Same in blocks, I refused to accept a stained Mattress knowing the poor bugger before me had to pay to have it cleaned, but the so called cleaning appeared to be to circle the said stain with a biro and initial it. Hence I refused it stating it had not been cleaned, something I seriously doubted they ever did or indeed could.
Same as mentioned about brass, I was asked why I hadn’t polished the window brasses, noticing in my mates room his were aluminium, a quick visit to Halfords and a rattle can of aluminium paint later, mine were too and the can subsequently visited many a room where brass was present.
Also clearing, I used to do the essentials, work, gen office, medical, accommodation, clothing stores and then using a multitude of coloured pens initialled the rest myself.