Cleaning checklist – Cleaning Croydon

Cleaning Checklist for Homes and Workplaces in Croydon

Use our comprehensive cleaning checklist to plan, prepare, and tick off tasks with confidence. Whether you’re booking a service with Cleaning Croydon or organising your own routine, this cleaning checklist sets clear expectations and helps you prioritise the right areas in the right order. It’s designed for both residential and commercial spaces in Croydon and the wider CR area.

This page includes:

  • A practical room by room checklist
  • A deep cleaning checklist for those once- or twice-yearly refreshes
  • An end of tenancy checklist aligned to typical landlord and agent expectations
  • A move in checklist for fresh starts
  • Guidance on what’s included in a regular clean and recommended pre-clean tasks

If you’d like a tailored plan or a quote based on your property, visit How it works and Get a quote.

What’s included in a regular clean

Regular cleaning is designed to keep your home or workplace presentable and hygienic week to week. It covers commonly used areas and visible surfaces.

Typical inclusions:

  • Dusting of reachable surfaces and skirting boards
  • Vacuuming of carpets, rugs, and hard floors; mopping of hard floors
  • Wiping kitchen worktops, cabinet exteriors, hob surface, and splashbacks
  • Cleaning bathroom fixtures: sinks, taps, toilet exterior/interior, and shower/bath rinse-down
  • Mirrors and glass spot cleaning
  • Emptying bins and replacing liners
  • Light switches and door handles wiped
  • Quick tidy of surfaces on request

What’s usually not included in a standard session (but available on request or under deep cleaning):

  • Inside appliances (oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher)
  • Inside cabinets, wardrobes, and drawers
  • Limescale descaling, tile grout detail, and mould treatment
  • Window tracks, frames, and high-reach areas
  • Heavy post-construction dust, paint, or sticker removal
  • Upholstery and carpet shampooing
  • External areas, hazardous waste, or specialised restoration

For a curated plan that matches your space, see our Services page, including regular cleaning, domestic cleaning, and commercial options.

Room by room checklist

Use this room by room checklist to organise routine or one-off cleans. Adjust frequency based on footfall, pets, and specific hygiene needs.

Entrance & hallways

  • Dust corners, skirting, picture frames, and light fittings
  • Wipe front door interior, handles, and letterbox
  • Vacuum mats and floors; mop hard floors
  • Clean mirrors and console tables
  • Spot-clean walls and switch plates if needed

Living room & lounge

  • Dust surfaces, shelves, TV units, and lampshades
  • Vacuum sofas (crumbs/pet hair on request), cushions fluffed
  • Clean coffee table and side tables
  • Wipe remote controls and high-touch areas
  • Vacuum/mop floors; edge vacuum along skirting

Bedrooms

  • Dust headboards, side tables, lamps, and reachable furniture tops
  • Change bed linen on request
  • Wipe mirrors and wardrobe exteriors
  • Vacuum under bed (where accessible) and floors; mop hard floors
  • Tidy surfaces if requested

Kitchen

  • Clear and wipe worktops and splashbacks
  • Clean hob surface and controls
  • Wipe small appliance exteriors (kettle, toaster, microwave door)
  • Clean sink, taps, and drain area; deodorise with hot rinse
  • Wipe cupboard exteriors and handles
  • Empty bins; replace liners
  • Vacuum and mop floors

Optional tasks:

  • Inside microwave, fridge, freezer, and oven
  • Inside cabinets and drawers
  • Descale taps and deep clean grout
  • Degrease extractor hood and filter

Bathrooms & WCs

  • Descale and clean sink, taps, and basin area
  • Clean and disinfect toilet exterior and interior
  • Wash shower/bath, tiles, and screen; rinse and squeegee
  • Wipe mirrors, shelves, and light switches
  • Empty bins; replace liners
  • Vacuum and mop floors

Optional tasks:

  • Intensive limescale removal and grout brushing
  • Mould spot treatment on silicone/sealant where safe
  • Deep clean of shower heads, plugholes, and drains

Dining room

  • Dust table, chairs, skirting, and sills
  • Polish table surface (where appropriate)
  • Vacuum/mop floors

Home office

  • Dust desks, monitors, and reachable shelving
  • Wipe keyboards and mice on request
  • Vacuum/mop floors and skirting

Utility room

  • Wipe worktops and appliance exteriors
  • Clear lint trap (if provided access) and wipe around machines
  • Vacuum and mop floors

Communal and commercial areas

  • Dust handrails, banisters, and ledges
  • Wipe door plates and high-touch points
  • Vacuum corridors/stairs; mop hard areas
  • Clean glass entrances and reception counters

Deep cleaning checklist

Our deep cleaning checklist tackles built-up grime, scale, grease, and hidden dust. These detailed deep cleaning tasks are ideal seasonally, ahead of important events, or before/after tenancies.

