Maintaining a clean and healthy workspace is important all year, but the cleaning tasks that demand attention can change with the seasons. Each season brings unique weather conditions and challenges that impact how a commercial space needs to be cleaned and maintained. Whether it’s salt stains in winter, pollen in spring, or dust in summer, adjusting your cleaning strategy throughout the year helps you stay ahead of these challenges. Let’s break down what to focus on for commercial cleaning during winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Winter Cleaning Focus: Combatting Salt, Snow, and Germs

Key Challenges: Salt stains, wet and slippery floors, increased risk of spreading illnesses

Winter brings a host of challenges to commercial spaces, especially in areas like Chicago where snow and ice are common. Foot traffic during this season can bring in salt, mud, and moisture that damage flooring and create safety hazards.

Winter Cleaning Priorities:

• Entryway Maintenance: High-traffic entryways are prone to salt and moisture buildup, which can lead to slippery surfaces. Ensure mats are in place to catch dirt and water and clean them regularly.
• Floor Care: Hard floors should be mopped and vacuumed daily to prevent salt and moisture damage. Consider using specialized cleaners that neutralize salt residues.
• Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces: Winter is flu season, so it’s essential to disinfect high-touch areas like door handles, elevator buttons, and shared equipment more frequently.
• Carpet Cleaning: Carpets can trap moisture and salt, leading to unsightly stains and odor. Regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning are essential.

Pro Tip: Schedule professional cleaning services during the winter to stay on top of these tasks and ensure your space remains safe and inviting.

Spring Cleaning Focus: Refresh and Renew

Key Challenges: Pollen, allergens, and accumulated winter grime

Spring is synonymous with a fresh start, making it the perfect time for deep cleaning. This season is also notorious for increased pollen levels, which can lead to dust buildup and trigger allergies for employees and visitors.

Spring Cleaning Priorities:

• Deep Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery: After months of winter foot traffic, carpets and fabric surfaces need a thorough cleaning to remove any trapped grime and allergens.
• Window Cleaning: With more sunlight streaming in, dirty or streaked windows become more noticeable. Cleaning windows will not only improve the view but also let in more natural light, boosting morale and productivity.
• Dust Removal: Dust accumulates over winter and can contribute to allergies. Dust hard-to-reach places like air vents, ceiling fans, and high shelves.
• Exterior Cleaning: Clean the exterior of your building, including pressure washing sidewalks and entryways to remove any leftover salt and grime.

Pro Tip: Consider scheduling a “spring refresh” cleaning day where employees declutter and reorganize their workspaces while professional cleaners take care of the more intensive tasks.

Summer Cleaning Focus: Maintain and Protect

Key Challenges: Increased dust, dirt, and general wear and tear due to higher foot traffic

Summer often brings more foot traffic, whether it’s from employees coming in more frequently, clients visiting, or even hosting special events. This season is also when construction or renovation projects are more likely to take place, which can add to the dust and dirt.

Summer Cleaning Priorities:

• Floor Maintenance: Daily sweeping and mopping are crucial as dry weather can lead to more dust and dirt being tracked indoors. For offices with tile or hardwood floors, consider professional polishing to maintain shine.
• Restroom Sanitation: Higher foot traffic can lead to more restroom usage. Increase cleaning frequency to keep these areas sanitized and well-stocked.
• Outdoor Areas: If your business has a patio, deck, or seating area, keep it clean and well-maintained. Sweep, wash, and disinfect outdoor furniture regularly.
• Window and Glass Cleaning: Clean windows more frequently to remove streaks and dust that accumulate due to longer, sunnier days.

Pro Tip: Protect floors from summer wear and tear by placing mats in high-traffic areas and using protective coatings that can be applied during less busy hours.

Fall Cleaning Focus: Prepare for the Colder Months

Key Challenges: Falling leaves, fluctuating temperatures, and preparing for winter

Fall is the time to prepare your commercial space for the colder months ahead. It’s also when leaves and other debris can make their way indoors, which can create hazards and affect the cleanliness of your workspace.

Fall Cleaning Priorities:

• Exterior Maintenance: Remove fallen leaves and debris from entryways, sidewalks, and outdoor seating areas to prevent them from being tracked indoors.
• Deep Clean Floors: Give your flooring a thorough clean and apply a protective sealant to help withstand the increased salt and moisture that winter will bring.

Pro Tip: Start stocking up on winter cleaning supplies like salt-neutralizing floor cleaners and heavy-duty entryway mats in preparation for the season ahead.

Year-Round Cleaning Essentials

While each season comes with its own unique cleaning challenges, some tasks should be part of your routine year-round:

• Daily Cleaning: Ensure high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and shared workspaces are disinfected daily to reduce the spread of germs.
• Trash Removal: Empty trash bins daily to prevent odor buildup and maintain a clean environment.
• Restroom Checks: Keep restrooms clean, disinfected, and stocked with supplies at all times.

Complete Cleaning Company: Your Partner for Year-Round Cleaning

At Complete Cleaning Company, we understand that a clean business environment is essential for productivity and well-being. With over 50 years of experience serving Chicago businesses, we offer comprehensive cleaning solutions tailored to meet the seasonal needs of your space. From winter salt removal to spring deep cleaning, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to make your commercial space spotless in every season? Contact Complete Cleaning Company today to create a customized cleaning plan that keeps your business pristine all year round!