Building cleaning
In the context of buildings, cleaning refers to the regular removal of dust, dirt, waste, and contaminants from a building's interior and exterior spaces, fixtures, and systems, ensuring they remain safe, hygienic, functional, and presentable. It is a core part of facilities management and building operations and applies to all types of buildings—commercial offices, schools, hospitals, housing, industrial premises, and public buildings.
Reason for cleaning include:
- Health and hygiene. Reduces the spread of bacteria, viruses, mould, and allergens, supporting occupant health.
- Safety. Removes trip hazards, spills, and dust build-up that could cause slips, falls, or fires.
- Aesthetic appeal. Maintains a clean, professional, and welcoming environment for occupants and visitors.
- Preservation of Assets. Protects surfaces, furnishings, and building fabric from deterioration caused by dirt or grime.
- Productivity and wellbeing. Clean environments improve occupant morale, wellbeing, and work efficiency.
- Compliance. Ensures compliance with workplace health and safety laws (e.g., COSHH, Health and Safety at Work Act).
- Reputation management. A visibly clean building enhances the reputation of businesses or landlords.
- Pest control. Prevents infestations of rodents or insects by removing food waste and hiding places.
- Operational efficiency. Regular cleaning reduces the need for more intensive maintenance or repairs.
- Sustainability. Sustainable cleaning practices reduce water, energy use, and chemical consumption.
Articles about cleaning on Designing Buildings include:
- Chemical cleaning
- Cleaning brickwork, faience and terracotta
- Cleaning concrete
- Cleaning masonry
- Cleaning up air quality and the Environment Act 2021
- Concrete Patio Cleaning: Tips and Techniques
- Don’t Look Down! – Skyscraper window cleaning through the ages
- Facade cleaning
- How to clean the concrete pump
- Keeping chimneys and flues clean
- Membrane separation cleaning chemicals
- Professional home based window cleaning services
- Self-cleaning glass
- Training for pre-commissioning cleaning of pipework systems
- Window cleaning services using pure water
NB The term 'clean' can also be used to refer to sustainable technologies, such as clean energy.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.