How often should communal areas be cleaned in London?

High-traffic residential blocks typically require daily or three-times-weekly cleaning. Smaller buildings may opt for weekly cleaning plus quarterly deep cleans.

What areas are included in communal block cleaning?

Entrances, lobbies, stairwells, corridors, lifts, bin stores and external approaches, plus scheduled deep cleaning such as carpet extraction and jet-washing.

Do you offer one-off deep cleans and regular contracts?

Yes. Silkway Cleaning provides one-off recoveries and rolling contracts with fixed frequencies tailored to footfall and floor types.

Are eco-friendly products effective for communal cleaning?

Yes. With correct dosing and dwell time, eco formulations perform strongly. Combined with microfibre systems they rival traditional chemicals while improving indoor air quality.

Can you provide proof of attendance and reporting?

Yes. We provide time-stamped check-ins, photo notes and exception reports after each visit or as agreed.

The Ultimate Guide to Communal Block Cleaning in London (2025 Edition)

Q: Which areas of London do you cover?

All London boroughs including Camden, Islington, Hackney, Westminster, Barnet, Southwark, Haringey and Tower Hamlets.

Silkway Cleaning
11 hours ago
4 min read

Communal block cleaning isn’t just about keeping stairwells tidy. It’s about creating a clean, safe and welcoming environment that reflects well on the entire building.

In London, where thousands of residential and commercial blocks rely on shared spaces every day, professional communal cleaning is essential. It protects property value, ensures safety, and helps estate managers and landlords maintain a high standard for residents and visitors.

This guide explains what’s included in communal block cleaning, why it matters, and how to choose a contractor that delivers consistently.

View our Communal Cleaning Services in London

What Is Communal Block Cleaning?
Why It Matters for London Block Managers
What’s Included in a Typical Communal Cleaning Contract
Eco-Friendly Communal Cleaning
Compliance and Safety Requirements
Communal Cleaning Checklist
How to Choose the Right Contractor
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps

1. What Is Communal Block Cleaning in London?

Communal block cleaning covers the regular cleaning and maintenance of shared areas within residential and commercial buildings. These areas typically include:

Cleaning residental communal lift London

Entrance halls and lobbies.
Stairwells and corridors
Lifts and lift landings
Post rooms and mail areas
Refuse and bin storage areas

Internal windows
Skirting boards and door handles

External pathways and approach areas
Hovering and mopping
Regular deep cleaning

Without proper cleaning, these spaces can quickly become unhygienic, unsafe, and unappealing. A neglected lobby or stairwell can lower property value, lead to complaints, and increase health and safety risks.

A professional cleaning contractor ensures these shared areas are maintained to a consistent, high standard - reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Contact Local Communal Block Cleaner Today

Why It Matters for London Block Managers

Protects property value: Clean and well-maintained spaces enhance the overall appeal of a building.
Improves safety: Prevents slip hazards, pest issues and hygiene concerns.
Reduces complaints: Satisfied residents mean fewer issues for block managers and landlords.
Supports ESG and compliance: Proper cleaning supports governance standards and health & safety requirements.

Communal cleaning is an investment that pays off through increased tenant satisfaction, reduced maintenance costs, and improved asset value.

3. What’s Included in a Typical Communal Cleaning Contract

A professional communal cleaning contract with Silkway Cleaning typically covers:

Regular scheduled cleaning (daily, weekly or tailored frequency)
Vacuuming, mopping and dusting of stairwells and corridors
Cleaning and sanitising of lift buttons, mirrors and doors
Glass and window touch-ups
Rubbish removal and bin store disinfection
Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch areas such as handles and switches
Deep cleaning of floors and walls on a scheduled basis
Optional extras like carpet, upholstery and window cleaning

Contracts are flexible and tailored to each building’s size, traffic level and specific needs.

4. Eco-Friendly Communal Cleaning

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in London property management. Eco-friendly communal cleaning helps protect residents’ health and the environment by using:

Non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products
Microfibre systems to reduce chemical use
Safe, low-impact cleaning techniques
Responsible waste handling and recycling practices

These methods deliver the same high standard of hygiene while supporting environmental goals and compliance with building sustainability standards.

5. Compliance and Safety Requirements

A trusted cleaning contractor should meet key compliance standards:

DBS-checked operatives for security and trust
Comprehensive insurance cover (public and employer’s liability)
COSHH documentation for all chemicals used
Site-specific RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statements)
Regular training and supervision of cleaning staff
Clear communication and reporting channels

This ensures not only a clean building but also a safe and fully compliant cleaning process.

6. Communal Cleaning Checklist

A clear schedule helps maintain standards and accountability. Here’s an example of a structured cleaning routine for communal areas:

Area	Daily	Weekly	Monthly	Quarterly
Entrance lobby	Sweep, mop, glass	Deep glass clean	Floor detail	Full deep clean
Stairwells	Mop, dust rails	Skirtings	Wall washing	High dusting
Lifts	Buttons, mirrors	Doors & tracks	Deep cabin clean	Detailing
Corridors	Vacuum, wipe	Vents, switches	Carpet refresh	Carpet extraction
Bin stores	Rubbish removal	Washdown	Odour control	Jet wash
Exterior	Litter pick	Spot clean	Pressure wash	Full exterior refresh

A structured cleaning plan like this ensures consistency and helps block managers monitor performance over time.

Contact Silkway Cleaning

7. How to Choose the Right Contractor

Selecting the right communal cleaning contractor in London is crucial for consistent quality.

What to look for:

Proven experience with residential blocks and estates
Tailored cleaning schedules
Fully insured and DBS-checked cleaners
Transparent pricing and reporting
Strong references and reviews

Red flags:

Vague or one-line quotes
No risk assessments or compliance documentation
Missed visits without accountability
Hidden charges or upselling after signing

Working with a professional contractor like Silkway Cleaning ensures transparency, quality and peace of mind.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

How often should communal areas be cleaned?

For high-traffic residential blocks, daily or three-times-weekly cleaning is common. Smaller buildings may only need weekly cleaning plus quarterly deep cleans.

What areas are typically included in communal cleaning?

Entrances, lobbies, stairwells, corridors, lifts, bin stores and external pathways are typically covered. Additional services like carpet and window cleaning can be added as needed.

Do you offer one-off or contract cleaning?

Yes, Silkway Cleaning offers both one-off deep cleans and regular scheduled contracts, depending on your building’s requirements.

Are eco-friendly cleaning products as effective?

Yes. Eco-friendly cleaning solutions deliver the same results while protecting residents’ health and the environment.

Which areas of London do you cover?

We cover all London boroughs including Camden, Kensington, Chelsea, Islington, Hackney, Westminster, Barnet, and beyond

9. Next Steps

A clean communal area sets the standard for the entire building. It improves the living experience, protects property value and reduces maintenance issues.

If you’re managing a residential or commercial block and need a trusted, reliable communal cleaning partner, Silkway Cleaning can help.

Call Us Today For A Free Communal Block Cleaning Quote