Whole property

  • High-reach dusting (cobweb removal; reachable vents and light fittings)
  • Skirting boards, door frames, architraves, and radiators detailed
  • Switches, sockets, and handles degreased and sanitised
  • Window sills, frames, and tracks cleaned (reachable, non-hazardous)
  • Internal glass, mirrors, and picture glass polished
  • Intensive vacuum, including edges and under furniture where accessible
  • Floor machine-clean or hand scrub for stubborn marks (where suitable)

Kitchen deep clean

  • Degrease hob rings, pan supports, and controls
  • Clean inside oven, trays, and racks; door glass polished
  • Extractor hood and filters degreased
  • Inside fridge/freezer (defrost if needed), microwave, and dishwasher
  • Inside cabinets and drawers: crumbs removed; surfaces wiped
  • Tile grout cleaned; limescale and splashback stains treated
  • Sink, taps, and seals descaled; waste and plug areas cleaned

Bathroom deep clean

  • Full limescale removal on taps, shower heads, and screens
  • Tile grout brushing; mould spot treatment on non-porous areas
  • Descale and polish toilet, bath, and sink fittings
  • Clean behind toilets and tight corners where accessible
  • Vent covers and extractor fans dusted (reachable)

Bedrooms and living areas deep clean

  • Wardrobe interiors (emptied), drawers, and shelving wiped
  • Upholstery vacuuming; spot checks for marks on request
  • Skirting/radiator detail; door tops and frames cleaned
  • Under/behind accessible furniture vacuum and wipe

Optional add-ons

Note: Some deep tasks require additional time or specialist equipment. If you’re unsure what’s feasible in your property, see Pricing or request a tailored plan via Get a quote.

End of tenancy checklist

Our end of tenancy checklist aligns with common letting standards. Always review your tenancy agreement and inventory for specific requirements. We can tailor our work to match agent lists where provided.

General areas

  • Remove cobwebs; dust light fittings and shades (reachable)
  • Clean skirting, door frames, doors, handles, and switches
  • Wipe window sills, tracks, and internal glass
  • Vacuum edges, carpets, and rugs; mop hard floors
  • Wipe radiator fronts and tops; clean vents and extractor covers
  • Check walls for light marks; spot clean where safe

Kitchen

  • Inside and outside all cupboards and drawers
  • Degrease hob, oven, and extractor; clean behind if accessible
  • Clean fridge/freezer inside and out; defrost if required
  • Descale sink and taps; clean waste/overflow
  • Wipe tiles and splashbacks; detail grout where needed
  • Clean appliance exteriors and seals

Bathrooms

  • Full limescale removal on taps, shower heads, screens
  • Clean bath, shower tray, tiles, and grout
  • Toilet descaled and disinfected inside/out; behind the unit wiped
  • Mirrors and glass polished; shelving cleaned
  • Extractor fan cover dusted; bin cleaned

Bedrooms and living spaces

  • Wardrobes and drawers inside/out
  • Furniture fronts, tops, and undersides dusted
  • Curtain rails dusted; blinds wiped (where suitable)
  • Final vacuum and mop; property aired where possible

Final touches

  • Remove all rubbish and personal items
  • Replace spent bulbs where provided
  • Leave keys and manuals as instructed by your agent/landlord

If you need a professional end of tenancy clean with a formal invoice and checklist, see End of tenancy cleaning or start with Get a quote.

Move in checklist

A move in checklist helps ensure your new property is fresh, sanitised, and ready to furnish.

Before keys or on completion day

  • Photograph meter readings; check water, power, and heating
  • Ventilate rooms; open windows where safe
  • Book any necessary deep services (e.g., carpet cleaning, oven cleaning)

Core move-in clean

  • Dust all surfaces, skirting, radiators, and reachable light fittings
  • Wipe switches, sockets, and door handles
  • Clean inside kitchen cabinets, drawers, and appliances
  • Descale bathrooms; clean grout and seals
  • Vacuum and mop floors throughout

After furniture is in place

  • Re-wipe touch points
  • Spot clean walls and door scuffs
  • Schedule a follow-up freshen in 1–2 weeks to settle dust

Kitchen and bathroom cleaning checklist

These areas need extra attention due to moisture, food prep, and hygiene requirements.

