, Financial Institution Cleaning, and School Cleaning.
If you're researching commercial cleaning services in Des Moines, you've probably encountered the dreaded question: "What's your contract term?"
One year minimum. Two years preferred. Automatic renewal clauses. Cancellation penalties. Early termination fees. For something as straightforward as keeping your office clean, the contract requirements can feel like you're buying a car, not hiring a cleaning service.
But here's what's changed in the Des Moines commercial cleaning market: more businesses are refusing to sign long-term contracts. And the cleaning companies that insist on them are losing ground to providers who understand that quality service earns loyalty—contracts shouldn't have to force it.
This guide explains why contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for Des Moines businesses, what protection contracts actually offered (and what they didn't), how the no-contract model works, and why flexibility matters more in 2025 than it did when your current cleaning contract was signed.
The Real Question: Why Do Cleaning Companies Want Contracts?
Before we talk about why you don't need a contract, let's understand why cleaning companies ask for them in the first place.
It's Not About Protecting You—It's About Protecting Them
When a commercial cleaning company insists on a one-year or two-year contract, they're not doing it because you need protection. They're doing it because they need protection from their own service quality.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Contracts exist because cleaning companies know their service will decline over time. They start strong in months 1-2 to win your business, then gradually let standards slip once you're locked in. The contract ensures you can't easily fire them when quality drops in month 4, 5, or 6.
Think about it. If a cleaning company consistently delivered excellent service month after month, would they need a contract to keep you as a customer? Of course not. You'd stay because they're doing great work. The fact that they need a legal agreement to keep you around tells you everything you need to know about their confidence in their own service quality.
What Contracts Actually Protected (Spoiler: Not Much)
Let's examine what those contracts actually guaranteed:
What the contract said:
- "Company will provide commercial cleaning services per agreed scope"
- "Services will be performed on scheduled days"
- "Quality will meet industry standards"
What the contract didn't guarantee:
- That the same crew would show up consistently
- That quality wouldn't decline after month 3
- That you'd get any response when you report problems
- That they'd actually fulfill the "scope of services" completely
- That you wouldn't spend hours managing them
Most commercial cleaning contracts are written to lock you in while giving the company maximum flexibility to underdeliver. They specify what you must pay but are deliberately vague about exactly what performance standards they must meet.
And the kicker? When service quality dropped and you wanted out, those contracts had penalty clauses. You could be stuck paying for months of substandard cleaning just because you signed a piece of paper before you knew what their service was really like.
What Des Moines Businesses Have Learned About Contracts
The Des Moines commercial cleaning market has changed dramatically over the past five years. Business owners talk to each other. They share experiences. And a pattern emerged.
The Typical Contract Cleaning Experience
Month 1-2: The cleaning company is on their best behavior. They're attentive, responsive, thorough. You think you made a great choice. The contract feels like a formality.
Month 3-4: Small things start slipping. A missed trash can here, a dusty surface there. You mention it, they fix it quickly. You chalk it up to growing pains.
Month 5-6: The decline becomes undeniable. Different crews showing up. Quality inconsistent. Corners being cut. You're sending weekly emails about issues.
Month 7-8: You realize you're actively managing your cleaning company. They're not solving problems—they're creating them. You want to fire them but remember: you signed a contract.
Month 9-12: You're researching replacement options while still paying the company you're unhappy with. You're essentially serving out a sentence, counting down to when you can finally make a change.
Month 13: Freedom. You switch providers. This time, you look specifically for companies that don't require contracts.
This cycle plays out constantly across Des Moines. From small Edward Jones offices in West Des Moines to larger corporate spaces in Urbandale to downtown financial institutions—the story is remarkably similar regardless of building size or industry.
Why Des Moines's Diverse Business Landscape Demands Flexibility
Des Moines isn't just one type of business. Our metro area includes:
Established corporations with multi-building campuses and complex facility needs
Growing startups that might expand or relocate within 6-12 months
Professional service firms (law, accounting, financial) with fluctuating space needs
Medical facilities from small practices to larger surgical centers
Financial institutions from local credit unions to regional bank headquarters
Retail and service businesses with seasonal staffing variations
Educational institutions with summer breaks and variable academic schedules
Construction and industrial sites with project-based timelines
How can one contract structure possibly serve all these different business models? It can't. That's why smart Des Moines businesses are demanding flexibility instead of signing rigid agreements that don't match their operational reality.
The Case for Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
It Forces Cleaning Companies to Actually Perform
When you can fire your cleaning company anytime without penalty, something remarkable happens: they have to earn your business every single month.
No contract means:
- They can't coast on your signature—they have to deliver consistent quality
- They must respond immediately to issues because you could switch providers next week
- They need to maintain the same standards in month 6 as month 1
- They have incentive to keep improving rather than just maintaining minimum acceptable service
- Your satisfaction is their job security, not a piece of paper
This completely changes the power dynamic. Instead of you being locked in and hoping they deliver, they're constantly proving they deserve to keep your business.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've operated contract-free since 1998. We don't need contracts because we've built our entire business model on a simple principle: if we do excellent work, clients stay. If we don't, they should leave. That accountability drives everything we do.
It Protects Your Business from Bad Decisions
Even with the best due diligence, you can't always predict how a cleaning company will perform until they're actually servicing your building. References are often cherry-picked. Initial quality doesn't guarantee long-term consistency. The crew that cleans during your trial period might not be the one you get after signing.
Contract-free service means:
- You can test the relationship without long-term commitment
- If service quality drops, you can make a change immediately
- You're not financially trapped with a poor performer
- You can adjust as your business needs evolve
- You maintain control over vendor relationships
This is especially important for Des Moines businesses managing facilities across multiple locations. Your Waukee office might have different needs than your downtown location. A contract structure that works for one site might be completely wrong for another. Flexibility lets you optimize each location independently.
It Aligns with How Modern Businesses Operate
The Des Moines business environment in 2025 looks nothing like it did when long-term service contracts became standard practice. Companies need agility to respond to market conditions, growth opportunities, and operational changes.
Consider these scenarios common in Des Moines:
A growing tech startup leases office space month-to-month while evaluating permanent locations. Why would they sign a one-year cleaning contract when their lease is month-to-month?
A law firm is negotiating a merger that could mean relocating or expanding within 6 months. Locking into a cleaning contract adds unnecessary complexity to already complicated planning.
A medical practice is adding providers and might need to adjust cleaning frequency mid-year as patient volume grows. A rigid contract makes adaptation difficult and expensive.
A retail business experiences seasonal variation and might want to adjust cleaning frequency between November-December and February-March. Annual contracts don't accommodate this reality.
A property management company like Ryan Properties manages multiple buildings with different tenants who have different timelines. Synchronizing contract dates across a portfolio is administrative nightmare.
Contract-free service adapts to your business instead of forcing your business to adapt to an arbitrary contract timeline.
