What is an ISO 9001 Certification?

ISO 9001:2015

What is an ISO 9001 Certification?

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems (QMS). It’s a certification that companies can achieve by putting in place systems and processes that consistently meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

For a commercial cleaning company, ISO 9001 certification signals to clients that you are dedicated to providing quality cleaning services, while continually improving your processes. But what exactly is ISO 9001, and how does it benefit a cleaning business? Let’s explore why this certification is so valuable.

Benefits of ISO 9001 Certification

Consistency in Service Quality

ISO 9001 helps ensure that cleaning services are delivered consistently to a high standard. This is important for maintaining customer satisfaction, as clients rely on cleaners to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of their premises.

Continuous Improvement

The certification requires companies to regularly assess and improve their processes. This focus on continuous improvement leads to more efficient cleaning operations, reducing errors and enhancing service quality over time.

Building Customer Trust

ISO 9001 certification provides proof to customers that your cleaning company is committed to quality. This can be especially valuable in a competitive industry where clients are looking for cleaning services that meet their expectations.

Cost-Effective

The standard encourages businesses to streamline operations and reduce waste, which can lead to cost savings and more efficient service delivery. For a cleaning company, this might mean optimising cleaning schedules, improving the management of supplies, and ensuring team members are using the best practices.

Health and Safety

ISO 9001 requires businesses to meet regulatory standards, including health and safety regulations. This means making sure that cleaning practices not only maintain cleanliness but also adhere to safe and hygienic practices that protect your clients.

Clear Communication

The standard encourages businesses to improve communication with clients. This might include setting clear expectations regarding service scope, performance, and timelines, helping to build trust and ensure customer satisfaction.

Getting Started with ISO 9001 Certification

If your cleaning business doesn’t yet have ISO 9001 certification, it’s time to start the process. Begin by reviewing your existing practices and making improvements where needed. Once you’ve established a solid QMS, seek guidance from a certified ISO consultant or auditor to guide you through the certification process.

Achieving ISO 9001 certification for your cleaning company is an investment in your business’s future. It will not only improve your processes and service quality but also demonstrate to your clients that you’re committed to the highest standards in everything you do.

ISO_9001_CERTIFIED

The Steps We Took to Become ISO 9001 Certified

1. Assessing Our Current Processes

The first step was to assess our existing cleaning processes and identify areas where improvements could be made. We looked at everything from how we manage client contracts to how we handle quality checks for our cleaning services.

This audit helped us pinpoint areas of improvement and laid the foundation for our Quality Management System (QMS).

2. Developing a Quality Management System (QMS)

Next, we developed our QMS. This included documenting our processes and creating procedures for handling everything from employee training to customer feedback. We set clear quality objectives and defined measurable standards to ensure we could consistently meet the expectations of our clients.

The QMS also included a framework for continuous improvement, making sure that we would always be working to better our services.

3. Employee Training and Involvement

A key part of ISO 9001 is engaging employees at all levels. We knew that for our QMS to be successful, everyone in the company needed to be on board. We provided training to our team on the ISO 9001 principles, quality management, and how they could contribute to the improvement process.

This ensured that every staff member, from cleaners to supervisors, understood their role in maintaining high standards and meeting client expectations.

4. Conducting Internal Audits

Once we had our QMS in place, we began conducting internal audits to make sure everything was working as planned. These audits helped us identify any areas where we weren’t quite meeting the standards, allowing us to make adjustments before our final certification audit.

5. Undergoing the External Certification Audit

The final step in the process was undergoing an external audit by an accredited certification body. This involved a thorough review of our QMS, processes, and documentation. The auditor assessed whether we were meeting the ISO 9001 requirements and gave feedback on any improvements we could make.

Once we passed the audit, we were officially ISO 9001 certified!

What ISO 9001 Certification Means for You

Achieving ISO 9001 certification is a significant milestone for our company, and it also brings several important benefits for you.

Quality Services, All The Time

Our ISO 9001 certification ensures that we consistently provide the same high standards in every cleaning job. Whether it’s daily office cleaning or deep cleaning for commercial properties, our processes are designed to maintain quality and reliability.

Continuous improvement

Our commitment to continuous improvement means that we’re always looking for ways to enhance our cleaning services, making sure we stay ahead of the curve in terms of both quality and efficiency.

