Cleaning floors in an office, school, clinic, or home can provide safer operations and lower the risk of slips and falls. Proper floor maintenance can limit the number of workers’ comp cases you need to handle, costly lawsuits, hospital bills, and other worries that come from physical harm. 

Aspen Maintenance offers janitorial services for commercial properties to help prevent slip-and-fall accidents. Our team uses high-quality cleaners and removes hazardous materials that could impact your facility’s safety. Hiring a janitorial service will be a wise investment for your business, especially if you want to avoid severe consequences for those who may fall on your floors.

Removing Wet Spots

Spills or standing water are the most common causes of falls in a commercial space. Tracked in rainwater, leftover cleaners, or spilled liquids can make an industrial floor slippery. Even if a worker or patient is walking slowly and cautiously, slip-and-fall accidents could still occur on a laminate floor. Removing wet spots needs to be handled properly if you want to avoid elderly, children, or compromised workers from major injuries. 

Even if a janitorial team puts up clear “wet floor” signs, working quickly to mop and dry the floor is crucial to compounding hazards. Aspen Maintenance works quickly and efficiently, no matter the mess, to protect not only those who frequent the space, but the flooring material as well. 

Proper Cleaning Of Floor Mats

Floor mats are often used to prevent slips and falls, but when they are used on damaged or dirty floors, they can cause just as many hazards. Mats can also be used to limit pressure on the joints of employees in common work areas, but when they are sticky or dirty, they can be difficult to use. Floor mats need to be put in the best positions in front of doors and walkways to protect the floor and employees. Clean and well-kept mats will lie completely flat, limiting tripping hazards. Cleaning the mats and the floor around and underneath them is crucial to preventing slip-and-fall accidents. 

Using Appropriate Cleaning Products

No matter what industry you work in, using the right cleaning products can limit the spread of bacteria, damage to your health, and material deterioration. Some cleaners can leave behind residue that is slippery while other cleaners may remove textured coating used to prevent slips-and-falls. Using improper floor cleaners can increase the likelihood of injuries, rather than reducing them. Even if your floors are technically cleaned, when the wrong chemicals are used, it puts the floor and those who use it at risk.

Removing Loose Materials

Debris and loose materials are a key cause of falls in any building. If a hallway or area is packed and loose materials are littering the floor, slips and falls are bound to happen. Crowded hallways in medical facilities or office buildings need to be kept tidy if you want to avoid accidents. Janitorial services can include removing clutter and trash from tight corners or common areas.  

Reducing Floor Repairs

Proper cleaning will help protect the floor materials from damage that can eventually lead to repairs. Non-abrasive cleaners and efficient cleaning of spills will prevent deterioration, stains, chips, and scratches that occur on most flooring. Hiring someone to clean your floors will save your floors from excessive deterioration that can lead to replacement. Redoing your floors can be a significant cost for your business, especially if you need to choose a commercial-grade option. 

If your floor is damaged with cracks or dents, the risk of falls and injuries increases significantly. While walking on an uneven floor may not seem dangerous, if you are rushing around, moving equipment, or have small children in a space, these damaged floors are dangerous. Clean floors will limit minor damages from turning into severe problems. 

Services From Aspen Maintenance

Aspen Maintenance provides industry-leading customer service and cleaning techniques that help meet each business’s unique needs. Our team uses environmentally friendly products, prioritizes human health, and adheres to EPA guidelines during all our services. Our team can serve office buildings, schools, hospitals, banks, gyms, and retail shopping centers. 

Dust and grime can build up quickly, leading to a less professional impression in your business. Janitorial services and day porter services can help remove grime from all areas, no matter the size. When you leave the cleaning to the team at Apsen Maintenance, you will have more free time to focus on important elements of your company. Reach out to us to get a quote and learn more about how we can help you achieve a cleaner space.

School cleanliness plays an important role in student and staff health and contributes to a welcoming, productive learning environment where students can focus on their studies. However, as the school year goes on and things get busy, certain deep cleaning tasks often get put on hold. 

