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  • How Much Time Does It Really Take To Clean A London Office?

    I’ll tell you straight away: cleaning a London office takes anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending entirely on its size, layout, condition and what you expect from your cleaner. If you want a quick vacuum, a bin change, and the loos wiped down, then you’re looking at the faster end. But if you’re after gleaming desks, spotless kitchens, and a proper deep clean, then clear the calendar.

    I once got called in to clean a “small office in Shoreditch” – the manager said it wouldn’t take more than an hour. I turned up, mop in hand, and found three rooms, two toilets, a full kitchen, and a staff area that looked like it hadn’t seen a cloth since the week before Christmas. Took me four hours, not one. But here’s the thing: the client didn’t realise how much grime had built up until I showed him the before-and-after shots.

    So, how much time does it really take? You’ve got to look beyond just the square footage. You’ve got to think about the number of rooms, foot traffic, whether it’s a creative space or a quiet admin floor, and how picky your staff are about crumbs in the keyboard tray. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how long different types of offices take to clean in London, and what you should consider when setting a schedule that works for your team – and your cleaners.


    Is There a Formula for Working Out Cleaning Time?

    Square Footage Can Help, But It’s Not the Full Story

    You might be tempted to do some quick maths. A lot of companies use a basic estimate: about 1 hour per 1000 square feet for regular cleaning. But in reality, that’s just the starting point.

    Think of it like measuring how long it takes to cook dinner based on how many potatoes you’ve got. Sure, it gives you a rough idea, but it doesn’t take into account whether you’re making a jacket spud or dauphinoise.

    Here’s why the formula doesn’t always work:

    • Open-plan vs. many rooms – a big open space is faster to clean than lots of small ones.
    • Foot traffic – a quiet firm of four people is nothing like a bustling agency with 40 staff.
    • Cleanliness levels – some offices keep things tidy, others treat the cleaner like damage control.

    If you really want to get it right, you need a walk-through with your cleaner or cleaning company. That way, you can talk about expectations, budget, and the actual time needed – rather than guesswork based on square metres.


    Cleaning a Small Office – What’s Reasonable?

    A One-Room Setup or a Cosy Shared Space

    Small offices are usually around 300–800 square feet – often one room, maybe with a loo and a kitchenette. Think start-ups, therapists, freelancers sharing a space – that sort of thing.

    For a standard clean (think hoovering, wiping down desks, emptying bins, a once-over in the kitchen and bathroom), you’re looking at about 30 to 60 minutes. If you’ve only got a handful of people using the space, twice a week might be enough.

    But here’s where people go wrong: kitchens and toilets always take longer than you think. I’ve had 300 sq ft offices take 90 minutes purely because the microwave looked like a Jackson Pollock painting and the toilet bowl was a chemistry experiment.

    Set realistic expectations. If your cleaner’s flying through a “30-minute” job in 15, either they’re missing corners or your space is spotless – and let’s be honest, the second one’s rare in London.


    Mid-Size Offices – The Reality of Cleaning Multiple Rooms

    More People Means More Mess, and More Time

    Now we’re talking about offices between 800 and 3000 square feet. These often include a reception, meeting room or two, staff kitchen, a couple of toilets, and a main work area.

    Here, the time needed starts climbing. A typical clean could take 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the layout and how many people are using the space. If you’ve got different departments with their own rooms – HR, finance, creatives – expect extra time for each section.

    More rooms = more surfaces, and more chances for someone to leave a half-eaten croissant on a windowsill. I cleaned an office in Soho with only 12 desks, but it had four rooms, two bathrooms, and a full break area. Took two hours even with me working non-stop.

    Scheduling Tips for Mid-Size Offices:

    • Daily cleans usually needed if more than 10 staff are in full-time.
    • Kitchens and meeting rooms benefit from a quick lunchtime refresh.
    • Keep a cleaning log – this helps staff respect the schedule and flag any problem areas.

    Large Corporate Premises – Timing and Logistics

    Whole Floors, Dozens of Staff, and Big Cleaning Needs

    This is where things get serious. If you’re in charge of a large office space or full floor – anything 3000 square feet and up – cleaning turns into a well-oiled operation. Or at least it should be.