Transparency and accountability

ISO 9001 requires businesses to have clear procedures in place. For our clients, this means you can trust that we’ll always be transparent, accountable, and focused on meeting your needs.

Customer satisfaction

With a stronger focus on customer needs and feedback, our ISO 9001 certification shows that we’re dedicated to exceeding your expectations, creating long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Getting Started with ISO 9001 Certification

If your cleaning company doesn’t yet have ISO 9001 certification, it’s time to start the process. Begin by reviewing your existing practices and making improvements where needed. Once you’ve established a solid QMS, seek guidance from a certified ISO consultant or auditor to guide you through the certification process.

Achieving ISO 9001 certification for your cleaning company is an investment in your business’s future. It will not only improve your processes and service quality but also demonstrate to your clients that you’re committed to the highest standards in everything you do.

Schedule A Call

Speak with our highly experienced on 01902 895533 or fill out our contact form to discuss the right cleaning services for your business.

We offer commercial cleaning services in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Halesowen, Walsall, Tamworth, Telford, Cannock, Leicester, Coventry, Derby and Northampton.

How Often Should a Factory or Warehouse Be Professionally Cleaned?

warehouse cleaners

How Often Should a Factory or Warehouse Be Professionally Cleaned?

Maintaining a clean factory or warehouse isn’t just about appearances, it’s about safety, compliance, and running the business efficiently. We explore the main things you should think about when deciding how often to have professional cleaning done.

Factors to consider when planning your cleaning schedule

Industry Requirements and Standards

Factories and warehouses often fall under health and safety regulations, such as COSHH in the UK, that mandate specific cleaning practices to control dust, debris, and chemical residues. Understanding these requirements is the first step in setting an appropriate cleaning frequency.

Footfall and Usage

Areas with heavy activity, such as production lines, loading bays and dispatch zones, see far greater wear than quieter storage or office spaces. Every pallet moved or vehicle unloaded brings in dust, dirt and debris.

If these particulates aren’t cleared promptly, they can build up around machinery, clog ventilation systems and create slip hazards. Tailoring your cleaning frequency to peak operational hours keeps these zones safe and fully operational.

Type of Operations

The substances you handle dictate how quickly your facility becomes soiled. Oil, lubricant and chemical processes leave slippery residues that require more aggressive cleaning.

Similarly, operations that generate fine dust, like metal fabrication or woodworking, need thorough extraction and surface cleaning to protect equipment and maintain air quality. Align your methods and intervals with these specific contaminants for optimal results.

Regulatory Audits

Audit schedules often indicate when you need a deep clean. Aligning your professional services with upcoming inspections ensures you consistently meet hygiene and safety standards.

A clean performed shortly before each audit addresses potential non-conformities in advance, reducing last-minute rushes. Detailed service reports also create an audit trail, demonstrating due diligence to regulators and stakeholders.

Equipment Sensitivity

Modern machinery relies on tight tolerances and sensitive electronics that dust and debris can compromise. Sensors, drives and cooling systems are especially vulnerable to particulate buildup.

Introducing targeted maintenance cleans, via low-pressure air blows, vacuum extraction or dry-wipe protocols, helps protect these precision components. More frequent specialist cleans extend service life and prevent unplanned downtime.

How often factories and warehouses should be cleaned

daily warehouse cleaning services

Daily Cleaning

Each morning or at the start of every shift, clear away loose dirt and rubbish from busy zones like production lines, loading areas and main walkways. A quick sweep or a run-over with a ride-on vacuum will pick up grit, dust and bits of packaging before they cause a trip or jam up machinery.

If anything spills, oil, grease, water or coolants, mop it up straight away. Microfibre mop heads soak up liquids fast, so floors stay dry and safe. At the same time, give door handles, control panels and handrails a wipe with disinfectant to cut down on germs. Finish by emptying all bins and sorting out general waste from any hazardous items.

At the end of the shift, a brief walk-through by a supervisor can spot small problems, like loose floor panels or cracks that need fixing.

Weekly Deep Sweep

Once a week, take cleaning a step further to reach the dust and debris that daily work misses. Bring in an industrial sweeper or scrubber machine to cover every corner, under shelves and around racking. After that, use compressed air to blow dust out of fans, vents and machinery housings, just remember to wear a mask to avoid breathing in fine particles.

