Start with the right cleaning brief in Chelsea

Follow the building’s notice period and provide the cleaner’s name, company and expected time where requested. Ask which entrance, lift and protective measures apply. The resident should secure authorisation in advance; a provider cannot assume that reception will admit an unregistered contractor or overlook restricted hours.

Many companies offer unattended visits under formal key and alarm procedures. Agree collection, storage, authorised users and return, plus a contact for access failures. Secure private documents and valuables. A completion note may be helpful, although photographs of personal rooms should be requested only where genuinely necessary.

Name the material and provide installer guidance if available. Acidic descalers and abrasive pads can etch some stone, so neutral products and a discreet test may be appropriate. Record existing staining, chips and dull patches beforehand. Routine cleaning cannot repolish worn areas or replace failed sealant.

Not by default. General dusting near valuable objects differs from conservation treatment or metal polishing. Identify protected zones and agree any handling explicitly. It may be safer to exclude fragile pieces and commission a relevant specialist. Cleaners should never apply an unknown product merely to satisfy a broad request.

Yes, when each duty is listed and sufficient time is reserved. Leave complete linen sets clearly labelled and explain where used items go. Washing, drying and ironing may outlast the appointment or depend on shared facilities. Prioritise these duties separately from bathrooms, kitchens and flooring.

Choose one person to provide access, set the task order and approve changes. Share a concise schedule showing occupied rooms and duties handled by others. Conflicting instructions waste time and risk incompatible products being used. The nominated contact also needs authority to accept or decline additional work.

Usually not. The brief may include safely accessible glass inside; outer panes can require specialist equipment and permission from the freeholder or manager. Describe shutters, secondary glazing and window condition. Nobody should lean from an opening or climb on furniture to reach an unsafe area.

Vacuuming upholstery may fit an agreed checklist, but stain treatment requires the fabric identity, care label and mark history. Some dyes, trims or fillings cannot tolerate moisture. Request a specialist assessment, disclose products already tried and allow for drying. Complete removal or colour stability cannot be promised.

Fine plaster, sanding dust, paint specks and adhesive residue result from trades rather than occupation. Describe the project and all new surfaces. Contractors must finish snagging and remove tools, protection and rubble first. Certain marks, unsafe heights or damaged finishes may remain the builder’s responsibility.

Use the inventory or solicitor’s agreed requirements to list rooms, cupboards, appliance interiors and reachable glazing. Remove possessions and waste, but keep utilities working. Cleaning cannot remedy damage or guarantee another party’s inspection decision. Leave time to review the result before surrendering access.

Limited loading can increase carrying distance or make a large extraction machine unsuitable. Explain legal stopping options, doorway widths, stairs and lift measurements. The provider can select portable equipment and state parking costs. Do not rely on a driver waiting in contravention of restrictions during the appointment.

Inspect promptly against the confirmed checklist and exclusions. Photograph the exact area in good light and contact the company within its reporting period. State what was requested, what you observed and the remedy sought. Distinguish removable soil from prior wear, etching or breakage when presenting evidence.