    Here’s what makes a difference:

    • Number of staff: more people = more bins, more toilet flushes, more footprints.
    • Layout: glass walls and boardrooms take more polishing time than carpet tiles and cubicles.
    • Usage: some floors host events, others are strictly for admin – the cleaner’s task list changes massively.

    A proper daily clean for a large floor can take 3 to 5 hours, sometimes longer. That’s why many firms schedule this work out of hours – early morning before staff arrive, or evenings after everyone’s gone.

    Cleaning Shifts & Coordination:

    • Early morning shifts (5am–8am) are popular, especially in the City.
    • Evening cleans (6pm onwards) give more time, but may clash with late-working staff.
    • Some big firms opt for day porters – on-site cleaners handling small messes through the day.

    If you’re hiring for a large site, go with a team rather than one cleaner – otherwise, you’ll be paying someone to do 6-hour marathons that aren’t sustainable.


    Features That Affect Cleaning Time

    It’s Not Just the Size That Matters

    Let’s talk extras – because these can throw your timing off completely if you don’t plan ahead.

    Do You Supply Janitorial Products?

    Some clients expect cleaners to bring everything – mops, vacuum, sprays, bin liners – while others provide it all on-site.
    If your cleaner has to lug everything across London, that adds time before they even start. Make sure you’re clear on what’s expected.

    Office Location

    London traffic is no joke. I’ve had jobs where the commute takes longer than the clean. If your office is tucked away in a restricted access area or has awkward parking, it may limit when and how cleaners can work.

    Special Requests

    Here are a few that need extra time:

    • Deep cleaning carpets or upholstery
    • Sanitising keyboards and phones
    • Window cleaning inside and out
    • Post-event clean-ups

    If you need those done regularly, build them into the schedule. Don’t spring them on your cleaner the minute someone spills red wine on the breakroom carpet.


    Final Thoughts – How to Plan Your Cleaning Schedule

    Set Yourself Up for Success

    The best thing you can do is speak with your cleaning provider about what you need, how often, and what’s realistic for your space. Don’t base your schedule on what worked in your old office or what a mate’s business does. London offices vary massively, and so do cleaning times.

    Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

    • Under 500 sq ft – 30–60 mins
    • 500–1500 sq ft – 1–2 hours
    • 1500–3000 sq ft – 2–3 hours
    • 3000+ sq ft – 3–5 hours or more

    But always factor in the people, the mess, and the expectation. If you want sparkling worktops, polished floors, fresh-smelling loos and happy staff, give your cleaners enough time to do their job properly.

    Because there’s nothing worse than rushing a clean. Except maybe that office in Shoreditch with the science-experiment loo. That one still haunts me.…

  • How to Properly Clean Office Equipment: Maintaining Computers Printers and More

    In today’s fast-paced office environment, you need to keep your equipment clean and well-maintained for optimal performance. Regular cleaning is crucial for computers, laptops, printers, and scanners to ensure they last long and work efficiently.

    Our leading experts will give you a comprehensive guide on the tools and materials you need, step-by-step instructions for cleaning your office equipment, and tips on preventing the need for frequent cleaning. Follow these guidelines, and your office equipment will be health-safe and clean permanently!

    Importance of Regular Cleaning

    Regularly cleaning your office equipment is crucial for maintaining peak performance, extending equipment longevity, and ensuring a hygienic and productive office environment. Stick to proper cleaning routines to prevent the buildup of dust and grime, which can mess with your equipment’s functionality and make your workspace less germ-free.

    When you clean office equipment regularly, you boost its efficiency and contribute to a healthier workplace. Getting rid of dust from computers, printers, and other devices helps prevent overheating and potential malfunctions, keeping things running smoothly. Sanitising practices like wiping down surfaces and disinfecting keyboards can reduce the spread of germs among employees, leading to fewer sick days and a productivity boost.

    And hey, a clean office doesn’t just stop at equipment – it sets the stage for a positive atmosphere that supports employee well-being and motivation. So, keep that cleaning routine going!