Clear tools and materials off workbenches so you can clean underneath and behind them. Dust can hide in gaps and cause motors to overheat or even contaminate products. Finally, check filters in extraction fans, HVAC units and spray booths. If they’re clogged, either give them a clean or fit new ones so airflow stays strong and dust doesn’t just circulate.

weekly warehouse cleaning services
monthly warehouse cleaning services

Monthly Degreasing

Every month, focus on areas where oil and grease build up. Apply an approved degreaser along conveyor lines, at forklift charging spots and around machine bases. Let it sit for the recommended time, then rinse away the loosened grime with a low-pressure wash that won’t damage sensitive parts.

Any stubborn grease patches can be scrubbed by hand using the right brush for your floor type, concrete, epoxy or tile. Make sure drains and sumps are clear before rinsing off, and direct the dirty water into oil-water separators to meet environmental rules.

A quick checklist inspection after cleaning makes sure every surface is grease-free before work continues.

Quarterly Full-Service

Every three months, carry out a full deep clean. Use high-pressure jets, steam cleaners and certified sanitising solutions to tackle everything thoroughly.

Racking and pallet racks may be partly taken apart so individual pieces can get an ultrasonic or steam treatment. The remaining frames can then be washed with a steam lance to remove any mould or bacteria. Inside, washrooms, kitchens and break rooms get a full descaling, disinfection and deodorising, and stocks of soap, paper towels and toilet rolls are topped up.

Outside the building, clean windows, gutters, facades and car parks, removing weeds, moss and debris so entrances stay clear.

Following this daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly plan will help keep your factory or warehouse running safely and in line with health and safety rules.

quarterly warehouse cleaning services

Advantages of Hiring Professional Cleaners

Minimised Operational Interruptions

Our professional cleaners arrive fully equipped and trained to work efficiently around your production schedule. Their expertise and industrial-grade machinery mean tasks that might take your team hours can be completed swiftly and thoroughly, letting you maintain peak output without lengthy shutdowns.

Greater Health and Safety Assurance

As a specialist commercial cleaning company, we follow the latest industry standards for hazard removal, from flammable residue extraction to slip-resistant floor finishes. Our cleaners carry full liability insurance and adhere to rigorous training, reducing the risk of on-site accidents and helping to lower your insurance costs.

Full Compliance and Audit Readiness

We’ll supply detailed records of every service, daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly, demonstrating clear compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.

When we arrive, you’ll have comprehensive documentation at your fingertips, turning inspections into a formality rather than a scramble.

Looking for expert factory and warehouse cleaning in West Midlands and East Midlands?

Officlean Limited offers professional deep cleaning, scheduled maintenance, and compliance checks to keep your premises safe and efficient. Call us on 01902 895533 or fill out our contact form to book a service today.

We offer commercial cleaning services in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Halesowen, Walsall, Tamworth, Telford, Cannock, Leicester, Coventry, Derby and Northampton.

Feeling the Pressure from Rising National Insurance Costs?

impact of ni increases on businesses

Feeling the Pressure from Rising National Insurance Costs? Here’s One Way UK Businesses Can Save

As of April, businesses across the UK are facing increased National Insurance (NI) contributions, adding yet another pressure to already rising employment costs. In response, many companies are re-evaluating their operations to find practical and smarter ways to save without sacrificing quality.

One cost-saving opportunity that’s gaining traction? Outsourcing commercial cleaning services. If you’re currently managing an in-house cleaning team, now might be the ideal time to consider outsourcing and we are here to help.

Officlean Ltd is a professional commercial cleaning provider with years of experience supporting businesses across the Midlands. From offices and schools to healthcare and industrial sites, we help our businesses maintain spotless, safe, and hygienic environments without the overheads of in-house staffing.

impact of national insurance increase

The Hidden Costs of In-House Cleaning Teams

While employing your own cleaners may seem straightforward, the actual costs can be surprisingly high. Beyond wages, employers are responsible for NI contributions, holiday and sick pay, pensions, training, uniforms, cleaning supplies, and general HR management. These hidden costs quickly add up, especially now with the latest NI increase.

There’s also the time commitment, recruiting, covering absences, and managing performance all take valuable focus away from your core business. In many cases, outsourcing cleaning services can provide the same (or better) results for less money and significantly less administrative hassle.

