Regular caretaking service levels

Regular caretaking service levels

The University of Toronto is committed first and foremost to the health and safety of our entire community. A crucial element in maintaining a safe and healthy environment is the cleaning and disinfection of shared spaces.

Working together to keep our campus safe

Caretaking Services provides a standard level of cleaning and disinfection to all clients on campus. The Caretaking team follows industry cleaning standards developed by the Association for Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA). The standards consist of five levels, where level one is the highest standard of cleaning service (orderly spotless) and level five is the lowest (unkempt neglect). The benchmark expectation level of cleanliness in all St. George campus buildings is level two (ordinary tidiness).

APPA cleaning standard: level two (ordinary tidiness)

  • Public area floors, carpets and base mouldings shine and/or are bright and clean. 
  • There is no build-up in corners or along walls, but there can be a day’s worth of dust, stains or streaks. Traffic areas are washed and/or vacuumed daily. 
  • All vertical and horizontal surfaces are clean, but marks, light dust, smudges and fingerprints are noticeable upon close inspection.
  • All floors are well maintained, without spots, but there may be minor accumulations of one day’s litter and debris. 
  • All special requests and assignments are prioritized and completed within
    a reasonable period of time. 
  • Washroom and shower tile and fixtures gleam, are washed clean and odour-free. 
  • Washroom supplies (i.e., hand towels, soap, toilet paper) are adequate. 
  • Trash containers are emptied according to schedule and are clean and odour-free.
  • Lamps all work and all fixtures are clean. 

Area cleaning frequency

We ensure that our clients receive prompt, professional and timely services. We’re committed to the following cleaning frequency:

Daily

  • Auditoriums 
  • Public corridors/hallways 
  • Elevators 
  • Entrances/lobbies 
  • Health areas 
  • Kitchenettes, lunch areas, cafeterias, coffee shops 
  • Lounges 
  • Pool decks
  • Public office spaces (reception areas) 
  • Seminar/conference rooms 
  • Stairs (main stairs)* 
  • Washrooms, change rooms, shower areas
  • Weight rooms, fitness rooms, gymnasiums  

Twice per week

  • Classrooms, lecture halls 
  • Teaching labs 

Weekly

  • Loading/freight areas
  • Research labs
  • Stairs (back stairs)
  • Workshops 

Every other week

  • Private offices

*Cleaned daily during inclement weather.

Weekends 

To request weekend caretaking services, submit a service request.

Sanitizing supplies are available in high-traffic areas 

Hand sanitizer dispensers are available in common-use areas, including lobbies and classrooms.