by
Lawton Brothers
| Sep 09, 2025
Fall is the perfect season to reset and refocus your facility’s cleaning strategy. As schools, offices, and public buildings experience increased traffic, and flu season begins, the demands on janitorial teams intensify. A strong, well-trained cleaning staff is the backbone of any facility’s sanitation program. Without proper training, even the best products and equipment won’t deliver consistent, safe, and effective results.
At Lawton Bros, we believe that investing in janitorial training is not just about skill-building—it’s about safety, efficiency, and long-term success. Here’s how facility managers can strengthen their teams this fall.
Why Training Matters More in the Fall
Increased Germ Exposure: Cold and flu viruses spread quickly in high-use spaces. Cleaning staff must know how to disinfect effectively to protect occupants.
Seasonal Challenges: Fall brings moisture, leaves, and dirt into facilities, making floor care and restroom maintenance more demanding.
Staff Turnover: Many organizations face staffing shifts at the start of the school year or business cycle. Proper onboarding ensures consistency.
Safety Concerns: With new equipment, chemicals, and techniques, ongoing training helps reduce accidents and liability risks.
Training Focus Areas for Fall
✅ Health & Safety Protocols
Review OSHA standards and chemical handling procedures.
Reinforce the use of PPE (gloves, goggles, masks) to protect staff.
Provide refresher training on slip-and-fall prevention, especially with wetter weather conditions.
✅ Cleaning for Health, Not Just Appearance
Emphasize high-touch disinfection (door handles, railings, desks, restroom fixtures).
Train on proper dwell times for disinfectants—rushing reduces effectiveness.
Teach staff to identify problem zones like entryways, restrooms, and break areas that require extra attention.
✅ Floor Care Best Practices
Demonstrate how to use mats effectively to capture dirt and moisture.
Provide instruction on machine scrubbing and burnishing for restorative cleaning.
Stress the importance of seasonal floor finishes to protect against added wear.
✅ Equipment & Technology Training
Ensure staff are comfortable operating floor machines, vacuums, and electrostatic sprayers.
Offer guidance on routine maintenance to extend equipment lifespan.
Introduce new technologies that can increase efficiency, such as smart dispensers or automated scrubbers.
✅ Teamwork & Accountability
Use cleaning checklists to standardize quality across shifts.
Encourage peer-to-peer mentoring for new hires.
Hold regular huddles to review successes, challenges, and updates to procedures.
Creating a Culture of Excellence
Janitorial training is not just about one-time workshops—it’s about building a culture where staff feel valued, knowledgeable, and empowered. Here are a few ways facility managers can build that culture:
Recognize achievements: Acknowledge staff who go above and beyond.
Provide growth opportunities: Offer certifications and advanced training courses.
Lead by example: Show that leadership prioritizes cleanliness and safety by staying informed and supportive.
Fall Training Checklist
Refresh chemical safety and PPE use
Train on high-touch disinfection techniques
Review fall-specific floor care practices
Provide equipment operation and maintenance training
Implement checklists and accountability systems
Encourage teamwork and recognition
Partnering with Lawton Bros
Building a stronger, safer janitorial team requires more than just products—it requires the right training and support. At Lawton Bros, we offer expert-led training programs, safety education, and the latest tools to help your cleaning staff succeed year-round.
📞 Contact your Lawton Bros representative today at 800-432-0813 to build your customized fall cleaning plan.
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