A Better Way to Manage Workplace Cleaning

At Officlean Ltd, we offer a simpler solution for businesses. By outsourcing your cleaning services to us, you no longer need to worry about managing cleaning staff directly. There are no last-minute cover to arrange, and no National Insurance contributions to factor in.

Our team delivers reliable, professional cleaning tailored to your business needs, whether that means daily cleans, periodic deep cleaning, or something more tailored to you. Every member of our team is fully trained, insured, and committed to maintaining a clean and healthy working environment.

We also prioritise sustainability, using eco-friendly cleaning products and methods that are safer for your staff and better for the planet.

Supporting Local Businesses Across the Midlands

Officlean Ltd proudly supports businesses across the Midlands and beyond. We currently provide commercial cleaning services in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Halesowen, Walsall, Tamworth, Telford, Cannock, Leicester, Coventry, Derby, and Northampton.

Keep Your Standards High and Your Costs Down

If you’re currently managing your own cleaning staff, now is the time to reassess. With National Insurance increases adding extra pressure to payroll budgets, outsourcing your cleaning is a simple, smart way to reduce costs and helps you stay focused on what matters most – running your business.

Wenlock School Awards Officlean Cleaning Contract

School cleaning services

Wenlock School Awards Officlean Cleaning Services Contract

The Wenlock School in Dudley supports boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 18 who have a range of social, emotional and mental health needs and pupils who have been diagnosed with Autism or demonstrate behaviours associated with Autism.

Officlean were awarded the contract based on our long track record of understanding each client’s needs and requirements. In this case preparing the new areas of the site and delivering a robust implementation plan were key to ensure the highest levels of quality and service without issues or disruption to the client’s core activities.

School cleaning services

A number of service options were discussed and the School chose a contract that suited their needs meaning a term – time contract plus deep cleans in preparation for pupils and staff returning to school in addition to ensuring that following completion of the building works the site was fully prepared to welcome staff and pupils.

Following a successful service launch and strong positive feedback from the client we look forward to a long and happy partnership for many years to come.

“Officlean have provided an excellent service and I would have no hesitation in recommending their services”
Simon Baggott Facilities Manager

Important Coronavirus Information

medical centre cleaning

Important Coronavirus Information

Due to the recent emergence of the Coronavirus, we have been forced to recognise the importance of regular and thorough cleaning in order to stop the spread. Officlean will conduct a professional risk assessment which will highlight areas that are in need of cleaning and high risk areas. This will provide you with the peace of mind that risks have been minimised and your employees are returning to a safer working environment.

If you would like to find out more information regarding our services, feel free to get in touch with a member of our expert team on 01902 895533 or email enquiries@officlean.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you.

coronavirus cleaning services
deep cleaning

Why Is CQC Cleaning Important?

medical centre cleaning

Support for your CQC Guidelines

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 all primary care medical practices in England must register with the Care Quality Commission. The registration process and on going compliance and monitoring relate to cleanliness and infection control within any governed practice.

The CQC (Care Quality Commission) specifies that health practices should provide and maintain a clean and appropriate environment, that facilitates the prevention and control of infections. Officlean provide a cleaning and maintenance hygiene practice following CQC guidelines, by supplying a flexible, effective cleaning plan tailored specifically to your business needs. With over 50 years experience in cleaning, we can ensure to deliver the best cleaning plans that help navigate your cleaning routine and support you in passing your CQC inspection, through providing a bespoke high quality cleaning package that includes:

  • A bespoke cleaning plan, managed in detail and reviewed at regular intervals to ensure a solid routine is in place and adhered to
  • An auditable paper trail showing roles and responsibilities of all cleaning staff
  • Colour coded equipment to help prevent the spread of infection and contamination
  • Excellent supervision to ensure all practices are monitored appropriately
  • Regular communication with the Practice Manager/GP ensuring a proactive approach to maintaining the standards of cleanliness – Advice on all health and safety issues, COSHH and the introduction of new and better anti bacterial products when available

Why Choose Contract Cleaning for your Surgery?

doctors cleaning

Why Choose Contract Cleaning for your Surgery?