What "No Contract" Actually Means in Practice
Let's be clear about what contract-free commercial cleaning looks like and what protections both parties actually need.
The Working Agreement
Just because there's no long-term contract doesn't mean there's no agreement. Professional commercial cleaning relationships need clear expectations documented in writing.
A good working agreement specifies:
Scope of Services:
- Exactly what's included in your cleaning service
- Frequency of service (nightly, 3x/week, 5x/week, etc.)
- Specific areas to be cleaned and how often
- Supplies provided by cleaning company vs. client
- Any services explicitly excluded
Quality Standards:
- Defined expectations for cleanliness levels
- Response time for reported issues
- Audit and inspection procedures
- Problem resolution process
Practical Details:
- Building access procedures and security protocols
- Parking and entrance instructions
- Key contacts and emergency procedures
- Billing terms and payment schedule
- Insurance requirements and verification
Termination Terms:
- Notice period required (typically 30 days from either party)
- Final billing procedures
- Return of keys and access credentials
- Transition assistance if needed
Notice the difference: this working agreement defines how the service works, not how long you're trapped in it. Both parties need clarity on expectations. Neither party needs to be locked in for a year.
Mutual Cancellation Rights
Contract-free doesn't mean one-sided protection. Both the client and the cleaning company should be able to exit the relationship with reasonable notice.
Thirty days notice is typically fair and sufficient. This gives:
- The client time to find a replacement provider if service quality drops
- The cleaning company time to adjust staffing if a client decides to leave
- Both parties the ability to plan transitions professionally
This mutual right to cancel creates healthy accountability on both sides. The client can't abuse the cleaner with impossible demands because the cleaner can walk away. The cleaner can't deliver poor service because the client can walk away. It's balanced.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've found that this mutual accountability creates stronger, more respectful relationships. Clients know we're choosing to serve them every month. We know they're choosing us every month. That mutual choice creates partnership rather than obligation.
What Replaces Contract Protection
If contracts don't protect you, what does? Several things, actually:
Demonstrated track record: A cleaning company with 25+ years in Des Moines and clients who've stayed 10, 15, 20 years has proven they deliver. That history matters more than any contract clause.
Audit systems: Monthly quality audits with documented scores (like "your building scored 95.64% this month") provide proof of consistent performance. Contracts don't ensure quality—accountability systems do.
Direct owner access: When you can call or text the owner directly (like 515-276-1618 for Rodan), issues get resolved immediately. Contracts don't guarantee responsiveness—communication systems and leadership commitment do.
Insurance and bonding: Proper liability coverage, workers compensation, and bonding protect against damage and accidents far better than contract language. Verify this directly with carriers, not just accept certificates of insurance.
References and reputation: Talk to current clients. Check online reviews. A company's reputation in the Des Moines business community tells you more than any contract terms could.
Transparent pricing and scope: Clear documentation of exactly what you're paying for and what's included prevents the disputes that contracts are supposedly designed to handle.
These protections are more valuable than a contract because they're based on actual performance, not legal obligation.
The Des Moines Businesses That Benefit Most from No-Contract Cleaning
While any business can benefit from contract flexibility, certain situations make contract-free service especially valuable.
Growing Companies and Startups
Des Moines has a vibrant and growing startup community, particularly in insurance technology, agricultural technology, and business services. These companies often experience rapid changes in space needs, staffing levels, and operational requirements.
Why flexibility matters:
- Might need to scale cleaning frequency up or down based on hiring
- Could relocate to larger space within 6-12 months
- May need to adjust service during funding rounds or growth phases
- Don't want long-term commitments when business trajectory is evolving
A contract-free cleaning service adapts to growth rather than becoming another fixed cost to manage around.
Professional Service Firms
Law firms, accounting practices, financial advisory firms, and consulting companies throughout the Des Moines metro face unique scheduling and presentation demands.
Why flexibility matters:
- Client meeting frequency varies seasonally (tax season, quarter-end, etc.)
- Might need to adjust cleaning intensity around major client presentations
- Office size and staffing can change with partner additions or retirements
- Want ability to switch providers if presentation quality drops below firm standards
These firms maintain high standards for their physical spaces because clients judge them on every detail. They need cleaning partners who understand that standard—without being locked in if the partner fails to deliver.
Multi-Location Businesses
Companies with offices in Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Ankeny face complex vendor management across locations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Different locations may have different needs and timelines
- Headquarters might want different service level than satellite offices
- Easier to pilot new cleaning partner at one location before expanding
- Can optimize each location independently rather than one contract covering all
Contract-free service lets you make location-specific decisions instead of treating five different buildings in five different cities as one homogenous contract.
Businesses with Seasonal Variation
Retail, hospitality, education, and other sectors experience significant seasonal fluctuation in facility usage and cleaning needs.
Why flexibility matters:
- May need daily cleaning during busy season but 2x/week during slow periods
- Want to adjust service level without contract amendments or negotiations
- Budget flexibility to align cleaning costs with revenue seasons
- Can increase or decrease frequency without penalties
A rigid annual contract forces you to overpay during slow seasons or underspend during busy periods. Neither serves your business well.
Companies Unhappy with Current Provider
This might be the most common scenario: Des Moines businesses stuck with underperforming cleaning companies because of contract obligations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Can make a change immediately rather than waiting months for contract expiration
- Avoid paying for poor service while researching replacements
- Don't need to time contract negotiations around arbitrary renewal dates
- Can test new provider without overlapping contract conflicts
If you're currently trapped with a subpar cleaning company counting down to your contract end date, your next provider absolutely should be contract-free. You've learned this lesson—don't repeat it.
What About Pricing—Does No Contract Cost More?
This is the concern we hear most: "If I don't sign a contract, will I pay more?"
The short answer: Not necessarily. And often you'll pay less when you factor in total cost.
How Pricing Works Without Contracts
Most commercial cleaning companies that require contracts claim they need the security of guaranteed revenue to offer competitive pricing. That sounds reasonable until you examine what actually happens.
Contract-based pricing typically includes:
- Annual or semi-annual rate increases written into the contract
- Fees for service adjustments or scope changes
- Penalties for early termination
- Charges for "extra" services that should be standard
- Automatic renewal clauses that extend your commitment
Month-to-month pricing typically includes:
- Clear monthly rate based on defined scope
- Transparent pricing for any additional services
- No penalties for cancellation (just notice period)
- Rate adjustments only by mutual agreement
- Freedom to renegotiate if service doesn't meet expectations
When you compare total cost over 12 months, month-to-month service often costs the same or less than contracted service—especially when you factor in the value of flexibility and the hidden costs of being locked in with poor performance.
The True Cost of Being Locked In
Remember, the most expensive cleaning service isn't the one with the highest monthly rate—it's the one you can't fire.
Hidden costs of contracted cleaning:
Your time managing problems: If you spend 4 hours/month dealing with cleaning issues, that's $200-400/month in opportunity cost (depending on your hourly value). Over a year, that's $2,400-4,800 in hidden costs.