    Importance of Regular Cleaning

    Tools and Materials Needed

    You’ll need a few essential tools and materials to clean your office equipment like a pro. Make sure you have cleaning cloths, screen cleaners, and dust removal tools on hand. Having these crucial supplies at your disposal will help you safely and effectively clean all your equipment without risking any damage or loss of performance.

    Essential Supplies for Proper Cleaning

    Having the right supplies is crucial for keeping your office equipment spick and span. You’ll need cleaning cloths, screen cleaners, and effective cleaning solutions to make sure your gear stays in tip-top shape and works like a charm.

    Cleaning cloths are necessary for wiping down surfaces like monitors and keyboards and removing dust and smudges. Screen cleaners are your go-to for keeping computer screens free from fingerprints and dust, ensuring a crystal-clear display. Make sure you use cleaning solutions tailored to specific materials, like electronics or glass, to avoid damage and keep your equipment in top shape.

    Using the right products for each surface is vital to preventing harm or unsightly streaks. By splurging on quality cleaning supplies, you’ll make your office equipment look great and create a healthy and productive work environment.

    Essential Supplies for Proper Cleaning

    Cleaning Computers and Laptops

    Taking good care of your computers and laptops is critical to keeping them running smoothly for the long haul. Make sure you give them some regular TLC, like cleaning your keyboard and wiping down your monitor. This can reduce dust and grime buildup and boost your equipment’s performance.

    Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning

    1. Follow this step-by-step guide for cleaning your computers and laptops, starting with dust removal and progressing to keyboard and monitor cleaning. Using the right cleaning tools and techniques will ensure thorough and safe cleaning.
    2. To begin, use a can of compressed air or a handheld air blower to carefully blow out dust and debris from your computer or laptop’s vents and fans. Remember to hold the can or blower upright to prevent liquid from escaping.
    3. Next, gently wipe down the exterior of your device using a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution. For the keyboard, you can use a small brush or compressed air to dislodge debris between the keys, then wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe.
    4. When cleaning the monitor, remember to use a gentle screen cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar on a microfiber cloth to avoid damaging the display surface.

    Cleaning Printers and Scanners

    Regarding keeping your printers and scanners in top condition, don’t cut corners on cleaning. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring they endure. Take the time to clean out the printer paper tray and other components – it’ll help avoid those irritating problems and keep your office technology running smoothly like a well-oiled machine.

    Best Practices for Maintaining Office Equipment

    Adopting best practices is the key to keeping your office equipment in top condition. Make sure you regularly carry out preventive maintenance and use effective cleaning techniques. Keeping your equipment clean and well-maintained is crucial for enhancing its performance and prolonging lifespan.

    Remember to regularly inspect your equipment for signs of wear and tear. Dealing with minor problems promptly can prevent them from escalating into major issues later on. When it’s time to clean, ensure you’re using the appropriate cleaning products for each type of equipment. For delicate electronics such as computers and printers, stick to microfiber cloths and electronic-safe cleaners to avoid any damage.

    Establishing a schedule for maintenance checks and cleaning sessions promotes a sense of care and responsibility among your office staff. This maintains your equipment in excellent condition and ensures a longer life.

    Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning

    Cleaning Other Office Equipment

    Regarding keeping your office clean, don’t forget about the other equipment like phones, copiers, and all those things you use every day. Regularly dusting and disinfecting these items is critical to keeping the office germ-free and ensuring a healthy work environment.

    Tips for Cleaning Phones, Keyboards, and More

    When cleaning phones, keyboards, and other items you touch frequently, it’s key to follow the right cleaning steps and choose the proper disinfectants to keep things super clean without messing up your gear.

    You can easily keep these gadgets clean by regularly wiping them down with a soft, microfibre cloth that’s a bit damp and a gentle disinfectant solution. Just stay away from harsh stuff like bleach or ammonia, as they can mess up the coatings on your devices.

    For keyboards, grabbing some compressed air to blow out the dust and gunk between the keys can prevent any nasties from building up. And don’t forget to unplug things before you get cleaning to avoid any electrical oopsies.

    By incorporating these simple cleaning tricks into your routine, you’ll have a germ-free workspace, and your office gear will stay in tip-top shape for longer.

