Communal cleaning proposed specification survey

We recently surveyed customers who receive the communal cleaning service to ask them what they thought of the proposed future specification.

The survey was shared with 3,840 customers via email, and we received 616 responses. An additional 11 paper responses were received via Scheme Managers.

You can read the results of the survey and the proposed specification below.

We recently surveyed customers who receive the communal cleaning service to ask them what they thought of the proposed future specification.

The survey was shared with 3,840 customers via email, and we received 616 responses. An additional 11 paper responses were received via Scheme Managers.

You can read the results of the survey and the proposed specification below.

  • Survey results

    We asked customers:

    Is this proposed specification what you’d expect from a communal cleaning service? 


    A total of 554 (88%) customers responded to confirm this is what they expected to see in the proposed specification.

    Customers were then given the opportunity to tell us anything that they felt was missing from the proposed specification. The following are the changes made using the customer feedback:

    • Communal ovens are now included in the kitchen cleaning section of the specification.

    • External bins and bin stores are included within the specification.

    • External communal windows are included within the specification.

    • Frequencies have been reviewed and will be included in the technical specification as part of the tender.

    Numerous customers advised that guest rooms weren’t included. For guest rooms weve asked for a specific schedule of rates within the tender but this will be dealt with separately as part of a larger review.

    You can read the proposed specification below.

  • Proposed cleaning specification


    Independent Living schemes and Extra Care schemes
    Corridors and stairs
    Clean any internal glazing frames monthly. Spot check every visit
    Windows in main entrance doors should be cleaned internally and externally including the surrounding frame and architrave 
    Doors, handles, intercom system and all touchpoints to be wiped down and sanitised 
    Mailboxes should be wiped down and sanitised 
    Dust/clean and sanitise ledges, surfaces, radiators, and skirting 
    Wipe clean switches, sockets, and noticeboards 
    Wipe clean banisters and rails and sanitise 
    Clean and remove any marks on walls  
    All light fittings to be dusted  
    All cobwebs to be removed 
    Sweep, mop, hoover and polish all floor coverings  
    Use a wet mop followed by dry mop system all year 
    Wipe clean perimeter of floor and stair treads to remove dirty marks left by mops 
    Small stains on carpets must be removed immediately and reported if they can’t be cleaned
    Remove all junk/non-personal/non-addressed mail 
    External porches are subject to the same specification as above 
    Wet floor signs must be displayed while cleaning is taking place 
    Floors must be left dry and nonslip after each visit 
    Lifts
    All exterior surfaces must be cleaned and polished on every floor level 
    All call points must be sanitised inside and out 
    Internally, the floor surface must be swept, vacuumed, mopped or all three 
    Wipe over wall surfaces and skirtings 
    Clean and polish any mirrored or glass surfaces monthly. Spot check every visit
    Door runners are to be cleaned and kept free of debris and dirt 
    Wet floor signs must be displayed while cleaning is taking place 
    Floors must be left dry and nonslip after each visit 
    Bin stores - internal and external
    Floors should be swept clean and sanitised 
    Clean any internal windows or glass surfaces including frames monthly. Spot check every visit
    Dust/ clean and sanitise ledges, surfaces, radiators, and skirting 
    Wipe clean switches, sockets, and noticeboards 
    Clean and remove any marks on walls 
    All light fittings to be dusted 
    All cobwebs to be removed 
    Office areas
    Clean any internal windows or glass surfaces including frames monthly. Spot check every visit 
    Wipe clean any glass panels and light switches 
    Wastepaper bins shall be emptied and cleaned  
    Doors and handles to be wiped down and sanitised 
    Dust ledges, surfaces, radiators, and skirting 
    Wipe clean all desks, furniture, or wall decoration 
    Wipe clean and sanitise all IT equipment and telephones 
    Clean and remove any marks on walls  
    Sweep, mop, hoover and polish all floor coverings  
    Laundries
    Clean any internal windows or glass surfaces including frames monthly. Spot check every visit
    Empty bins and clean if necessary  
    Clean and sanitise sink area including taps wiped and polished 
    Damp wipe tops, fronts and inside rim of machines 
    Remove and clean filters 
    Condensing water in tumble driers to be emptied 
    Spot clean tiles and wall surfaces  
    All light fittings to be dusted and cobwebs to be removed from ceilings 
    Doors and handles to be wiped down 
    Dust ledges, surfaces, radiators, and skirting 
    Wipe clean worktops, splashbacks, and cupboard fronts 
    Sweep and mop floor 
    Ensure wet floor signs are displayed whilst cleaning is taking place 
    Bike and scooter shelters 
    Doors and handles to be wiped down and sanitised 
    Floors should be swept clean and sanitised 
    Clean any internal windows or glass surfaces including frames monthly. Spot check every visit
    Dust/ clean and sanitise ledges, surfaces, radiators, and skirting 
    Wipe clean switches, sockets, and noticeboards 
    Clean and remove any marks on walls  
    All light fittings to be dusted 
    All cobwebs to be removed 
    Communal lounge areas
    Wastepaper bins shall be emptied and cleaned  
    Clean any internal windows or glass surfaces including frames monthly.  Spot check every visit
    Doors, handles, intercom system and all touchpoints to be wiped down and sanitised 
    Dust/ clean and sanitise ledges, surfaces, radiators, and skirting 
    Wipe clean switches, sockets, and noticeboards 
    Wipe/ clean banisters and rails and sanitise 
    Clean and remove any marks on walls  
    All light fittings to be dusted 
    All cobwebs to be removed 
    Sweep, mop, hoover and polish all floor coverings  
    Use a wet mop followed by dry mop system all year 
    Small stains on carpets must be removed immediately and reported if they can’t be cleaned.
    Wet floor signs must be displayed while cleaning is taking place 
    Floors must be left dry and nonslip after each visit 
    Kitchens
    Empty bins and clean 
    Clean and sanitise sink area including taps wiped and polished 
    Damp wipe inside and front of microwave 
    Fridge to be cleaned inside and front weekly 
    Sanitise exterior of all white goods, appliances, cupboard fronts, splashbacks and surfaces 
    Dishwasher to be loaded and switched on daily.  Deep clean with dishwasher cleaning tablet once a month 
    Spot clean and sanitise tiles and wall surfaces  
    Clean any internal windows or glass surfaces including frames 
    Doors and handles to be wiped down and sanitised 
    Replenish stocks of soap/hand towels 
    Dust/clean and sanitise ledges, surfaces, radiators and skirting 
    Wipe clean worktops, splashbacks and cupboard fronts 
    Sweep and mop floor 
    Wet floor signs must be displayed while cleaning is taking place 
    Floors must be left dry and nonslip after each visit 
    Toilets and bathrooms
    Toilets and urinals cleaned and sanitised  
    Sinks cleaned and sanitised 
    Taps wiped and polished 
    Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces 
    Clean any shower cubicles or shower equipment including drain. Run showers for three minutes once per week (this isn’t legionnaires testing) 
    Spot clean tile, partitions and wall surfaces  
    Empty bins and clean (excluding sanitary bins) 
    Doors and handles to be wiped down 
    Replenish stocks of soap/toilet tissue/air freshener/hand towels etc.
    Dust ledges, surfaces, radiators and skirting 
    Wipe/polish equipment such as hand dryer, soap dispenser, vending machines etc.
    Sweep and mop floors 
    Wet floor signs must be displayed while cleaning is taking place 
    Floors must be left dry and nonslip after each visit 
    Deep Clean (SOR)

