Fall is a time of preparation for Quebec businesses. The days are getting shorter, winter is approaching and it is the right time to review the cleaning needs of your premises. During winter, snow, sand, salt and calcium are tracked into buildings every day. Planning your winter cleaning services in the fall allows you to anticipate these changes before the first snowstorms arrive.
Why do cleaning needs change in winter?
A commercial building does not have the same cleaning needs in January as it does in July. As soon as the first snow arrives, shoes and boots track significantly more dirt and moisture indoors.
Salt, calcium, sand and water: floors take the brunt of winter
Melting snow, sand, dust and de-icing products can leave marks, dull surfaces and accelerate wear without proper cleaning. Salt and calcium residue can also become more difficult to remove when allowed to build up.
Entrances and common areas see much heavier use
Entrances are your building’s first line of defence: the more water and contaminants they capture, the less these elements spread throughout the building. Vestibules, lobbies, elevators and high-traffic areas therefore require more frequent cleaning, especially since accumulated water can make surfaces slippery.
Which winter cleaning services should you plan for your premises?
There is no one-size-fits-all program. The right services depend on the type of building, foot traffic, materials and activities taking place on site.
Increase cleaning in entrances and high-traffic areas
A busy entrance may require several cleaning visits per day, while an office with fewer visitors will have different needs. The goal is to limit the spread of water and contaminants throughout the rest of the building.
Adapt floor cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning methods should take into account the type of flooring and the contaminants present. Proper floor cleaning removes winter residue and helps preserve the appearance of surfaces. Periodic treatments can also be added as needed.
Pay particular attention to carpets
Entrance carpets capture some of the water and dirt before they spread throughout the building. However, they need to be properly cleaned, otherwise accumulated moisture and sand can reduce their effectiveness.
Keep common areas clean
Beyond entrances, washrooms, kitchens, break rooms and other common areas should remain part of a regular commercial cleaning program.
Why plan your winter cleaning services in the fall?
Waiting until the first major snowstorm leaves little time to assess your needs. Fall gives you the opportunity to prepare your building before cold weather arrives.
Assess your needs before the first snowfall
A site visit can help identify the areas that will require the most attention during winter, including entrances, stairways, elevators, common areas and surfaces that need protection.
Adjust cleaning frequency based on foot traffic
A retail space that welcomes hundreds of visitors each day will not have the same needs as a small office. Cleaning frequency can also vary from one area to another within the same facility.
Adapt winter cleaning to your type of facility
Priorities vary depending on how the premises are used and the industry. In an office building, entrances and elevators are central to a winter cleaning strategy. In a retail environment, high foot traffic requires more frequent service. In a school, daycare or clinic, cleaning must take the needs of occupants into account.
An effective cleaning program should therefore evolve with the seasons rather than follow the same schedule year-round.
Prepare your premises for winter with MOM Cleaning
Quebec winters create very real challenges for commercial buildings. At MOM Cleaning, we can assess your needs and develop a customized cleaning program based on your building, foot traffic and spaces.
Fall is the ideal time to plan ahead and prepare for winter with peace of mind.
Want to prepare your premises for the colder months? Contact MOM Cleaning to discuss your commercial cleaning needs and get a free quote.
Frequently asked questions about winter cleaning
When should you plan your winter cleaning services?
Ideally in the fall, before the first significant snowfall, so cleaning frequencies can be adjusted before salt, sand and moisture become a daily concern.
Why should floors be cleaned more often in winter?
Melting snow, sand and de-icing products are tracked indoors on footwear. More frequent cleaning helps limit buildup and preserve flooring surfaces.
Which areas require the most attention during winter?
Entrances, vestibules, hallways and high-traffic areas, depending on the building’s layout and use.
Should a commercial cleaning program change in winter?
Yes. Winter may require more frequent cleaning and greater attention to entrances, carpets and floors, depending on the level of foot traffic in each facility.
