With Labor Day (unofficially) marking the close of summer, now is the time of year when most businesses start preparing for the cooler months ahead.
For many, this means holiday planning and year-end budgeting, but for facility managers, fall is also the perfect time to focus on cleaning.
After all, with everyone back from summer vacation and the kids back in school, there is a high probability that your building will see an influx of foot traffic.
Not to mention, common cold and flu season begins in October, so you’ll want to do everything in your power to ensure your facility is clean and sanitary.
To help you out, we’ve put together a cleaning checklist for fall. By following these tips, you can help keep your facility clean and safe all season long.
Cleaning Tips for Your Company’s Interior
Deep Clean Your Flooring
Over the course of a year, your flooring takes a beating which is why it’s no wonder that your floors could use a good cleaning come fall.
To deep clean your carpets, start by vacuum-cleaning them thoroughly. Utilize a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure proper removal of dirt and allergens; paying special attention to high-traffic areas and any spots that seem particularly dirty.
As for hard surface floors, like tile, linoleum, and hardwood, start by sweeping or vacuuming them to remove any surface dirt and debris. Then, mop the floors using a cleaning solution that is appropriate for the material.
Don’t forget to clean under furniture and in hard-to-reach places, as these are often hotspots for dirt and grime.
Wash Your Windows
Letting natural light into your facility is not only good for your employees’ mental health, but it can also help you save on energy costs.
To get the most out of your windows, give them a good cleaning in the fall. Start by dusting blinds and window sills, then move on to cleaning the actual glass. To do this, you can either use a commercial window cleaning solution or mix your own using vinegar and water.
If your windows are particularly dirty, you may need to scrub them with a sponge or brush to remove all the grime. Just be sure to use a gentle cleaning solution and scrub in a circular motion to avoid damaging the glass.
Disinfect and Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces
As mentioned earlier, October marks the beginning of cold and flu season. To help prevent the spread of illness in your facility, it’s important to disinfect and sanitize all high-touch surfaces on a regular basis.
High-touch surfaces include door handles, light switches, railings, doorknobs, faucets, and countertops.
To clean these surfaces, start by wiping them down with a damp, microfiber cloth. Follow that up by spraying the surface with an all-purpose cleaning solution that is appropriate for the material and wiping it clean with a microfiber cloth.
For extra protection, you can also sanitize surfaces using a spray or wipes that contain at least 60% alcohol. Just be sure to read the label carefully to ensure that the product is safe to use on the specific surface in question.
Clean Your Ventilation Systems
Your ventilation system does a lot to improve the air quality in your facility, which is why it is so important to include it on your maintenance checklist. Overlooking this task can result in a build-up of dust, dirt, and other contaminants, which could lead to a host of respiratory problems for your employees.
To clean your ventilation system, start by turning off the power and removing any filters or covers. Next, inspect the filters and gently clean them with soap and water, if possible. If they are very dirty or damaged, you may need to contact a professional to clean or replace them.
Once the filters are clean, vacuum the interior of the ventilation system using a soft-bristled attachment. Be sure to reach all the nooks and crannies, as dirt and debris can build up in these areas over time.
If there is a lot of build-up, you may need to use a cleaning solution and scrub brush to remove it.
Just be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals, as they could damage the ventilation system.
Finally, replace any filters or covers, clean the area around the ventilation system, and turn the power back on.
Clean out storage areas and closets
Fall is a great time to declutter your facility and get rid of any items that you no longer need. This includes cleaning out storage areas and closets, as well as getting rid of any old furniture or equipment.
One way that we recommend doing this is by creating three piles: one for items to keep, one for items to donate, and one for items to throw away. This will help you easily sort through everything and ensure that any remaining items are properly organized.
Once you have decluttered your facility, take the time to deep clean the storage areas and closets.
Start by dusting shelves and vacuuming floors, then move on to cleaning the actual items that are going to be stored in these areas.
Use a mild cleaning solution and microfiber cloth to wipe down items like boxes, bins, and containers.
For larger items, such as furniture and electronics, you may need to use a slightly more powerful cleaning solution. Just be sure to read the label carefully to ensure that it is safe to use on the specific item in question.
Cleaning Tips for Your Company’s Exterior
Fall cleaning doesn’t stop at the front door of your facility. In fact, cleaning the exterior of your building is just as important as cleaning the interior since it is the first impression that potential customers have of your company.
Pressure washing is one of the best ways to clean your company’s exterior and remove dirt, grime, and other build-up. This can be done by a professional or with the use of a rented pressure washer.
In either case, be sure to pay special attention to areas like the sidewalks and parking lot, as well as any outdoor furniture or equipment.
You may also want to consider cleaning your company’s signage and windows. A gentle cleaning solution and microfiber cloth can be used for these tasks, but it is important to use caution when cleaning delicate materials such as glass.
In addition to pressure washing, the fall season is also a great time to trim any overgrown bushes or trees and remove any dead foliage. This will help keep your facility looking well-maintained and create a positive impression on anyone who visits.
By taking the time to properly clean the exterior of your facility, you can improve not only its appearance but also its safety for employees and visitors alike.
Conclusion
Despite what the “spring cleaning” moniker might suggest, fall is actually the perfect time to give your facility a deep clean.
By following the cleaning tips and checklist items outlined in this article, you can ensure that your facility is clean, safe, and ready for the colder months ahead.
If you have any questions or would rather have a professional cleaning company handle your fall cleaning needs, please don’t hesitate to give us a call — we would be more than happy to help!