Employee dissatisfaction: When your team consistently complains about facility cleanliness, you pay in morale, productivity, and possibly retention. Hard to quantify but very real.
Client perception: First impressions happen in your lobby and restrooms. How many potential clients or customers have you lost because your facility looked neglected? Even one lost deal probably costs more than a year of cleaning service.
Replacement costs: When you finally escape a bad contract, you often pay overlap costs during transition—paying the old company through contract end while starting with a new provider.
A contract-free cleaning service that costs $200/month more but delivers consistent quality and requires zero management time is dramatically cheaper than a contracted service that costs less but creates ongoing problems.
Rodan's No-Contract Pricing Philosophy
At Rodan Cleaning, our pricing works like this:
We quote the real cost of delivering quality service. Our rates reflect what it actually takes to pay experienced cleaners fairly, use proper products, maintain equipment, provide training, conduct monthly audits, and ensure direct owner oversight.
We don't artificially lower prices to win contracts. We've seen too many Des Moines businesses burned by companies that bid low to win multi-year contracts, then cut corners to make the math work. That's not our model.
We don't hide behind complicated contract structures. You get a clear monthly rate for defined services. If you want to add or adjust something, we quote it clearly. No surprises, no penalty fees, no fine print.
We're typically in the upper 70th percentile of Des Moines pricing. We're not the cheapest option. But we're not the most expensive either. We're the option that delivers consistent value over time—which is what actually matters.
When you call 515-276-1618 or email info@rodancleaning.com, owner Zach Vander Ploeg will give you honest pricing for your specific building and needs. No contracts required. No long-term commitment needed. Just clarity about what service costs and what you'll receive.
How to Evaluate Contract-Free Cleaning Companies
If you've decided that contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for your Des Moines business, here's how to evaluate providers who offer this flexibility.
Essential Questions to Ask
1. How long have you been operating contract-free?
- Look for established track record, not companies just testing the approach
- Rodan has operated this way since 1998—it's our business model, not a marketing gimmick
2. What percentage of your clients have been with you for 2+ years?
- If they don't retain clients without contracts, their service quality probably isn't good enough
- Many Rodan clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years without ever signing a contract
3. What's your cancellation policy?
- Mutual 30-day notice is fair and standard
- Be wary of "cancel anytime" with no notice—that's risky for both parties
4. How do you ensure quality without contracts to hold you accountable?
- Look for audit systems, monthly reporting, direct owner access
- "We just do good work" isn't a system—it's hope disguised as strategy
5. What happens if I'm unhappy with service?
- You want clear problem resolution process and commitment to make it right
- Ultimate accountability is that you can leave if they don't resolve issues
6. Do you have other clients in buildings similar to mine?
- References from comparable properties matter more than total client count
- Ask to speak with clients who've worked with them for 2+ years
7. How do you handle staffing transitions?
- Turnover happens—how do they maintain quality when crews change?
- Training systems and documentation prevent knowledge loss
8. What insurance coverage do you carry?
- Verify general liability and workers compensation directly with carrier
- Insurance matters more without contracts because it's your actual protection
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of companies that:
- Offer month-to-month service but require 3-6 month initial commitment (that's still a contract)
- Charge "startup fees" or "onboarding costs" that functionally lock you in
- Require purchase of supplies or equipment from them as condition of service
- Can't provide long-term client references (suggests they can't retain without contracts)
- Offer drastically lower rates than competitors (they're cutting corners somewhere)
- Don't have clear written service agreements (flexibility doesn't mean no documentation)
- Refuse to provide insurance verification (legitimate businesses have proper coverage)
These warning signs indicate companies that either don't really understand contract-free service or are using it as bait-and-switch marketing.
What Success Looks Like
After 3-6 months with a quality contract-free cleaning provider, you should experience:
Consistent quality: Same standard every cleaning, whether it's month 1 or month 12
Minimal management: You rarely think about cleaning because it just happens correctly
Responsive communication: Issues get addressed immediately when you report them
Transparent reporting: You receive regular feedback on performance (audit scores, inspection reports)
Relationship continuity: Same crews who know your building and your preferences
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases
If you're getting these outcomes without a contract, you've found a true partner. The absence of legal obligation combined with excellent results proves they're earning your business every month.
The Des Moines Commercial Cleaning Market Today
The shift toward contract-free service reflects broader changes in how Des Moines businesses think about vendor relationships.
What's Changed in the Past 5 Years
Increased transparency expectations: Businesses expect clear communication and performance documentation, not just "trust us" assurances backed by contract obligations.
Shift toward partnership models: The best vendor relationships are collaborative partnerships where both parties choose to continue because the relationship works, not because a contract compels it.
Greater emphasis on accountability: Audit systems, monthly reports, and direct access to ownership matter more than contract terms that are rarely enforced.
Recognition that contracts don't prevent problems: Businesses learned through experience that contracts don't guarantee quality—systems, training, and leadership do.
Demand for operational flexibility: In a rapidly changing business environment, locking into rigid service agreements for extended periods doesn't serve most businesses well.
How Established Companies Have Responded
Some traditional contract-based cleaning companies have adapted by offering more flexible options. Others double down on contracts, arguing that commitment benefits both parties. Still others offer hybrid models with short initial terms and month-to-month thereafter.
The most confident companies—the ones that know they deliver excellent service—don't need contracts at all. They compete on quality, not on locking customers in legally.
At Rodan, we've never changed our approach because we've never needed to. Contract-free service worked in 1998 when founder Dan Vander Ploeg started the company, and it still works today under current owner Zach Vander Ploeg's leadership. The businesses that try us stay because the service is excellent, not because paperwork compels them to.
Making the Switch from Contracted to Contract-Free Service
If you're currently locked in a cleaning contract but want to transition to contract-free service, here's how to make it happen smoothly.
Review Your Current Contract
Check these key details:
Contract end date: When does your current obligation expire?
Cancellation terms: What notice is required? Are there penalties for early termination?
Automatic renewal clauses: Does it auto-renew if you don't cancel by specific date?
Service guarantees: What did they actually promise to deliver? (Document whether they're meeting those terms)
Rate increase provisions: What price changes are built into your current agreement?
Understanding your current obligations helps you plan the cleanest exit strategy.
Calculate the Real Cost of Staying vs. Leaving
Sometimes paying an early termination fee is worth it if your current service is poor enough.
Consider:
Monthly cost of current service: $______
Your time managing problems: ______ hours × your hourly value = $______
Employee complaints and lost productivity: Hard to quantify but very real
Client/customer perception impact: Have you lost opportunities because of facility appearance?
Early termination penalty: $______ one-time cost
Better monthly rate with new provider: Potential savings of $______ per month
If staying for 4 more months costs you $800/month in base service plus $300/month in your time dealing with problems, that's $4,400 total. A $1,500 early termination penalty to switch immediately could save you $2,900 over those same 4 months.
