Maintaining cleanliness in high-traffic areas can be a challenge. Facility cleaning teams often have a lot on their plates. Research shows 85 percent of consumers want to see visible evidence that their facility is cleaned and sanitized regularly. Additionally, with 80 percent of consumers seeing sustainability as an important aspect of a company, there is a push for facilities to be more environmentally conscious as well. This growing demand for visibly, and sustainably, cleaned spaces demonstrates the need for effective cleaning strategies throughout your facility.
Spotlighting Essential Areas
Throughout the year, dirt and grime get tracked into your facility, which makes your facility’s entrance vulnerable to damage. Research shows that after 1,500 people have entered a facility, 42 percent of a floor’s finish can be removed just from the debris tracked in from people’s shoes. Keeping entrance areas free of debris safeguards your flooring and aids in reducing the risk of slips, which are the primary cause of workplace injuries.
Another area that needs constant attention is facility restrooms. A study found that there are on average 500,000 bacterial cells per square inch on restroom surfaces. Given the high bacterial activity on floors, it’s crucial to keep them clean. There are many high-touch surfaces in restrooms making it easy for bacteria to transmit from one facility occupant to the next. Using a top-down cleaning approach helps ensure thorough cleaning. Start with handles, then sinks, followed by toilets, before moving to the floor to help capture any fallen debris.
Practical Pointers for Maintaining Cleanliness
Your cleaning team plays a pivotal role in helping ensure the cleanliness and safety of high-traffic areas. With people spending about 90 percent of their time indoors, it’s crucial to establish a strategic cleaning program that incorporates environmentally friendly products and practices to help maintain a healthy and safe environment.
Be Green and Clean
Opting for cleaning products certified by a third party is a simple way to also improve your environmental footprint while prioritizing the well-being of your facility and its patron. Third-party certifications are awarded to products that go through rigorous testing to meet environmental standards. Some considerations include verifying the absence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), use of renewable resources and more. Common reputable third-party organizations include Green Seal, EPA Safer Choice and ECOLOGO. Using third-party certified products helps maintain consistent cleanliness in high-traffic areas, prioritizing your cleaning team’s and patrons’ safety.
Cleaning with Color
Using the same tools across all areas of your facility can lead to cross-contamination. Color coding offers a simple solution by assigning specific tools to different areas. Use warmer colors, such as red and yellow, for higher-risk areas such as restrooms and use cooler hues for lower-risk areas. For instance, pair a blue mop bucket with a corresponding blue mop head to ensure it is exclusively used together. This strategy enables your cleaning team to help prevent pathogens from being transferred to different areas throughout your facility.
Time is of the Essence
Developing a comprehensive cleaning schedule aids your team in understanding their required daily tasks. The schedule should outline specifics like cleaning frequencies, the tools needed and how much time each task will take. Incorporate a green cleaning program to help ensure your tools and chemicals are environmentally friendly. The winter months can bring more foot traffic so it’s crucial to increase cleaning frequencies in high-traffic areas to keep up with cleaning demands.
Tackle Cleaning with Ease
Maintaining a consistently clean facility throughout the year can be tricky. Ensure your cleaning team has the proper tools to help tackle the increased cleaning demand due to higher foot traffic and bad weather. Supporting them and updating schedules can empower your team to maintain a welcoming and hygienic environment, helping ensure a positive experience for all facility occupants.
Carlos Albir, Jr. is Vice President of Operations at ABCO Cleaning Products, a leader in sustainable cleaning tools. ABCO is a family-owned, Certified Minority Business Enterprise with Green Seal-certified products, headquartered in Miami.