    Best Practices for Maintaining Office Equipment

    Preventive Measures for Maintaining Office Equipment

    To keep your office equipment running smoothly for longer, take preventative steps. Setting up a regular maintenance schedule and following the best practices for equipment upkeep can help extend your office technology’s durability and lifespan.

    How to Minimise the Need for Cleaning

    Implement preventative maintenance practices and take good care of your equipment to minimise the need for frequent cleaning. By keeping your equipment clean and addressing problems immediately, you can reduce how often and how thoroughly you need to clean.

    Ensure you regularly check your equipment for any signs of wear or issues to detect them early and prevent any accumulation. Using high-quality cleaning products and following the manufacturer’s guidelines will help you clean effectively without causing any damage.

    Establish a schedule for regular maintenance tasks such as changing filters or lubricating parts. This will help your equipment last longer and prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. Taking a proactive approach to caring for your equipment will lead to a cleaner and more efficient workspace for you.…

  • How To Create A Janitorial Supply Schedule For Large Corporate Premises

    Are you responsible for managing the cleanliness of a large corporate premises? Creating a janitorial supply schedule ensures the space remains clean and well-maintained.

    In this article, we will discuss the importance of a janitorial supply schedule, how to create one for large corporate premises, and how to maintain and update it effectively. Following these steps and tips, you can streamline the cleaning process and ensure your premises are always in top condition.

    A sticky board with janitorial supply schedule

    What is a Janitorial Supply Schedule?

    Janitorial Supply Schedule outlines the timing and details of cleaning tasks, including the inventory of cleaning supplies required for maintaining workplace cleanliness.

    By establishing a structured routine for cleaning responsibilities, this schedule helps ensure that all areas are consistently maintained to high standards.

    Task rotation within the schedule can prevent monotony and maintain efficiency, allowing for thorough cleaning of different areas during each cycle.

    Tracking the inventory of cleaning supplies through the schedule aids in effective management. It ensures that necessary products are continuously replenished on time to avoid any disruptions in the cleaning process.

    Why is a Janitorial Supply Schedule Important for Large Corporate Premises?

    Janitorial Supply Schedule is crucial for large corporate premises to ensure cleaning efficiency and maintain high standards of workplace cleanliness.

    By establishing a consistent supply schedule, the cleaning team can effectively plan and distribute resources across various facility areas, ensuring that all cleaning tasks are completed on time and with the right tools. It enhances the overall cleanliness of the premises and contributes to a healthier and more professional work environment for employees and visitors.

    The schedule guides team members, helping them stay organised and focused on their specific cleaning responsibilities, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and coordinated approach to maintaining cleanliness.

    How to Create a Janitorial Supply Schedule for Large Corporate Premises?

    Creating a Janitorial Supply Schedule for large corporate premises involves assessing cleaning needs, determining supplies, and setting a budget for efficient cleaning operations.

    1. Start by conducting a detailed evaluation of the premises to identify high-traffic areas, specific cleaning requirements, and frequency of cleaning tasks.
    2. Once the cleaning needs are understood, select appropriate cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners, mops, buckets, and cleaning solutions based on the surface types and areas to be cleaned.
    3. Next, create a budget that allocates funds for equipment purchases, consumable supplies, and scheduled maintenance of cleaning tools.
    4. To ensure uninterrupted cleaning operations, keep a meticulous record of supply inventory levels, reorder points, and delivery schedules.

    Assess the Cleaning Needs of the Premises.

    Assessing the cleaning needs of corporate premises is the first step in creating an effective Janitorial Supply Schedule, involving the development of a comprehensive cleaning checklist.

    This checklist is crucial in ensuring that all areas of the premises are thoroughly cleaned and maintained according to specific standards. It outlines tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitising areas such as offices, restrooms, and common areas.

    Each task is assigned a frequency, from daily routines to weekly or monthly deep cleaning tasks. By detailing these cleaning procedures and work assignments in the checklist, cleaning staff can efficiently plan and prioritise their tasks, leading to a consistently clean and hygienic environment for employees and visitors.