As a doctor or a dentist, you will understand the importance of having a surgery and waiting area that is cleaned to the highest standards possible. Cleaning is essential to maintain acceptable levels of hygiene and to keep bacteria under control, reducing the risk of spreading infections between patients. Using a reputable contract cleaning service, such as Officlean, is the best way to achieve this for three main reasons:

1. CQC accreditation

A contract cleaning company that has a 100% pass rate, which demonstrates that it constantly adheres to the stringent guidelines set out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and has an in-depth understanding of the code of practice required for both dental surgery cleaning and doctor surgery cleaning. These guidelines are very specific and demand fundamental standards of cleanliness. When you employ a contract cleaning company with a 100% pass rate you can be confident that your surgery will be properly cleaned by trained staff. You can’t put a price on your peace of mind!

2. A reliable service that won’t let you down

When you use a contract cleaning service, you can also be sure that your surgery will be cleaned when you need it to be cleaned. A reputable cleaning company will have systems in place to ensure that your surgery is always kept pristine, even if a regular cleaner is sick or on holiday. For flexibility and reliability, contract cleaning can’t be beaten.

3. It’s good business sense

Using contact cleaners for your surgery cleaning is also a surprisingly affordable option. After all, you won’t need to buy your own cleaning products or equipment, there is no need to recruit and employ permanent cleaning staff and you won’t need to worry about in-house training or rotas. A reputable company, such as Officlean, can provide you with the service you need at highly competitive rates. Of course, we only use the safest and fully certified chemicals and always follow the recommended best practice when cleaning, such as colour coded cloths and a strict cleaning order.

We have the experience and knowledge to guarantee that your preferred cleaning programme is constantly maintained. Your patients will appreciate visiting a clean and sparkling surgery, and your team will enjoy working in a hygienic environment. Our cleaners are fully trained in all aspects of cleaning surgeries, from equipment to chairs, floors, windows and door handles. We know you will be more than happy with our excellent service, which can be tailored to meet your exact requirements. To find out more about our contract cleaning services for dental and doctors surgeries, contact Officlean today.

10 Checks To Consider When Choosing A Contract Cleaner

contract cleaner

10 Checks To Consider When Choosing A Contract Cleaner

Cleaning is an ongoing task that needs constant attention so that your premises always look spick and span. If you are thinking about hiring a contract cleaner for your premises, here are ten points you might want to consider:

1. Make sure that all staff have been vetted or DBS checked

A reputable contract cleaning company will always thoroughly vet all its personnel and carry out all the mandatory checks, such as the Disclosure Barring Service.

2. Safe cleaning practices

A reputable cleaning company will take care to use the safest chemical cleaning materials, which are environmentally friendly and less likely to trigger any health issues.

3. Fully trained staff

Dedicated cleaners are competent to undertake their tasks without close supervision.

4. Flexibility

Look for a cleaning company that can provide cleaners at the hours you want them for minimum disruption.

5. Cost

Cost is always going to be a key issue for those considering using a contract cleaning company. However, even if you have employed your own staff, you may be pleasantly surprised at the highly competitive prices offered by a reputable contract cleaning service.

6. Reputation

It’s always worth checking out who cleans companies in your local area. Word of mouth is a tried-and-tested way of finding out whether a cleaning company is as good as they claim to be.

7. Health and Safety

Look for a company with excellent health and safety credentials.

8. High Quality

Commitment to consistently delivering high standards is essential and regular audits are carried out to ensure standards are maintained to the highest level.

9. Motivation

It can be hard to gauge how motivated the staff of a contract cleaning company are likely to be, one clear indication is the length of time staff members have been employed there. Companies with a high rate of staff turnover are more likely to be unmotivated and feel little sense of loyalty.

10. Time

Using the services of a reputable contract cleaning company will save you valuable time and will release you from all tasks including advertising, interviewing and training. A good cleaning company will always be able to provide the best cleaners and ensure all sickness and holidays are covered.

Daily Office Cleaning Contract In Stourbridge

commercial cleaning

Daily Office Cleaning Contract In Stourbridge

Officlean are proud to announce a new office cleaning contract from the Stourbridge area with one of the most prestigious Solictor practices.

Anita Lyons, M.D., “Another great prestigious addition to our office cleaning client base, this contract demonstartes the trust in our service and staff. ”

Officlean provide medical cleaning, office cleaning, and washroom services to contracts throughout the following areas: Birmingham, Coventry, Cannock, Dudley, Kidderminster, Leamington Spa, Redditch, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Stourbridge, Telford, Wolverhampton, Worcester and many more.

If you would like a free, no obligation, consultation please call Officlean on 01902 895533 or use our Callback form and we will get in touch.