How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Cleaning Schedule and Needs

As the seasons change, so do the cleaning challenges faced by businesses, schools, and commercial spaces. The weather, environmental conditions, and even human behaviors shift throughout the year, meaning your cleaning routine must adapt to meet new demands. Ignoring seasonal changes can lead to inefficient cleaning practices, increased wear and tear on your facility, and even potential health risks.

At Lawton Bros, we understand how important it is to tailor your cleaning practices to the season. In this blog, we’ll explore how each season brings unique cleaning challenges and provide strategies to help your business stay clean, safe, and comfortable year-round.

The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Cleaning

Different seasons bring different types of dirt, allergens, and environmental factors into your facility. Adjusting your cleaning schedule and methods can help you manage these changes more effectively.

• Winter: Increased dirt, moisture, and salt from snow and rain make floor care a priority.
• Spring: Pollen and allergens rise, requiring extra attention to air quality and dust removal.
• Summer: Heat and humidity can increase odors and the need for disinfection.
• Fall: Fallen leaves and debris create outdoor cleaning challenges, while fluctuating temperatures affect indoor air quality.

By aligning your cleaning practices with the changing seasons, you can maintain a cleaner, healthier environment year-round.

Seasonal Cleaning Challenges and Solutions

1. Winter: Focus on Floor Care and Wet Conditions

Winter weather brings a host of challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining clean, dry floors. Rain, snow, and salt tracked into your building can quickly create hazards and damage surfaces if not managed properly.

Key Winter Cleaning Needs:

• Entryways and Mats: Place absorbent floor mats at all entrances to trap moisture and dirt. Mats should be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup.
• Salt and Ice Melt Residue: Salt used to melt ice can leave a white residue on floors, which can cause long-term damage if not removed. A specialized floor cleaner designed to neutralize salt residue is essential.
• Increased Floor Mopping: Floors will need more frequent mopping to remove moisture and prevent slippery surfaces. Ensure you use a mop system that efficiently picks up water and debris.

Pro Tip from Lawton Bros: Using a neutral floor cleaner helps prevent damage to your floors caused by the abrasive nature of ice melt products. Our cleaning experts can recommend the best products to protect your flooring during the winter months.

2. Spring: Combat Allergens and Pollen

As flowers bloom and trees release pollen, spring often brings a significant increase in allergens. Dust and pollen can accumulate on surfaces and in HVAC systems, affecting both cleanliness and indoor air quality.

Key Spring Cleaning Needs:

• Dusting and Air Quality: Increase the frequency of dusting to minimize allergens. Microfiber cloths are effective at capturing fine dust and pollen without spreading them into the air.
• HVAC Maintenance: Replace air filters and clean air vents to improve indoor air quality and reduce the circulation of allergens.
• Deep Cleaning: Spring is an ideal time for deep cleaning tasks, such as carpet shampooing and window cleaning, to remove dirt that has built up during the winter months.

Pro Tip from Lawton Bros: Incorporating an air purification system into your cleaning protocol, such as those we provide for commercial spaces, can drastically reduce airborne allergens and improve the overall indoor environment.

3. Summer: Manage Odors, Humidity, and Germs

Warm summer months can lead to increased humidity and higher temperatures, which can exacerbate odors, encourage the growth of mold and mildew, and accelerate the spread of germs. Proper ventilation and disinfection are crucial during this time.

Key Summer Cleaning Needs:

• Disinfection: Increase the frequency of disinfecting high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, counters, and restrooms to prevent the spread of germs in the warm, humid conditions.
• Odor Control: Hot weather can cause odors to intensify, especially in restrooms and trash areas. Use deodorizing cleaners and ensure waste bins are emptied regularly.
• Mold and Mildew Prevention: Humidity promotes mold growth, so it’s important to clean and dry areas like restrooms, kitchens, and basements thoroughly. Consider using a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check.

Pro Tip from Lawton Bros: Our odor-control products are designed to neutralize rather than mask unpleasant smells, providing long-lasting freshness even in high-temperature environments.

4. Fall: Prepare for Outdoor Debris and Indoor Air Quality

As temperatures begin to cool and leaves start to fall, outdoor debris like leaves and dirt are often tracked indoors. Fall is also a time to start preparing for the winter season ahead by focusing on preventive cleaning measures.

Key Fall Cleaning Needs:

• Outdoor Debris: Regular sweeping of entryways and parking lots helps keep leaves and dirt from being brought indoors. Make sure exterior doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts and debris from entering.
• Window Cleaning: Fall is an excellent time to clean windows, removing dirt and smudges before the shorter daylight hours reduce visibility.
• HVAC Inspection: Before the cold weather sets in, have your HVAC system inspected and air filters replaced to ensure clean, efficient heating throughout the winter months.

Pro Tip from Lawton Bros: Using outdoor mats and regularly maintaining your landscaping can minimize the amount of debris that gets tracked into your building.

How Lawton Bros Can Help You Adapt Your Cleaning Schedule

At Lawton Bros, we specialize in helping businesses create and maintain effective, seasonally adjusted cleaning routines. We offer a wide range of cleaning products, equipment, and services to help you tackle the specific challenges that each season brings.

• Tailored Cleaning Solutions: We can work with you to develop a customized cleaning schedule that aligns with the seasonal needs of your facility.
• Top-Quality Products: From heavy-duty winter floor cleaners to powerful summer disinfectants, we have the products you need to address any seasonal challenge.
• Expert Advice: Our cleaning experts are always available to provide guidance on best practices and product recommendations for every season.

Conclusion

Each season brings its own set of cleaning challenges, from muddy winter floors to allergen-laden spring air. By adjusting your cleaning schedule and using the right products for the season, you can keep your facility clean, safe, and healthy year-round. Lawton Bros is here to help you every step of the way, with expert advice and top-quality supplies tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you develop a seasonally responsive cleaning plan.