Cleaning teams responsible for the upkeep of high-use facilities have a monumental responsibility — keeping facilities spotless despite heavy foot traffic, dirt, germs, and debris. Whether sanitizing hospital rooms or maintaining airport terminals, these teams are on the front lines, working to clean efficiently while staying protected against common threats. This type of work can take its toll on cleaners’ workwear, making it essential that they have access to high-quality, long-lasting uniforms that allow them to do their jobs efficiently and safely.

Here’s how investing in durable workwear can help support facility cleaning crews, safeguarding them against common hazards while also protecting your company’s bottom line.

Challenges of facility cleaning in high-use environments

High-use facilities can include anything from busy hospitals, office buildings, or educational institutions to manufacturing plants and airports. For example, the world’s busiest airport (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International) had over 104 million travellers passing through in 2023.

Cleaning any of these high-use environments means opening the door to dirt, germs, and even hazardous conditions. Facility cleaning teams often come close to contaminants, hazardous waste, chemical cleaning products, sharp objects, and other threats to their safety.

As people come and go, cleaners must also work around frequent interruptions while staying on schedule. For instance, while some facilities might shut down in the evenings, allowing cleaning crews to do their work without other people around, others may operate 24/7 like hospitals and warehouses.

Common hazards for facility cleaners in high-use spaces

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites various nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses commonly experienced among janitors and building cleaners, and fatal injuries — while less common — are not unheard of in the cleaning industry.

In addition to physical injuries such as sprains, strains, tears, bruises, and fractures, workers may also be exposed to harmful substances or environments during their work. Common culprits may include the following:

• Slippery floors and walkways may result in slips, trips, and falls causing pain or injury.
• Chemical cleaners required for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces can irritate skin or cause respiratory and other health issues, particularly in areas with poor ventilation. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) adds that certain chemicals can cause health problems ranging from rashes to asthma or coughing.
• Physical hazards include industrial waste or sharp objects such as needles or broken glass.
• Biological contaminants can come from bodily fluids, germs, bacteria, and viruses, potentially causing infections.

With the greater volume of traffic in high-use facilities, cleaning teams may be at a heightened risk for injuries and illnesses. More demanding, more frequent, and more stringent cleaning requirements expose these cleaners to risks more often than in a lower-traffic facility.

Durable workwear: an essential solution for facility cleaning teams

Given the high stakes involved in cleaning high-use facilities, it’s imperative that cleaning teams have proper workwear as a first line of defence. Durable workwear protects against common threats while keeping workers comfortable and boosting productivity. Reliable workwear brands meet high standards of quality and durability. Below are some key features to look for when considering workwear for cleaning teams.

Durability

Cleaning uniforms need to be as sturdy as the toughest cleaning jobs. High-quality materials made to withstand wear and tear, frequent washings, and exposure to harsh environments or chemicals are a must. Polyester or polyester-cotton blends are popular options for cleaning uniforms, as these fabrics hold up well against heavy-duty work. Furthermore, you’ll replace your uniforms less often, optimizing your budget.

Protective features

Reinforced seams and added protective layers around elbows and knees are just a few of the features to look for in cleaning uniforms. When personal protective equipment (PPE) is warranted, protective gloves, shoes, coveralls, vests, and other apparel can further protect workers from contaminants, sharp objects, and other hazards.

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Performance and comfort

In addition to durability and protection, consider facility cleaners’ comfort at work. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics keep workers cool and agile during long, demanding shifts. Whether cleaning hard-to-reach areas or vacuuming under desks and tables, having the right uniform is vital to workers’ productivity. In an industry with high turnover rates, ensuring employee satisfaction is key to retention — and comfortable workwear is one way to improve overall job happiness.

Maintenance tips for prolonging the life of workwear

Although durable workwear is made to last, there are ways to extend uniforms’ lifespan even further. Follow a few practical tips to keep your facility cleaning uniforms looking sharp and maintain their shape through years of daily work and frequent washings.

First and foremost, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions included with your uniforms. Wash workwear at the recommended water temperature and avoid overly harsh laundry detergents. Both of these practices can break down uniform fibres over time.

It’s also wise to inspect your uniforms regularly for small tears, fraying hemlines, and other signs of wear and tear. Remind workers to speak up when they need replacements, so nobody wears a damaged uniform on the job.

Lastly, consider using a professional laundry service if your facility workers come in contact with contaminants, chemicals, and other hazards. These services can thoroughly clean and disinfect garments without damaging the fabric, thus extending the life of your uniforms.

The long-term value of durable workwear

In the demanding field of facility cleaning, outfitting your employees properly is a smart move that pays dividends in the long run.

Equipping facility cleaners with high-quality uniforms not only protects them from common threats but also boosts worker efficiency, morale, and loyalty. You’ll retain more of your workforce, save on uniform replacement costs, and send a message that you care about your workers’ safety and satisfaction.

When you invest in durable workwear, you also invest in your employees and your company’s future success. Even in the busiest, most high-traffic environments, you’ll keep your workers protected, comfortable, and capable of doing their best work.

Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with over 100 clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Warrick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.