Kitchen quick routine (daily/weekly)

  • Clear and wipe worktops; move small items to clean underneath
  • Clean hob surface; wipe splashback
  • Sink and taps washed and dried to prevent water spots
  • Sweep/vacuum and mop floors
  • Empty bins; clean bin lid and contact points

Kitchen periodic (monthly/quarterly)

  • Degrease extractor hood and wash filters
  • Clean inside microwave, oven, fridge/freezer
  • Wipe inside cabinets and drawers; rotate food stocks
  • Descale taps and deep clean grout/edges

Bathroom quick routine (daily/weekly)

  • Rinse and squeegee shower/bath after use
  • Wipe sink, taps, and splash areas
  • Clean and disinfect toilet contact points; brush bowl
  • Ventilation: run fan and open window if possible
  • Mop floors; empty bathroom bin

Bathroom periodic (monthly/quarterly)

  • Descale shower heads and screens
  • Grout brushing and seal checks
  • Clean extractor fan cover and vents
  • Wash bathmats, shower curtains, and toothbrush holders

Set the stage for an efficient, thorough service. These simple steps help us spend more time cleaning and less time clearing.

  • Declutter surfaces and floors where possible
  • Secure valuables and important documents
  • Share access notes (entry codes, concierge info, parking guidance)
  • Run a quick inventory of requested tasks and priorities
  • Defrost freezers 12–24 hours ahead if interior clean is booked
  • Ensure hot water and electricity are available
  • Keep pets safe or in a separate room during the clean
  • Advise of any delicate finishes or special products to use/avoid

For arrival windows, preparation tips, and what to expect on the day, read How it works.

Commercial cleaning notes

For offices, retail, restaurants, gyms, schools, and warehouses, we tailor checklists to your compliance requirements and footfall. Typical additions include:

  • Touch-point disinfection schedules (handles, rails, lifts)
  • Washroom consumables management and restocking
  • Kitchenette hygiene checks and appliance rotations
  • Waste segregation procedures and recycling routines
  • Floor care plans for high-traffic zones
  • Out-of-hours or staggered area cleaning to minimise disruption

Explore our commercial services in office cleaning, retail cleaning, restaurant cleaning, and gym cleaning.

How to choose between regular, one-off, and deep cleaning

  • Regular cleaning: Best for weekly/fortnightly upkeep; focuses on visible surfaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.
  • One-off cleaning: Ideal for spring cleans or pre-event refreshes; more time for detail in priority areas.
  • Deep cleaning: Comprehensive top-to-bottom; includes insides, descaling, degreasing, and intensive detail.

Not sure what you need? Our team can recommend the right level after a quick call or photos. Start with Pricing to understand variables, then submit details via Get a quote.

Safety, products, and equipment

We bring professional-grade products and tools suited to domestic and commercial environments. On request, we can use eco-forward options for a low-fragrance, low-impact clean. We always:

  • Patch-test sensitive surfaces where appropriate
  • Use separate cloths and tools by area (e.g., bathrooms vs kitchens)
  • Follow manufacturer guidance for specialist materials
  • Risk-assess tasks that involve ladders, power tools, or restricted access

For cover details and peace of mind, see our Insurance page.

Frequently asked checklist questions

How long will a checklist-based clean take?

  • It depends on property size, condition, and the number of tasks selected. We’ll estimate time when you book and confirm scope on arrival.

Can I customise the checklist?

  • Absolutely. Share your priorities and we’ll tailor the plan, focusing on the rooms or tasks that matter most.

Do I need to be home or on-site?

  • Not necessarily. Provide safe access instructions and we’ll handle the rest. We’ll update you once finished.

Are oven, fridge, and cabinet interiors included by default?

  • These are deep or end-of-tenancy tasks. Please request them so we allocate the right time.

What if something needs specialist treatment?

  • We’ll advise on feasibility, risks, and whether extra time or equipment is required before proceeding.

Do you supply equipment?

  • Yes. We can also use your preferred products on request, subject to suitability.

Downloadable checklist idea

If you’d like a printable version of this cleaning checklist to use at home or in the office, let us know when you enquire. We can provide a sharable template that matches your property layout and priorities.

Book with Cleaning Croydon

Cleaning Croydon serves homes and businesses across Croydon and the wider CR area. Share a few details and we’ll build a clear plan based on this cleaning checklist, your timeline, and your budget.

Next steps:

  • See How it works for the booking journey and arrival windows
  • Review Pricing to understand variables
  • Get your no-obligation estimate via Get a quote and attach any photos or agent checklists

A tidy plan leads to a tidy result. Tell us what matters most, and we’ll make it shine.