The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Cleaning

Commercial cleaning is an essential aspect of maintaining a clean, healthy, and productive workspace. Whether you oversee a bustling office, a retail store, or a healthcare facility, the cleanliness of your commercial space directly affects the well-being of employees and the impression you make on clients. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential aspects of keeping your workspace pristine. Drawing insights from various reputable sources, as well as our own experience in the field, we’ll cover everything you need to know about commercial cleaning with this ultimate guide.

Understanding the Importance of Commercial Cleaning

Commercial cleaning is more than a routine chore; it’s a strategic investment in the success and well-being of your business and employees. The significance of cleanliness in commercial spaces cannot be overstated. Here’s why:

• Health and Safety: A clean workspace reduces the risk of illnesses, accidents, and injuries among employees and visitors. It’s not just COVID-19 that can shut down office operations – any viral or bacterial infection could have significant health impacts on workers, clients and customers alike. Moreover, clutter, mess and uncleanliness also affects our mental health, potentially leading to stress, anxiety and depression.
• Productivity: A clutter-free and hygienic environment can affect productivity by as much as 20% . A clean, pleasant workspace can also improve job satisfaction, reduce absenteeism and promote better health, as demonstrated by multiple studies on the topic of cleanliness at work. While we may not realize it, our brains crave order, and an untidy workplace can be a drain on productivity, efficiency and our overall energy levels.
• First Impressions: A clean and well-maintained commercial space leaves a lasting positive impression on clients, customers, and business partners. Research tells us that it takes less than a second for someone to develop a first impression. We also know that any signs of disorganization or uncleanliness can turn potential customers away just as quickly even if you have done everything else just right. Whether it’s an office or retail space, cleanliness and order instil confidence and trust in visitors, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to shine.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are subject to strict cleanliness and hygiene regulations, making compliance a fundamental requirement. These are high-traffic, public locations like hospitals, libraries, schools, and recreation centres. However, any business is beholden to the standard of maintenance bylaws and regulations defined by their municipality. As well, for a commercial space where people are employed, there may also be WorkSafeBC standards to consider as well.

Creating a Comprehensive Cleaning Plan

The foundation of effective commercial cleaning lies in a well-structured cleaning plan. This plan should encompass key components such as:

• Understand the Scope of Work: Break down the different areas in your office or retail space to understand the full scope of work that cleaners will have to tackle. It can help to separate different areas into zones based on the level of traffic and the cleaning needs. High traffic areas like entryways, kitchens and bathrooms could be defined as Zone 1 for high cleaning needs. Low traffic areas may only require a light weekly cleaning and annual maintenance for flooring and upholstery. If you are going to hire a professional cleaning company, they will do this work with you.
• Develop a Cleaning Schedule: Establish a cleaning schedule that aligns with your business’s operating hours and workflow. Define the specific cleaning tasks required for your space, differentiating between daily, weekly, and monthly routines (more on cleaning schedules below).
• Delegate the Work: You may wish to employ in-house cleaning staff or engage a professional commercial cleaning service. However, with even moderate guest foot traffic, consider consulting a professional cleaning company, or hiring a dedicated in-house janitor, so as not to over-tax your regular staff.
• Invest in the Right Cleaning Supplies: Ensure you have the necessary cleaning products and equipment for each cleaning task. There are lots of sustainable green products that work great as multi-surface cleaners. Your cleaning company will bring in their own products, and they might even be able to stock your supplies as well.
• Plan for Quality Assurance: Implement a system for quality control and routine inspections to maintain high cleaning standards. Look for a professional cleaning service that will work with you to correct errors and ensure the work is done to your specifications.

Types of Commercial Cleaning Services

Different commercial spaces demand distinct cleaning needs. Here’s a brief overview of various types of commercial cleaning services:

• Office Cleaning: Offices require regular cleaning to maintain a healthy work environment, involving tasks like dusting, vacuuming, surface sanitization, and trash removal.
• Retail Cleaning: Retail stores demand meticulous cleaning to create an inviting shopping experience. This includes floor maintenance, window cleaning, and merchandise display upkeep.
• Healthcare Cleaning: Healthcare facilities must adhere to stringent cleanliness standards to prevent the spread of infections. Cleaning involves disinfection of high-touch surfaces, sterilization, and safe disposal of biohazards.
• Industrial Cleaning: Factories and industrial spaces need specialized cleaning to address unique challenges like machinery maintenance, oil spill cleanup, and hazardous waste disposal. Not all professional cleaners will be capable of responding to these types of jobs.

Green Cleaning Practices for a Sustainable Future

The adoption of green cleaning practices has emerged as a significant trend in recent years. Beyond reducing environmental impact, green cleaning promotes healthier indoor air quality. Key components of green cleaning include:

• Opt for Eco-Friendly Products: Utilize cleaning products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and certified as environmentally friendly.
• Prioritize Resource Efficiency: Optimize water and energy usage during cleaning processes to reduce waste and conserve resources.
• Practice Recycling and Waste Reduction: Implement recycling programs and minimize waste generation wherever possible.

There are many reasons why green cleaning has become so popular. Our blogs on the Human Health Benefits of Green Cleaning and our Chemical-Free Philosophy will provide more detailed information on the topic.

Is It Important to Use Green Cleaning Products?