Run your own numbers. Sometimes eating the penalty makes financial sense.
Plan Your Transition
90 days before contract expiration:
- Research contract-free providers in Des Moines
- Get quotes and compare service offerings
- Check references thoroughly
- Verify insurance and credentials
60 days before contract expiration:
- Select new provider and schedule start date
- Review service agreement and expectations
- Arrange building access and orientation
30 days before contract expiration:
- Provide required cancellation notice to current provider
- Coordinate final service date and key return
- Introduce new provider to your team
- Communicate the change to building occupants
At transition:
- First cleaning by new provider on scheduled date
- Be present or available for questions
- Provide feedback after first few services
- Document performance vs. expectations
A well-planned transition minimizes disruption and sets up the new relationship for success.
Setting Expectations with Your New Provider
Even without a contract, you need clarity on expectations from day one.
Make sure you've documented:
Detailed scope of work: Every area, every task, every frequency
Quality standards: What does "clean" mean for your facility?
Communication protocols: Who contacts whom about what?
Problem resolution process: How are issues reported and handled?
Billing and payment terms: When is payment due? What forms accepted?
Notice requirements: 30 days from either party is standard
Having these elements in a clear working agreement prevents disputes and creates accountability—without requiring a multi-year commitment.
Real Des Moines Business Perspectives
While we can't share specific client names without permission, here are common themes we hear from Des Moines businesses that have switched to contract-free cleaning:
"We Should Have Made This Change Years Ago"
This is the most common sentiment from businesses that finally escape contract-based service. The freedom to leave if service quality drops completely changes the relationship dynamic. Cleaning companies that know you can fire them next month are dramatically more attentive than those who know you're locked in for another 8 months.
"The Pricing Wasn't Higher—And the Service Was Better"
Many businesses expect to pay premium pricing for contract-free flexibility. They're often surprised to find that month-to-month rates are competitive with or even lower than contracted rates—especially when accounting for hidden costs and fees in contract structures.
"We Actually Get Responses Now"
When cleaning companies know you can leave, they respond to problems immediately. The "we'll look into that" followed by weeks of silence disappears. Issues get addressed within hours or days, not weeks or months, because they know you're not trapped.
"It's One Less Thing We Have to Manage"
Ironically, contract-free service often requires less management than contracted service. When the cleaning company is earning your business every month, they proactively maintain quality instead of reactively responding to complaints. That reduces your oversight burden significantly.
The Rodan Cleaning Contract-Free Promise
At Rodan Cleaning, we've structured our entire business around a simple promise: deliver such consistently excellent service that you choose to stay month after month, year after year.
How We Earn Your Business Every Month
Audit-verified quality: Our internal auditor inspects every account monthly and documents performance scores (typically 95%+). You see exactly how we're doing before you even set foot in your building Monday morning.
Direct owner access: You have owner Zach Vander Ploeg's cell phone (515-276-1618) and email (info@rodancleaning.com). Issues get resolved immediately because you're talking directly to the decision-maker.
Experienced, stable crews: Our team members stay with us 2+ years on average (some haven't missed a day in over 2 years). You get consistent crews who know your building, not whoever happens to be available.
Cleaning University training: Every cleaner completes our comprehensive training program before cleaning their first building. They understand both the how and the why of quality commercial cleaning.
25+ years of Des Moines trust: Many clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years—without ever signing a contract. That retention rate proves our service quality, not contract enforcement.
What You Get Without a Contract
When Des Moines businesses choose Rodan's contract-free service:
Clarity: Written service agreement documenting exactly what's included, what's excluded, and what standards we'll meet
Flexibility: Adjust service level, frequency, or scope as your business needs evolve—without contract amendments or penalties
Accountability: Monthly audit reports showing exactly how we performed and what we're improving
Accessibility: Direct communication with ownership, not layers of management
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases or hidden fees
Freedom: Mutual 30-day cancellation option means we earn your business every single month
Why We've Never Needed Contracts
Since Dan Vander Ploeg founded Rodan Cleaning in 1998, we've operated on one principle: do excellent work consistently, and customers will stay. If we can't do excellent work consistently, customers should leave.
That accountability has driven every decision we've made over 25+ years:
- Paying our people significantly above market rate to attract and retain the best
- Investing in training systems (Cleaning University) that ensure quality
- Implementing audit processes that catch problems before clients do
- Giving clients direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- Treating every account like we earn it fresh each month
The results speak for themselves. We have clients who've been with us for decades who've never signed a contract. They stay because we deliver, month after month, year after year.
That's the cleaning service relationship Des Moines businesses deserve.
Resources for Des Moines Business Owners
As you evaluate cleaning providers and consider contract-free options:
Financial Planning: If you're reviewing facility service contracts as part of broader operational budget planning, Performance Financial LLC works with many Des Moines businesses on expense optimization and vendor relationship strategy. They can help you evaluate total cost of ownership for facility services.
Legal Review: If you're currently in a cleaning contract and considering early termination, your business attorney can review the terms and help you understand your options and obligations.
Industry Standards: The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) provides guidance on commercial cleaning service agreements and industry best practices for both contracted and contract-free relationships.
Local Business Community: The Greater Des Moines Partnership connects businesses and can provide feedback on local commercial service provider reputations and experiences.
Make the Switch to Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
If you're ready to stop being locked into cleaning contracts and start working with a partner who earns your business every single month:
Call Zach Vander Ploeg directly at 515-276-1618 to discuss your current situation and learn how Rodan's contract-free service works for your specific facility and needs.
Email info@rodancleaning.com with information about your building size, location, and current cleaning pain points. We'll follow up within one business day to schedule a consultation.
Schedule a free cleaning assessment where we walk your Des Moines, Urbandale, or Waukee facility, understand your requirements, and provide a detailed service proposal—with no contract required.
Why Choose Contract-Free Service with Rodan
Twenty-five years serving Des Moines businesses taught us that the best client relationships are built on mutual choice, not legal obligation. When you work with Rodan Cleaning:
- You're never locked in—you stay because we deliver excellent service, not because paperwork forces you to
- We maintain the same quality in month 12 as month 1 because we know you can leave if we don't
- You get monthly audit reports proving performance instead of contract terms promising performance
- You have direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- You can adjust services as your business needs change without contract renegotiation
We're not the cheapest option in Des Moines. But we are the option that delivers consistent quality over time without requiring you to sign a long-term contract hoping we follow through.
If you're tired of being trapped with underperforming cleaning companies or want to avoid that trap with your next provider, Rodan's contract-free approach offers a better way.
For more information on commercial cleaning in Des Moines, explore our guides on Pricing and Costs, What's Included in Service, and Medical Facility Cleaning. Or visit our service pages for Office Cleaning, Construction Cleaning, Financial Institution Cleaning, and School Cleaning.
If you're researching commercial cleaning services in Des Moines, you've probably encountered the dreaded question: "What's your contract term?"
