Much different than residential properties, maintaining commercial facilities generally comes with a longer to-do list. Not only does it require more personnel, but it demands a unique approach when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
While decades of hands-on evidence showcase best practices for maintaining this much space, it commonly requires professional help from commercial facility services. In this article, we’ll explore several reliable strategies for maintaining large commercial spaces of all kinds.
A Scope of the Challenges
Part of why commercial facility cleaning services are necessary is that the size of the space requires a strategic approach. The blend of complex infrastructure and consistent foot traffic means cleaning procedures need to be consistent. Upkeep is easier said than done, especially if you want to keep a uniform look across the entirety of the building.
Some of the most prominent challenges of this task include:
- Industry-specific cleaning requirements
- Developing an effective strategy for the space
- Limited in-house commercial cleaning expertise
- A lack of access to modern cleaning technologies
- Maintaining cleaning safety among foot traffic
Of course, these are just a few relatively common examples, but the situation can become much more convoluted. That’s why it’s important for property decision-makers to integrate commercial cleaning services to handle the task effectively.
Keep in mind that the plan you develop should be catered to the needs of the commercial space. While there's plenty you can take from traditional, tested strategies, it's essential to create a plan that covers the needs of the building.
Comprehensive Maintenance Strategies
While cleaning is a primary focal point of this topic, it isn’t the only consideration when it comes to maintaining commercial facilities. Other notable mentions include electrical, emergency protocols, and scheduled safety checks, to name a few.
Your building demands a comprehensive approach to maintenance from all angles. In the following sections, you can get a brief look at some of the most effective strategies for commercial cleaning systems.
1. Commercial janitorial services
A good step forward is to start considering the help of professional commercial facility services. These services should be all-encompassing or at least adaptable to the commercial space's requirements.
Commercial janitorial services that are specialized in commercial spaces deliver years of hands-on expertise. While in-house training is possible, outsourcing the work to an expert organization can prove to be the most advantageous route.
2. HVAC
The comfort of indoor environments heavily relies on the quality and upkeep of HVAC systems. From temperature control to air quality, HVAC systems help to make indoor spaces comfortable by removing pollutants and allergens from the air.
Considering the ongoing use of such systems, proper upkeep is vital for the indoor space of the commercial property as a whole.
3. Emergency preparation
Safety and emergency protocols are essential, whether it's related to cleaning or some other incident within the building. Between laws, regulations, and general foot traffic safety, cleanliness plays a vital role in the equation.
It's also normal for commercial cleaning companies to work on a variety of aspects surrounding building maintenance, not just cleaning. Some examples can include ensuring fire extinguishers are stocked, and smoke alarms are working.
Companies that work in this realm have systems in place that focus on quality and efficiency. This guarantees the cleanliness and safety of commercial facility services on a daily basis.
In today’s world, it isn’t too difficult to find cleaning services that can be tailored to your exact needs. However, it’s important to first assess the commercial space and focus on what’s most important regarding maintenance.
The Importance of Preventive Measures in Maintenance
Although commercial cleaning involves plenty of routine, it’s much more nuanced than you might expect. Many aspects of the building demand preventive measures to ensure consistent operability with each passing day.
To continue business operations without trouble, checking on commercial equipment and internal systems is equally crucial. Some of this work can be manual, while others may require some electrical know-how.
Here are a few examples of effective preventive maintenance strategies:
- Regular building and equipment inspections
- Lubricating moving parts of the commercial building
- Alternating cleaning strategies on a consistent schedule
- Staying on top of repairs where needed
Commercial spaces, big and small, can require extensive upkeep. This is another reason why commercial cleaning systems can be so helpful.
Using Technology to Your Advantage
Anyone can agree that the size of some commercial buildings can be pretty daunting. This is especially true when it comes to cleaning, as the work can require an entire crew to accomplish. However, in this day and age, there's the benefit of very efficient technologies.
Traditional commercial cleaning practices are viable, but utilizing technology can help streamline this entire process. The list below offers a few ideas on how commercial facility services use technology to their advantage.
- Maintenance schedule management software
- Task delegation and progress checks
- Predictive maintenance through smart devices
- Real-time monitoring of building upkeep requirements
- Track performance metrics of cleaning crews, HVAC, foot traffic, and more
It's amazing what technology can accomplish, and it has strengthened commercial cleaning companies in more ways than one. Outsourcing commercial facility services to ensure the space is always in line with maintenance standards is a substantial benefit.
Outsourcing Commercial Facility Services
For those searching for a little help with building maintenance, it’s important to consider what comes with outsourcing the work. Although it’s highly beneficial, you want to work with a company that specializes in the details of the work itself.
The building benefits from numerous specialized skillsets, strategies, and equipment you may not have access to. Another upside to commercial facility services is peace of mind. Let the experts handle task management, upkeep, and consistent communication, all of which will aid in the commercial space looking and feeling clean every day.
With the right approach, you can have cleaning systems in place that are autonomous to some degree and beyond efficient.
Making improvements where needed
Once you hit the ground running with an initial maintenance strategy, this is likely to change down the road. Having an adaptable outlook on the situation is the best way to develop the most effective strategy for the commercial space.
Working with the experts can help develop this as well, which also alludes to the importance of a collaborative approach to the endeavor. From a building manager's perspective, establishing key performance indicators, regular task analysis and utilizing feedback loops is essential.
Taking advantage of years of experience can help reduce the stress around commercial building maintenance, offering short and long-term relief. Commercial facility services are more effective than ever, combining traditional and modern methods for the best of both worlds.
Final thoughts
The full list of maintenance requirements for commercial spaces can seem endless. On top of that, the list of to-dos continues to grow as upkeep starts to slip through the cracks.
With over 15 years of experience in many facets of commercial facility cleaning and maintenance, we can easily point you in the right direction. It’s understandable to have a few questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out, and we’ll be ready with the answers you’re looking for.