As the seasons change, so do people’s schedules and habits. Now that summer is here, you can expect that more people will be out and about, bringing increased foot traffic to your facility. Summer camps, parties, and other events or activities can increase the number of visitors entering your facility.
With more people going in and out of your facility, there are more chances of messes being made. In the summer, more people engage in outdoor activities, such as sports, picnics, and gardening and could track in dirt from their shoes, tools, or equipment. Furthermore, to combat heat, people might keep the doors and windows open for longer periods of time, allowing outdoor particles such as pollen or dust to enter your facility.
Here are some ways you can keep your facility shining this summer:
Implement a Comprehensive Cleaning Plan
Create a detailed cleaning plan that outlines specific tasks and the cadence—whether daily, weekly, or monthly—in which they need to be performed. These may include deep cleaning floors and carpets, maintaining restrooms, cleaning air conditioning and ventilation systems, and pest control. To ensure accountability, assign responsibilities to individuals or teams. With the increased traffic and usage, be sure to equip your staff with the appropriate industrial cleaning supplies to keep your facility spotless. Furthermore, ensure that the cleaning plan covers all areas of your facility.
Increase Cleaning Frequency
As increased foot traffic and outdoor activities are expected in the summer, it is important to adjust cleaning schedules and to increase the frequency of cleaning during these months. Some areas, such as restrooms and cafeterias, may need more frequent cleaning as more people use the facilities. Regularly disinfect and sanitize surfaces that are frequently touched as well as areas with high foot traffic. Furthermore, conduct regular inspections to identify areas that may need attention, and promptly address any issues to prevent them from escalating.
Take note of high-traffic areas in your facility, and ensure their inclusion in your facility’s comprehensive cleaning plan and frequent cleaning schedule. These high-traffic areas in your facility may include:
- Entrances and Lobbies: These areas are typically the first points of contact for visitors entering your facility. As people come and go, they can bring in dirt, debris, and moisture into the facility.
- Hallways and Corridors: These areas connect different parts of the facility that are used by both staff and visitors to get from one place to another. These areas can experience continuous foot traffic.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are essential facilities that are consistently used throughout the year. As more people visit the facility in the summer, restroom usage will also significantly increase. It is important to keep restrooms clean and hygienic at all times.
- Common Areas: Areas where people can gather, such as cafeterias, break rooms, lounges, or outdoor gathering spaces tend to become more popular during the summer. Especially in areas where food and drinks are served, there will be higher potential for spills, litter, or other messes.
- Recreational and Outdoor Areas: Recreational areas, such as parks, swimming pools, sports courts or fields, or playgrounds attract individuals, families, and groups engaged in various activities. These areas tend to have higher usage in the summer and may consequently have more dirt, debris, and litter than usual.
Implement Effective Outdoor Maintenance
Keep the outdoor areas surrounding your facility clean to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked inside. Regularly sweeping walkways, parking lots, and outdoor gathering spaces can help reduce the dirt, debris, and dust from outside. Additionally, using entrance mats can help minimize dirt and moisture being brought indoors.
Promote Cleanliness and Provide Resources
Provide training to cleaning staff on effective cleaning techniques, proper use of industrial cleaning supplies, and safety procedures. Educate and remind staff and visitors using your facility about the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene. Placing signs to encourage handwashing or sanitizing and providing an adequate supply of soap, hand towels, and toilet paper in restrooms can promote a culture of cleanliness and hygiene within the facility. Furthermore, placing trash cans and sanitizing stations in various areas in your facility can help reduce litter and encourage cleanliness from staff and visitors. Ensure that trash cans are emptied frequently to prevent odours and pests in your facility.
It is important to effectively manage cleanliness and promote good hygiene in your facility for the health, safety, and comfort of your staff and guests. As you implement a comprehensive cleaning plan for your facility, be sure to use industrial cleaning supplies that are effective in providing a clean environment within your facility.
