A practical guide to cleaning services in Canary Wharf

Provide the development name, tower or entrance, floor, concierge procedure and the permitted lift route. Include contractor registration deadlines, working-hour limits and loading arrangements. Then describe the apartment itself. This information lets the company decide whether its team and equipment can enter compliantly and whether access time must be reflected in the booking.

That depends on the development, so ask reception or the managing agent before confirming the appointment. They may request names, arrival time, identification or insurance evidence. Complete any registration yourself and tell the provider which entrance to use. Concierge staff are not obliged to admit an unexpected contractor even when a resident has paid for a service.

Building policy may require it whenever a contractor brings equipment, especially carpet machines or multiple cases of supplies. Reserve the correct time and check vehicle limits, lift dimensions and protective-cover rules. A domestic team travelling lightly may have different access, but only management can confirm that. Include booking delays or fees when comparing quotations.

Yes, when both the provider and development accept the access method. Agree whether a resident key, managed key release or one-time entry authorisation will be used, and how the home is locked afterwards. Store valuables and sensitive paperwork. Ensure someone can respond if reception refuses entry, an alarm activates or the team encounters an unexpected issue.

Coordinate removers, lift bookings, cleaners and key handover as separate stages. Cleaning works best after belongings and packing waste leave, with water and power still available. Avoid placing the team in the apartment while movers repeatedly cross wet floors. Allow time to inspect the written scope and address a specific omission before access to the building ends.

Accessible internal glass may be available if expressly listed, but balcony-facing and exterior panes are separate questions. Wind, parapets, fixed panels and building rules can restrict safe access even from the balcony. Describe each surface and ask what method is offered. Façade glazing commonly remains the building manager’s responsibility or needs a specialist contractor.

A careful provider can maintain known finishes using a suitable method, but you should identify the material and share manufacturer guidance where available. Excess moisture, abrasives and acidic products can cause damage. Mention prior coatings, stains or failed seals and consider a small test. Restoration, polishing and resealing are distinct services, not guaranteed cleaning outcomes.

It can be, provided the machine fits the approved route and the building permits unloading and lift use. Give carpet fibre information, room dimensions, stains and floor level, then ask about drying and ventilation. Reserve access for equipment and keep people off treated areas as advised. Portable spot treatment is not equivalent to full extraction.

Use the inventory to identify accessible surfaces, sanitary areas, kitchen fittings, floors and any appliance interiors specifically required. Record existing damage and distinguish maintenance from cleaning. Personal possessions or owner supplies should be stored or clearly excluded. For recurring visits, agree who reports shortages or defects without making the cleaner responsible for managing the tenancy.

Light dust entering through normal use may fit a domestic visit, while residue from renovation inside the flat can require after-builders methods and repeated filtration. Explain where the dust originated and whether works are complete. Active dust ingress, unsafe particles or unsealed construction areas should be resolved at source before expecting cleaning to provide a lasting result.

Ask before booking. An hourly appointment may run from the scheduled arrival even if registration is incomplete, while a fixed quote may assume prompt access and charge for waiting. Get the policy in writing and complete building permissions early. If concierge creates an unexpected delay, keep the provider informed rather than assuming the original finishing time can move.

Compare the apartment with the agreed checklist soon after completion. Note the exact room, item and expected task, then take clear photographs and report them within the company’s stated period. Preserve messages about any time or access restriction. Avoid altering the surface before review. Specific evidence helps distinguish an omission from damage, wear or an excluded service.