Tips for Winter Cleaning
By William Outcault
Feb 12th, 2020
Every winter at Strike Force we have a series of tasks we attend to for each facility. This is critical for a company’s performance and the greater well-being of a facility. The following article will delve into tips for winter cleaning to ensure a safe, clean and professional environment for your crew.
Maintain Your HVAC System
As per the United States, Environmental Protection Agency air filters should be replaced every three months. In addition, you should consider cleaning the air ducts and vents. Normally this cleaning procedure is done using a professional servicing company and every summer and winter. This is because your HVAC system is used more heavily in these seasons and most individuals do not want to spend time doing such nuance cleaning (nor do they have the proper equipment). This will drastically help mitigate allergies in the fall/spring as it will ensure proper air flow.
Clean Behind Your Fridge
Usually done at least once a year, a professional cleaning service will clean not only the walls behind your fridge but also the refrigerator coils. If these coils are not cleaned then they will significantly affect energy efficiency – increasing your monthly bills. Something simple as cleaning the refrigerator coils could reduce your monthly bill by up to $10 per fridge. In addition to increasing your energy efficiency, cleaning the coils will help the lifespan of your appliance.
Keep Your Kitchen Polished
While you are performing your winter cleaning it is a good time to perform a deep clean in your kitchen. Individuals will make sure to keep their sinks empty and counters wiped down however inside of the cabinets and drawers will go untouched. It is important to move objects around so that all the dust and dirt will be accounted for. Do not let expired foods accumulate and reduce the number of materials in the kitchen that are not used. In addition, proactively clean the floors in your kitchen. The kitchen is the most susceptible area to damage due to food and drinks being spilled regularly. Be sure to de-grime back-splashes and hood vents as well as clean windows regularly to reduce odors from permeating throughout your kitchen.
Steam Carpets and Furniture
With winter weather comes snow, mud and salt which will inevitably track into your buildings, it is critical to act immediately before letting these elements stain furniture and carpets. The quicker these messes are addressed the easier it will be to properly clean. Come spring time the stains will be visible and irreversible. Most companies are not performing regular cleaning however professional services will make sure any potential stains will be avoided.
Diminish Clutter
As always it is important to reduce clutter in the work space. This applies even more so in the winter time as employees spend more time inside, so the productivity can be optimized. At Strike Force we notice direct correlations between clutter and management. Often we notice the very cluttered and dirty facilities have less productivity and generally low moral. Reducing clutter should be a priority for both home and business, and performed as needed.