One year minimum. Two years preferred. Automatic renewal clauses. Cancellation penalties. Early termination fees. For something as straightforward as keeping your office clean, the contract requirements can feel like you're buying a car, not hiring a cleaning service.
But here's what's changed in the Des Moines commercial cleaning market: more businesses are refusing to sign long-term contracts. And the cleaning companies that insist on them are losing ground to providers who understand that quality service earns loyalty—contracts shouldn't have to force it.
This guide explains why contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for Des Moines businesses, what protection contracts actually offered (and what they didn't), how the no-contract model works, and why flexibility matters more in 2025 than it did when your current cleaning contract was signed.
The Real Question: Why Do Cleaning Companies Want Contracts?
Before we talk about why you don't need a contract, let's understand why cleaning companies ask for them in the first place.
It's Not About Protecting You—It's About Protecting Them
When a commercial cleaning company insists on a one-year or two-year contract, they're not doing it because you need protection. They're doing it because they need protection from their own service quality.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Contracts exist because cleaning companies know their service will decline over time. They start strong in months 1-2 to win your business, then gradually let standards slip once you're locked in. The contract ensures you can't easily fire them when quality drops in month 4, 5, or 6.
Think about it. If a cleaning company consistently delivered excellent service month after month, would they need a contract to keep you as a customer? Of course not. You'd stay because they're doing great work. The fact that they need a legal agreement to keep you around tells you everything you need to know about their confidence in their own service quality.
What Contracts Actually Protected (Spoiler: Not Much)
Let's examine what those contracts actually guaranteed:
What the contract said:
- "Company will provide commercial cleaning services per agreed scope"
- "Services will be performed on scheduled days"
- "Quality will meet industry standards"
What the contract didn't guarantee:
- That the same crew would show up consistently
- That quality wouldn't decline after month 3
- That you'd get any response when you report problems
- That they'd actually fulfill the "scope of services" completely
- That you wouldn't spend hours managing them
Most commercial cleaning contracts are written to lock you in while giving the company maximum flexibility to underdeliver. They specify what you must pay but are deliberately vague about exactly what performance standards they must meet.
And the kicker? When service quality dropped and you wanted out, those contracts had penalty clauses. You could be stuck paying for months of substandard cleaning just because you signed a piece of paper before you knew what their service was really like.
What Des Moines Businesses Have Learned About Contracts
The Des Moines commercial cleaning market has changed dramatically over the past five years. Business owners talk to each other. They share experiences. And a pattern emerged.
The Typical Contract Cleaning Experience
Month 1-2: The cleaning company is on their best behavior. They're attentive, responsive, thorough. You think you made a great choice. The contract feels like a formality.
Month 3-4: Small things start slipping. A missed trash can here, a dusty surface there. You mention it, they fix it quickly. You chalk it up to growing pains.
Month 5-6: The decline becomes undeniable. Different crews showing up. Quality inconsistent. Corners being cut. You're sending weekly emails about issues.
Month 7-8: You realize you're actively managing your cleaning company. They're not solving problems—they're creating them. You want to fire them but remember: you signed a contract.
Month 9-12: You're researching replacement options while still paying the company you're unhappy with. You're essentially serving out a sentence, counting down to when you can finally make a change.
Month 13: Freedom. You switch providers. This time, you look specifically for companies that don't require contracts.
This cycle plays out constantly across Des Moines. From small Edward Jones offices in West Des Moines to larger corporate spaces in Urbandale to downtown financial institutions—the story is remarkably similar regardless of building size or industry.
Why Des Moines's Diverse Business Landscape Demands Flexibility
Des Moines isn't just one type of business. Our metro area includes:
Established corporations with multi-building campuses and complex facility needs
Growing startups that might expand or relocate within 6-12 months
Professional service firms (law, accounting, financial) with fluctuating space needs
Medical facilities from small practices to larger surgical centers
Financial institutions from local credit unions to regional bank headquarters
Retail and service businesses with seasonal staffing variations
Educational institutions with summer breaks and variable academic schedules
Construction and industrial sites with project-based timelines
How can one contract structure possibly serve all these different business models? It can't. That's why smart Des Moines businesses are demanding flexibility instead of signing rigid agreements that don't match their operational reality.
The Case for Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
It Forces Cleaning Companies to Actually Perform
When you can fire your cleaning company anytime without penalty, something remarkable happens: they have to earn your business every single month.
No contract means:
- They can't coast on your signature—they have to deliver consistent quality
- They must respond immediately to issues because you could switch providers next week
- They need to maintain the same standards in month 6 as month 1
- They have incentive to keep improving rather than just maintaining minimum acceptable service
- Your satisfaction is their job security, not a piece of paper
This completely changes the power dynamic. Instead of you being locked in and hoping they deliver, they're constantly proving they deserve to keep your business.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've operated contract-free since 1998. We don't need contracts because we've built our entire business model on a simple principle: if we do excellent work, clients stay. If we don't, they should leave. That accountability drives everything we do.
It Protects Your Business from Bad Decisions
Even with the best due diligence, you can't always predict how a cleaning company will perform until they're actually servicing your building. References are often cherry-picked. Initial quality doesn't guarantee long-term consistency. The crew that cleans during your trial period might not be the one you get after signing.
Contract-free service means:
- You can test the relationship without long-term commitment
- If service quality drops, you can make a change immediately
- You're not financially trapped with a poor performer
- You can adjust as your business needs evolve
- You maintain control over vendor relationships
This is especially important for Des Moines businesses managing facilities across multiple locations. Your Waukee office might have different needs than your downtown location. A contract structure that works for one site might be completely wrong for another. Flexibility lets you optimize each location independently.
It Aligns with How Modern Businesses Operate
The Des Moines business environment in 2025 looks nothing like it did when long-term service contracts became standard practice. Companies need agility to respond to market conditions, growth opportunities, and operational changes.
Consider these scenarios common in Des Moines:
A growing tech startup leases office space month-to-month while evaluating permanent locations. Why would they sign a one-year cleaning contract when their lease is month-to-month?
A law firm is negotiating a merger that could mean relocating or expanding within 6 months. Locking into a cleaning contract adds unnecessary complexity to already complicated planning.
A medical practice is adding providers and might need to adjust cleaning frequency mid-year as patient volume grows. A rigid contract makes adaptation difficult and expensive.
A retail business experiences seasonal variation and might want to adjust cleaning frequency between November-December and February-March. Annual contracts don't accommodate this reality.
A property management company like Ryan Properties manages multiple buildings with different tenants who have different timelines. Synchronizing contract dates across a portfolio is administrative nightmare.
Contract-free service adapts to your business instead of forcing your business to adapt to an arbitrary contract timeline.
What "No Contract" Actually Means in Practice
Let's be clear about what contract-free commercial cleaning looks like and what protections both parties actually need.
The Working Agreement
Just because there's no long-term contract doesn't mean there's no agreement. Professional commercial cleaning relationships need clear expectations documented in writing.