    Determine the Frequency of Cleaning Tasks

    Determining the frequency of cleaning tasks is essential for maintaining cleanliness and implementing task rotation strategies within the Janitorial Supply Schedule.

    By establishing a consistent cleaning schedule, the team can ensure that all areas are thoroughly cleaned regularly. Task rotation is vital to prevent monotony and ensure no cleaning aspect is overlooked. Coordination among team members is crucial to divide tasks effectively and ensure that each member contributes to maintaining high cleaning standards. This approach promotes efficiency and enhances the overall cleanliness of the environment, creating a more pleasant and hygienic space for everyone.

    Identify Necessary Cleaning Supplies

    Identifying the necessary cleaning supplies involves inventory management strategies to ensure workplace cleanliness and adherence to cleaning protocols.

    By maintaining a well-organised inventory of cleaning supplies, businesses can efficiently track stock levels, monitor product expiry dates, and ensure compliance with sanitation standards. This process involves categorising supplies based on their purpose, such as disinfectants, wipes, and gloves, to streamline cleaning processes and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

    Regular audits of cleaning supplies also help identify gaps in inventory and restock essential items before they run out, thus enabling the smooth running of daily cleaning operations.

    Determine the Quantity of Supplies Needed

    Determining the quantity of supplies needed is crucial for optimising cleaning efficiency and ensuring seamless operations within the Janitorial Supply Schedule.

    To accurately calculate the required quantity of cleaning supplies, one should first assess the facility’s size, frequency, and the specific cleaning tasks.

    An efficient inventory tracking system can help monitor stock levels and predict when supplies need replenishment.

    It is also essential to consider the type and quality of cleaning solutions to ensure effective cleaning while minimising waste.

    By carefully managing these factors, janitorial staff can enhance productivity and maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

    Create a Budget for Janitorial Supplies

    Establishing a budget for Janitorial Supplies involves carefully allocating resources and exploring cost-effective solutions to manage cleaning expenses effectively.

    One critical aspect of budgeting for janitorial supplies is conducting a thorough analysis of the cleaning operations to determine the frequency and quantity of supplies needed. By understanding the specific cleaning requirements of different areas within the facility, you can tailor your budget to prioritise essential supplies while minimising wastage. Leveraging data from previous supply usage can help forecast future needs and prevent overstocking or shortages. Implementing a system for tracking expenses and monitoring inventory levels is crucial to ensure efficient resource allocation and cost control.

    Consider the Storage and Organization of Supplies

    Adequate storage and organisation of cleaning supplies are essential for the Janitorial Supply Schedule, requiring efficient inventory tracking for seamless operations.

    Proper storage and organisation of cleaning supplies ensure that the right products are readily available when needed and contribute to a cleaner and safer work environment. By implementing systematic inventory tracking procedures, cleaning crews can accurately monitor stock levels, prevent wastage, and replenish supplies on time. This level of organisation can lead to increased productivity and cost savings for the cleaning service provider. Advancements in cleaning technology, such as automated inventory management systems, can further streamline the process and enhance overall efficiency.

    Develop a Schedule for Ordering and Restocking Supplies

    Developing a schedule for ordering and restocking supplies is crucial for maintaining continuous supply availability and efficient inventory management within the Janitorial Supply Schedule.

    By setting up a structured timetable for procurement, organisations can ensure that essential cleaning supplies are constantly maintained, thus avoiding disruptions to daily cleaning operations. This process involves analysing historical consumption patterns, current inventory levels, and upcoming cleaning requirements to forecast precise ordering quantities. Efficient supply chain management plays a pivotal role in streamlining the flow of cleaning products from suppliers to storage areas, ensuring that stock levels are optimised while minimising excess or surplus inventory. Adhering to a well-thought-out schedule also helps implement cost-effective strategies, such as bulk purchasing or leveraging discounts with preferred vendors.

    Consider Outsourcing Services for Certain Tasks

    Outsourcing services for specific cleaning tasks can optimise resource allocation and enhance the efficiency of the Janitorial Supply Schedule by leveraging external expertise.

