Keeping a commercial space clean is more than just wiping down desks or sweeping the floor. A clean office or business environment reflects professionalism, ensures a healthier workplace, and leaves a lasting impression on clients and employees.
However, many businesses unknowingly make cleaning mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of their cleaning efforts or even cause damage to their property. These mistakes can result in extra costs, inefficient cleaning routines, or a workspace that’s not as sanitary as it should be.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the top commercial cleaning mistakes businesses should avoid to ensure their workspace is not only presentable but also safe and hygienic.
Why Proper Cleaning is Essential for Your Business
Before diving into the most common cleaning mistakes, it’s essential to understand why maintaining a clean commercial environment is crucial. Cleanliness impacts various aspects of business operations:
- Health and safety: A clean workspace minimizes the risk of illnesses spreading among employees.
- Professionalism: A tidy, well-maintained space gives clients and visitors a good impression.
- Productivity: A cluttered or dirty environment can be distracting for employees, reducing their efficiency.
By avoiding cleaning mistakes, you ensure that your commercial space looks pristine, your employees remain healthy, and you don’t lose out on productivity.
Common Commercial Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common mistakes businesses make when it comes to keeping their commercial spaces clean.
1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are created equal. One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is using cleaning products that are not suited to the surfaces or environments they’re trying to clean.
For instance, using a harsh cleaner on delicate surfaces like marble or granite can cause permanent damage. Similarly, using bleach-based cleaners on certain fabrics or materials can lead to discoloration or breakdown over time.
How to avoid it: Always read the labels and ensure you’re using the right product for the specific surface you’re cleaning. If unsure, it’s best to consult a professional cleaning service for advice on appropriate products.
2. Skipping High-Touch Areas
High-touch areas, like doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and shared equipment (such as printers or copiers), are often overlooked during regular cleaning routines.
These areas are hotspots for germs and bacteria because they’re touched by multiple people throughout the day. Failing to clean these surfaces can lead to the spread of illnesses, which can be especially problematic in office environments.
How to avoid it: Make a checklist of all high-touch surfaces and ensure they are cleaned and disinfected regularly, preferably several times throughout the day.
3. Not Emptying Trash Bins Regularly
Overflowing trash bins not only look unsightly, but they can also attract pests and create bad odors. Many businesses forget to empty trash cans regularly, especially in areas that don’t see a lot of foot traffic. This can lead to a build-up of waste and contribute to an unclean working environment.
How to avoid it: Ensure that trash bins are emptied daily or more frequently in high-traffic areas like break rooms or common areas. Using liners in bins makes disposal easier and helps control odors.
4. Ignoring Floors Until They’re Visibly Dirty
Another common cleaning mistake is waiting until floors look dirty before cleaning them. Dirt and dust can accumulate over time and may not be immediately visible on darker surfaces. However, these particles can still cause wear and tear on carpets, tiles, or hardwood floors, and create an unhealthy environment.
How to avoid it: Implement a regular cleaning schedule for floors, whether they look dirty or not. Vacuum carpets daily, mop hard floors at least once a week, and polish or wax as needed to maintain their appearance and longevity.
5. Using Dirty Cleaning Tools
It seems counterintuitive, but using dirty cleaning tools can actually spread more dirt and bacteria around your office. For example, using a mop that hasn’t been properly cleaned or a vacuum with a full dust bag can be ineffective and leave your space dirtier than before.
How to avoid it: Regularly clean and replace cleaning tools, including mop heads, vacuum filters, and cleaning cloths. Ensure cleaning supplies are sanitized after each use to prevent cross-contamination.
The Importance of Professional Cleaning Services
While some businesses opt to handle cleaning internally, there’s no replacement for professional cleaning services, especially for larger commercial spaces. Hiring a professional team ensures the job is done thoroughly and efficiently.