People spend 90% of their time indoors, and the quality of indoor air can have dramatic effects on our health and well-being. We also know that chemical cleaners can adversely affect indoor air quality. Here are a few unnecessary additives to look out for:

• Phosphates: Phosphates are chemical compounds commonly found in detergents and cleaning agents. While they enhance cleaning performance, their runoff into water bodies can have devastating consequences. Phosphates are best known for causing harmful algal blooms in waterways. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, causing massive fish and aquatic life die-offs.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs encompass a range of organic compounds found in various cleaning products. When released into the atmosphere, VOCs can react with other chemicals and sunlight, forming ground-level ozone and smog. VOCs contribute to environmental diseases, respiratory problems, and even climate change.
• Aromatic and Halogenated Solvents: Cleaning products that contain aromatic and halogenated solvents pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. Exposure to these solvents can lead to toxicity of the nervous system, reproductive damage, liver and kidney damage, respiratory impairment, and even an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, they can cause skin irritations and dermatitis upon contact.

For these reasons, it is beneficial not only to your staff, clients, and customers, but for the surrounding environment to keep an open mind to eco-safe cleaning products.

Addressing Specialized Cleaning Challenges

Every commercial space presents its unique cleaning challenges. Here are some common scenarios and strategies to tackle them effectively:

• High-Traffic Areas: Spaces with heavy foot traffic require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent dirt buildup. It’s also wise to lay mats down in these areas so that carpets are not damaged from foot traffic, debris, and salt during winter periods.

• Restroom Cleaning: Restrooms demand meticulous cleaning to prevent the spread of germs, requiring regular disinfection and the replenishment of supplies.

• Carpet Care: Carpets in commercial spaces require periodic deep cleaning to remove dirt, stains, mould and bacteria. Steam cleaning is the best way to kill off mould and bacteria and suck out any dirt and debris. Vacuuming is not enough to remove most stains, bacteria and mould. But regular (daily) vacuuming combined with steam cleaning once or twice a year is a surefire way to keep your carpets looking fresh and lasting longer.

• Floor Care: Hard floors break down quickly without the protective seal of a wax coating laid over top. But over time, even the wax will break down and begin to stain, which is why the best practice is to regularly strip and re-coat your floors. This sustains the appearance of your floors and saves money by protecting the structural integrity of flooring so that it does not need to be replaced as often.

• Window Cleaning: Most commercial cleaning companies are equipped to tackle indoor windows, which includes glass walls and surfaces. However, not all cleaning companies have the tools and expertise to help out with exterior windows, and some can only clean windows to a certain height.

Hiring a Professional Commercial Cleaning Service

Many businesses opt to outsource their commercial cleaning needs to professional services. When selecting a cleaning service, consider the following factors:

• Experience: Choose a service with a proven track record in commercial cleaning.
• Green Product Certifications: Seek out cleaning companies that use products certified by third-party agencies like Green Seal or the Ecologo Certification Program, indicating a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
• References: Request references and contact previous clients to gauge the service’s reliability and performance.
• Customization: Ensure the cleaning service can tailor their offerings to meet your specific needs by doing a walk-through together and periodically evaluating the work to ensure your standards are being met.

Maintaining a Consistent Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is pivotal in commercial cleaning. Regular and dependable cleaning services help sustain a clean and organized environment. Collaborate with your chosen cleaning service to establish a cleaning schedule that aligns seamlessly with your business operations.

Different types of commercial spaces will require different cleaning schedules. Some cleaning should be daily, and some weekly, while others can be done annually. Here is an example of what a basic cleaning schedule could look like:

• Daily Cleaning and Maintenance:
• Bathrooms: Toilets, Sinks, Floors, Product replacements
• Kitchen: Surfaces, Floors, Garbage, Recycling and Compost
• Public Spaces: Vacuuming
• Front Entrance: Vacuuming, Spot Cleaning

• Weekly Cleaning and Maintenance:
• Kitchens: Fridge, Microwave, Fans
• Public Spaces: Walls, Windows, Dusting,
• Outdoor: Walkway sweeping, Parking area

• Infrequent and Annual Cleaning and Maintenance:
• Hard Floors: Waxing and stripping
• Carpets: Steam cleaning
• Rooftop: Clearing debris
• Windows: Exterior window cleaning

Businesses and public spaces that are frequented by more people, or more vulnerable populations, like hospitals, elderly care homes, clinics, schools, libraries, recreation centres and other such establishments will need a more vigorous cleaning schedule.

Emergency Cleaning and Pandemic Preparedness

For emergencies like floods and times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, having an emergency cleaning plan is essential. This plan should encompass protocols for deep cleaning, disinfection, and ensuring the safety of employees and visitors. Consult guidelines and recommendations from your health authority to understand what you should have in place for pandemic preparedness.

It is also worthwhile speaking to your regular cleaning company about emergency preparedness to find out their protocols and if they can help in the case of an emergency or outbreak.

Commercial cleaning is a multifaceted endeavour that demands meticulous planning and execution. By understanding the significance of cleanliness, crafting a well-structured cleaning plan, embracing green cleaning practices, addressing specialized cleaning challenges, and making informed decisions about selecting a cleaning service, you can uphold a clean and safe commercial space conducive to productivity and make positive impressions.

If you are interested in working with a commercial cleaning company that practices Green Cleaning and can help out with a variety of tasks from window washing to regular janitorial cleaning and maintenance, call Metropolitan today for a free quote!