A good working agreement specifies:
Scope of Services:
- Exactly what's included in your cleaning service
- Frequency of service (nightly, 3x/week, 5x/week, etc.)
- Specific areas to be cleaned and how often
- Supplies provided by cleaning company vs. client
- Any services explicitly excluded
Quality Standards:
- Defined expectations for cleanliness levels
- Response time for reported issues
- Audit and inspection procedures
- Problem resolution process
Practical Details:
- Building access procedures and security protocols
- Parking and entrance instructions
- Key contacts and emergency procedures
- Billing terms and payment schedule
- Insurance requirements and verification
Termination Terms:
- Notice period required (typically 30 days from either party)
- Final billing procedures
- Return of keys and access credentials
- Transition assistance if needed
Notice the difference: this working agreement defines how the service works, not how long you're trapped in it. Both parties need clarity on expectations. Neither party needs to be locked in for a year.
Mutual Cancellation Rights
Contract-free doesn't mean one-sided protection. Both the client and the cleaning company should be able to exit the relationship with reasonable notice.
Thirty days notice is typically fair and sufficient. This gives:
- The client time to find a replacement provider if service quality drops
- The cleaning company time to adjust staffing if a client decides to leave
- Both parties the ability to plan transitions professionally
This mutual right to cancel creates healthy accountability on both sides. The client can't abuse the cleaner with impossible demands because the cleaner can walk away. The cleaner can't deliver poor service because the client can walk away. It's balanced.
At Rodan Cleaning, we've found that this mutual accountability creates stronger, more respectful relationships. Clients know we're choosing to serve them every month. We know they're choosing us every month. That mutual choice creates partnership rather than obligation.
What Replaces Contract Protection
If contracts don't protect you, what does? Several things, actually:
Demonstrated track record: A cleaning company with 25+ years in Des Moines and clients who've stayed 10, 15, 20 years has proven they deliver. That history matters more than any contract clause.
Audit systems: Monthly quality audits with documented scores (like "your building scored 95.64% this month") provide proof of consistent performance. Contracts don't ensure quality—accountability systems do.
Direct owner access: When you can call or text the owner directly (like 515-276-1618 for Rodan), issues get resolved immediately. Contracts don't guarantee responsiveness—communication systems and leadership commitment do.
Insurance and bonding: Proper liability coverage, workers compensation, and bonding protect against damage and accidents far better than contract language. Verify this directly with carriers, not just accept certificates of insurance.
References and reputation: Talk to current clients. Check online reviews. A company's reputation in the Des Moines business community tells you more than any contract terms could.
Transparent pricing and scope: Clear documentation of exactly what you're paying for and what's included prevents the disputes that contracts are supposedly designed to handle.
These protections are more valuable than a contract because they're based on actual performance, not legal obligation.
The Des Moines Businesses That Benefit Most from No-Contract Cleaning
While any business can benefit from contract flexibility, certain situations make contract-free service especially valuable.
Growing Companies and Startups
Des Moines has a vibrant and growing startup community, particularly in insurance technology, agricultural technology, and business services. These companies often experience rapid changes in space needs, staffing levels, and operational requirements.
Why flexibility matters:
- Might need to scale cleaning frequency up or down based on hiring
- Could relocate to larger space within 6-12 months
- May need to adjust service during funding rounds or growth phases
- Don't want long-term commitments when business trajectory is evolving
A contract-free cleaning service adapts to growth rather than becoming another fixed cost to manage around.
Professional Service Firms
Law firms, accounting practices, financial advisory firms, and consulting companies throughout the Des Moines metro face unique scheduling and presentation demands.
Why flexibility matters:
- Client meeting frequency varies seasonally (tax season, quarter-end, etc.)
- Might need to adjust cleaning intensity around major client presentations
- Office size and staffing can change with partner additions or retirements
- Want ability to switch providers if presentation quality drops below firm standards
These firms maintain high standards for their physical spaces because clients judge them on every detail. They need cleaning partners who understand that standard—without being locked in if the partner fails to deliver.
Multi-Location Businesses
Companies with offices in Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Ankeny face complex vendor management across locations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Different locations may have different needs and timelines
- Headquarters might want different service level than satellite offices
- Easier to pilot new cleaning partner at one location before expanding
- Can optimize each location independently rather than one contract covering all
Contract-free service lets you make location-specific decisions instead of treating five different buildings in five different cities as one homogenous contract.
Businesses with Seasonal Variation
Retail, hospitality, education, and other sectors experience significant seasonal fluctuation in facility usage and cleaning needs.
Why flexibility matters:
- May need daily cleaning during busy season but 2x/week during slow periods
- Want to adjust service level without contract amendments or negotiations
- Budget flexibility to align cleaning costs with revenue seasons
- Can increase or decrease frequency without penalties
A rigid annual contract forces you to overpay during slow seasons or underspend during busy periods. Neither serves your business well.
Companies Unhappy with Current Provider
This might be the most common scenario: Des Moines businesses stuck with underperforming cleaning companies because of contract obligations.
Why flexibility matters:
- Can make a change immediately rather than waiting months for contract expiration
- Avoid paying for poor service while researching replacements
- Don't need to time contract negotiations around arbitrary renewal dates
- Can test new provider without overlapping contract conflicts
If you're currently trapped with a subpar cleaning company counting down to your contract end date, your next provider absolutely should be contract-free. You've learned this lesson—don't repeat it.
What About Pricing—Does No Contract Cost More?
This is the concern we hear most: "If I don't sign a contract, will I pay more?"
The short answer: Not necessarily. And often you'll pay less when you factor in total cost.
How Pricing Works Without Contracts
Most commercial cleaning companies that require contracts claim they need the security of guaranteed revenue to offer competitive pricing. That sounds reasonable until you examine what actually happens.
Contract-based pricing typically includes:
- Annual or semi-annual rate increases written into the contract
- Fees for service adjustments or scope changes
- Penalties for early termination
- Charges for "extra" services that should be standard
- Automatic renewal clauses that extend your commitment
Month-to-month pricing typically includes:
- Clear monthly rate based on defined scope
- Transparent pricing for any additional services
- No penalties for cancellation (just notice period)
- Rate adjustments only by mutual agreement
- Freedom to renegotiate if service doesn't meet expectations
When you compare total cost over 12 months, month-to-month service often costs the same or less than contracted service—especially when you factor in the value of flexibility and the hidden costs of being locked in with poor performance.
The True Cost of Being Locked In
Remember, the most expensive cleaning service isn't the one with the highest monthly rate—it's the one you can't fire.
Hidden costs of contracted cleaning:
Your time managing problems: If you spend 4 hours/month dealing with cleaning issues, that's $200-400/month in opportunity cost (depending on your hourly value). Over a year, that's $2,400-4,800 in hidden costs.
Employee dissatisfaction: When your team consistently complains about facility cleanliness, you pay in morale, productivity, and possibly retention. Hard to quantify but very real.
