Important Considerations for Cleaning Communal Areas
Communal areas are shared by multiple people, making them hotspots for germs and bacteria. Regular cleaning of these areas is crucial to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the safety of everyone who uses them. However, cleaning communal areas requires more than just wiping surfaces with a disinfectant. It requires careful planning, attention to detail, and adherence to safety guidelines. In this blog post, we will discuss three important considerations for cleaning communal areas.
Frequency of cleaning
The frequency of cleaning communal areas depends on the amount of foot traffic and usage they receive. For instance, high-traffic areas like reception areas, lifts, and staircases require daily cleaning to maintain their cleanliness. On the other hand, low-traffic areas like storage rooms or meeting rooms may require weekly or bi-weekly cleaning.
In addition to regular cleaning, communal areas may require deep cleaning periodically. Deep cleaning involves a more thorough approach to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, including those that are hard to reach or out of sight. Deep cleaning should be done at least once a month, or more frequently if there are specific concerns, such as an outbreak of an illness.
Safety considerations
Cleaning communal areas can be hazardous, especially when using cleaning chemicals or equipment. Therefore, it is important to take safety precautions to protect the health of the cleaning staff and the users of the communal areas. Safety considerations may include:
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and goggles
- Properly ventilating the area to prevent the build-up of fumes or dust
- Using cleaning chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and storing them safely
- Using A-Frame safety signs or barriers to alert users that cleaning is in progress
- Training cleaning staff on how to use equipment and chemicals safely
Cleaning methods and products
Communal areas may have different types of surfaces that require different cleaning methods and products. For example, hard surfaces like floors and walls may require a different approach than soft surfaces like carpets and upholstery. Similarly, high-touch areas like door handles, lift buttons, and light switches require more frequent cleaning than low-touch areas like walls and ceilings.
When selecting cleaning products, it is important to choose those that are effective against the specific germs and bacteria found in communal areas. For instance, some products may be effective against viruses like the flu, but not against bacteria like E. coli. Moreover, some products may contain harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces or cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, it is important to choose products that are safe and effective for the specific surfaces and users of the communal areas.
Conclusion
Cleaning communal areas requires attention to detail, careful planning, and adherence to safety guidelines. By considering the frequency of cleaning, safety considerations, and cleaning methods and products, you can ensure that communal areas are clean, hygienic, and safe for everyone who uses them. If you’re unsure about how to clean communal areas or don’t have the resources to do it yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Professional cleaners have the expertise, equipment, and products to clean communal areas effectively and safely. At Assured Cleaning we are specialists in all aspects commercial cleaning including offices, communal areas, leisure facilities, schools, colleges, gyms, warehouses, factories, kitchens, restaurants and more. We work with clients across Lancashire, the North West and across the UK including Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Bradford, Burnley, Chester, Chorley, Huddersfield, Lancaster, Leeds, Leyland, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Manchester, Morecambe, Oldham, Preston, St Helens, Stockport, Warrington, Widnes and Wigan. For more information or for a no obligation quote, contact Assured Cleaning today.