    Outsourcing cleaning tasks such as carpet cleaning, window washing, and deep floor cleaning to specialised service providers allows businesses to focus on core operations while ensuring that all cleaning needs are expertly met. By delegating these tasks, companies can allocate their internal resources to more strategic initiatives, ultimately improving productivity and cost efficiency. Outsourcing enables proper supervision of cleaning activities, ensuring that tasks are prioritised based on their importance and frequency, thus enhancing overall cleanliness and hygiene standards within the workplace.

    How to Maintain and Update the Janitorial Supply Schedule?

    Maintaining and updating the Janitorial Supply Schedule involves regular reviews, adjustments to cleaning schedules, and incorporation of maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance.

    By conducting routine cleaning audits, it becomes easier to identify discrepancies or areas that need improvement within the schedule. Quality control measures are essential in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and efficiency. These audits help assess the effectiveness of the cleaning procedures and ensure that all necessary supplies are stocked.

    Regular reviews also allow for modifications based on feedback from staff and any changing requirements. This continual process not only enhances the overall cleanliness of the facility but also contributes to a safer and healthier environment for occupants.

    Tips for Effective Implementation of the Janitorial Supply Schedule

    Effective implementation of the Janitorial Supply Schedule requires attention to cleaning performancecustomer satisfaction, and adherence to cleaning guidelines for optimal outcomes.

    To enhance cleaning performance:

    1. Ensure that all janitorial supplies are well-stocked and easily accessible for staff.
    2. Regularly inspect and maintain cleaning equipment to guarantee efficiency and longevity.
    3. Encourage team members to follow proper cleaning protocols and procedures to maintain a high standard of cleanliness.

    Monitoring customer feedback and promptly addressing any concerns can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. By staying informed about the latest cleaning compliance standards and best practices, you can ensure that your janitorial team operates by industry guidelines and regulations.…

  • “Just Like In The Movies”: An Office Cleaning Adventure in the City

    Whenever I meet someone new or have to introduce myself and mention that I am an office cleaner, most people imagine large corporate headquarters, bustling office floors with computers and phone chatter or the glitzy marble-lined interior of international conglomerates. My professional routine is much less glamorous. 95% of my company’s customers are small-scale or start-up businesses accommodated in shared workplaces, renovated apartments or small office buildings. Disappointing as it may sound to some of my friends and relatives, the office cleaning I do is much closer in scope and task range to home cleaning than what they imagine.

    However, there are the other 5% of our cases, and one of them will be the topic of this post. It happened a few years ago, before the pandemic and the Brexit debacle, in the golden years of London as one of the financial capitals of the world. I was already an experienced office cleaner with regular customers. Still, the biggest job I had ever done was for a small printing company in Kensington – 12-15 employees, taking up a few rooms on the second floor of a renovated office building on Sloane Avenue. So, nothing had prepared me for the bolt out of nowhere I was about to receive.

    I should have seen the signs earlier, but I am the kind of guy who doesn’t pay attention to what happens in the office. There was some hushed murmur in the call room, but I attributed it to the inevitable office gossip. A few days later, Jack, one of the other crew leaders, met me in the staff room. “Hey, did you hear the big news? We’ve gotten a quote request from a real City shark, a stock brokering firm! It could be the biggest job we’ve ever done!”

    So that’s what all the noise was about! Still, since I had no part in the marketing or customer interactions, I pushed the news to the back of my head and continued with my ongoing tasks. However, by the end of the week, the tension in the office was palpable. It wasn’t a bad kind of tension – more like the expectation before a big match for your favourite team. Finally, my boss called me on Friday.

    “Lee, I am sure you’ve already heard the rumours. We didn’t want to blow the whistle before finalising the deal, but it is now in the books! I need you to come to the office tomorrow so that we can plan the whole thing.”

    How did we get the job? Our customer was a successful investment firm specialising in volatile stock-market assets – playing the high-risk, high-reward game to perfection. They had a long-term relationship with a well-established office cleaning contractor. However, several highly sensitive documents had disappeared from one of the offices a few weeks prior. It turned out there had been no foul play – just one of the cleaners threw the papers out without looking at them. While the damage was non-existent (the documents were easily recovered digitally), the incident fractured the relationship with the office cleaning contractor.