Client perception: First impressions happen in your lobby and restrooms. How many potential clients or customers have you lost because your facility looked neglected? Even one lost deal probably costs more than a year of cleaning service.
Replacement costs: When you finally escape a bad contract, you often pay overlap costs during transition—paying the old company through contract end while starting with a new provider.
A contract-free cleaning service that costs $200/month more but delivers consistent quality and requires zero management time is dramatically cheaper than a contracted service that costs less but creates ongoing problems.
Rodan's No-Contract Pricing Philosophy
At Rodan Cleaning, our pricing works like this:
We quote the real cost of delivering quality service. Our rates reflect what it actually takes to pay experienced cleaners fairly, use proper products, maintain equipment, provide training, conduct monthly audits, and ensure direct owner oversight.
We don't artificially lower prices to win contracts. We've seen too many Des Moines businesses burned by companies that bid low to win multi-year contracts, then cut corners to make the math work. That's not our model.
We don't hide behind complicated contract structures. You get a clear monthly rate for defined services. If you want to add or adjust something, we quote it clearly. No surprises, no penalty fees, no fine print.
We're typically in the upper 70th percentile of Des Moines pricing. We're not the cheapest option. But we're not the most expensive either. We're the option that delivers consistent value over time—which is what actually matters.
When you call 515-276-1618 or email info@rodancleaning.com, owner Zach Vander Ploeg will give you honest pricing for your specific building and needs. No contracts required. No long-term commitment needed. Just clarity about what service costs and what you'll receive.
How to Evaluate Contract-Free Cleaning Companies
If you've decided that contract-free commercial cleaning makes sense for your Des Moines business, here's how to evaluate providers who offer this flexibility.
Essential Questions to Ask
1. How long have you been operating contract-free?
- Look for established track record, not companies just testing the approach
- Rodan has operated this way since 1998—it's our business model, not a marketing gimmick
2. What percentage of your clients have been with you for 2+ years?
- If they don't retain clients without contracts, their service quality probably isn't good enough
- Many Rodan clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years without ever signing a contract
3. What's your cancellation policy?
- Mutual 30-day notice is fair and standard
- Be wary of "cancel anytime" with no notice—that's risky for both parties
4. How do you ensure quality without contracts to hold you accountable?
- Look for audit systems, monthly reporting, direct owner access
- "We just do good work" isn't a system—it's hope disguised as strategy
5. What happens if I'm unhappy with service?
- You want clear problem resolution process and commitment to make it right
- Ultimate accountability is that you can leave if they don't resolve issues
6. Do you have other clients in buildings similar to mine?
- References from comparable properties matter more than total client count
- Ask to speak with clients who've worked with them for 2+ years
7. How do you handle staffing transitions?
- Turnover happens—how do they maintain quality when crews change?
- Training systems and documentation prevent knowledge loss
8. What insurance coverage do you carry?
- Verify general liability and workers compensation directly with carrier
- Insurance matters more without contracts because it's your actual protection
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of companies that:
- Offer month-to-month service but require 3-6 month initial commitment (that's still a contract)
- Charge "startup fees" or "onboarding costs" that functionally lock you in
- Require purchase of supplies or equipment from them as condition of service
- Can't provide long-term client references (suggests they can't retain without contracts)
- Offer drastically lower rates than competitors (they're cutting corners somewhere)
- Don't have clear written service agreements (flexibility doesn't mean no documentation)
- Refuse to provide insurance verification (legitimate businesses have proper coverage)
These warning signs indicate companies that either don't really understand contract-free service or are using it as bait-and-switch marketing.
What Success Looks Like
After 3-6 months with a quality contract-free cleaning provider, you should experience:
Consistent quality: Same standard every cleaning, whether it's month 1 or month 12
Minimal management: You rarely think about cleaning because it just happens correctly
Responsive communication: Issues get addressed immediately when you report them
Transparent reporting: You receive regular feedback on performance (audit scores, inspection reports)
Relationship continuity: Same crews who know your building and your preferences
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases
If you're getting these outcomes without a contract, you've found a true partner. The absence of legal obligation combined with excellent results proves they're earning your business every month.
The Des Moines Commercial Cleaning Market Today
The shift toward contract-free service reflects broader changes in how Des Moines businesses think about vendor relationships.
What's Changed in the Past 5 Years
Increased transparency expectations: Businesses expect clear communication and performance documentation, not just "trust us" assurances backed by contract obligations.
Shift toward partnership models: The best vendor relationships are collaborative partnerships where both parties choose to continue because the relationship works, not because a contract compels it.
Greater emphasis on accountability: Audit systems, monthly reports, and direct access to ownership matter more than contract terms that are rarely enforced.
Recognition that contracts don't prevent problems: Businesses learned through experience that contracts don't guarantee quality—systems, training, and leadership do.
Demand for operational flexibility: In a rapidly changing business environment, locking into rigid service agreements for extended periods doesn't serve most businesses well.
How Established Companies Have Responded
Some traditional contract-based cleaning companies have adapted by offering more flexible options. Others double down on contracts, arguing that commitment benefits both parties. Still others offer hybrid models with short initial terms and month-to-month thereafter.
The most confident companies—the ones that know they deliver excellent service—don't need contracts at all. They compete on quality, not on locking customers in legally.
At Rodan, we've never changed our approach because we've never needed to. Contract-free service worked in 1998 when founder Dan Vander Ploeg started the company, and it still works today under current owner Zach Vander Ploeg's leadership. The businesses that try us stay because the service is excellent, not because paperwork compels them to.
Making the Switch from Contracted to Contract-Free Service
If you're currently locked in a cleaning contract but want to transition to contract-free service, here's how to make it happen smoothly.
Review Your Current Contract
Check these key details:
Contract end date: When does your current obligation expire?
Cancellation terms: What notice is required? Are there penalties for early termination?
Automatic renewal clauses: Does it auto-renew if you don't cancel by specific date?
Service guarantees: What did they actually promise to deliver? (Document whether they're meeting those terms)
Rate increase provisions: What price changes are built into your current agreement?
Understanding your current obligations helps you plan the cleanest exit strategy.
Calculate the Real Cost of Staying vs. Leaving
Sometimes paying an early termination fee is worth it if your current service is poor enough.
Consider:
Monthly cost of current service: $______
Your time managing problems: ______ hours × your hourly value = $______
Employee complaints and lost productivity: Hard to quantify but very real
Client/customer perception impact: Have you lost opportunities because of facility appearance?
Early termination penalty: $______ one-time cost
Better monthly rate with new provider: Potential savings of $______ per month
If staying for 4 more months costs you $800/month in base service plus $300/month in your time dealing with problems, that's $4,400 total. A $1,500 early termination penalty to switch immediately could save you $2,900 over those same 4 months.
Run your own numbers. Sometimes eating the penalty makes financial sense.
