At Softwash Scotland, we understand how important clean and well-maintained communal areas are for residents in housing associations. Recently, we completed an extensive exterior cleaning project at Gorbals Housing Association, demonstrating our commitment to supporting community housing providers across Scotland.
About the project: Professional Exterior Cleaning Services
Based in Bathgate West Lothian, we are situated South-West of Edinburgh and Glasgow and have immediate access to the motorway system which means we can rapidly service the whole of Scotland. Our team was contracted to provide comprehensive exterior cleaning services for the Gorbals Housing Association properties, focusing on multiple areas that required professional attention.
Our team focused on cleaning a few key areas:
- Back gardens including brick walls, patios, pathways, and stairs
- Drying greens used daily by residents
- Communal bin stores
The goal was to clean and restore these shared spaces to a safe, hygienic, and inviting condition, making them easier to use and more enjoyable for everyone.
Back Garden Cleaning: Brick Walls, Patios, Pathways, and Stairs
Back gardens are often at the heart of communal living. Over time, however, brickwork, paving, and outdoor surfaces can accumulate moss, algae, and stains from Scotland’s damp climate. This doesn’t just spoil the appearance; it can also make surfaces slippery and unsafe.
For the Gorbals project, we delivered a full back garden cleaning service, which included:
- Brick walls – carefully steam cleaned to remove algae and staining, restoring their natural colour.
- Patios – pressure washed to lift dirt and revive paving stones.
- Pathways – cleared of moss and grime to improve safety and appearance.
- Stairs – deep cleaned to reduce slip hazards and provide a safer route for residents.
The transformation was clear: clean surfaces, restored textures, and safer walkways—all contributing to a more welcoming outdoor environment.
Bin Store Cleaning: Hygiene and Odour Control
Communal bin stores are essential but can often be one of the most neglected spaces in residential complexes. Build-up of waste residues, odours, and bacteria can make these areas unpleasant if left untreated.
At the Gorbals, we carried out a full bin store cleaning service, which involved:
- Pressure washing floors and walls to remove dirt
- Eliminating waste residue and tackling stubborn stains
- Applying sanitising treatments to improve hygiene and control odours
This left the bin stores cleaner, fresher, and more hygienic for both residents and waste management staff.
Drying Green Cleaning for Housing Associations in Glasgow
Drying greens are a long-standing feature of Scottish housing associations, but without maintenance they can quickly become dirty, slippery, and unattractive.
Our team restored the drying greens at the Gorbals by removing moss, algae, and surface grime. The cleaned space not only looked more presentable but also provided a safer, more practical area for residents to use for laundry and day-to-day activities.
The Importance of Professional Exterior Cleaning for Housing Associations
New Gorbals Housing Association (NGHA) is a community-controlled housing association based in Glasgow, Scotland, dedicated to providing high quality social housing and fostering community development.
The Gorbals Housing Association project demonstrates the positive impact of regular communal area cleaning. Clean back gardens, drying greens, and bin stores don’t just look better – they create healthier, safer, and more enjoyable living environments.
For housing associations like NGHA, maintaining clean and well-presented properties is essential for several reasons:
- Fewer complaints about hygiene or safety issues
- Improved resident satisfaction and wellbeing
- Longer-lasting surfaces thanks to preventative cleaning
- A greater sense of pride in communal spaces
- Community standard and property value preservation
Thanks to Softwash Scotland’s professional exterior cleaning services, the communal areas at the Gorbals Housing Association have been restored to a standard residents can be proud of. From brick walls and patios to drying greens and bin stores, every detail was given the care it needed.
Why Housing Associations Choose Softwash Scotland
Local Expertise
Operating from our base in West Lothian, we understand the specific challenges faced by Scottish properties, including:
- Scottish weather conditions and their impact on exterior surfaces
- Local building materials and construction methods
- Regional moss and algae growth patterns
- Community-focused service requirements
Full Service Range
Beyond our Gorbals Housing Association project, we offer a full range of exterior cleaning services including:
- Roughcast, Render cleaning and restoration
- Roof moss removal and treatment
- Gutter cleaning and maintenance
- UPVC cleaning and restoration
- Driveway and car park cleaning
Health and Safety Compliance
All our operatives are fully trained and certified in:
- Chemical handling and application
- Equipment operation and safety
- Risk assessment procedures
- Environmental protection measures
Work With Softwash Scotland
If you’re a housing association, property manager, or resident looking to improve the quality of your communal areas, Softwash Scotland is here to help. We provide professional exterior cleaning services in Edinburgh, Glasgow and across Scotland.
Contact us today to discuss your project and see how we can transform your property to make it look like new.