    The firm was running a competition between several prospective replacements, and we had to serve as a stop-gap until they made their final decision. Again, it might not sound glamorous, but we were realistic back then – we had neither the equipment nor the experience or manpower to take on such an assignment. We planned to employ two full crews for the daily cleaning – Jack’s team was going to clean the offices, the main salon, the single working stations, the office equipment and the conference room. My crew had to take on the tougher assignment – the washrooms and the lobby, the floor cleaning and the interior window polishing, plus taking care of the janitorial supplies. We were scheduled to clean for three hours – between 8 and 11 PM – from Monday to Friday for one week.

    “There is a bonus”, said my boss with a smile. “You are going to clean the 21st floor of the Gherkin, so if you ever wondered what the view from up there is, now you will find out!” A bonus indeed! The Gherkin was one of the most iconic, cucumber-shaped skyscrapers in the heart of the City. Cleaning one of its floors promised to be one of the highlights of my career.

    I rarely get giddy about a job, but I couldn’t wait for Monday to come. I had delegated all ongoing tasks to other crews and drilled my team on the importance of efficiency and attention to detail. Finally, at about 6:30 PM, I took the Underground to Bank Station. The City was offloading its vast reservoir of bankers, lawyers, corporate sharks and hedge fund wizards. I could hardly feel more out of place as I was walking up Leadenhall Street. Little did I know that my evening was about to get even more surreal.

    The Gherkin lobby was enormous and looked like the cavernous interior of a spaceship in its chrome and grey colours. I had to remind myself constantly not to be gawking like a schoolboy, but everything around reminded me of a movie set. When the doors of the slick elevator opened at the 21st-floor platform, I almost expected Jordan Belfort to invite us to a Wolf of Wall Street-style orgy.

    Disappointingly, the offices were already half empty. I could switch back to my usual self and start giving instructions to my team. We had a lot of work to do, but I could not restrain my curiosity. Jack’s crew was already sweeping through the main salon, which looked like an exact replica of the Big Short or Margin Call sales salons – trade quotes flashing on the linear screen, piles of nervously crunched papers, the smell of testosterone, ego, and neurotic desire to win at all costs still filling the air. I wish I could see the salon in all its glory, with thirty or forty brokers shouting in their receivers – but I had a job to do.

    “Weren’t you guys supposed to start cleaning at 8 PM?” The sharp question brought me out of my trance. I turned around immediately to face a clean-shaven gentleman in his mid-forties. The three-piece suit, the self-confident look and the steel look in his eyes reminded me of a more gentrified Gordon Gekko (I could not escape the movie comparisons).

    “It is ten past eight, sir”, I responded as politely as I could without sounding too servile. He absent-mindedly looked at his watch (Rolex, Omega?) and dropped an F-bomb. “My wife is going to murder me for this!” He ran back to his office to grab his jacket.

    I couldn’t help but smile. How often have I said the same thing, running late after work? This fleeting encounter helped me regain my composure. Yes, the office we had to clean looked as if Bobby Axelrod was going to turn around the corner. But the people working there were just like me and Jack and any of our cleaners. Well, maybe a little better paid.…

  • London Office Cleaning Competition is Healthy

    We Love Cleaning Competition

    Throughout the years of cleaning offices, industrial premises, shops and all other sorts of commercial cleaning contracts, we at ManMade Office Cleaning (MM Office Cleaning) have accumulated a great amount of experience. Servicing commercial buildings and looking after the cleaning maintenance at those sites developed us froma small one-man-band cleaner-operator to a big (well not national yet) soft services (a.k.a support services cleaning company) servicing not just London but parts of the Home Counties as well – Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

    In other words – we can provide office cleaners in most parts of the South East areas surrounding Greater London.

    As you have noticed we have been rebuilding our website for a while, and we appreciate your patience. As they say, ‘Good things come to those who wait.’ In this tone of words we would like to announce that our technical contractors are putting the finishing touches to the website and you will see it very soon in its modern glory.

    Our Support Services Company is Already Taking on London Based Cleaning Contracts

    Of course, you can always get in touch with us before that, by submitting a commercial cleaning request through our Contact Page.…