Winter Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Building Clean

The Importance of Winter Cleaning for Buildings

Winter cleaning is especially important. Employee health, safety, and productivity depend on the work put in during the colder months to keep things clean.

Health & Safety Concerns

Winter cleaning is important for health and safety reasons. Dust, dirt, and other allergens can accumulate more in the winter when windows are closed. This can exacerbate asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues if left untreated. Some key health and safety tips include:

Deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics help remove dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.
Thorough disinfecting of high-touch surfaces is key to preventing the spreading of germs that lead to colds, flu, and gastrointestinal issues.
Clean and maintain hard floor surfaces to prevent slips and falls. Salts and melted snow carried indoors can leave a slippery residue on tile, wood, and other hard floors.
Remove any debris buildup near light fixtures, outlets, switches, and power sources, as it can pose serious safety risks.

Appearance & Maintenance Value

In addition to addressing health concerns, comprehensive winter cleaning improves the look and longevity of buildings. Thorough dusting and cleaning of ceiling fans, vents, baseboards, and other often neglected areas keep things cleaner between periodic deep cleanings.

Properly caring for surfaces like hardwood floors, natural stone, and tile grout protects them from salt, water, and grime during slushy winter months. Deep carpet cleaning removes abrasive particles that can degrade fibers over time.

Energy Efficiency

As an added winter cleaning benefit, a well-maintained building is more energy efficient. Dust buildup in vents and fans causes HVAC systems to work harder to circulate air. Replacing air filters allows systems to run more efficiently.

Clean windows, skylights, and lighting fixtures also maximize natural light and reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Plus, clearing snow, leaves, and other debris from outdoor equipment like AC units, generators, and ventilation systems improves their performance.

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Dealing with Dust and Allergens

Dusting should be a key part of any winter cleaning regimen. Microfiber cloths and dusters with extendable heads make reaching difficult areas like vents and fans easier. For deeper cleaning, mist surfaces lightly with water or cleaning products prior to dusting.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Give carpets and upholstery some extra winter cleaning attention. Foot traffic tracking in salt, grime, and moisture takes a heavy toll. Use carpet spot treatments and upholstery cleaning products to pre-treat stains and high-traffic areas.

Thoroughly vacuum prior to a professional steam cleaning. The extreme heat helps sanitize and remove deeply embedded allergens and soils. Use fiber protectants to repel future stains.

For decorative upholstery like curtains and tapestries, follow any special care instructions recommended by the manufacturer. Often gentle vacuuming and light steam treatments are safest for delicate fabrics.

Window Cleaning

Cleaning windows makes a dramatic difference in winter’s low light. Use clean microfiber cloths and specialized glass cleaning solutions for the best results.

Make sure to clean frames, sills, and window wells too. Built-up grime in these overlooked areas can lead to wood rot, drafts, and pest issues over time. Use mild detergent and non-abrasive scrub brushes as needed.

Special Winter Cleaning Challenges

Winter weather brings unique cleaning demands. From dealing with mud and salt tracked inside to managing frigid temperatures, facilities managers must tailor procedures and equip staff or third-party services to address seasonal challenges.

Managing Mud & Muck

Entranceways bear the brunt of winter. Salt, slush, mud, and moisture tracked inside can damage floors and carpets as well as create slip and fall hazards.

Place commercial-grade walk-off mats both inside and outside entryways. Opt for mats with rubber backings that grip the floor and include super-absorbent top layers. Regularly vacuum mats to prevent saturated dirt and grime from being ground further into the pile.

Check high-traffic zones like lobbies, hallways, and elevator landings for wet footprints during and after storms. Promptly mop up moisture and lay down carpet fans or dehumidifiers to dry sodden spots on rugs.

Schedule professional steam cleaning or hot water extraction of entranceway and hallway carpeting at least twice during winter to prevent salt and dirt damage.

The Value of a Professional Cleaning Service in Winter

Professional cleaners expertly address seasonal and general cleaning for wintertime. Corporate Facilities Management (CFM) is a leader in Alabama’s commercial cleaning sector prepared to combat whatever the cold months throw at you.

A professional’s heavy-duty equipment like commercial wet vacs, steam cleaners, and heated power washers efficiently remove grime and salt residue without damaging surfaces. Contract cleaners like CFM also specialize in restorative cleaning procedures to remove stains, brighten surfaces, and revive salt-damaged carpeting.

For preventative maintenance, consider arranging a site assessment. An experienced cleaning provider can evaluate winter landscaping needs, entranceway matting, ice melt usage, and other areas and suggest upgrades to minimize seasonal cleaning headaches.

Outsourcing intensive winter cleaning tasks to companies like CFM saves facilities management valuable time and effort. Staff can focus on core operations rather than difficult seasonal upkeep.

Make Your Winter Cleaning Easy with Corporate Facilities Management

The cold weather doesn’t have to stop your business from looking its best. Corporate Facilities Management has been cleaning and maintaining businesses in Birmingham, Huntsville, Cullman, and Montgomery for over 30 years. Contact CFM for a free consultation and consistent deep cleaning.