Seasonal Office Cleaning Needs

We have all heard of “spring cleaning,” which is a systematic cleaning of a house or building. The term “spring cleaning” was first used in the late 1800’s in the U.S. to refer to a common action of cleaning after winter weather ended and days were longer and with more sunshine. The increased light brought attention to the dirt that was not seen before and so prompted the decision to deep clean dirt accumulated from winter.

But what about the other seasons? In fact, each season has its own cleaning needs due to the type of dirt present at each season.

Spring

Although most windows need cleaning more than once per year, spring is a good time to catch up on overdue window cleaning. The longer, brighter days make the window dirt more obvious and makes cleaning them more rewarding.

The weather in spring often brings rain and wind that can lead to dirt and debris getting tracked into a building. Because of this, more floor mopping is in order and floor mats at entries should be vacuumed and cleaned frequently.

Spring also brings pollen dust in many areas which can get into buildings and needs to be dust wiped and vacuumed.

Summer

Where summers are dry, dust is more of a problem than in damp seasons and a more frequent and conscientious dust wiping is needed. Also, a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner is helpful to remove more of dust and pollen.

Where summers are wet, more floor mopping is needed, as in spring. In warm damp climates, mildew is more likely to grow in bathrooms and needs to be cleaned with a solution that kills mildew and mold.

Summer and fall is when the spider population multiplies many fold. Most spiders are harmless, but their webs can be constructed overnight and give the impression the place has not been cleaned in a long time! Look for them at wall and ceiling corners, at windows and around light fixtures. A vacuum extension or a duster wand removes them quickly.

Fall

The spider web problem continues into fall in most areas and requires extra cleaning attention. So does the dust problem as in summer, especially in dry climates. When fall rains come there is more wet mopping of floors and vacuuming of entry mats to do, as in any wet weather. Fall often has a lot of wind. Wind can carry dust through windows and doors, which then require more cleaning. Wind also blows leaves and debris to door entries and this debris must be cleaned up or it will stick to shoes, enter the building and require more cleaning.

Winter

Whether your climate brings snow, ice or rain, the main concern this season brings is floor care. More dirt will be brought into a building by wet shoes, clothes and umbrellas. Matting is a must at entries, at least 10 feet long so that at least 3 steps can be taken with wet shoes on mats before going onto hard floor. This is not just to catch the dirt from shoes, but also as a safety factor. Wet shoes on smooth floors can be slippery. Entry mats will minimize this risk. Mats should be vacuumed regularly and the hard floors wet mopped more often in wet weather. Even with adequate matting, some wetness will remain on shoes and leave tracks on floors past the mats.

As with other season, wind can also cause extra cleaning needs in winter.

Glass entry doors are another place that get dirtier in wet weather and so should be cleaned more often.

An experienced cleaner is prepared for what dirt each season brings. They clean appropriate to their observation of the dirt and cleaning needs.

Ralph Temps
Owner
Ability Maintenance Service