While it’s true that every business, regardless of product sold or service provided, deserves to be as clean as possible in order to attract and retain customers, it’s not always clear which aspects need cleaning. We encourage you to use the checklist below to identify and assess exactly what needs to be cleaned now, and what can wait.
- 1. Carpets and Flooring
Carpets and floors are the #1 concern for any type of business or office space. The problem with most hard-surface flooring is that it shows dirt and dust-bunnies quickly. Usually the floors can be cleaned with a damp mop, dry static duster or broom, but they may also need to be steam cleaned or scrubbed/stripped/waxed periodically for proper maintenance. And without the right equipment and know-how, that cleaning can be hard, time-consuming work.
Note: Due to the high frequency of activities that involve children sitting or lying down, childcare facilities should have their carpets and floors cleaned quarterly. Manufacturing facilities, or offices with high-energy appliances should have carpets and floors cleaned roughly as often, to avoid damage incurred by debris or other loose materials.
- 2. Windows
Windows are essential to office spaces, residential and commercial building spaces. Windows help to promote positive morale and comfort. For that reason windows should be cleaned at least bi-monthly, to avoid being clouded with dirt. High rise buildings may schedule the outside of the windows on a quarterly basis. Some even on a bi-annual basis.
Tip: during winter cleaning outside of windows with window cleaner does not work. Instead use anti-freeze to avoid the chemical from freezing.
- 3. Restrooms*
Restrooms are an integral space in any building, but especially offices and childcare facilities. Restrooms should therefore be cleaned daily, to protect users from bacteria and exposure to harmful bio-hazardous waste. If your bathrooms are not being cleaned regularly, you and your business could be compromising the health of your employees and their families.
- 4. Kitchen Areas*
Kitchens or kitchenettes are a common break room feature among many office buildings. These are spaces that experience a high volume of human interaction throughout the workday, and therefore should be cleaned on a weekly basis, and even more so when seasonal illnesses are being spread. For this reason daily touch ups are highly encouraged.
- 5. Appliances/Computers
Office appliances that are common human touch points, such as computers, should be cleaned daily in shared offices. As the BBC reports, some keyboards can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. Touch points such as keyboards are common culprits in the spreading of common colds and other contagious illnesses.
Tip: microwaves and coffee stations must be cleaned daily to avoid infectious / virus especially during flu season. Place a hand sanitizer near in your break room area to help promote a healthy environment.
- 6. Desks/Tables
Like computers, desks and tables are also common touch points, often occupied by many people in a single day. For those who eat lunch at their desks, these surfaces can be littered with food scraps and additional refuse, and should therefore also be cleaned daily, or at least weekly. Kitchen tables, especially, should be cleared daily to avoid the spread of bacteria.
While these are just a few areas of concern for people looking to invest in a janitorial service, it’s a good initial reference for helping you to assess where you need our help the most.
*If you decide there are only several areas in particular where cleaning is needed most, we suggest Kitchen’s and Bath’s be at the top of your priority list.
