DRAFT, for review. Not published.
Any cleaning company can make promises in a proposal. The evidence is what you can check: what gets cleaned, when it gets done, how quality is measured and what happens when something falls short.
If you’re comparing contract cleaners in the UK, ask to see how the service is managed after the sales meeting. Clear specifications, inspection records, reliable staffing and prompt issue resolution make commercial cleaning standards measurable rather than subjective.
Start with evidence you can verify
A polished presentation or a list of accreditations can be useful, but neither shows whether your washrooms were restocked last night. Ask contractors to explain how they record the work and share examples of the information you’ll receive.
1. Do inspection reports show the detail behind the score?
Ask for a sample cleaning inspection report. It should make clear:
- When and where the inspection took place.
- Which areas and tasks were checked.
- The score and any failed checks.
- What corrective action was agreed, who owns it and when it was completed.
A single overall score can hide a recurring problem in one important area. Ask how failed checks are recorded and whether repeated issues trigger escalation. A useful audit trail lets you see whether the same problem is recurring, not just whether last month’s average looked acceptable.
CQD publishes an operational scoring approach with targets and audit frequencies that vary by premises risk band. You can view the CQD supervisor audit sign-off sheet as an example of a practical inspection record.
2. Is the cleaning specification specific to your building?
A clear specification sets out the rooms, surfaces and tasks included, how often each task is completed, and when cleaners can access the premises. It should also identify periodic work, consumables, specialist requirements and exclusions.
Ask for a site-specific task and frequency schedule. “Clean the kitchen regularly” leaves room for different interpretations. A schedule that names the kitchen surfaces, floor, bins and cleaning frequency gives both sides something specific to check.
This is particularly important for schools and multi-academy trusts. GOV.UK guidance on buying cleaning services for schools recommends planning cleaning frequencies, periodic work, inspections, timekeeping, absence management and responsibilities for reporting and resolving issues.
3. Can the contractor demonstrate attendance and cover?
Ask how attendance is recorded, how you’re told about an absence and who covers the shift. Find out whether the replacement cleaner is briefed on your site’s access arrangements and agreed cleaning schedule.
Staff continuity matters because a familiar team learns the building, its routines and the areas that need particular attention. A contractor should explain who is assigned to your premises and how it avoids gaps when a regular cleaner is away.
4. Are communication and response times clear?
Before agreeing a service, establish who handles day-to-day questions and how urgent issues are escalated. Ask what response time you can expect, how actions are tracked and how you’ll know an issue has been resolved.
A contractor’s reporting should make it easy to see who owns an open action and what happens next. It should also help you identify repeat problems, rather than leaving you to chase different people for updates.
5. Can the contractor support its safety and training claims?
Ask for evidence relevant to the premises and work being carried out. This could include staff-check procedures, health and safety arrangements, chemical controls and training information.
Accreditations provide useful context, but they do not replace site-specific risk controls or routine checks. The HSE’s cleaning guidance covers common cleaning risks, including slips and trips, skin exposure and manual handling. Your contractor should be able to explain how its work practices account for relevant risks at your site.
What CQD’s operating evidence looks like
CQD Cleaning Services focuses exclusively on commercial cleaning. Established in 2012, we have more than 14 years’ experience and have served over 500 businesses.
For each premises, we assign the same dedicated two-person cleaning team. Cover teams are available when a regular cleaner is absent. Our cleaners are directly employed, DBS checked, reference verified and uniformed.
Our credentials include ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 health and safety certifications, along with BICSc membership, CHAS accreditation and full insurance. We use eco-friendly, COSHH-compliant cleaning products.
The service begins with a free site survey and a tailored cleaning plan. We respond to enquiries within 2 hours. Mobilisation is arranged within days, with daily cleaning typically starting within 5–7 working days. Cleaning can be scheduled 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, including mornings, evenings and overnight.
That practical information gives you a starting point for judging the service. At the survey, you can discuss the specification, access, schedule and how cleaning quality will be checked.
Match the subscription to the work you need
The right package depends on your building, cleaning frequency and the standard you need across different areas. CQD offers three monthly subscription levels:
| Package | What it covers | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Essential daily cleaning, including vacuuming, mopping, bin emptying and replacement; surface and desk wipe-downs, plus washroom cleaning and restocking. | Starting from £880 per month ex VAT |
| Silver | Everything in Bronze; machine hard-floor cleaning; deep kitchen and breakroom cleaning; daily touch-point sanitisation; named supervisor oversight | Starting from £1,280 per month ex VAT |
| Gold | Everything in Silver; daily machine hard-floor cleaning; washroom consumables fulfilment; regular inspection and sign-off; cover teams for staff absence | Starting from £1,680 per month ex VAT |
The initial deep clean is included with every new subscription. Each price is a starting point; your final price is confirmed after your free survey. Monthly subscriptions have fixed pricing with no hidden fees, and cancellation is with 30 days’ notice to end the monthly fixed monthly plan.
For a closer comparison of the package inclusions, see our commercial cleaning services.
A clear four-step setup
- Survey: We assess your premises, routines, access requirements and priority areas.
- Tailored plan: We set out the cleaning tasks, schedule and suitable subscription level.
- Mobilisation: We organise the service around your agreed requirements. Daily cleaning typically starts within 5–7 working days.
- Initial deep clean: The initial deep clean is included with every new subscription, before the regular cleaning routine begins.
The process is designed to make the agreed scope clear before daily cleaning starts.
Check local coverage before you request a survey
CQD serves 33 locations across the South East and Home Counties: six primary locations (Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, High Wycombe, Windsor and Bracknell) plus 27 other locations. You can see the full list on our locations page. For local service information, visit our page for commercial cleaning in Slough.
Frequently asked questions
What should a cleaning quality audit include?
A useful audit identifies the date, areas and tasks checked, the results, any failures and the corrective action required. It should also show who is responsible and when the action was closed.
Which KPIs should I review with a cleaning contractor?
Start with completion of scheduled cleans, inspection results, repeat defects, attendance, cover for absences and response times for reported issues. Agree how each measure is defined and how often you’ll review it.
How quickly can CQD start daily commercial cleaning?
Mobilisation is arranged within days. Daily cleaning typically starts within 5–7 working days, depending on the agreed site plan.
How do I find out whether CQD covers my premises?
CQD covers 33 locations across the South East and Home Counties: the six primary locations and 27 other locations shown on our locations page. Contact us to confirm whether your site is within the service area.
Request a cleaning plan built around evidence
Reliable cleaning is easier to manage when the work is clearly specified, quality can be checked and responsibility for issues is visible. Request a free, no-obligation survey and CQD will assess your premises and prepare a tailored plan.