Plan Your Transition
90 days before contract expiration:
- Research contract-free providers in Des Moines
- Get quotes and compare service offerings
- Check references thoroughly
- Verify insurance and credentials
60 days before contract expiration:
- Select new provider and schedule start date
- Review service agreement and expectations
- Arrange building access and orientation
30 days before contract expiration:
- Provide required cancellation notice to current provider
- Coordinate final service date and key return
- Introduce new provider to your team
- Communicate the change to building occupants
At transition:
- First cleaning by new provider on scheduled date
- Be present or available for questions
- Provide feedback after first few services
- Document performance vs. expectations
A well-planned transition minimizes disruption and sets up the new relationship for success.
Setting Expectations with Your New Provider
Even without a contract, you need clarity on expectations from day one.
Make sure you've documented:
Detailed scope of work: Every area, every task, every frequency
Quality standards: What does "clean" mean for your facility?
Communication protocols: Who contacts whom about what?
Problem resolution process: How are issues reported and handled?
Billing and payment terms: When is payment due? What forms accepted?
Notice requirements: 30 days from either party is standard
Having these elements in a clear working agreement prevents disputes and creates accountability—without requiring a multi-year commitment.
Real Des Moines Business Perspectives
While we can't share specific client names without permission, here are common themes we hear from Des Moines businesses that have switched to contract-free cleaning:
"We Should Have Made This Change Years Ago"
This is the most common sentiment from businesses that finally escape contract-based service. The freedom to leave if service quality drops completely changes the relationship dynamic. Cleaning companies that know you can fire them next month are dramatically more attentive than those who know you're locked in for another 8 months.
"The Pricing Wasn't Higher—And the Service Was Better"
Many businesses expect to pay premium pricing for contract-free flexibility. They're often surprised to find that month-to-month rates are competitive with or even lower than contracted rates—especially when accounting for hidden costs and fees in contract structures.
"We Actually Get Responses Now"
When cleaning companies know you can leave, they respond to problems immediately. The "we'll look into that" followed by weeks of silence disappears. Issues get addressed within hours or days, not weeks or months, because they know you're not trapped.
"It's One Less Thing We Have to Manage"
Ironically, contract-free service often requires less management than contracted service. When the cleaning company is earning your business every month, they proactively maintain quality instead of reactively responding to complaints. That reduces your oversight burden significantly.
The Rodan Cleaning Contract-Free Promise
At Rodan Cleaning, we've structured our entire business around a simple promise: deliver such consistently excellent service that you choose to stay month after month, year after year.
How We Earn Your Business Every Month
Audit-verified quality: Our internal auditor inspects every account monthly and documents performance scores (typically 95%+). You see exactly how we're doing before you even set foot in your building Monday morning.
Direct owner access: You have owner Zach Vander Ploeg's cell phone (515-276-1618) and email (info@rodancleaning.com). Issues get resolved immediately because you're talking directly to the decision-maker.
Experienced, stable crews: Our team members stay with us 2+ years on average (some haven't missed a day in over 2 years). You get consistent crews who know your building, not whoever happens to be available.
Cleaning University training: Every cleaner completes our comprehensive training program before cleaning their first building. They understand both the how and the why of quality commercial cleaning.
25+ years of Des Moines trust: Many clients have been with us 10, 15, even 20+ years—without ever signing a contract. That retention rate proves our service quality, not contract enforcement.
What You Get Without a Contract
When Des Moines businesses choose Rodan's contract-free service:
Clarity: Written service agreement documenting exactly what's included, what's excluded, and what standards we'll meet
Flexibility: Adjust service level, frequency, or scope as your business needs evolve—without contract amendments or penalties
Accountability: Monthly audit reports showing exactly how we performed and what we're improving
Accessibility: Direct communication with ownership, not layers of management
Fair pricing: Competitive rates that reflect quality service without surprise increases or hidden fees
Freedom: Mutual 30-day cancellation option means we earn your business every single month
Why We've Never Needed Contracts
Since Dan Vander Ploeg founded Rodan Cleaning in 1998, we've operated on one principle: do excellent work consistently, and customers will stay. If we can't do excellent work consistently, customers should leave.
That accountability has driven every decision we've made over 25+ years:
- Paying our people significantly above market rate to attract and retain the best
- Investing in training systems (Cleaning University) that ensure quality
- Implementing audit processes that catch problems before clients do
- Giving clients direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- Treating every account like we earn it fresh each month
The results speak for themselves. We have clients who've been with us for decades who've never signed a contract. They stay because we deliver, month after month, year after year.
That's the cleaning service relationship Des Moines businesses deserve.
Resources for Des Moines Business Owners
As you evaluate cleaning providers and consider contract-free options:
Financial Planning: If you're reviewing facility service contracts as part of broader operational budget planning, Performance Financial LLC works with many Des Moines businesses on expense optimization and vendor relationship strategy. They can help you evaluate total cost of ownership for facility services.
Legal Review: If you're currently in a cleaning contract and considering early termination, your business attorney can review the terms and help you understand your options and obligations.
Industry Standards: The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) provides guidance on commercial cleaning service agreements and industry best practices for both contracted and contract-free relationships.
Local Business Community: The Greater Des Moines Partnership connects businesses and can provide feedback on local commercial service provider reputations and experiences.
Make the Switch to Contract-Free Commercial Cleaning
If you're ready to stop being locked into cleaning contracts and start working with a partner who earns your business every single month:
Call Zach Vander Ploeg directly at 515-276-1618 to discuss your current situation and learn how Rodan's contract-free service works for your specific facility and needs.
Email info@rodancleaning.com with information about your building size, location, and current cleaning pain points. We'll follow up within one business day to schedule a consultation.
Schedule a free cleaning assessment where we walk your Des Moines, Urbandale, or Waukee facility, understand your requirements, and provide a detailed service proposal—with no contract required.
Why Choose Contract-Free Service with Rodan
Twenty-five years serving Des Moines businesses taught us that the best client relationships are built on mutual choice, not legal obligation. When you work with Rodan Cleaning:
- You're never locked in—you stay because we deliver excellent service, not because paperwork forces you to
- We maintain the same quality in month 12 as month 1 because we know you can leave if we don't
- You get monthly audit reports proving performance instead of contract terms promising performance
- You have direct access to ownership for immediate issue resolution
- You can adjust services as your business needs change without contract renegotiation
We're not the cheapest option in Des Moines. But we are the option that delivers consistent quality over time without requiring you to sign a long-term contract hoping we follow through.
If you're tired of being trapped with underperforming cleaning companies or want to avoid that trap with your next provider, Rodan's contract-free approach offers a better way.
For more information on commercial cleaning in Des Moines, explore our guides on Pricing and Costs, What's Included in Service, and Medical Facility Cleaning. Or visit our service pages for Office Cleaning, Construction Cleaning, Financial Institution Cleaning, and School Cleaning.













