Summer may bring sunshine and longer days, but it also brings unique challenges for facility maintenance. From soaring temperatures to increased foot traffic, summer can take a subtle yet significant toll on your building if your cleaning strategy doesn’t adapt.
Whether you manage an office, healthcare facility, school, or retail space, the season affects everything from air quality to floor cleanliness. Here’s why your cleaning plan needs a seasonal shift, and how to get ahead of it.
Seasonal Shifts Mean New Risks
In the cooler months, your cleaning strategy may focus on preventing flu, controlling mud, and keeping windows sealed. But in summer?
– Higher humidity levels create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
– More open doors and windows invite pollen, dust, and insects.
– Increased foot traffic from clients, staff vacations, and summer programs can lead to quicker wear and tear.
– Hotter temperatures accelerate odors in kitchens, trash bins, and restrooms.
Ignoring these shifts can make your facility feel stuffy, unclean, and uncomfortable, even if it isn’t.
HVAC Systems Work Overtime in Summers
Your HVAC system isn’t just about temperature; it directly affects cleanliness and indoor air quality.
In summer, dirty filters, clogged vents, or inefficient circulation can spread dust, allergens, and musty smells throughout your space. If your cleaning plan doesn’t include HVAC maintenance, you’re missing a critical step.
Tip: Schedule routine HVAC filter replacements and vent cleanings as part of your summer checklist.
Floors Need Extra Attention
Warm weather means people are going in and out more often, tracking in sand, dirt, grass clippings, and moisture. This buildup doesn’t just make your floors look messy; it can damage finishes and shorten the lifespan of carpets and tiles.
Adjust your cleaning strategy to include:
– More frequent vacuuming.
– Wet mopping high-traffic areas.
– Entryway mat cleaning.
– Occasional deep cleaning or buffing.
This isn’t just about appearance. Well-maintained floors reduce slip hazards and create a safer environment.
Humidity Is Mold’s Favorite
Basements, restrooms, and storage closets can turn into mold hotspots if left unchecked during humid months. This not only leads to unpleasant odors, it can also trigger allergies and respiratory issues. If your facility’s cleaning routine doesn’t include humidity checks or dehumidifier use, now’s the time to change that.
Also, make sure your janitorial staff is inspecting hidden areas like:
– Under sinks
– Around HVAC units
– Behind appliances
A small leak in summer can become a big mold problem by fall.
Restrooms and Break Rooms Need More Frequent Care
Warmer weather accelerates bacterial growth, and when it’s hot outside, your facility’s restrooms and break rooms can start to smell quickly. Plus, with more people coming and going for vacations, events, or summer activities, shared spaces tend to get dirtier more quickly.
Update your strategy to include:
– Extra sanitization of high-touch surfaces (faucets, handles, buttons).
– More frequent trash disposal.
– Daily fridge and microwave checks.
– Restocking supplies like hand soap and paper towels multiple times a day.
A cleaner break room isn’t just healthier, it also improves morale.
Summer Sunlight Reveals… Everything
More sunlight might brighten up your space, but it also highlights smudges, fingerprints, and dust, especially on glass and windows. If your usual cleaning rotation skips over these surfaces, summer is when the issue becomes particularly noticeable.
Window cleaning should be scheduled more regularly, including interior partitions and doors. If your facility has large exterior windows, consider hiring professionals for a seasonal deep clean.
Outdoor Areas Count Too
Don’t forget the areas outside your building. Patios, entryways, sidewalks, and signage often suffer in summer heat and storms. Sweep debris daily, power wash entrances, clean outdoor furniture, and check that trash bins aren’t overflowing or attracting pests. Maintaining your exterior is part of your brand, especially when guests or clients visit.
Your Cleaning Team May Need Support
A seasonal shift in cleaning tasks means your janitorial team’s workload naturally increases. If they’re already running a tight schedule, summer demands can stretch them thin.
Consider:
– Adjusting shift timing for peak hours.
– Providing refresher training on seasonal priorities (like HVAC care or mold prevention).
– Bringing in professional support for deep cleans or outdoor work.
AmeriStar Facility Solutions can provide flexible, scalable janitorial services to help your team stay on top of summer demands.
Stay Ahead of Summer Challenges With Professional Janitorial Support
Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a signal to adapt. A one-size-fits-all cleaning strategy won’t suffice when heat, humidity, allergens, and increased usage are factors. Updating your facility’s cleaning plan is the smart, proactive step that protects your space and the people in it.
Need help refreshing your summer cleaning strategy?
Call AmeriStar Facility Solutions at (570) 310-1057 or visit www.ameristarfacilitysolutions.com to schedule a customized seasonal service today.