Owning an apartment block or a block of flats comes with the responsibility of ensuring that the building is clean and well-maintained for the comfort and satisfaction of residents. A comprehensive cleaning checklist is essential to streamline your efforts and ensure that every corner of your property receives the attention it deserves.
Did you know that the average person has to clean double the time to achieve the results made by a professional cleaner? Maybe it’s time to think about professional residential block cleaning services who can get your cleaning tasks done in a jiffy!
In this guide, we’ll provide you with a detailed residential building cleaning checklist tailored to the unique needs of 2024. From common areas to individual units, we’ve got you covered.
The Importance of a Clean Residential Block
Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in your residential block is crucial not only for the well-being of your tenants but also for the overall appeal and value of your property. A clean building fosters a sense of pride among residents and contributes to a positive living experience.
With the right cleaning checklist in place, you can ensure that your property remains a desirable place to live for years to come.
Similar to commercial cleaning, a residential block cleaning service promotes the health and safety of its occupants. Regular cleaning and disinfection of common areas help prevent the spread of germs, viruses, and other harmful pathogens.
This is particularly crucial in shared spaces where residents come into frequent contact with surfaces, such as elevator buttons, handrails, and door handles.
Furthermore, thorough cleaning can help mitigate indoor air pollution by removing dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the environment. This is especially beneficial for residents with respiratory conditions, allergies, or sensitivities, as it helps create a healthier living environment for all.
Residential Building Cleaning Checklist
Below we have put together an expert residential block cleaning checklist for 2024 to keep your residential block in tip top condition! This is no ordinary house cleaning checklist, residential blocks require a meticulous cleaning schedule:
Common Areas Cleaning Tasks
The common areas of your residential block are the first impression visitors and tenants get of your property. Keeping these spaces clean and inviting is key to creating a positive atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of cleaning tasks for common areas:
Daily Cleaning: Sweep and mop floors, vacuum carpets paying particular attention to high-traffic areas. Wipe down surfaces such as handrails, door knobs, and light switches with disinfectant wipes. Empty bins and replace trash bags as needed.
Weekly Cleaning: Dust light fixtures, including ceiling fans and chandeliers. Clean windows and window sills, and dust blinds. Wipe down glass doors and mirrors to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Monthly Cleaning: Conduct a thorough cleaning of all common areas, including hard-to-reach areas such as corners and behind furniture. Clean walls and baseboards to remove scuff marks and dirt buildup. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for deep cleaning tasks, such as carpet cleaning and floor waxing.
External and Internal Window Cleaning
Windows are a prominent feature of any residential block, offering views of the surrounding area and allowing natural light to illuminate the interior spaces.Window cleaning, both externally and internally, is essential for maintaining the overall appearance and functionality of your property.
According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, 90% of people consider clean and aesthetically pleasing windows a desirable feature in a home.
External Window Cleaning:
External windows are exposed to the elements and can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time. Regular cleaning of external windows not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your building but also ensures unobstructed views and maximises natural light intake. Here’s how to effectively clean external windows:
Schedule Regular Cleanings: Depending on the location and exposure of your building, external windows may require cleaning every few months to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. Consider hiring professional window cleaners equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to safely access high-rise windows.
Use the Right Cleaning Products: Choose a mild detergent or window cleaning solution specifically formulated for outdoor use. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that may damage window surfaces or surrounding landscaping.
Invest in Proper Equipment: Invest in high-quality squeegees, microfiber cloths, and extension poles to facilitate thorough window cleaning. Ensure that your cleaning team has access to safety harnesses and other protective gear when working at heights.
Internal Window Cleaning:
Internal windows play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and bright living environment for residents. Regular cleaning of internal windows removes fingerprints, smudges, and dust, enhancing the overall cleanliness and appearance of your property. Follow these steps for effective internal window cleaning:
Establish a Cleaning Schedule: Incorporate internal window cleaning into your regular cleaning routine, aiming to clean windows at least once a month or as needed. Focus on high-traffic areas such as common rooms, lobbies, and stairwells.
Use a Gentle Cleaning Solution: Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap or a designated window cleaner. Avoid using abrasive materials or ammonia-based cleaners, as these can damage window surfaces or leave streaks behind.
Wipe and Dry Thoroughly: Use a soft microfiber cloth or squeegee to gently wipe down window surfaces, starting from the top and working your way down. Pay attention to window sills, frames, and tracks, removing any accumulated dirt or debris. Finish by drying the windows with a clean, dry cloth to prevent streaking.
Waste Removal and Bin Cleaning
Effective waste removal and proper bin cleaning are essential components of maintaining a clean and hygienic residential block. Managing waste responsibly not only promotes a healthy living environment but also contributes to the overall cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of your property.
Commercial bins that are not regularly cleaned can harbour harmful bacteria such as E-coli and Salmonella, which can be hazardous to public health.
