I am often asked what constitutes a professional clean? Does it just mean that you paid for it to be done? Or can a tenant or landlord achieve a professional clean on their own?
It’s a good question - the answer is that when letting agents and inventory clerks use the term “professionally clean” they are referring to a standard of cleaning not who has physically carried the cleaning out. So, in theory, anybody can carry out the clean.
However, it is almost impossible to hit the standards expected if you are using consumer cleaning products and equipment.
We at Agents Army use commercial cleaning equipment and chemicals that are sourced from wholesalers. These are typically stronger and more effective than your average Mr Muscle type sprays but they require training in how to use them safely and without risk of damaging the item being cleaned.
I thought it would be useful to show you our standard cleaning specification.
All of our start/end of tenancy cleans are done to this standard.
Our Head of Cleaning uses this specification when he does his quality control inspections and spot checks. If a team has not hit this spec, we will ask them to come back and do it again and ensure that we train them team to ensure that they know how to hit the correct standard in future.
So here is the specification. Feel free to download this, put it on your branded letterhead and hold your cleaners to the same specification.
FREE DOWNLOAD
End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
A Printable Cleaning Checklist, Exclusive for London’s Letting Agencies. Install clear standards, increase the quality of tenancy cleans & much more
START/END OF TENANCY CLEANING SPECIFICATION
The table below is our specification which sets out the standards and scope expected for all start and end of tenancy professional cleans.
This must be completed on all properties where a start/end of tenancy clean has been booked.
Please ensure that your on-site supervisor checks off this specification at the end of every clean to ensure it has been completed according to this specification.
THROUGHOUT PROPERTY
What to clean | Action to take |
|---|---|
All areas of property including ceilings, light fittings and shades, dado rails, skirting, banisters, curtain rails, picture frames, door frames and radiators | Dust throughout and dry wipe down / dust where necessary |
All glass (furniture tops, mirrors, picture frames etc.) | Clean with appropriate cleaner and polish |
Windows | Clean on inside and outside where possible |
Drawers and shelves | Clear out any rubbish and then clean with appropriate cleaner. |
Upholstery | Vacuum throughout, including below sofa covers. |
Wooden furniture | Wipe clean of dust |
Rubbish | Bag up and remove from property. Leave for council bin men or in bin store area where appropriate. |
FLOORING
What to clean | Action to take |
|---|---|
Carpets | Vacuum to edges, moving furniture when required. Steam cleaning may be required. If so it is to be carried out at an additional cost agreed in advance. Some carpets can not be steam cleaned without the risk of damage, it is your responsibility to be aware of this and ensure damage does not happen. |
Hard floors | Sweep and mop |
KITCHEN
What to clean | Action to take |
|---|---|
Work surfaces | Wipe down Cupboards and drawers Clean inside and out, dispose of all food items |
Dirty cutlery/crockery/glassware | Wash up and put away neatly in cupboard |
Sink and taps | Wipe down, remove any limescale and polish |
Oven | Clean to interior and exterior with appropriate product to remove all grease. |
Upholstery | Vacuum throughout, including below sofa covers. |
Extractor | Remove built up grease |
Fridge/freezer | Wipe down exterior, de-frost, clean inside with appropriate product to remove all grime and left over food |
Washing machine | Wipe down exterior, clean soap tray and seal |
Dishwasher | Wipe down exterior, clean inside of limescale and food deposits, remove any cutlery/crockery etc. from interior and put away clean in cupboards |
Small appliances (kettle, toaster etc.) | Wipe down, clean of crumbs, clean inside of microwave |
Bins | Empty, wipe down outside and replace bag |
BATHROOM
What to clean | Action to take |
|---|---|
Shower screen | De-scale, wash and polish |
Wall tiles | De-scale, wash and polish. |
Bath, basin, taps and shower (including al fittings) | De-scale, wash and polish |
Toilet | De-scale, wash and polish |
Leftover toiletries/soaps etc | Remove and clean any leftover residue |
Mirrors | Clean and polish |
Towels | Fold neatly |
BEDROOM
What to clean | Action to take |
|---|---|
Linen (inc. mattress protectors) | Fold neatly. |
Bedroom furniture/storage | Clean inside and out, polish |
Mattresses | Vacuum, lift and vacuum underside. |
Beds | Cleaned and dusted |
OUTSIDE AREAS (ADDITIONAL COST)
What to clean | Action to take |
|---|---|
Hard areas (patios/decking etc.) | Clear leaf litter, brush clean and tidy |
Rubbish and plant waste | Remove |
Window boxes/tubs/pot plants | Weed and water |
LIGHT CLEAN
On occasion you may be asked to undertake a light clean.
This is for properties that have had an end of tenancy clean but have been empty for a period of time.
What to clean | Action to take |
|---|---|
Carpets | Vacuum to edges, moving furniture when required. |
Hard floors | Sweep and mop. |
Windows | Clean on inside and outside where possible. |
All areas of property including ceilings, light fittings and shades, dado rails, skirting, banisters, curtain rails, picture frames, door frames and radiators | Dust throughout and dry wipe down / dust where necessary. |
Work surfaces | Wipe down. |
FREE DOWNLOAD
End of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist
A Printable Cleaning Checklist, Exclusive for London’s Letting Agencies. Install clear standards, increase the quality of tenancy cleans & much more
I am on a mission to help London’s Letting Agents increase their re-lets, management retention and profits by improving the service their contractors provide to their landlords.
