When summer hits, your facility feels it, literally. Warmer weather, higher humidity, and increased foot traffic all put a strain on your building’s operations. It’s not just about keeping things looking tidy; it’s about creating a clean, safe, and welcoming space that supports your employees, visitors, and operations.
To keep up, your cleaning strategy needs to shift, starting with where you focus your energy. Here are the key areas to prioritize when cleaning during the summer season:
1. Entryways and High-Traffic Zones
Let’s start with the most obvious: The front door.
Summer means more people moving in and out, whether it’s staff returning from vacation, clients visiting, or seasonal programs in full swing. With that comes dirt, moisture, and allergens being tracked indoors.
What to focus on:
– Clean and replace floor mats regularly.
– Sweep and mop entryways daily.
– Sanitize door handles and push plates multiple times a day.
– Power wash exterior walkways weekly or as needed.
First impressions matter. Your entryway is where it all begins.
2. Restrooms
Warm weather accelerates bacterial growth, odors, and plumbing issues. That’s why restrooms require extra vigilance during the summer months.
Cleaning priorities include:
– Frequent disinfection of stalls, sinks, faucets, and hand dryers.
– Restocking paper products and soap more often.
– Wiping down walls, trash bins, and partitions.
– Ensuring proper ventilation to reduce moisture buildup.
Consider increasing the frequency of daily cleanings or adding mid-day checks, especially in busy facilities.
3. Kitchens and Break Rooms
Lunch leftovers and rising temperatures? Not a great combo.
During summer, shared kitchens and break areas become hotbeds for odors, spills, and germs, especially if your team is on a rotating vacation schedule and things get forgotten.
Don’t overlook:
– Cleaning out refrigerators weekly.
– Disinfecting microwaves, countertops, and tables.
– Emptying trash bins daily (or more often).
– Wiping cabinet handles and shared appliances.
– Keeping pest control measures in check.
Encourage employees to label their food and clean up after themselves, but always have a reliable cleaning plan in place to back it up.
4. Floors and Carpets
Floors take a beating in summer. Grass, sand, dirt, and sidewalk debris are constantly dragged in, especially in facilities with open-door policies or ground-level access.
Recommended maintenance:
– Vacuuming and mopping daily in high-traffic areas.
– Steam cleaning carpets monthly (or bi-monthly).
– Deep cleaning tile and vinyl flooring.
– Replacing damaged mats or rugs.
Well-maintained floors reduce allergens, minimize slip risks, and simply make the whole space feel cleaner and more professional.
5. HVAC Systems and Vents
Cleanliness isn’t just about what you see; it’s also about what you breathe. With HVAC systems working harder in summer, dirty filters or dusty vents can recirculate allergens, mold spores, or stale air throughout your space.
Key tasks:
– Replace HVAC filters monthly or bi-monthly.
– Dust air vents, ceiling fans, and ducts.
– Inspect for leaks or condensation issues.
– Schedule professional maintenance or duct cleaning if overdue.
Clean air improves focus, reduces illness, and keeps your facility smelling fresh, even when the temperatures rise.
6. Windows and Glass Surfaces
Summer light is beautiful, but it’s also revealing. Fingerprints, smudges, dust, and streaks become way more noticeable.
What to do:
– Wipe down interior glass weekly.
– Schedule monthly exterior window cleanings.
– Clean partitions, doors, and mirrors.
– Use a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
Clear, streak-free windows not only boost morale but also reflect positively on your business.
7. Outdoor Areas
Exterior upkeep is just as important as indoor cleanliness, especially in the summer when people are more likely to use patios, benches, or walkways.
Outdoor cleaning should include:
– Sweeping sidewalks and parking lots.
– Power washing patios or entry steps.
– Cleaning outdoor furniture.
– Emptying and sanitizing exterior trash bins.
– Tidy landscaping to reduce tracked-in pollen and debris.
Clean, maintained exteriors give clients and team members a more professional and inviting impression right from the start.
8. Touchpoints and Shared Equipment
From elevator buttons to printer panels, these are the small areas that get touched dozens, if not hundreds, of times per day. During the summer, with increased foot traffic and warm conditions, germs spread more quickly.
Add to your checklist:
– Wipe down shared electronics (copiers, tablets, phones).
– Disinfect light switches, doorknobs, and handrails.
– Sanitize communal desks and chairs.
Regular attention to these surfaces boosts trust among staff and helps prevent mid-summer absences due to illness.
9. Janitorial Closets and Supplies
A solid summer cleaning strategy is only as good as the tools behind it.
Things to check:
– Inventory of disinfectants, floor cleaners, gloves, and microfiber cloths.
– Safe storage of chemical products (especially in warmer temps).
– Upkeep of equipment like vacuums, mops, and buckets.
– Labeling and expiration dates of supplies.
Don’t wait until you run out mid-task. Restock now and stay ahead.
Conclusion
The summer season might feel relaxed, but your facility needs more attention than ever. From entryways to HVAC systems, every area plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy, professional, and efficient space. By prioritizing the right zones and adjusting your cleaning plan accordingly, you’ll establish a smooth and productive summer.
Need help managing it all?
AmeriStar Facility Solutions offers tailored commercial cleaning services that adapt to your facility’s unique needs, no matter the season.
Call (570) 310-1057 or visit www.ameristarfacilitysolutions.com to schedule a custom summer service today.