Summertime means empty buildings and fewer disruptions, making it the perfect time to finally tackle the larger, more time-consuming deep cleaning tasks and ensure your educational facility is ready for another year of learning and productivity. 

Keep reading to learn key areas to focus on as you deep clean your school this summer and explore the benefits of working with a professional janitorial company like Aspen Maintenance. 

The Importance of Deep Cleaning in Educational Facilities

Routine cleaning is different from deep cleaning. While routine cleaning includes everyday tasks like sweeping, taking out the trash, vacuuming, and wiping down high-touch surfaces, deep cleaning goes a step further and can include projects like restoring hard floors, dusting high surfaces like rafters and vents, and cleaning upholstery. 

Deep cleaning your school every six to 12 months is an effective way to reduce germs, allergens, and mold buildup. It also goes a long way in improving the learning environment and extending the life of flooring, furniture, and other assets. 

Furthermore, deep cleaning reduces sick days and maintenance issues throughout the school year, setting students and staff up for a smooth, healthy year. 

Key Areas to Focus On During Summer Deep Cleaning

Let’s take a look at some key areas to focus on during summer deep cleaning:

Classrooms

Classrooms are the place where students spend most of their time, so it’s a good idea to take extra care during the summer to get them completely clean and ready for a new batch of learners in the fall. 

Classroom deep cleaning tasks can include:

• Thoroughly scrubbing and disinfecting desks, chairs, and other hard surfaces
• Cleaning the walls and floors behind and underneath furniture
• Carpet and floor cleaning or refinishing

Restrooms

Without proper maintenance, restrooms — especially those in busy public spaces — can quickly become unsanitary and unpleasant. Even if you keep up with regular bathroom cleaning throughout the school year, it’s still important to deep clean the restrooms periodically. 

This may include:

• Deep sanitization of all surfaces, including toilets, sinks, and partitions
• Descaling plumbing and odor removal
• Floor grout and tile cleaning

Cafeterias and Kitchens

Because they deal with food, cafeterias and kitchens typically follow strict sanitation guidelines. Deep cleaning these areas takes sanitation a step further and often includes:

• Degreasing and sanitizing food prep areas and equipment
• Floor scrubbing and polishing
• Exhaust hood and vent cleaning

Hallways and Common Areas

Hallways and common areas see a lot of traffic each day, leading to wear and tear over time. Summer is the ideal time to refresh these areas with deep cleaning tasks like:

• Stripping and waxing floors
• Cleaning lockers, walls, and windows
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces like handrails, doorknobs, and seating areas

Gymnasiums and Locker Rooms

From sweaty kids to sports equipment, gymnasiums and locker rooms can get dirty — and smelly — quickly. They deserve some extra attention every once in a while, including: 

• Floor maintenance (wood refinishing or rubber mat cleaning)
• Locker sanitization
• Mold and mildew prevention

Windows and Light Fixtures

Finally, deep cleaning should include your school’s windows and light fixtures. These hard-to-reach surfaces can gather dust, dirt, and debris over time, so it’s important to intervene before the build-up gets too bad.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Janitorial Company

As you can see, there’s a lot of things to accomplish during the summer — more than your school’s staff can handle on their own. This is where professional janitorial services come in. Maintenance companies have access to commercial-grade equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that get the job done quickly and efficiently. 

Furthermore, trained professionals know how to handle specialized tasks, and their detailed cleaning checklists and quality assurance ensure satisfactory results. Plus, working with the professionals saves a lot of time for school administrators and maintenance teams. 

Expert Deep Cleaning Services by Aspen Maintenance

At Aspen Maintenance, we’re deep cleaning experts. We start by assessing the unique needs of your campus and creating a timeline to ensure everything is done before classes resume in the fall. Our expert team will work with speed, efficiency, and professionalism to complete the job.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you check deep cleaning off your summer to-do list. 

