What is the biggest issue when it comes to maintaining a clean environment in your business? Is it money? Time? Or is it something simpler like actually scheduling it? Many business owners don’t know the ideal timelines for scheduling commercial janitorial services, so they either do them as they’re needed or when they think about it.
But if you want to make a good impression on your guests, you need to be intentional about it.
For example, how often should you clean your business’ windows? Or power wash the parking lot? Or clean equipment? In today’s post, we’ll take a look at the most common janitorial services businesses need and the ideal timeline for scheduling each of them.
Window Cleaning
The ideal frequency for window cleaning is monthly or quarterly. Clean windows are essential for creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere, as they allow natural light to flood in and enhance the overall ambiance of your workspace. While the frequency of window cleaning depends largely on your building’s location and exposure to the elements, here’s when each cadence makes sense:
- Monthly: For businesses in high-traffic areas or those exposed to high amounts of pollutants and dust (e.g., near a highway or industrial zone), monthly cleaning is ideal.
- Quarterly: For businesses in a less polluted or quieter area, quarterly cleanings may suffice. This schedule will still maintain a high level of cleanliness without forcing you to stretch your maintenance budget.
Carpet and Floor Cleaning
The ideal frequency for flooring cleaning can be anywhere from daily to annually. Floors endure a significant amount of wear and tear, but the amount of traffic dictates how often you clean it. Keeping floors clean is not only about aesthetics, but safety and longevity. Here are some guidelines on different types of cadences:
- Daily: Lobbies, hallways, entrances and other high-traffic areas should be at least vacuumed or swept daily to prevent dirt and debris buildup.
- Weekly: Less-frequented areas, like individual offices or conference rooms, can be cleaned weekly.
- Monthly: Hard floors should be mopped or scrubbed at least once a month to remove any stubborn dirt that sweeping doesn’t address.
- Annually: Deep cleaning is also important on a yearly basis, which includes carpet shampooing and floor waxing. This revitalizes your floors and extends their lifespans.
Restroom Cleaning
Restrooms should be cleaned in different ways daily and weekly. They require a certain amount of consistent cleaning, as well as instances of more thorough cleaning to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of germs. Here are the ideal cadences:
- Daily: Clean them daily by disinfecting surfaces, restocking supplies, emptying trash and addressing any urgent maintenance issues.
- Weekly: A more intensive weekly clean should include scrubbing tiles and deep-cleaning fixtures, ensuring that the restrooms remain spotless and free from odors.
Power Washing
Power washing is effective on a quarterly or annual basis. You need to do some maintenance on the exterior of your building, after all, which includes sidewalks, parking lots and building facades. Here are some cadences for different types of businesses:
- Quarterly: This cadence is ideal for facilities in areas with high pollution or lots of foot traffic. Focus on the surfaces you want to keep looking clean and well-maintained.
- Annually: In less-demanding environments, annual power washing should be sufficient to remove accumulated dirt, grim and mildew, preserving your exterior appearance.
HVAC System Cleaning
HVAC systems should be cleaned quarterly or annually as well. These systems are crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. Here are guidelines for each schedule:
- Quarterly: If you experience high dust levels or have specific air quality requirements, quarterly cleaning of HVAC filters and ducts is a good goal.
- Annually: For most businesses, however, an annual HVAC tune-up or cleaning is adequate. This includes checking and replacing filters, cleaning air ducts and ensuring all components are functioning properly.
Equipment Cleaning
Equipment can vary widely, but weekly or monthly cleanings are usually ideal. Regular cleaning ensures efficiency, longevity and a safe working environment. Here’s more about each cadence:
- Weekly: If equipment is used daily or in environments that accumulate dust and dirt quickly, it should be cleaned weekly. This can include machinery, computers and frequently used tools.
- Monthly: Less-used equipment can be cleaned monthly, which helps prevent potential malfunctions. Of course, you should always follow OSHA guidelines as they apply.
Other Considerations
These are guidelines for scheduling commercial janitorial services, but they will always be adjusted depending on your unique circumstances. Here are a few other factors to consider in your scheduling:
- Industry requirements: Certain industries have guidelines, such as healthcare and foodservice. Follow cleaning standards as they apply, even if they’re more frequently than the cadences listed above.
- Building usage: The number of employees and visitors can impact cleaning frequency, as higher occupancy typically requires more cleanings.
- Environmental factors: Locations exposed to more dust, pollution or adverse weather may need to schedule more regular maintenance.
Hopefully these guidelines help with scheduling commercial janitorial services. To get a custom plan tailored for your business and a no-obligation quote, contact Fernic Building Solutions about our commercial building maintenance and janitorial services today.