6. Inconsistent Cleaning Schedules
A common mistake is not sticking to a consistent cleaning schedule. Some businesses wait until the space is visibly dirty or until employees start complaining about cleanliness issues before taking action.
This reactive approach can result in higher costs in the long run and contribute to an unhealthy working environment.
How to avoid it: Develop a clear cleaning schedule and stick to it. Daily tasks like wiping surfaces and emptying trash bins should always be done. Weekly and monthly tasks like deep cleaning floors and sanitizing restrooms should be planned out and consistently executed.
7. Not Prioritizing Restrooms
The cleanliness of your office restroom can make or break the perception of your business. A dirty restroom not only looks unprofessional but can also be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, leading to illness among employees and visitors. Many businesses tend to overlook restrooms during cleaning routines, which can lead to unsanitary conditions.
How to avoid it: Make restroom cleaning a priority. Ensure that restrooms are cleaned multiple times throughout the day, focusing on high-touch areas like faucets, door handles, and toilet seats.
8. Overusing Cleaning Chemicals
While it might seem like using extra cleaning chemicals will ensure a cleaner space, overuse can actually be harmful. Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can leave behind residues, damage surfaces, and irritate employees, especially those with allergies or sensitivities.
How to avoid it: Use the recommended amount of cleaning product for each task. Sometimes, less is more. Consider using eco-friendly or green cleaning products that are effective without the harsh chemicals.
Special Considerations for Different Commercial Spaces
Different types of businesses have unique cleaning needs. A mistake that might not have a significant impact in one industry could be catastrophic in another. For instance, a retail store might require more attention to the floors and windows, while a healthcare facility needs strict sanitation protocols.
9. Overlooking Specialized Cleaning Needs
Many businesses don’t consider their specific needs and use generic cleaning solutions for all areas. This can lead to improper cleaning and potentially dangerous outcomes, particularly in environments like healthcare or food service.
How to avoid it: Assess the specific cleaning needs of your industry. If you run a daycare, focus on sanitizing toys and play areas. If you manage a restaurant, the kitchen and dining area should be your top priorities. Tailor your cleaning plan accordingly.
The Role of Employee Involvement in Office Cleanliness
Employees play a significant role in maintaining the cleanliness of a workspace. While professional cleaners can handle deep cleaning tasks, daily tidying and hygiene are often left to staff.
10. Not Encouraging Employees to Keep Workstations Clean
Many businesses expect their employees to keep their personal workstations tidy, but without proper guidelines or encouragement, clutter can quickly build up. A cluttered workstation can not only look unprofessional, but it can also harbor dust, allergens, and germs.
How to avoid it: Encourage employees to tidy their workspaces daily. Provide them with cleaning supplies like disinfecting wipes and make sure there’s an organized system in place for handling paperwork and office supplies.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean and healthy commercial space is essential for any business. Avoiding common cleaning mistakes—like using the wrong products, skipping high-touch areas, and ignoring employee workstations—ensures your business remains a safe, professional, and welcoming environment. By taking a proactive approach, implementing the right strategies, and possibly hiring professional cleaning services, you can create a workspace that not only looks good but also promotes health and productivity.
FAQs
1. How often should commercial floors be cleaned?
Floors should be cleaned daily, especially in high-traffic areas. Deep cleaning, like waxing or carpet shampooing, should be done at least once a month.
2. Are eco-friendly cleaning products as effective as chemical cleaners?
Yes, many eco-friendly cleaning products are just as effective as traditional cleaners and are safer for both the environment and employees.
3. Should we disinfect or clean surfaces first?
Always clean surfaces first to remove dirt and debris, then disinfect to kill germs and bacteria.
4. How do I know if my cleaning products are safe for all surfaces?
Read the labels on cleaning products and always follow manufacturer instructions. If in doubt, test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
5. Is it worth hiring a professional cleaning service for a small business?
Absolutely! Professional cleaning services ensure that your workspace is cleaned thoroughly and consistently, allowing you to focus on running your business.