WHAT’S UP at Populist Cleaning Co

The winter season presents unique challenges for commercial cleaning, particularly when it comes to floor care. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and salt can leave floors dirty, slippery, and unsightly. This article provides valuable tips and guidelines to help you effectively tackle winter floor care and maintain a safe and clean facility.

Snow and ice necessitate the use of salt and other kinds of ice melting chemicals. If not removed, these chemicals leave behind an unsightly white residue on carpet and a slippery, oily residue on hard floors. If the flooring is a smooth surface, this residue will cause a serious slip hazard and must be thoroughly cleaned up.

So, what should you do? Preparation is Key:

Prepare yourself:

• Expect to spend longer or adjust your routine: Snow, ice, and slush require more thorough cleaning.
• Slow down and pay extra attention: Focus on high-traffic areas like entrances, lobbies, and under furniture.

Prepare Your Site 

Carpeted Areas: 

• • More thorough vacuuming will be required
  • Slow down! A slower motion picks up more with each pass.
  • Watch edges, corners, baseboard area for salt and ice melt build up. Look under desks. Salt and ice melt are often tracked in on shoes.
  • NEVER vacuum a soaking wet entrance mat. Broom sweep if  necessary. 
  • Report excessive salt build-up to your account manager.

Hard Floor Care:

• •  ALWAYS sweep, dust mop, or vacuum thoroughly BEFORE mopping any hard floor areas.
  • Take extra care with mopping equipment:
    • Do not mop with dirty or worn out mop heads. Report needs immediately to the office.
    • You must take the time to change the water in your bucket as often as necessary.
    • Do not mop with dirty water. This simply puts dirt and salt residue back onto the floor. If you see streaks, you are mopping with dirty water.
    • When you’ve finished, take the time to fully rinse and properly store all mops and buckets.

Prepare your supplies:

• Properly care for your vacuum including all bags, cords, and belts.
• Thoroughly rinse your mops and buckets after each use. Hang to dry.
• Thoroughly rinse rags after each use and hang to dry.
• Promptly report supply needs by contacting your account manager or sending an email to supplies@populistcleaning.com.
• Be sure you have enough neutral floor cleaner and DIBS on hand to do the job well.

Do not hesitate to contact your account manager if you have any questions or would like to arrange additional training on winter floor care. We’d love to help!

Let’s work together to keep our floors clean and safe during the winter!