Seasonal attention is important for an overall maintenance and cleaning approach for your property. Staying proactive helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the year, allowing you to assess efficiency, better allocate staff, and keep visitors and occupants safe. Fall is the perfect time to evaluate your practices, make improvements, and get prepared for the unique cleaning challenges that winter brings.

RELATED: Prepare for winter with your fall maintenance checklist

Moisture and mould

As the weather changes and humidity levels rise, there is an increased risk of moisture and mould in your building.  Along with being unsightly, mould spores can cause headaches, breathing issues, skin aggravation, aggravated asthma symptoms, and more.

Maintain your HVAC system for optimal air quality, keep humidity levels low, look for signs of water or mould, and address any concerns immediately to mitigate the effect of unwanted moisture in your building.

Floors

Often, deep cleaning is conducted on a monthly basis for hard-surface flooring to ensure it stays looking its best. As you prepare for winter, it’s time to create a plan to address when snow, slush, and ice melter all become messy, and there is a greater risk for slips and falls.

For your carpets, deep cleaning can rid them of dust and dirt, and spot cleaning them can give you a fresh start before winter arrives.

Windows

Clean your windows in the fall to rid them of falling leaves, debris, and any pollen left from the summer. Cleaning them inside and out at this time of year allows you to maximize the natural light you will get through the darker, colder months. Studies show that natural sunlight is a top-rated office perk for employees, and 47 per cent of employees feel deprived of natural light. Not only could cleaner windows cut down on your energy bills, but it could also make staff happier and more productive.

While you are tackling your windows, be sure to address your blinds and window sills too, removing any accumulated dust and allergens before they settle for the winter.

Sanitization

As we spend so much of our time indoors during the winter, paying even more attention to sanitizing high-traffic areas is crucial. Door handles, shared equipment, washrooms, and lunchrooms should all be included as part of your everyday practice. As well, continuing to offer hand sanitizing stations and ensuring that the supplies are topped up keeps hygiene top of mind and accessible through the winter.

Regularly assessing your facility for opportunities to improve your cleaning protocols is a year-round endeavour, and creating a fall cleaning plan will help you stay prepared for winter’s impending challenges.