Cleaning Hygiene Today Cleaning Hygiene Magazine
By Gill Ireson, Head of Sales at cleaning manufacturer and distributor, Robert Scott
The longer days and dryer climates of the summer months present a clear opportunity for deep cleaning.
Spaces such as educational facilities which see a drop in footfall over the summer, can be safely refreshed and restored using partial or complete closure to allow for deep cleaning.
Meanwhile, those which see their highest footfall numbers – like tourist destinations – need to establish a robust cleaning plan that allows for deep cleaning as part of a regular schedule to keep areas hygienic and safe.
Taking a strategic approach
When considering a deep clean, taking a methodical approach will help ensure that no space is overlooked. This should involve cleaning and disinfecting every wall, floor and surface – taking a more thorough approach than you would with a regular clean.
It’s helpful to list all the spaces you aim to clean to ensure that every part of the building is covered, including janitorial spaces which can often be forgotten.
This is also a good opportunity to conduct an inventory of your cleaning kit, checking for signs of wear and tear and ordering replacements where necessary. In an age when eco-friendly solutions are indispensable, it also makes sense to consider where greener alternatives can be added to your cleaning kit. In many cases, the use of harsh chemicals can be reduced or replaced with solutions such as Toucan Eco. This system lets you make your own multi-surface disinfectant cleaner from just water, salt and electricity. It has the added benefit of being odour free as well as highly effective, killing up to 99.999% of germs.
Meanwhile numerous items like disposable mops and wipes have reusable microfibre alternatives. Microfibre cloths offer a more sustainable and reusable solution as part of cleaning regimes as they are effective at removing bacteria without the need for chemicals.
Where facilities are unable to close completely for a deep clean, working out a schedule seeing each part of the building closed on rotation is a good approach to take.
Be sure to ‘double clean’
When deep cleaning, it’s important that all areas are both cleaned and disinfected – first removing dirt and debris and then using a proven antibacterial cleaner to kill microorganisms. High touch points and difficult to reach places that might be missed throughout the year should all be tackled.
Floorcare can also be part of a double cleaning regime. Automated floor cleaning machines offer excellent daily cleaning solutions, but thorough cleaning presents the opportunity to dust and clean edges, where machines don’t reach. Also, remember to tackle skirting boards and corners for a thorough result.
Cleaning methodically
Our recommendation is that rooms are always cleaned top to bottom and back to front – this means starting in the highest, furthest corner from the door and working your way down and out. This approach lessens the risk of cross-contamination, as you don’t walk through areas which have already been cleaned, or risk dripping dirtied water or product onto clean surfaces.
Deep cleaning check lists should always include:
- Ceilings
- Light fittings
- Walls
- Furniture
- Window coverings
- Switches and plugs
- Floors
A particularly important part of deep cleaning is floorcare. Good floor hygiene is vital in stopping the spread of bacteria as well as an aesthetically important step in a cleaning regime. Your usual cleaning system will ensure that floors are sanitised regularly throughout the year, but a deep clean will give focus to erasing marks, removing grime and freshening a floor’s appearance.
Tough dirt, stains and chewing gum can be tackled with floor scrapers, while floor pads like the Flexis Ferrzon Floor Pad can deliver deep cleaning, producing a light reflective finish which is popular in large areas and presents a ‘like new’ feel. High footfall will almost undoubtedly create a need for regular floor cleaning. This should be done daily, either after closing or by closing off certain areas with appropriate signage during opening hours. Automated floor cleaners – including robotic cleaning machines – can be helpful for after-hours cleaning.
If you’re interested in finding out more about cleaning considerations over the summer months, contact our Clean Team by calling 01457 819400, or email info@robert-scott.co.uk.