Springtime means warmer temperatures that bring the world back to life, but as flowers bloom and leaves grow, allergens are everywhere. From pollen to dust to mold, spring allergies can impact your employees’ health and productivity. 

Professional janitorial services can help you create a cleaner, healthier work environment by reducing the number of allergens on surfaces and in the air. Keep reading to learn more about why partnering with a maintenance company is a smart idea this spring. 

Common Spring Allergens in the Workplace

First, let’s take a closer look at common allergens in the workplace, especially around springtime:

• Pollen: Enters the office through open windows and doors, HVAC systems, and on employees’ clothing.
• Dust and dust mites: Accumulate in carpets, upholstery, and vents, along with exposed ceiling beams and vents.
• Mold and mildew: Grow in damp areas like restrooms, kitchens, and basements. Dampness may be exacerbated by melting snow and spring rain showers. 
• Pet dander and other particulates: Brought in by employees from home environments. 

The Impact of Allergies

Springtime is notorious for an increase in allergy-related symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, and headaches. These effects aren’t just annoying — they can have a serious impact on your ability to focus on your work, which decreases workplace productivity. 

Allergies are especially bothersome for those with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD. Those who are particularly sensitive to allergens may have an even harder time concentrating on their work due to discomfort. 

All of this means that when increased allergens are present, your employees will have higher rates of absenteeism, decreasing workplace efficiency. 

How Professional Janitorial Services Can Help

You may not be able to control the pollen counts outside, but there are things you can do to mitigate allergens in your business and make your employees as comfortable as possible. With the help of a professional janitorial company, you can maintain a healthy work environment, no matter what season it is. 

Deep Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery

Soft materials, such as carpets and upholstery, are notorious for harboring pollen, dirt, dust, and other debris. The tiny particles lurk in the fibers, only to be released into the air when they’re disturbed by someone walking across the carpet or sitting on the couch. 

HEPA-filter vacuums remove and trap dust and pollen from nearly any surface, making them valuable tools in the fight against allergies. Additionally, seeking regular steam cleaning services can eliminate dust mites and other allergens.

Frequent Dusting and Surface Cleaning

Dusting using a microfiber cloth traps allergens rather than spreading them around. It’s important to dust more frequently in the spring to prevent build-up. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to disinfect high-touch surfaces to reduce the spread of germs, further contributing to a healthier work environment. 

Restroom and Breakroom Sanitization

Routine deep cleaning in restrooms, kitchens, and break rooms can prevent mold and mildew growth that can cause respiratory issues. Additionally, keeping sinks, drains, and ventilation systems free from moisture accumulation can also keep your workplace free of mold and mildew. 

Floor Care

Consider adding entryway mats to trap pollen and dirt before they spread throughout your business. Clean them regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum to remove pesky particles. Furthermore, regular mopping of hard floors keeps them clean and free of allergens. 

Improved Air Quality Management

In addition to cleaning, it’s important to replace your HVAC filters regularly — about every 30 days. Dirty filters are less effective at removing particles from the air. Consider using an air purifier, as well, to provide extra protection against airborne allergens. 

Best Practices for Maintaining an Allergen-Free Workplace

Maintaining an allergen-free workplace requires team effort. Here are some things you can do to keep the allergies to a minimum:

• Encourage employees to keep their personal workspaces clean and clutter-free.
• Promote proper handwashing and hygiene practices to reduce allergen transfer.
• Implement an office policy for keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, such as springtime.
• Consider professional janitorial services for ongoing maintenance.

Keep Your Workplace Healthy with Aspen Maintenance

If you’re looking for ways to keep your workplace free of allergens this spring, you’re in the right place. At Aspen Maintenance, we’re committed to providing you with the quality janitorial services you need to create a healthier, more comfortable workplace. Contact Aspen Maintenance today to explore how a customized janitorial plan can help keep your workspace clean and allergy-free this spring.