    The Contractor(s) should submit a price to undertake the following additional tasks: 

    • Deep clean of all floor coverings in communal areas  

    • High-power jet washing of all bin stores (internal and external)

    • Paladin bin / wheelie bin cleaning (twice a year)

    • Deep cleaning of all white goods in communal kitchens  

    • Environmental clean 24/7 service (hazardous waste) 

    • Needle sweep


    Window cleaning specification

    A detailed list of properties - including addresses and specific requirements for each location - will be provided. The Contractor(s) is expected to visit each site as specified in the schedule provided.

    • Windows are to be cleaned externally to all areas as set out in the window cleaning frequency schedule. Associated frames, heads, sills, trickle vents and panels, soffits, and facias will also be cleaned.  

    • Cleaning will be done using clean, ionised water so that all windows, frames, heads, sills, and panels will be clean, clear, free of loose dust, soilage, stains, cobwebs and are smear free. 

    • The use of water-fed pole systems - reach and wash - is the recognised method of window cleaning for these sites. 

    • At some sites, it won’t be possible to operate a reach and wash system, therefore the Contractor(s) will require specialist access equipment and operatives who are trained to operate such equipment. Allowances will be made in the Contractor's costs for this. 

    • Windows in main entrance doors should be cleaned internally including the surrounds, frame, and architrave. 

    • Any damage or defects noticed during cleaning should be reported to Longhurst Groups Service Contracts Officer.  

    The contractor must adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations, including:

    • Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff.

    • Using ladders, scaffolding, or other equipment safely and appropriately.

    • Ensuring all work is carried out in a manner that ensures the safety of the contractor's staff, Longhurst Group's colleagues, customers, and the public.

    The contractor must hold valid public liability insurance and provide proof of this insurance with the tender submission. The contractor is liable for any damage caused to the property during the course of the work.


    Gutter cleaning specification

    A detailed list of properties, including addresses and specific requirements for each location, will be provided. The contractor(s) is expected to visit each site as specified in the schedule provided by Longhurst Group.

    Gutter cleaning services are to be conducted bi-annually, with specific visits scheduled for the spring and autumn seasons. Additional visits may be requested as needed.

    • Provide comprehensive gutter cleaning services for all specified properties.

    • Remove all debris, including leaves, twigs, and any other obstructions from the gutters and downspouts.

    • Inspect gutters and downspouts for any damage or blockages and report these to Longhurst Group’s Service Contracts Officer.

    • Ensure that all gutters and downspouts are functioning properly after cleaning.

    • Dispose of all debris removed from the gutters in an environmentally-friendly manner.

    The contractor must adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations, including:

    • Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff

    • Using ladders, scaffolding, or other equipment safely and appropriately

    • Ensuring all work is carried out in a manner that ensures the safety of the contractor's staff, Longhurst Group's colleagues, customers, and the public.

    The contractor must hold valid public liability insurance and provide proof of this insurance with the tender submission. The contractor is liable for any damage caused to the property during the course of the work.

Page last updated: 24 Sep 2024, 02:27 PM