Preparing Your Facility for the Cold and Flu Season: Janitorial Maintenance and Safety Tips
As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, it's time to prepare for the challenges of the cold season ahead. Facility cleanliness is essential during the winter months. The combination of snow, ice, and increased indoor activity brings additional challenges that require a proactive approach to janitorial services. Here are five essential maintenance and safety tips to help you get your building winter ready.
Surface Disinfection
Winter is cold and flu season, so disinfecting surfaces becomes even more critical. Facilities that prioritize disinfection can reduce the spread of germs and illnesses.
- Daily disinfection: Focus on high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and handrails to keep germs at bay.
- Advanced disinfection methods: Consider electrostatic spraying, which provides an even and thorough coat of disinfectant, ensuring hard-to-reach areas are treated effectively.
Floor Maintenance
Winter weather can wreak havoc on facility floors. Snow, ice, and salt tracked in from outside are abrasive and can cause long-term damage if not addressed.
- Use entrance mats: Place heavy-duty entrance mats at all building entry points to catch snow, salt, and debris before they spread throughout your facility.
- Increase cleaning frequency: Regular sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming are essential to remove abrasive materials like salt and sand that can damage flooring surfaces.
- Deep cleaning: Regular deep cleaning of tile, grout, and carpets helps maintain the appearance and prolong the life of flooring. Winter is the ideal time to focus on areas where buildup from salt and grime is common.
Air Quality Management
Indoor air quality is a significant concern in the winter as buildings are sealed up to keep out the cold. Poor air circulation can lead to the buildup of dust and airborne contaminants.
- Dust removal: Increase dusting efforts in high-traffic areas to reduce airborne pollutants.
- Ventilation maintenance: Ensure HVAC systems are well-maintained, and filters are changed regularly to support healthy air circulation.
- Maintain humidity: Keeping appropriate humidity levels helps minimize dry air, which can irritate the respiratory system and increase dust buildup.
Restroom Sanitation
Restrooms see increased traffic during the colder months, making regular sanitation even more important. Cold weather also demands more frequent cleanings to maintain hygiene.
- Increase cleaning frequency: Doubling the cleaning schedule for restrooms ensures that fixtures, sinks, toilets, and stalls remain sanitized.
- Targeted sanitization: Electrostatic spraying is particularly effective in restrooms and locker rooms, thoroughly sanitizing all surfaces.
Ice and Snow Control
Winter conditions require extra attention to entryways and flooring to prevent surface damage and maintain safety. In addition to the matting mentioned above, focus on these areas:
- Eliminate salt and calcium: Focus on removing salt and ice melt residue from floors to prevent surface damage.
- Entryway cleaning: Concentrate cleaning efforts on entryways, as they are the primary source of tracked-in dirt and debris.
- Use the right floor cleaner: Distributors recommend using a neutral floor cleaner specifically designed to combat ice melt residue. This cleaner helps maintain floor shine and prevents the buildup of damaging materials during winter weather.
By implementing these winter-specific cleaning protocols, you maintain the appearance and integrity of your facility and contribute to a safer, healthier environment for everyone.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our expert team can customize a maintenance plan tailored to your facility's unique needs. Stay ahead of the season with Janitronics – ensuring a healthier and more secure environment for everyone who walks through your doors. Reach out to us!