Waste Removal:
Proper waste removal involves the timely collection and disposal of rubbish generated by residents and common areas. Establishing a systematic waste management plan ensures that waste is efficiently removed and disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Here’s how to effectively manage waste removal:
Provide Adequate Bin Facilities: Ensure that your residential block has sufficient bin facilities strategically located throughout the property. Separate bins for general waste, recycling, and organic waste help encourage proper waste segregation and recycling practices.
Schedule Regular Collections: Coordinate with waste management services to schedule regular collections based on the volume of waste generated by your property. Consider increasing the frequency of collections for high-traffic areas or during peak occupancy periods.
Educate Residents: Educate residents about proper waste disposal practices and encourage them to recycle and compost whenever possible. Distribute informational materials and guidelines outlining what can and cannot be disposed of in each type of bin to minimise contamination and promote recycling efforts.
Bin Cleaning:
Regular cleaning of bins is essential for preventing odours, deterring pests, and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment within your residential block. Incorporate bin cleaning into your cleaning checklist to ensure that bins remain sanitary and free from contamination. Here’s how to effectively clean bins:
Schedule Routine Cleanings: Allocate time in your cleaning schedule to regularly clean and disinfect bins, ideally on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Consider coordinating bin cleanings with waste collection days to streamline the process.
Consider hiring a professional team: Residential cleaning services will most likely include bin cleaning in their schedule. A professional company will have all the right cleaning supplies and expertise to keep the waste bins spic and span and under control.
Lift Cleaning
Elevators are a vital part of any residential block, providing residents with convenient access to different floors. However, they are also high-touch areas that require regular cleaning to maintain hygiene and safety standards. Here’s how to effectively clean elevators as part of your residential building cleaning checklist:
Daily Wipe-downs: Assign a member of your cleaning team to wipe down elevator buttons, handrails, and interior surfaces with a disinfectant solution at least once a day. Focus on high-touch areas to reduce the risk of germ transmission.
Spot Cleaning: Promptly clean up spills, stains, or debris inside the elevator to prevent odours and maintain cleanliness. Keep a supply of cleaning wipes or cloths readily available for quick spot cleaning as needed.
Floor Maintenance: Sweep and mop elevator floors regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt may accumulate. Consider using a disinfectant cleaner for thorough floor sanitisation.
Air Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in elevators by regularly cleaning and maintaining air vents and filters. This helps improve air quality and circulation inside the elevator cabin.
Maintaining Car Parks
Car parks are integral components of residential blocks, providing residents with convenient parking spaces for their vehicles. Proper maintenance of car parks not only enhances the overall appearance of the property but also contributes to safety and functionality. Here’s how to effectively maintain car parks as part of your residential building cleaning checklist:
Regular Sweeping: Schedule regular sweeping of car park surfaces to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. Pay close attention to corners, entrances, and parking spaces to ensure thorough cleaning.
Snow and Ice Removal: During winter months, implement snow removal and de-icing measures to maintain safe driving and walking conditions in the car park area. Use appropriate snow removal equipment and de-icing agents to prevent accidents and injuries.
Pest Control: Implement pest control measures to prevent infestations of rodents, insects, and other pests in the car park area. Regularly inspect for signs of pest activity and take proactive steps to address any issues promptly.
Looking for Professional Residential Block Cleaning in London?
The importance of a clean residential block cannot be overstated. From fostering resident satisfaction and promoting health and safety to enhancing property value and compliance with regulations, cleanliness plays a critical role in property management.
By prioritising cleanliness and implementing a robust cleaning regimen, you can create a welcoming and desirable living environment that residents are proud to call home.
Armour Property Services are a full-service cleaning and facilities management company, providing a range of commercial cleaning services for over 15 years. Covering London and the South East, our clients rely on our efficient and effective regular residential block cleaning for a variety of residential buildings.
For block cleaning services that deliver, get in touch today.
Residential Building Cleaning Checklist FAQs
How often should I clean the common areas of my residential building?
The frequency of cleaning common areas depends on factors such as the size of the building, the number of residents, and the level of foot traffic. Generally, common areas should be cleaned daily to remove dirt and debris, with deeper cleaning tasks performed on a weekly or monthly basis.
Should I hire a professional cleaning service for my residential building?
While many cleaning tasks can be managed by building staff or residents, hiring a professional cleaning service can ensure thorough and consistent cleaning, particularly for deep cleaning tasks or specialised cleaning needs. Professional cleaners have the expertise, equipment, and resources to tackle even the toughest cleaning challenges effectively.
How can I ensure that waste removal and bin cleaning are handled efficiently?
Implementing a waste management plan that includes regular waste removal schedules, proper bin maintenance, and recycling initiatives can help ensure that waste removal and bin cleaning are handled efficiently. Consider working with a reputable waste management company to manage waste collection and disposal responsibly.
