Winter Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Commercial Space Safe and Hygienic

Winter typically brings wetter conditions, along with fallen foliage, mud, and other debris that can easily be tracked inside your facility. The first step to ensuring your space is pristine is focusing on the areas that receive the most traffic. Entrances aren’t just for your employees and customers, they’re also for whatever decides to enter along with the occupants. This can leave your reception area and loading docks extremely messy as well as hazardous. To combat the buildup of dirt and moisture, add mats to your entrances and most-used walkways and clean these areas often. Depending on how much debris is tracked inside, you can opt for rubber or carpeted mats (sometimes a combination of both). Be sure to clean the carpets/mats, as well as the floors beneath, at least once a day to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Carpets are also susceptible to grime and bacteria and need to be washed periodically with hot water or steam throughout winter, with vacuuming done daily.

During winter, there is an elevated risk of cold and flu. Most often, commonly touched surfaces are the main breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain a disinfection routine focused on the key touchpoints in your facility. Depending on the type of facility, you may have different areas to prioritize: office supplies, keyboards/laptops, door handles, equipment controls, bathrooms, light switches, etc. 

Due to the increased number of people inside, there will likely be an increase in the amount of dust circulating through your HVAC system. It is imperative to replace your air filters and double-check that ductwork, vents, drain pans, and all other components of the system are in working order. This will not only ensure proper airflow and ventilation but will also promote the air quality of those in the facility.

While cleaning the windows may seem inconsequential to health and safety, it actually can have an impact on your facility. Grimy windows will diffuse and block light from entering the space, which prevents all the benefits of sunlight. Sunlight can dry out flooring, even carpet, to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, the sunlight can provide much-needed Vitamin D to your employees and help with Seasonal Affective Disorder, keeping your team happy and healthy.

Are you looking for help with your winter cleaning routine? Look no further than Lawton Bros. Walk us through the layout of your facility and your goals and we’ll help develop a routine best-suited for you. Give us a call today, and talk to one of our certified professionals at: 800.432.0813.