Printing Policy 11.5: Vehicle Cleaning Standards on its own.
Policy 11.5 — Eddie's Doggy Daycare, Paddock Farm, Harlow, Essex CM17 9HP
Vehicle Cleaning Standards
Document Control
Document Ref: EDDC-POL-005 | Category: Transport & Vehicles | Version: 2.0 Effective Date: October 2025 | Review Date: October 2026 | Owner: Edward Kirwan
Daily Vehicle Cleaning Standards
Purpose
This document specifies the minimum cleaning standards that must be met for every company vehicle at the end of each working day. Clean vehicles are essential for infection control, professional presentation, and the welfare of the dogs we transport. Compliance is mandatory — no vehicle may be parked up for the night until these standards have been met.
1. Scope
These standards apply to all company vehicles used for dog transportation, regardless of the number of dogs carried or the length of journeys completed that day.
2. Daily Cleaning Checklist
The following tasks must be completed every day after the final drop-off and before the vehicle is parked for the night:
| Task | Standard | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Accident check | Inspect the entire rear of the van for any toileting accidents. Note and report any accidents to the relevant customer via management. | |
| Hoover rear area | Thoroughly hoover the entire rear of the van — all crate bases, floor between crates, and any loose surfaces. Must be free from hair, dirt, food debris, and waste. | |
| Disinfect crates | Remove all crate bases where possible. Spray and wipe all crate surfaces — bottoms, sides, doors, and latches — with approved disinfectant (RSPCA Anti-Viral Surface Cleaner or Pro-Kleen Kennel Kleen). Allow appropriate contact time before wiping dry. | |
| Clean cabin touch points | Wipe all high-touch surfaces in the driver's cabin: steering wheel, gear stick, handbrake, indicator stalks, radio/media controls, door handles (inside and outside), and seat belt buckles. | |
| Dashboard and surfaces | Wipe the dashboard, centre console, and all flat surfaces. Must be free from dust, dirt, and any residue. | |
| Remove all rubbish | Check and remove all rubbish from the cabin, door pockets, cup holders, glove box, and rear area. Dispose of waste in the appropriate bins on site. | |
| Hoover cabin floor | Hoover the driver and passenger footwells, under the seats, and the floor mats. | |
| Exterior check | Remove any visible mud, dirt, or waste from the vehicle exterior. Arrange a full exterior wash if the vehicle is visibly dirty. | |
| Fuel check | Confirm fuel level. If below quarter tank, refuel before parking up or notify management. |
3. Weekly Deep Clean
In addition to daily cleaning, every vehicle must receive a weekly deep clean, typically on Fridays or the last working day of the week:
- Full interior steam clean or deep scrub of all surfaces
- Crate removal and individual cleaning with extended disinfectant contact time
- Window cleaning (interior and exterior)
- Full exterior wash
- Air freshener replacement
- Inspection of crate condition — report any damage or wear
4. Sign-Off
Each daily clean must be signed off by the driver responsible for the vehicle. Management will conduct random spot checks to verify compliance. Vehicles found below standard will be flagged and the responsible driver will be required to re-clean immediately.
| Vehicle Reg | Driver | Date | Signed |
|---|---|---|---|
5. Non-Compliance
Repeated failure to maintain vehicle cleaning standards will be addressed through the performance management process. Persistent non-compliance may result in the vehicle being reassigned and disciplinary action.
Authorised By
Edward Kirwan — Owner & Company Director, Eddie's Doggy Daycare Limited Document Ref: EDDC-POL-005
Read and understood — staff name & signature
Date